The year-end meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Adam Dries presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer.

Members Present – Adam Dries, Tammy Wilkinson, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Martha Bertolet, Dale Schlenker

Members Absent –Tina Yoder

Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Solicitor Speicher

Visitors – Mike Trask (Reading Eagle), Kerry Delong (arrived after the meeting), Pat Delong (arrived after the meeting), Chief Michael Painter, (arrived after the meeting), Nikki Murry (Item) (arrived after the meeting) Lori Guldin

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the amended agenda.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Lori Guldin handed to Manager Albright copies of the book "Back to Prosperity" regarding boroughs and townships working with the community and other organizations to build a better borough.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Martha Bertolet to approve the minutes of December 13, 2004 meeting as submitted.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the following reports: Engineer’s Report, Civil Service Commission Report, Finance Committee Report and Property Committee Report.

(Under the Property Committee Report, Councilman Schlenker stated that under #8, in regards to the water run off into the street from sump pump water, the words "with upgrades to the storm sewers" shall be removed. Councilman Schlenker stated that after research, the property owners who are pumping the water out onto the street will be responsible for the water run off.)

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
ENGINEER'S REPORT
December 15, 2004

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ISSUES

Flows at the plant are normal for this time of year. Treatment is within normal parameters.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to work on a preliminary design for the expansion of the wastewater plant. Planning modules are progressing for an expansion of the WWTP to 1.5 MGD. A verbal report will be presented to the Board.

CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is continuing dialog with DEP on the Connection Management Plan. The semi-annual report was submitted by Systems Design Engineering, Inc. in August. Bids were received at the November meeting for televising and repairs of a portion of the collection system. Contracts are being prepared for signature.

MID-ATLANTIC CANNERS

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to talk with MACA on future needs

PROJECTS

Plant Expansion Study--preliminary design and planning modules are progressing. Meetings are continuing to obtain state grants for the economic development portion of the wastewater expansion. Cost estimates are currently being prepared to assist in the funding process.

Dissolved oxygen/Blower automation--The equipment has been purchased for installation as authorized at the July meeting. The equipment has arrived and is being scheduled for installation.

WATER PRODUCTION

The impoundment dam remains full. Water production was mainly from the surface water/filter system.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to work with Plant Personnel on new and proposed regulations that may affect the System in future.

WATER PROJECTS

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is progressing with a bid document to construct new meters correcting the flow and numerical issues previously discussed. The new meters allow for a more data collection. To allow for a more reliable system, Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is procuring more information on a complete SCADA system to tie in the existing data collectors for the filters, meters and the proposed meters.

Construction of the 3 well houses is nearly complete. A grant for $10,000 for construction of the well houses, submitted to Senator Rhoads’ office by Systems Design Engineering, Inc. was secured and approved. Documentation to proceed with the grant is being processed. Application for payments will be presented for payment. Documents for the grant will also be forwarded for payment.

Movement of the raw water supply line has caused some concern recently. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is evaluating this line and PRV vault to determine if anything should be done.

The annual dam inspections are proceeding for submittal by year’s end.

TO: BOROUGH COUNCIL, BOROUGH OF HAMBURG

The 2004 calendar year brought numerous changes to the Hamburg Civil Service Commission.

At the beginning of 2004, we were keenly intent on providing Council with a listing of high-quality candidates to be considered for an officer position with the Hamburg Police Department. Working toward that end, some minor rule changes needed to be addressed to best manage the challenge and ensure the integrity and caliber of candidate for council’s consideration. The first change to the rules and regulations occurred when Chief Painter was concerned about the "trigger-pull" section of the physical agility test and was interested in having the wording changed to include the gun that the department is currently using or a double action nonfunctional revolver, whichever the applicant preferred. The second change to the rules and regulations was wording changes to the "background investigation". Anyone who performs the "background investigation" must have successfully passed the "background investigation course".

Despite difficulty in scheduling dates for oral interviews and changes in the Oral Interview Board, the process did go forward as planned. Two skilled and unbiased interviewers took two nights to interview the top ten applicants. With Civil Service members in attendance as observers, the interview process served to further define and offer better insight into each candidate. Moving as planned, the physical agility testing was performed in Spring. At that point seven applicants remained to move on to the background investigation portion of the process.

This information was turned over to the Borough Manager to discuss with Borough Council as well as returning the $35 application fee to the applicants with a letter explaining that the process has been terminated. At this writing, the Civil Service Commission is in a deferred stance with no further meetings scheduled.

Minutes of all meetings are on file in the Borough Office. See Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/Recording Secretary to make arrangements for further review of such.

Respectfully submitted,

Hettie L. Riegel

Secretary, Civil Service Commission

FINANCE COMMITTEE - 12/27/04

A special meeting of the finance Committee was held at 3 p.m. Attending were Chuck Figard, Tammy Wilkinson, Lynda Albright, Chief Michael Painter and Martha Bertolet.

Those attending proposed an increase over last yars contract of $1,100 with no other changes to the chief’s contract for one more year.

Also discussed an additional $0.30 raise to Al Burkevage (part-time officer) making it $14.00 per hour.

We reviewed the revised budget which will be presented for approval on December 29, 2004.

We also discussed the increase in the occupation privilege tax as to how we could structure the payments. No decision was made and it will be discussed at a future meeting.

Chairwoman Martha Bertolet

PROPERTY MEETING

DECEMBER 28, 2004

MUNICIPAL CENTER – 4 PM

ATTENDING: Jeanette Heckman, Martha Bertolet, Lynda Albright, Chuck Figard & Dale Schlenker

A 10 ton dump truck/plow has been ordered.

The appraisal, by Mary Rockwell, of the canal property is nearing completion.

The property committee has received no information on the current transportation study and will request an update immediately.

The property committee recommends the approval of a 10 year lease with the ambulance association.

Pool plans & specifications are being advertised to be opened in January 2005.

The property committee recommends the hiring of Lee Hartman to begin the cleaning of the Municipal Center January, 2005 at a cost of $850.00 per month. The cleaning service will be reviewed in 6 months for satisfaction.

The Property Committee recommends the advertising of a weekend, in January, for the disposal of Christmas trees at a location to be determined. This will be a one shot and done situation and the police will be asked for assistance with this issue.

With the policing of the surface water, in homes, by the Municipal Authority, a problem has developed with icing conditions on some of the streets. The crew will address this issue immediately and also find ways to alleviate the run off problem.

Chairman of Property Dale R. Schlenker

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the 2005 General Budget in the amount of $2,543,800.

(Discussion: Councilman Schlenker commended Manager Albright on the fine job that was done with the budget).

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to adopt Ordinance #726-04, establishing the tax rate of 4 mills for general operations for year 2005. (This is the same tax rate as 2004 – NO INCREASE)

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to make the following appointments for 2005.

Earl Fox – Plumbing Inspector

Lynda Albright – OPT/EMS Collector/Asst. Bldg./Zoning and Asst.

Code Enforcement Officer

John Leonforte – Bldg./Zoning Officer/Code Enforcement Officer

Leisawitz, Heller, Abramowitch & Phillips – Solicitor (John J.

Speicher)

Systems Design Engineers – Consulting Engineer

Great Valley Consultants – Planning Engineer

Gorman & Freeh – Auditors

Berks Envirotech – SEO

Union Fire Co. #1 of Hamburg – official Fire Company

Hamburg Legion Ambulance – official ambulance service

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to take action via Resolution # 3-04 – authorizing the issuance by the Borough of its Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note, authorizing the preparation and filing of documents with the DCED, approving and accepting the proposal of M & T Bank to purchase the TRAN and authorizing the proper officials to take necessary actions and to execute necessary documents to complete the transaction. ($100,000 at a rate of 2.77).

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to authorize the Borough Manager to make budgetary transfers as necessary (within each organization area of the budget).

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard approving the lease for an additional 10 years with the Hamburg Ambulance, with same guidelines as in the past. ($1 per year).

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Tammy Wilkinson and seconded by Jeanette Heckman approving the extension of the Police Chief’s contract for one additional year with an increase of $1,100. (The rest of the contract remains unchanged).

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Charles Figard approving an increase of $.30/hr for Ptlm. Al Burkevage, based upon a request of the Hamburg Police Officer’s Association.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard approving the hiring of Lee Hartman Janitorial Service for cleaning of the Municipal Building effective January 1, 2005. (This will be reviewed after 6 months and the cost will be $850 per month for the entire municipal center, excluding the District Justice Office).

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Jeanette Heckman approving the reimbursement from the Line of Credit to the General Account the amount of $23,263.87.

ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker authorizing the President or Vice President of Council and the Borough Manager to act on behalf of the Borough with respect to the Robert A. Rupp Trust.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

Solicitor Speicher stated that there would be settlement on the land swap concerning the Stewart property in the next few weeks. President Dries will be required to be at the settlement.

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to authorize the President or the Vice-President to execute the documents.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

Solicitor Speicher also stated that he would be reviewing with PSAB the tax enabling act and the right to exempt certain dollar earning amounts from the tax.

A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve payment of invoices totaling $52,330.61

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

AT & T 24.73

AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSC. 175.00

BCMHIPG 21,804.27

CABELAS 249.99

D. S. DALIOUS FIRE EQUIPMENT 18.50

GALLS 228.94

HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 96.16

JP MASCARO 6,580.88

MET –ED 2,710.18

NATIONAL ELEVATOR INSPECTION 60.00

PA DEPT. OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY 36.00

POWERCO 313.36

QUILL CORPORATION 87.52

RARITAN VALLEY DISPOSAL 13,305.21

JOHN PAUL SIMPKINS 5,135.40

SOFTWARE SYSTEMS 150.00

SYNERGETICS 1,304.91

SYSTEMS DESIGN 41.27

WEIS MARKETS 8.29

TOTAL $52,330.61

January 3, 2005 – 7 PM - RECREATION BOARD

January 3, 2005 – 7 PM – ROAD COMMITTEE

January 4, 2005 - 4 PM - PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

January 10, 2005 – FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING – 6:30 p.m.

January 10, 2005 - COUNCIL MEETING – 7:30 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. on the motion of Dale Schlenker and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson.

ATTEST:

Kim Y. Berger

Recording Secretary/Office Manager