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MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 11, 2002 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL. The fifth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2002 of the Hamburg Borough Council was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with Vice-President Roy Heffner presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer. Members Present - Roy Heffner, Leon Balthaser, Jeanette Heckman, Charles Figard, Diana Edwards, Dale Schlenker Members Absent – Richard W. Boyd Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary Visitors – Nikki Murry, (Item), Deena Kershner, Fred Sheeler, Scott Kreider A motion was made by Diana Edwards and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the amended agenda. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE NONE A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Diana Edwards to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2002. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None A motion was made by Leon Balthaser 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 Property Committee Report. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGERS REPORT The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of February, 2002 included the following: Spent time reviewing documents with Atty. Doug Rauch regarding the Refinance of the Municipal Building. Closing on this refinance should take place sometime in March. Held two Staff meetings to discuss various issues with Department Supervisors. As a result of the letter sent to the Community Development Office regarding the long term financial analysis being done for the Borough of Hamburg, I have spoken with a representative from the Pennsylvania Economy League. I am presently working on providing necessary documentation as required before he can present a proposal to perform this work. I am also working with the Community Development Office to have a "Site Specific Redevelopment Concept Study" done for some of the vacant industrial sites in the Borough. This study is to determine if these vacant properties are landlocked, surrounded by residential neighborhoods, or environmentally impacted and will provide pertinent information to prospective buyers. I completed my visits to the new businesses and newly relocated business in the commercial district. As reported in my prior month’s report, I am attaching a written report on the outcome of my visits. This was truly a worthwhile and rewarding venture. Kim Berger, Office Manager and I spent time working on the second floor going through old records for disposal and gathering historical items and data for display on the first and second floors of the municipal building. I hope to have some of these items displayed very shortly. Kim and I spent time with an M & T bank representative setting up the "Web In Focus" on our computers. This will allow us access to Borough Accounts via the internet and will provide much needed information on a daily basis. Met with Allen Englebert of Soloman Smith Barney to review and fourth quarter assets of both the Police and Non-Uniform pension plans. Met with Pauline Gilmartin, Chairwoman of the Library to discuss various Library issues. Denise Clare, Utility Billing Clerk and I met with a borough resident to discuss some concerns regarding her utility bills. Attended the Manager’s luncheon on February 21 at the Center for Local Government. Tom McKeon was the guest speaker who discussed the proposed Berks County Economic Development Partnership and the important role of municipalities in economic development. More information will be forthcoming and it is anticipated meetings will be held at different locations of the county for municipal presentation and input. Met with the Auditors for an exit conference. They reviewed some things that needed to be addressed and changed. Also discussed GASB 34 and the impact that may be forced upon the Borough within the next two years. On Friday, February 22, Kim Berger and I met with a representative from Barry Weaver’s Surveying office to review and discuss updating the borough’s street map through use of the computer. Went over different options available that would enable us to do much of the work ourselves in-house. On Monday, February 25, heard a presentation regarding a new 457 plan for borough employees. If there is enough response from the employees, we may replace the current 457 plan with this new one. I have asked Solicitor John Speicher to review the appropriate documents. This plan will be no cost to the Borough. It will be payroll deducted from participating employees. On Tuesday, February 26, members of Council, Mayor, Chief, Rick Pickel and I met with Representative Argall and Tom Walter of Penn Dot to discuss traffic issues and funding for potential projects at 4th and Maple, 4th and Hawkridge and 4th and Route 61. Spent time with June Hilbert, Recreation Director, reviewing potential recreation grants. Most grant applications are required to be submitted at least one year in advance of any planned activities. June and I also interviewed the last lifeguard applicant for the pool. Her name will be submitted to the Personnel Committee for recommendation for hire. Handled various complaints during the month; also met with Chief Zelinsky on various occasions to discuss personnel and other pertinent issues relative to the police department. In addition to the two regular council meetings, attended Authority, Safety, Finance, Library Board, Recreation Board and Property, Road and Personnel committee meetings. 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 February, 2002. LYNDA G. ALBRIGHT Business Community MeetingIn recent months, the Property Committee has had much discussion about how the Hamburg business community perceives the Hamburg Borough. It has been alleged that the actions of the Borough are a factor in the Hamburg area’s ability to attract businesses. It was decided that, as the Borough Manager, I would visit any new businesses and newly relocated businesses that have opened in the Hamburg Borough during the past year. The purpose of these visits was to: 1) Introduce myself as the Borough Manager 2) Meet with the owners or managers in charge of these businesses 3) Inquire as to how their business is doing 4) Inquire if they were happy to be located within the Hamburg Borough 5) Offer any assistance at this time or in the future 6) Respond to any concerns they might have about the Borough 7) Offer them space on the Hamburg web page I was able to visit more than a dozen of these businesses. I was well received by all the businesses. Many of them were appreciative of our interest in their business and its success. All of the businesses were happy to be a part of Hamburg and the business community. All of the comments concerning their contact with the borough were favorable. Most of them stated that business was good. A couple of businesses commented that they were slow, but attributed this to their recent opening. They anticipate that their business will pick up, as they become known through advertising and "word of mouth." It was commented that the business community is not as successful as it once had been, however, this is not because of the Borough actions. Several businesses were appreciative of the recent parking enforcement in the business district by the police. During these visits, I responded to many Borough related questions from the businesses. These questions covered trash, police, streetlights and taxes. I feel this was very worthwhile and favorable to the Hamburg Borough. I would like to continue this practice on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. I anticipate visiting all the businesses in the Hamburg Borough, as time permits. Lynda G. Albright PUBLIC WORKS SUPT. REPORT During the month of February, the Borough Crew completed the following: AUTHORITY PROJECTS The water meter replacement continues to progress. With the unseasonably good weather, brush was cut around the reservoir. Repaired a 8" water main at 5th and Chestnut Streets. Hamburg, Pa March 11, 2002 7:30 p.m. The roads around the mountain were repaired. GENERAL WORK The crew laid stones on dirt alleys around the Borough. Cold patching continues as well as the replacement of signs around the borough. Brush and weeds were trimmed. Lots of time was spent at the municipal center, hauling things to be burned and installing shelves for organization of records. PARK/POOL Again, with the unseasonably good weather, we have started some clean up at the parks. Richard L. Pickel Water & Wastewater Superintendent’s Report Feb. 2002 Wastewater PaDEP conducted a compliance inspection at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on February 20. We expect no problems. The primary effluent valves to the aeration tanks have been replaced by Eastern Environmental contractors. The belts on the belt filter press have been changed, and the grit chamber has been cleaned and new diffusers install by the staff. We are working with Systems Design Engineering and LRM Inc. on a dechlorination system for the plant. We have a total chlorine limit as of June 1, 2002. Water We started using surface water this month. Use has been intermittent due to some chlorination issues on the pre-filter side. This has in no way impacted the quality of the finished water. The new chlorinators have been installed and we expect to go to "automatic" with the plant in a few days. Tony and I met with Jennifer Werner of Systems Design Engineering and Susan Werner of PaDEP in regard to disinfection by-product testing and the classification of our plant. As a result the plant is no longer classified as conventional. This will impact our sampling schedule significantly. We have conducted some flow and meter testing over the last several weeks to both satisfy regulatory requirements and to determine if the clear well is leaking. The testing has showed a significant difference between production and use. We have contacted a diver and will have him make an internal inspection of the clear well within the next few days. Some problems with the uniterruptable power supply (UPS) at the water plant resulted in having the batteries replaced. The UPS malfunction may have caused some metering and recording errors. The chart recorders are now working properly and the service technician suspects, but is not certain, that the UPS caused the problem. Recent repairs of leaks have reduced consumption significantly and we feel the system is, at this point, tight. Keith L. Brobst OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT FEBRUARY 2002 The month of February was once again a very busy one for the Borough Office. Lynda and I spent a day going through documents, files and various paperwork
on the second floor. This task is almost complete. The crew has installed
shelving units and I will be taking some time to organize the boxes. A major part of two weeks was spent working with the auditors, answering questions. Various workmen’s compensation claims were reported and the corresponding letters, forms and etc. were completed. Compiled several lists for Lynda; park and pool duties for recreation director, park and pool rental information, activities available at park and pool, park and pool expenses. The web page and municipal access channel continue to be updated. Researched and found the information needed for the Drought Emergency. Lynda and I had a conference call with M & T bank regarding Web in Focus. I made numerous phone calls for different rates for propane. Contacted the actuary for the non-uniform employees several times to answer questions and gather information for employees. Lynda and I made a visit to Blue Marsh Surveyors to view a new program, whereby we can access pertinent information on different properties within the Borough as well as other municipalities. We were told that the County mapping department would issue us a CD, for a fee, that would give us the same information. We proceeded to the County Services Center and obtained this CD. I have downloaded the manual and will endeavor to learn the program quickly. After the auditors were finished, all the 2001 documents were boxed, labeled and moved to the storage room. Time was spent downloading and printing reports for the Engineer. During the last week of the month, many, many letters were typed and mailed. During the month, I attended 2 Council meetings, 1 Civil Service Commission Reorganization meeting, and 2 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,
Property Committee Meeting 3/5/2002 Chairman – Roy R. Heffner Attending: R. Heffner, R. Boyd, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, J. Heckman, L. Albright, D. Kramer(Synergetics), B. Reed (RPA Assoc.), R. Pyle(CFL), D. Yoder 1) D. Kramer provided an update on the building: a) The insulation replacement for the piping should be completed within two months.
2) Received and reviewed an update on the activities of the NBRC from Buck Holtzman. 3) Upon review of the pool finances, an increase to the pool rates was recommended by the Recreation Board. This increase not to exceed 6% with additional review next year. The property committee agrees and the poll rates will be increased by five or 10 dollars, dependent on the type of pool pass. Rental of the pool was also increased to $175 and the pavilion rental to $35. 4) Will be looking into alternative phone service at the pool due to the present service cost.
Do we charge anything for "local" group events? Do we establish guidelines if a group is nonprofit or does not charge an admission? Do we establish a deposit, which may be returnable, to cover any damages? How do we cover the additional cost of services that are provided in the building, i.e. sewage, water, electric? Do we consider this a community service and absorb these costs? 6) Discussed a potential recreation board member. This to go to personnel committee. 7) The inline hockey group would like us to consider resurfacing the hockey rink. They will raise money through fund raisers if this project will be considered. There was agreement by everyone that this is a good idea and that we would look at the overall finances when they had raised some funds. The coin box at the rink is not functioning. They would like to be able to turn on the lights and pay a sum like the ball field does. It was agreed that this would be permissible. In addition, the coin box is to be fixed as soon as possible to allow other people to play in this area when it is not utilized by the established group. 8) The JC’s will require the park for the Family Festival between the dates of May 19 to May 28. 9) New rain gutters will be put up at the bandstand and a storage building. Tree trimming continues. The borough manager was asked to contact the trimmer to speed up the trimming as the baseball season is rapidly approaching. OLD BUSINESS NONE NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Charles Figard to give the First Reformed Church permission for the North Berks Ministerium to hold their annual Good Friday walk on Friday, March 29 at 11:00 a.m. ROLL CALL: AYES –R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Chief of Police, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Diana Edwards to hire Donna Smith as a Crossing Guard at a rate of $11.00/day. (It was stated that there is a lot of turnover of crossing guards.) ROLL CALL: AYES –R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to increase pool season tickets by $5.00 or $10.00, dependent on type of pool pass; also to increase rental of the pool to $175.00 and increase pavilion rental to $35.00. ROLL CALL: AYES –R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Charles Figard to permit the J.C.’s to hold their annual Family Festival at the Hamburg Park from May 19 to May 28, with the same conditions as in the past regarding set up and clean up. ROLL CALL: AYES –R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Leon Balthaser to approve the resolution authorizing the filing of a proposal for funds with DCED and authorizing the secretary to execute same, with the stipulation that a section be added that the project cost of $20,000 per year, would not exceed 5 years. ROLL CALL: AYES –R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Diana Edwards to approve the extension of the agreement with Penns Valley Publishers to update the ordinances for 2002 and 2003 at the same cost as the previous three years. ROLL CALL: AYES –R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve payment of invoices totaling $113,707.20. (A lot of questions were asked and answers were given.) ROLL CALL: AYES –R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None LIST OF BILLS AT & T 109.40 AMES 19.48 BCMHIPG 16,234.81 BOCA 57.00 BARKO 720.00 BEE NET INTERNET SERVICES 500.00 COUNTY OF BERKS 1,566.35 BERKS PRODUCTS CORP. 129.79 BERKS MONT 28.40 BLUE MT. COMPUTER SERVICES 400.00 KEITH BROBST 40.88 CAREER TRACK 125.00 PA DEPT. OF LAB RO AND INDUSTRY 50.00 E-MAC DIARY BRUSH 82.60 EJB PAVING 203.50 EARTHLINK 43.90 EAST PENN MFG. 42.60 EDENBURG WELDING 90.60 FIRST UNION 935.56 GPU 382.35 GALLS 201.95 HANDGUNNER 45.00 HENN’S GARAGE 534.44 MIKE KERSHNER 66.00 LEISAWITZ,, HELLER, ABRAMOWITCH 1,117.39 LOWES 18.30 JP MASCARO 4,123.13 METROCALL 9.95 MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 35.85 NATL. UNIFORMS 338.45 NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS 666.61 OUR DESIGNS 45.95 PA STATE ASSC. OF BOROUGHS 250.00 PENN PRIDE 365.28 QUILL 437.13 READING EAGLE 29.20 REED SMITH 369.20 RANDALL RENTSCHLER 14.43 STAPLES 892.34 THYSSEN KRUPP ELEVATOR 139.05 TRUCKO 208.23 VERIZON 467.70 WESTERN AUTO 40.83 WINDSOR PRESS 12.70 TOTAL $32,191.33 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – GROSS 67,622.22 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG - EMP.. SHARE SS 3,778.80 BERKS CO. TREASURER 419.50 GENERAL BATTERY CORP. 2,237.05 AT & T 111.48 NEXTEL 679.54 PA STATE ASSC. OF BOROUGHS 15.00 ALBRIGHT COLLEGE 60.00 ALBRIGHT, LYNDA 52.00 PENNAG 60.00 RAIN MAN SEAMLESS GUTTER 785.00 OLLIE’S BARGAIN OUTLET 49.99 PPL UTILITIES 1,431.16 HMA 4,209.85 PETTY CASH 4.28 TOTAL $81,515.87 GRAND TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $113,707.20 Scott Kreider reported that the Historical Society has purchased the property at 102 State Street. March 12, 2002 – 6 p.m. – Personnel Committee March 13, 2002 – 3:30 - Road Committee March 19, 2002 – 4 p.m. – Safety Committee March 20, 2002 – 6:30 p.m. – Water Sewer Committee March 20, 2002 – 7 p.m. – Authority Meeting March 27, 2002 – 7:30 p.m. – Council Meeting There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. on motion of Leon Balthaser and seconded by Charles Figard. Attest:
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