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MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 10, 2001 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The twenty-third regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2001 of the Hamburg Borough Council was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Richard Boyd presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer. Members Present - Richard W. Boyd, Leon Balthaser, Scott Kreider, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Roy Heffner, Diana Edwards Members Absent – None Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Mayor Del RosarioVisitors - Lily Henning (Reading Eagle-Times), Nikki Murry (Hamburg Item), Buck Holtzman, Deena Kershner, Frederick Sheeler, Shirley Dierolf, Gertrude Haas A motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve the amended agenda by adding a recommendation from the Finance Committee under New Business and an update of the regional planning committee under Old Business. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. KreiderNAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE The Main Street Committee had met with the Finance Committee prior to Council meeting. Shirley Dierolf stated that Hamburg has not died and that we need to revitalize Hamburg. A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Diana Edwards to approve the minutes of the November 28, 2001 meeting as submitted. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. KreiderNAYES – None A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the following reports: Borough Manager's Report, Public Works Supt. Report, Water/Sewer Supt. Report, Office Manager's Report, Property Committee Report and Treasurer's Report. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. KreiderNAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT
The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of November, 2001 included the following: Again this month, a tremendous amount of time was spent working on the budget. Emphasis was placed on maintaining a working budget for all departments without having to increase taxes to the general public. It was quite a task, however, I believe this has been accomplished unless some other unforeseen circumstances would change. Held two scheduled staff meetings during the month to discuss various issues with department supervisors. Expressed the importance of holding off on any spending unless absolutely necessary. Time was spent with both bond counsel and Legg Mason obtaining and reviewing information regarding the water refinancing for the Authority. The Authority anticipates approximately $80,000 + in savings by doing this refinance. Kim Berger, Office Manager and I attended a seminar offered by the Department of Community and Economic Development regarding "Electronic Filing" of municipal forms and applications. This will be effective by the beginning of 2002. Attended a meeting of the Berks County Municipal Insurance Group for updates regarding our Blue Cross and Blue Shield. We can anticipated somewhere around an 11-12% increase in rates for calendar year 2002. The split with Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 2002 will not impact this group until 2003. We are taking steps to expand this group with other counties. This, of course, is being done to minimize costs to the individual municipalities. As more information is available, I will pass it on to members of Council. Met with representatives of EPA for an update on progress being made at the various lead contamination sites in the Borough. They have installed a split rail fence along a portion of the trail where they are working at the park. I also spoke to them about the possibility of obtaining the chain link fences they have erected at the park and at the sewer plant. It is hopeful that upon completion of their project, we will be permitted to retain either some or all of the fencing. Again, will keep you informed on this. Doug Kramer of Synergetics and I met with the contractor replacing the Cupola at the Library for a pre-construction meeting. Work is scheduled to commence either late December or early January. Some of the parking lot will be roped off to accommodate the crane that will be used to remove the cupola. Also spent time with John Leonforte, Building/Zoning officer updating and reviewing open files and problems he is or has been presented with. Also working up updating zoning ordinance which we will be reviewing very shortly before presenting to the Planning Commission. In addition to the two regular council meetings, attended Authority meeting, Personnel, Safety, Finance, Civil Service, and Property 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 November.
LYNDA G. ALBRIGHT BOROUGH MANAGER PUBLIC WORKS SUPT. REPORT During the month of November, the Borough Crew completed the following: AUTHORITY PROJECTS A lot of time was spent installing new grates on the catwalk at the reservoir. Meters were installed and some meters were changed. Repaired the 4" water main on N. 2nd Street. GENERAL WORK The crew worked on maintaining the equipment and trucks. Oil was changed and prepared the trucks for winter. The snow plows and salt spreaders are ready for winter. Cold patching, hot patching and sealing the patches continues throughout the borough. Shoulders of Mountain Avenue, Port Clinton Avenue, Service Road and Pine Street were cleaned. Some brush was cut along the roads within the Borough. PARK/POOL The crew worked on collecting the leaves at the park, which was almost a constant project. Winterized the park and pool and completed storing the various things. Work continued on the electric line at the park.
Richard L. Pickel Public Works Superintendent
Water & Wastewater Superintendent’s Report November 2001 Wastewater Flows at the plant are as low as I can remember. Average for the month was well below 400,000/day. We have repaired the trap at 150 S 4th St. Normally this would be the homeowners responsibility, however this trap is located in the street and in the public right of way. We are replacing seals and retainers as well as sharpening the teeth on the comminutors at the pumping station and Hamburg Center. The belt filter press has taken a bit of work of late. It is now more than 10 years old and needs a little more attention. It is a nasty environment and there is considerable rust and corrosion. Water The last month in the water system has been considerably more interesting. We have a leak! It is difficult to get a handle on daily consumption with Well 5 running, (it backfills the clearwell and we count the water two or three times), however we have been pumping about.625MGD far in excess of what we expect to use at this time of year and far in excess of the flows at the wastewater plant. We have hired a contractor to search for the leak. The decking on the catwalk of the valve tower has been replaced with steel grating. The crew did a nice job In good time. The crew also cut the brush at the head end of the dam. Tony and I met with Jennifer Werner of SDE with the idea of running a bed expansion test on the water filter units. After discussing the process we decided it would not be in our best interest to do that while the filters were off line. We also discussed writing an Emergency Response Plan and an O & M manual as required by the PaDEP. I have met with contractors in regard to the removal of the chlorinating manhole and installation of a sampling vault. The low bidder was Schlough Excavating. The vault manufacturer is backed up and the work will not be done till late December or early January. Well 5 has been a problem. We have had several instances where either the controller or a motor has shut done for no apparent reason. The high service pump has been ramping up and down causing surges of pressure and volume in the system. The volume backfills the clearwell and there is nothing to be done about that without a major cash outlay. The pressure, on the other hand is not so harmless. This is the second year we have developed a leak after putting Well 5 on line. The problem is getting progressively worse with the difference in flows approaching 200gpm. I have addressed this with the engineers and Kohl Bros. who provided and service the control system.
Keith L. Brobst Water & Wastewater Superintendent OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT NOVEMBER 2001 I have worked with Lynda throughout the month of November compiling information for the budget and assisting her in preparing the necessary paperwork for presentation. I have worked with a representative from PA DOT and Morganrail finalizing the guiderail project on Pine Street. Work is scheduled for December 3, 2001. Throughout the beginning of the month, I was in almost constant contact with out siren representative, attempting to get the siren working. As you all know I am very happy to report that the siren is working for fire calls. The first official test of the disaster siren will be Tuesday, December 4, 2001 at 7 p.m. I will be at the office for any phone calls and the fire company personnel will be at the fire station for any problems. There has been a mass mailing sent to every resident, there was an article in the Hamburg Item, there was an ad in the Windsor Press and the Lions Club was going to post it on their sign at the south end of town. Information was also posted on the web page and Municipal Access Channel. I surely hope that no one panics. Throughout the month various letters, committee reports, minutes, invoices, signs etc. were typed and mailed. Transported a Nextel phone to Allentown for repair. I am starting to prepare for 2002, which includes new folders, updating lists of dates for committees, list of boards, etc. A small mass mailing was prepared regarding Kernsville Dam. Civil service exhibits were revamped once again. Work was done in the office trying to clean up different areas, including the storage room. Numerous boxes were removed and transported to the second floor. I hope that in 2002 the borough may obtain some storage shelves so that the second floor storage area can be organized. On November 12, 2001 I attended a computer seminar at the BCIU. On November 12, 2001, I attended an Emergency Preparedness meeting at the Inn at Reading. It was a very informative meeting. I have established a few new procedures in the office to assist the office personnel in performing their duties more efficiently. The web page and municipal access channel continue to be updated. During the month, I attended 2 Council meetings, 1 EMA meeting, 2 staff meetings, and 1 Civil Service Commission meeting. 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 Mtg. December 5, 2001 Chairman: Roy R. Heffner In Attendance: Lynda Albright, Doug Kramer of Synergetics, HVAC representatives, Chuck Figard, Rick Boyd
OLD BUSINESS Roy Heffner gave an update of the Regional Planning Committee. There was a meeting held on December 8, 2001 at the Middle School. There was discussion about the questionnaires that were sent to different parties within the 6 municipalities within the group. Spotts, Stevens and McCoy are the engineers for the project. Discussion was held on the outlook for the future for transportation, economy and services. This project is to last 18 months and the group is into the project about 4 to 5 months. It is totally funded by the County. Recommendations will be made to each municipality and they municipality can either accept or reject the joint commissions decision. The municipalities involved in this venture are: Windsor, Tilden, Strausstown, Upper Tulpehocken, Upper Bern and Hamburg. They have set up meetings for the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Middle School. Discussion had been held about looking for regionalization of services. NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve the Contract between the Borough of Hamburg and William Kramer dealing with the Police Cadet Program. (Discussion: Councilman Figard stated that the Borough would benefit by Mr. Kramer having been trained while attending the academy and will not have to undergo the Field Training and he is guaranteed for part time work for 3 years.) ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, S. KreiderNAYES – L. Balthaser On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Scott Kreider to have the Borough of Hamburg support the North Berks Main Street Program by funding $20,000 per year for the next five years to aid and assist in revitalizing the surrounding area. (Discussion/Questions: Councilman Figard questioned Lynda on the need of road repairs. Manager Albright stated that the funding for the proposed traffic signal at 4th and Hawk Ridge Drive is being derived from Motor License Funds and that other road work was on hold at the present time. Liquid Fuels funds may only be used for streets, equipment, traffic signals, i.e. street related items. There are many roads that are in dire need of repairs. There may be an issue of up to $80,000 that we will owe for the police pension fund. President Boyd stated that we are looking at an out of balance budget. Councilwoman Edwards stated that there will have to be a loan taken or we have to raise taxes for the road repairs. The roads are in desperate need of repairs.) CALL TO QUESTION AND CEASE DEBATE: ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Heffner, J. Heckman, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – C. Figard, D. Edwards, R. Boyd ON ORIGINAL MOTION: ROLL CALL: AYES – J. Heckman, D. Edwards, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – R. Heffner, C. Figard, R. Boyd A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Leon Balthaser to approve payment of invoices totaling $69,407.69. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. KreiderNAYES – None LIST OF BILLS AT & T 91.80 AMES DEPT. STORE 16.16 BARKO CLEANING SERVICE 774.00 COUNTY OF BERKS 1,704.66 BLUE MOUNTAIN COMPUTER SERVICE 224.99 CAPP, INC. 31.96 COMMONWEALTH OF PA 35.00 CRAIG CORRELL 200.00 DANKA 47.94 PA DEPT. OF LABOR & INDUSTRY 25.00 E-MAC DAIRY BRUSH 37.20 EJB PAVING & MATERIALS 186.72 EDENBURG WELDING 175.75 FIRST UNION 935.56 FOUR STAR ELECTRONICS 672.00 GBF INFORMATION SYSTEMS 224.01 GPU 532.55 HAMBURG AUTO 34.25 HART, RICHARD 220.00 TERRY HECKMAN 143.26 HENN’S GARAGE 22.00 KANTNERS TIRES 85.00 MIKE KERSHNER 108.60 ANTHONY LASCALA 200.00 LEISAWITZ, HELLER, ABRAMOWITCH 1002.09 JP MASCARO 4,010.83 ROBERT MENGLE 19.18 METROCALL, INC. 9.95 MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 47.84 MEIT 105.50 NATL. UNIFORMS 175.60 PA STATE ASSC. OF BOROS 9.00 PENN PRIDE 457.95 READING EAGLE 616.50 RANDALL RENTSCHLER 41.00 STAPLES 193.18 SYNERGETICS ARCHITECTS 1,465.03 SYSTEMS DESIGN 2,932.93 TELCO 135.00 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 139.05 TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 238.50 TRUCKCO 134.11 VERIZON 398.80 WEIS MARKETS 53.00 TOTAL $18,930.43 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH HAMBURG AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2,853.87 KIM BERGER 24.15 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG -SS 3,526.80 LOWES 25.76 FEDERAL SIGNAL 5,000.00 BERKS COUNTY 13.00 TONYA GERNER 280.75 PPL UTILITIES 914.80 POSTMASTER OF HAMBURG 656.88 HMA 5,234.92 PETTY CASH 40.65 POSTMASTER 189.07
TOTAL $50,540.26 GRAND TOTAL $69,470.69 UPCOMING MEETINGS/INFORMATION
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. on motion of Roy Heffner and seconded by Leon Balthaser. Attest: Kim Y. Berger
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