CONTINUED 2001 YEAR END MEETING ON JANUARY 7, 2002

The continued year-end meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Richard Boyd presiding.

Members Present - Richard Boyd, Jeanette Heckman, Roy Heffner, Scott Kreider, Charles Figard, Leon Balthaser and Diana Edwards

Members Absent – None

Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Mayor Del Rosario

Visitors – Nikki Murry-Hamburg Item and, Lily Henning-Reading Eagle/Times, Thomas Zelinsky, Jim Riegel, Adam Dries, Cherie Reichard, Buck Holtzman, Dale Schlenker, Ruth Kershner, Shirley Dierolf, Harry Adam, Jr., Roberta Adam, Deena Kershner, Donele Kramer, Fred Sheeler, Alyse Mitten, Melanie Geigor, Mark Geigor, Gertrude Haas, Scott Kreider

A motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve the amended agenda adding the Mayor’s Report under the reports.

NAYES - None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE - None

A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the minutes of December 26, 2001 meeting as submitted.

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider

NAYES - None

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Diana Edwards to approve the following reports: Borough Manager’s Report, Public Works Supt. Report, Water/Sewer Supt. Report, Office Manager’s Report, Treasurer’s Report and Mayor’s Report (on file in the Borough Office)

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of December, 2001 included the following:

Most of the month was spent on the budget and various budget issues. The Borough has again applied for a Tax Anticipation Note in order that we have operating cash to start out the new year – 2002. All documentation has been executed and cash should be in our account by the 2^nd or 3^rd of January.

A freeze on spending continued through December in an effort to meet payrolls and ongoing monthly bills. I am happy to report we ended the year in the black with a cash balance of approximately $5,000.

Changes to the method of trash billing and OPT were handled through coordination with the Office Manager. The final ordinance amendments were approved at the year-end meeting of Borough Council.

I have been working with Attorney Dough Rauch in conjunction with the refinancing of the general obligation note on the Municipal building. This should close sometime in January, 2002.

Also spent quite a bit of time working on the water bond refinance with Mark Quinn of Legg Mason and Attorney Carlucci. Closing on this refinance was completed on December 26, 2001.

Attended the annual breakfast by members of Borough council and luncheon by Sandy Christman. As usual, both were a success. Thanks again Council.

Held only one staff meeting in December with the department head to discuss various issues.

Interviewed for park/pool positions for the 2002 summer season. Recommendations will be made to the Personnel Committee in January for hire.

Also, spent time with June Hilbert, newly appointed Recreation Director. I am anxious to begin working with her. She is very organized and has some great ideas for the park and pool. She will be a real asset to the Community Day Committee.

Met with Richard Hart, Insurance Agent, to review the renewal insurances for the borough as well as the costs. I am happy to report the increase will not be as great as originally anticipated. There are some areas where increases were more than expected and others were lower than expected. Overall, we will only be paying about 10% more than in 2001.

In addition to regular and year-end Council meetings, attended Authority meeting, Library Board, Planning Commission, Recreation Board, Property Committee, Personnel Committee, and Finance Committee.

If anyone has any questions regarding my report, please feel free to ask.

Attached with my report are the activities of my staff for the month of December.

Lynda G. Albright
Borough Manager

The crew repaired an 8" water main on east State Street.

A 6" water main at 114 Mountain Avenue was also repaired.

Work continues on rebuilding several fire hydrants around the borough.

Meter checks and the annual program of changing water meters continue.

The crew delivered the OPT envelopes to the businesses throughout the borough.

The crew completed installing the salt spreaders and plows on the trucks for the "first" snow.

Brush was cut along the roads and at the flood control dam.

A lot of time was spent servicing equipment and truck repairs. The John Deere tractor and Ford mower were big repair issues.

Cold patching continued around the borough.

The final onslaught of leaves were collected and the electric line at the park from the stage to the pool was completed.

.Richard L. Pickel
Public Works Superintendent

Wastewater

The roof of the operations building at the plant has been replaced.

One of the pumps at the Edenburg pumping station malfunctioned when the intake line got clogged with grease. The motor on the comminutor at the main pumping station shorted out and has been replaced.

The main on Washington Street between 2^nd and Front was once again clogged with grease. We attempted to open it but it was beyond our capabilities. We called in a jet spray truck and it is open and functioning. We expect to get into the manhole within the next week or so to clean the sides of built up grease.

Water

All water was from ground sources in December. Usage is still high. There were 3 large leaks fixed in the last 30 days. The 8" main was cracked on East State Street, a 6" main on Mountain Avenue, and the 6" sprinkler service line in Windsor Township. This brought the consumption number closer to what we expect to see at this time of year, however it has started to creep up again. On New Years Eve Water was found to be running out of the building at Peach and Pine. The sprinklers there froze and burst. I don’t know how long they had been leaking prior to the 31^st, but flow records indicate it got progressively worse throughout the day. All water to that building has been turned off inside the building. I had been in contact with the owner of the building several weeks ago in regard to stopping service but couldn’t gain access to the building to locate the lines.

The sluice gate at the reservoir intake has been repaired.

I have prepared an emergency response plan for the water system. Copies will be on file at the Municipal Center the Water Treatment Plant and the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Keith L. Brobst
Water& Wastewater Superintendent

OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT
DECEMBER 2001

Throughout the month various letters, committee reports, minutes, invoices, signs etc. were typed and mailed.

Work has begun to update the web page for 2002. The remainder will be completed after Organization Meeting. The municipal access channel also continues to be updated.

As you know the Christmas breakfast prepared by Council was once again a treat. Everyone who attended enjoyed the goodies. Thank you to Council members who helped to prepare it!!

As you also know, Sandy Christman prepared a wonderful luncheon. All those who attended also enjoyed the lunch she provided.

As you can imagine, the month of December proved to be very hectic and flew by. Many, many things were prepared for year end including, quarterly reports, library bill, grease trap letters, billing of the school for crossing guard duty and mailing copies of all the ordinances for 2001 to the publishing company to have them send us inserts for the Borough Code of Ordinances.

In addition, things also needed to be prepared for 2002. These included, new ordinances, park/pool letters for interviews, updating payroll system to include new rates, new deductions, new tax tables, etc.

With the changes of the trash billing and the OPT schedule changing, there was a lot of work that needed to be done by the office staff to prepare for this. I am happy to report that at the time of this writing, everything has been accomplished and has been done smoothly.

The first official siren test was performed on Tuesday, December 4, 2001. The siren was operational. There is some concern about the volume of the siren. This will be discussed at the next EMA meeting, which will be held on January 9, 2002.

During the month, I attended 2 Council meetings, 1 EMA meeting, 1 EMC meeting, and 1 staff meetings. The minutes have been prepared for all meetings.

If you have any questions in reference to my report, please feel free to ask.

Respectfully submitted,

Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager

 

 

On the recommendation of the engineer and the Authority, a motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Charles Figard to grant 2 EDU-s for the Heck subdivision and authorize the Borough Manager to execute the appropriate documentation and forward to DEP.

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee and Borough Solicitor, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve Ordinance #709-01 – which deals with the refinancing of the General Obligation Note, Series of 1998, approving and accepting the proposal of Fulton Bank, Great Valley Division, as originally submitted, and authorizing the proper officials of the Borough to take necessary actions and to execute necessary documents to complete the transaction.

(Discussion: Councilman Balthaser questioned the savings and costs for this refinancing. Manager Albright stated that the savings would be approximately $12,000 to $15,000 per year. At this time we don’t know what the costs would be. Councilman Balthaser also questioned if we can refinance again if the rates go lower. It was stated that it could be done.)

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard to approve payment of invoices totaling $129,449.21

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

POSTMASTER OF HAMBURG 948.48

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG 93,463.82

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – SS/MEDI 4,929.47

KIM Y. BERGER 91.10

BERKS CO. TREASURER 251.50

RICHARD BOYD 86.27

HAMBURG SOCCER ASSC. 125.00

dEPT. PUB. WELFARE 20.00

PHILLIPS, BRIAN 35.00

FEDERAL SIGNAL CORP. 3,319.13

HMA 53.26

TONY LASCALA 100.00

FULTON BANK 23,176.29

PETTY CASH 6.54

ALTHOUSE JANITORIAL 60.50

AMES DEPT. STORE 4.94

BOC GASES 21.35

BARKO 729.00

BERKS MONT 238.08

BLUE MT. COMPUTER 80.00

GPU ENERGY 47.31

TERRY HECKMAN 89.98

KANTNERS 8.00

MIKE KERSHNER 196.55

KUZAN’S HARDWARE 3.54

METROCALL 9.95

MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 10.94

NATL. UNIFORM 175.60

POTTSVILLE REPUBLICAN 74.86

QUILL 62.40

READING EAGLE 692.30

RANDALL RENTSCHLER 7.71

E. S. SAVAGE 322.87

WESTERN AUTO 7.47

TOTAL BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH $129,449.21

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned on the motion of Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard.

ATTEST:

Kim Y. Berger

Recording Secretary/Office Manager

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING - JANUARY 7, 2002 - 8 P.M.

Gloria Stitzel, District Justice swore in Roy C. Del Rosario as Mayor of the Borough of Hamburg.

At this time Roy Del Rosario, Mayor, swore in the following Councilmen:

Jeanette Heckman, Charles Figard and Diana Heckman

Solicitor Speicher entertained a motion for nominations for Council President.

A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard to nominate Richard Boyd as President.

A motion was made by Richard Boyd and seconded by Roy Heffner to close nominations.

ROLL CALL: Ayes - R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Edwards,
Nayes – L. Balthaser

The meeting was turned over to Richard W. Boyd as President of Borough Council.

President opened nominations for Vice President.

A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to nominate Roy Heffner as Vice-President.

A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Diana Edwards to close the nominations.

Nayes – None

The Manager/Secretary cast the ballot that Richard W. Boyd be named President and Roy Heffner be named as Vice-President.

At this time the meeting was called to order by President Boyd . The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a Prayer.

Members present – Richard Boyd, Jeanette Heckman, Roy Heffner, Charles Figard, Leon Balthaser, Diana Edwards

Members Absent – None

Visitors – Nikki Murry-Hamburg Item and, Lily Henning-Reading Eagle/Times, Thomas Zelinsky, Jim Riegel, Adam Dries, Cherie Reichard, Buck Holtzman, Dale Schlenker, Ruth Kershner, Shirley Dierolf, Harry Adam, Jr., Roberta Adam, Deena Kershner, Donele Kramer, Fred Sheeler, Alyse Mitten, Melanie Geigor, Mark Geigor, Gertrude Haas, Scott Kreider

A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Diana Edwards to approve the agenda.

Councilman Balthaser moved to add under New Business the need to advertise for the vacancy on Borough Council. Due to the lack of a second the motion failed.

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to appoint Dale Schlenker to the vacant Borough Council seat.

(Question/Discussion: Councilman Balthaser stated that we should advertise for the position. In the past the position was advertised and interviews were held. Councilman Balthaser stated that there are other people interested in the position as well. President Boyd stated that Mr. Schlenker ran a "write-in" campaign in this past election and he received a significant number of votes. It is not a requirement that it be advertised. Councilwoman Heckman stated that she appreciated Mr. Schlenker’s interest from the start at the election. Mr. Dale Schlenker stated that if it was Council’s desire to advertise and interview, it would be fine with him.)

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Diana Edwards to call to question.

A motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Charles Figard to make the following appointments for:

John Leonforte- Building and Zoning Officer

3. Earl Fox - Plumbing Inspector

4. Lynda Albright - OPT Collector/Asst. Bldg./Zoning Officer

5. Leisawitz, Heller, Abramowitch & Phillips (John J. Speicher)

6. Systems Design Engineeers - W/S Consulting Engineer

7. Great Valley Consultants - Planning Engineers

8. Gorman & Freeh - Auditors

Berks Envirotech – SEO

Union Fire Co,. #1 of Hamburg – official fire company

Hamburg American Legion Ambulance – official ambulance service

At this time President appointed the following members to the committees:

ROAD COMMITTEE (2^nd Wed.)             SEWER COMMITTEE (3^rd Wed.)

DIANA EDWARDS                                     LEON BALTHASER

Leon Balthaser                                                Roy Heffner

Dale Schlenker                                                Jeanette Heckman

DALE SCHLENKER                                    ROY HEFFNER

Charles Figard                                                 Jeanette Heckman

Roy Heffner                                                     Dale Schlenker

CHARLES FIGARD                                     JEANETTE HECKMAN

Diana Edwards                                               Diana Edwards

Leon Balthaser                                                Charles Figard

A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Roy Heffner establishing the following meeting dates for 2002:

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard to reopen the 2002 budget to include a $20,000 appropriation to the Main Street Program and a $50,000 increase to the police department budget for personnel and $6,000 to be put into budgetary reserve; and to increase property taxes by ½ mill.

(Discussion: Councilman Balthaser stated that at the Finance Committee there was a motion to increase taxes by a third of a mill. It died due to lack of a second. Now we are increasing taxes by ½ mill. Where is the money going? Councilwoman Edwards stated that we have no budgetary reserve and every first quarter we are borrowing money. Councilman Balthaser stated that there is poor management. Manager Albright stated that five years ago she handed the council a $500,000 budgetary reserve. President Boyd stated that in years past, the borough used to borrow from the water/sewer funds to meet the expenses at the beginning of the year. Now this cannot be done because the authority is operating and is in control of the funds.

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to earmark $20,000 for the Main St. Committee, $30,000 to the police department budget and have $26,000 to budgetary reserve so that we do not have to borrow money in the beginning of the year.

(Discussion: Councilman Balthaser questioned why we are adding $30,000 to the police budget. President Boyd stated that it was to hire a full time police officer. President Boyd stated that the revenues are down, the money has not been spent. Councilman Balthaser questioned how long the taxpayers of Hamburg are going to be able to afford these increases. President Boyd stated that the Earned Income Tax has gone down drastically. We have an older population and the Borough of Hamburg is dependent upon the property taxes. Solicitor Speicher added that we will have to refund to Exide Corporation, because of the assessment appeal. Councilman Balthaser stated that we should quit throwing money away. President Boyd stated that we have tightened the finances. We have four Borough crewman not six of years past. Charges for salaries are charged 2/3 to water/sewer and are reimbursed. We are operating on less money than before. The revenues are down. By law we must pass a balanced budget. Councilman Balthaser stated that we should compare our budget to Fleetwood Borough.

A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard to call to question.

Roll Call on the original budget:

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard authorizing the Borough Manager to prepare and advertise the new budget and tax ordinance by law.

A motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Charles Figard to take action to reappoint Harold (Buck) Holtzman as Council’s delegate to the North Berks Recreation Corp.

Scott Kreider, from the audience asked a question regarding point of order for the Solicitor. Mr. Kreider stated that the President was shutting the public out and wanted to know if that was not a violation of the sunshine act. Mr. Kreider stated that it was a public meeting and the public should not be shut up or shut out.

President Boyd stated that a new budget will be developed which will be advertised and at this point has not been adopted. If there are still some questions regarding the budget, they should be given to the Borough Manager so that they can be forwarded to the committee. Mr. Kreider stated that the public should be able to voice their opinion at a public meeting regarding any issue.

President Boyd asked the Council if anyone had any objection to hearing Mr. Kreider. There being none, the public voiced their opinions.

Mr. Sheeler stated that the tax assessment has increased, and the budget does not reflect this. Mr. Sheeler would like the Borough to compare their budget to Fleetwood. Fleetwood is comparable in size, population, etc. Manager Albright stated that the taxes have come in under budget. President Boyd stated that the savings for the refinancing of the loan will save the taxpayers some money. Earned income is down and hopefully by the end of the year the economy will come around.

A comment was made from the audience to have the employees take a cut or not receive an increase. President Boyd stated that there are two classifications of employees – Uniform, who have a contract and Non-uniform who do not. The uniform employees received a pay increase lower than the norm in the county. Council compares the salaries of our employees (non-uniform) with other municipalities. Our employees are lower than the average than the other municipalities. Our increases are average with the other municipalities.

Discussion ensued about the cadet program due to questions from the audience. Chief Zelinsky explained the program to the audience members.

Chief Zelinsky also reviewed the field-training program for the audience.

Fred Sheeler stated that compared to other municipalities the Borough’s personnel costs were much higher. President Boyd stated that the fringe benefit package has not been changed. Fred Sheeler questioned how other municipalities can do the same services as we do with fewer personnel.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned on motion of Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Diana Edwards.

ATTEST:

Kim Y. Berger
Recording Secretary/Office Manager