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MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 8, 2005 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The fifteenth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2005 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, Jeanette Heckman, Tammy Wilkinson, Martha Bertolet Members Absent – Tina Yoder, Charles Figard, Dale Schlenker Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Solicitor Shollenberger, Mayor Del Rosario Visitors- Heather Breininger, Norma Berger, Kelly Breininger, Danny Williams, Dennis Schwoyer, Chuck Miller, Susan Miller, Scott Dimovitz, Eileen Ferguson, Vivian Zweizig, Sam Kehr, Rob Binder, Chris Refen, David Wagaman, Amanda Poper, Tylar Foust, Fishbee Weivel, Nichele Miller, Matt Readinger, Moises Arce, Laroy Fritz, Lori Fritz, Trina Herbst, Christopher Herbst, Debbie Guinther, Kelly Sassaman, Anthony Casko, Carl Binner, Pauline Binner, Rachel Roth, Casey Joyce, Kia Dandi, Sue Newhard, Alean Tray, Penny Ramirez, Peggy Sterner, John Sterner, Scott Kreider, Ray Kline, Dan Roman (Hamburg Item), Tony Ramirez, Sylvia Summons, Kathleen Maberry, June Hilbert, Lynn Ernst, Anna Heffner, Ingeborg Heffner, Matt Anderson (Reading Eagle), Maria Herne (Pottsville Republican) A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Martha Bertolet to approve the amended agenda. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Millie Paisley-Emes presented her thoughts regarding the posters that were put up around the borough regarding the park. Mrs. Emes stated that she wanted to applaud the Borough Council and the police department for the effort they are making to enforce the rules of the park. Moises Arce was present and stated that there is selective enforcement being done. Mr. Arce stated that the incident did not occur in the park, but in parking stalls. There were a number of individuals present, however, he was the only one that was targeted. Mr. Arce stated that the real question was whether or not Park Road is a road or part of the park. Mr. Kim Emes stated that he had asked at previous meetings, how much money was spent on the frivolous lawsuit that Mr. Arce had created. Manager Albright stated between $5,000 and $10,000. Mr. Emes stated that the money could have been used at the park rather than fighting a lawsuit. Ms. Penny Ramirez stated that her son’s bike was stolen from the park/pool area. The Borough does need to provide police patrols and be watchful of the children. Mr. Laroy Fritz, who lives near the park, stated that he sees the things that go on around the park. Mr. Fritz stated that he sees fighting, beer bottles, vandalism, trash and vehicles leaving at high rates of speed. Someone is going to get hurt. Vice-President Wilkinson stated that through the Property Committee, the rules and regulations are in the process of being revised. Borough Council is supporting the police department to enforce the rules. Susan Newhart stated that her daughter’s bicycle was stolen. The bike has since shown up and she was told not to contact the police. Since this incident has occurred, she is constantly being harassed. Profanity is being yelled at her while driving around the park. Chuck Miller was present to discuss his and the neighbors’ their resistance to changing of the addresses on Chestnut Street. Mr. Miller stated that this will create confusion for the homeowners as well as the expense of changing their address on various documents, etc. He would like to suggest an alternative, more signs directing the emergency services to the correct addresses. Mr. Miller was instructed to attend the Safety Committee meeting for further discussion. Vivian Zweizig was present to state that the alley behind her home (Plum Alley) is a mess and can’t something be done about it. Since there is no Road Committee scheduled for September, Manager Albright stated that there will be a meeting set up in the near future. John Sterner was present to discuss a water issue in his alley (Peach Alley). This has been referred to the Road Committee as well. Pauline Binner who lives at 3rd and Grand Streets was present to discuss the fact that tractor trailers continue to drive over her sidewalk. This was referred to the Road Committee. A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson to approve the minutes of the July 25, 2005 meeting. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman NAYES – None A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Martha Bertolet to approve the following reports: Borough Manager’s Report, Public Works Supt. Report, Water/Sewer Supt. Report, Office Manager’s Report, Building/Zoning/Codes Report, Treasurer’s Report, Police Report, Property Committee Report and Personnel Committee Report. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGERS REPORT The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of JULY, 2005 included the following: Was on vacation the first week in July. Addressed complaints and other correspondence as needed. Met various times during the month with John Leonforte, Code Enforcement Officer, for updates on projects he is working on, primarily North Crescent Avenue and Hamburg Commons, as well as various storm sewer projects and code enforcement issues throughout the borough. Spent additional time working on the new policy/rules/regulations for use at the park and the pool. They have been reviewed by the solicitor and will be reviewed by the police department as well. Applied for a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $40,000 for the repair/replacement of storm drains in Peach Alley and Schuylkill Avenue. Completed the Management, Discussion and Analysis Report requested by the Auditors and forwarded to their inclusion in the audit report. Handled issues dealing with the I-78 project. Attended several meetings dealing with police negotiations for 2006. Met with representative from Cedar Shopping Center to discuss Redner’s and receive updates on the additional rentals in the complex. Met with a representative from DCNR regarding the grant we are receiving for the swimming pool renovation/upgrade. Additional paper work will be required and will be forthcoming prior to receipt of any funds. In addition to the two regular council meetings, attended Recreation Board, Hamburg Municipal Authority, Property committee, Safety Committee, Finance, 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 JULY, 2005. PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT To prepare for the storm sewer project on North Crescent Avenue, the crew removed trees on the dead end of North 4th Street. Some of the vehicles received oil changes and other maintenance items. The crew continued to cut weeds in the streams and along the roads. Installed a speed bump in Peach Alley. Weed spraying continues on a weekly basis. I met with the contractors on numerous occasions and worked with them on the project at 4th and North Crescent Avenue. The hot patching project for the roads has started. This month we completed Water Alley (27 tons) and Peach Street (13 tons). The crew installed poles at the park for the new lights that will be installed. Repairs were done to the windows of the Frey Building at the park. Litter control continues along Port Clinton Avenue, Mountain Avenue and Woodland Road.
Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report July 2005 Water The dam level has dropped to a level where it became unusable and we are now on well water. The heavy rains we experienced in Hamburg and the surrounding area never made it to the watershed. The annual weed spraying below the dam was done. Arrangements have been made to clean the inlet weir to the dam and I expect that to be done shortly. Wastewater We have been having some issues with low effluent ph and have been adding soda ash daily. We expect the process to change significantly with the closing of Mid Atlantic Canners in August. A downed power line and severe thunderstorms on the 13th caused a few problems and a lightening strike left us without power overnight on the 27th. The sludge thickener trial went very well and hauling has been reduced to 2 to 3 loads a month. We look forward to a permanent installation. In home inspections are at a standstill. There are still several homes we have not seen and are seeking assistance from the courts. The contractor doing the TV and grout work came back and made repairs to a few manholes where the initial repair failed. We will be monitoring these locations to make sure they stay sealed. We have received a Notice of Violation from PaDEP in regard to the permit violations of February and March. The problems which caused the violations have been cleared up. Respectfully Submitted Keith L. Brobst Water/Wastewater Superintendent OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT Sent second notices to those property owners who have not complied with our request for a sewer inspection. Various phone calls were also made in an attempt to expedite their cooperation. Emailed various municipalities regarding their park fees for a comparison. Worked on a problem with a season ticket and the possibility of falsification of the information contained on it. Met with the recreation director to assist with various issues for Wild Wild West Day. Pictures were taken of the lifeguards for a display that was erected at the pool. I am researching information for costs of obtaining Emergency Management Vests for the Coordinator and various other key personnel. Compiled figures for the first six months of the sewer inspections and submitted this information to the engineer. Continued to work on worker’s compensation claims and Heart and Lung Claim. Completed the six-month budget report. Assisted the police clerk with crossing guard issues. Along with the EMA coordinator, met with representatives from the Berks County Emergency Management Agency to do a walk through of the high school for a drill that they will be holding. Attended two council meetings and staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for all the meetings.
Building, Zoning and Codes Report Two building permits and three zoning permits were issued in July. John Speicher’s office is working on ordinance re: zoning amendments for special exceptions when sign proposals exceed certain zoning requirements. Barry Issett and Associates has submitted a proposal regarding the traffic study done at the south 4th Street and Route 61 intersection. We are waiting for a second proposal from Ludgate Engineering. Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows: Inspections and reviews continue American hotel regarding the second phase of construction. The restaurant area on 4th St is expected to be open by the end of July. Hamburg Commons site work and building construction has begun. Rite Aide construction has started. Main street Streetscape project is now in the design stage. Survey work is complete for 4th street and State street. Penn Dot 78 construction project is progressing Inspections were completed for residential and light commercial, previously permitted, work in the borough. The storm water work from N 4th St to N Crescent Ave is progressing and should be complete first week in August. We are preparing bid documents for N. Crescent Ave curbing and paving. The storm water project for Windsor St at Peach Alley at the KMX property has been delayed until EPA sends a clarification of financial responsibility for work required if battery casings or contamination are discovered while installing pipe. The Planning Commission will attempt to define a plan for redevelopment. Property Maintenance complaints of rubbish, and Occupancy inspections continue to be addressed. John Leonforte Code Administrator Recreation Director Report for July 2005 July was a busy month at both the park & pool. The weather was hot and dry. We had a lot of activity at the pool. We started swimming our laps for our Swim-A- Thon. We have collected and money pledged in the amount of $500.00. We have not contacted businesses and organizations yet, but will do so after money is collected for Community Days.The revenue at the pool is up approximately $13,000.00 than last year at this time. At this time we are planning a fund-raiser at the pool for August 12th. We will be having a summer carnival/swim dance. Some members of the Rec. Board will be helping me along with Tammy Wilkinson. All help is greatly appreciated. This year has been somewhat difficult with the youth hanging at the park. They have littered and vandalized and have started fights. We had to call the police several times to break up fights among other things. The police presence has stopped most problems in front of the pool. June Hilbert
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT JULY 2005 ACTIVITY REPORT
PROPERTY COMMITTEE JULY 27, 2005 MUNICIPAL CENTER – 4 PM ATTENDING: Lynda Albright, Jeanette Heckman, Tammy Wilkinson, Chuck Figard & Dale Schlenker VISITORS: Sylvia Summons, Patty Stuebner & Kathy Mayberry
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT AUGUST 2, 2005 Persons attending: J. Heckman, T. Wilkinson, D. Schlenker, C. Figard, M. Bertolet, L. Albright, Chief Mike Painter, Moises Arce and approximately ten youth of the Borough of Hamburg. Committee business discussed: To accept with regret the resignation of Barbara Heffner from Rec Board To accept with regret the resignation of Scott Kreider from the Rec Board Recommendation from the Manager, the hire of returning crossing guards and a new hire of Mary Delong. Listened to Moises Arce’s complaint against Officer McEllroy regarding an arrest incident on Park Road. No comments cal be made on pending litigation in this case. Meeting adjourned at approximately 5:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted Jeanette Heckman, Chairperson OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson to accept the resignation of Barbara Heffner, with regret, as a member of the Recreation Board and authorize the Borough Manager to send a letter of thanks and appreciation.ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson to accept the resignation of Scott Kreider, with regret, as a member and President of the Recreation Board and authorize the Borough Manager to send a letter of thanks and appreciation. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Martha Bertolet to hire Mary Delong as a crossing guard for the 2005-2006-school term. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman NAYES – None Mayor Del Rosario had presented three Proclamations as follows:
Parking is prohibited on the following streets for August 13, 2005
On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Tammy Wilkinson and seconded by Martha Bertolet to authorize Manager to seek bids for the curbing and street reconstruction on North Crescent Avenue, between North 5th and Poplar Streets. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson approving the Supplementation Agreement with Penns Valley Publishers to do the annual updates for the ordinance codification to run from 2005 to 2008, at the same rate as in previous years. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Tammy Wilkinson and seconded by Martha Bertolet to seek bids for a used police vehicle. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman NAYES – None A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Martha Bertolet to approve payment of invoices totaling $ 168,492.73T. Wilkinson abstained from Met-Ed (family member works for them) and Mr. DJ (husband’s income). ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman NAYES – None List of Bills For Approval AT&T 269.48 Amsterdam Printing 503.07 Association of Mayors 45.00 County of Berks 1,905.37 Berks Products Corp 110.00 Blue Marsh Surveyors 752.00 Burkhardt Mechanical 1,189.00 EJB Paving & Materials 1,921.72 Fort Dearborn Life Insurance 227.86 Galls Inc. 693.50 Great Valley Consultants 1,125.37 Hartman Janitorial 850.00 Herr Foods Inc 326.67 Hershey Creamery Co. 721.02 Hess Embroidery & Uniforms 15.25 Hess Embroidery & Uniforms 153.00 Hess Embroidery & Uniforms 334.00 International Institute 125.00 Kantner’s Tire Service 12.00 Mike Kershner 238.65 Leisawitz, Heller, Abramowitch 6,909.63 Lou ees 826.00 Paul Melniczek 284.00 Met-Ed 5,330.01 Miller Municipal Division 55.00 Monarch Precast Concrete 565.00 Mountain View Supply 89.99 Municipal Employers Ins. Trust 188.50 Nextel communications 747.12 PA Dept of Labor & Industry 59.00 State Workers’ Insurance Fund 12,386.00 PPL Gas Utilities 475.84 Penn Pride Inc. 1,539.09 Quill Corporation 366.96 Reed Smith LLP 145.00 M J Reider Associates Inc. 160.00 Reppert’s Auto Service 344.76 Sam’s Club 99.87 E. S. Savage 33.13 Richard M. Schaeffer 200.08 Thren’s Auto Parts 61.62 ThyssenKrupp Elevator 165.18 Triangle Communications 170.50 UniFirst 236.32 Verizon 391.26 Win Outlet 392.07 Windsor Distributing 393.75 Windsor Press 141.52 TOTAL 44,275.16 INVOICES PAID PREVIOUSLY 124,198.76 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL 168,473.92 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH Borough of Hamburg – Gross Payroll 89,263.19 Borough of Hamburg – Emp. Share S.S. 5,288.97 Borough of Hamburg – Zelinsky Deductions 1,865.40 Zelinsky, Thomas 2,169.80 Sam’s Club-Foodstand Supplies 1,302.15 Berks County Treasurer 124.00 Kramer, Shawn 100.00 Oriental Trading Co. 43.80 Best Buy 126.95 Dept. of Public Welfare 10.00 Kramer, William 717.00 PA SWIF 22,900.00 PA UC Fund 20.00 Wilkinson, Allan 100.00 HMA 150.00 Petty Cash 17.50 SOLICITOR’S REPORT An executive session was called at 8: 17 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue regarding the SRO program. Meeting reconvened at 9:17 p.m. The discussion that was held regarding the SRO program has been referred to the Personnel Committee. INFORMATION ITEMS August 15, 2005 – 7:00 p.m. – Planning Commission August 16, 2005 – 3:30 p.m. – Safety Committee August 17, 2005 – 7:00 p.m. – Hamburg Municipal Authority Meeting August 22, 2005 – 7:00 p.m. – Water/Sewer & Public Relations CommitteeAugust 22, 2005 – 7:30 p.m. – Borough Council meeting AUGUST 19 AND AUGUST 20 – COMMUNITY DAYS AUGUST 20 – BIKE RACE – 4 BLOCK AREA AUGUST 12, 2005 – WATER CARNIVAL AT THE POOL AUGUST 13, 2005 – SIDEWALK SALE There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m. on the motion of Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson. Attest: Kim Y. Berger
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