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MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 30, 2003 YEAR END MEETING The year-end meeting 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 – Rick Boyd, Roy Heffner, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Dale Schlenker, Scott Kreider, Adam Dries Members Absent – None Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Mayor Del Rosario Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Solicitor SpeicherVisitors – Stephanie Smith, Jennifer Staats, Donna Smith, Clara Moyer, John Timtishin, Tim Neufeld, Kerry Delong, Pat Delong, Helen Becker, 69 News, Moises Arce, Peggy Sterner, John Sterner, Dean Kauffman, Garnetta Heckman, Dolores Painter, Aaron Cassel, Scot Boyd, Alean Tray, William McEllroy, Holley McEllroy, Norma Berger, Tina Yoder, Leon Balthaser, Heather Breininger, Brad Breininger, Kelly Breininger, Martha Bertolet, Tammy Wilkinson A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the amended agenda. (Mayor Del Rosario questioned why there an item to hire a new police secretary was removed from the agenda. Councilwoman Heckman stated that it can be acted on by the new council in January.) ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None Moises Arce questioned how Chief Zelinsky can carry two weeks of vacation over to 2004 when he hasn’t worked but seven days since King Frost? Mr. Arce stated that he used four weeks to go to Europe, how much time does he receive? President Boyd stated that he could not answer that question, he asked Mr. Arce to see the Borough Manager and she would be able to help him. Mr. Arce stated that he had tried to find out the answers by going through the proper channels but gets no answers. Mr. Arce stated that when he did ask Manage Albright, she had indicated that she was not privileged to that information. Manager Albright stated that Tom is responsible for his own time and all the records are kept in the police department and she does not have access to their records. Manager Albright stated that Tom should be able to turn in some sort of documentation showing what time has been used. President Boyd stated that there are two management positions responsible to Borough Council and they are the Borough Manager and the Chief of Police. They are salaried exempt employees. They are not mandated to account for all their time. Mr. Arce wanted to know who monitored his time and checked to be sure that he was not abusing any time. Lori Guldin questioned how long Officer Zelinsky served for Hamburg? President Boyd stated that it was approximately 24 years. Has he had any complaints lodged against him? Ms. Guldin stated that Zelinsky upholds the law and does his job. Tammy Wilkinson questioned if it was true that he was not permitted to drive the police car, while a patrolman? President Boyd stated that he does not know of such an issue. Ms. Wilkinson questioned if a past Council had tried to fire Zelinsky and gone to court over it? Heather Breininger stated that council should really consider the Junior Council person and get the young people involved since they are our future. A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Adam Dries to approve the minutes of December 8, 2003 meeting as submitted . ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the following reports: Engineer’s Report, Civil Service Commission Report, Road Committee Report and Property Committee Report. (Councilman Figard commented that the Road committee report was very thorough and a good report.) ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY ENGINEER'S REPORT December 17, 2003 SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
Flows at the plant are normal to high for this time of year. Treatment is within normal parameters. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to work on the capacity issue of the wastewater plant and pump stations. A meeting was held with Authority officials and the State to determine avenues of funding for the project. Tributary flow from Tilden, Cabela’s and Port Clinton remain undetermined. Estimated costs cannot be calculated until the final capacity is determined. Flow equalization versus full treatment is being analyzed. Treatment options versus flow equalization are currently estimated to be more cost effective. A verbal report will be given.
The Corrective Action Plan and Connection Management Plan have been approved by the Department of Environmental Protection. A verbal report will be presented.
Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to talk with MACA on future needs. The Authority has received a letter from MACA pursuant to organic load. MACA is considering an additional capacity purchase of 200 pounds of BOD to take their long term capacity from 700 to 900 pounds. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is using this request in the capacity review. MACA has installed a small can filter (7 or 8 oz.) to produce a new container product. MACA has asked to prorate the case charge for this new line, Systems Design Engineering, Inc. has suggested a 10% surcharge on the production due to filler spillage. MACA has accepted this proposal. The Authority should consider this proposal for approval.
As reported at the last meeting, the Solicitor and Systems Design Engineering, Inc. met to bring the draft specifications to completion. The Solicitor submitted the Rules and Regulations for review at the meeting. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. has prepared the Pretreatment Regulations and Technical Drawings. The Pretreatment Regulations and Technical Drawings are the same as previously submitted with slight revisions in the form of typographical corrections and form. The Board should discuss any required changes and/or approve the documents.
WETT/NPDES Permit Renewal-In progress Plant Expansion Study WATER SYSTEM WATER PRODUCTION The impoundment dam remains full with recent rains greatly improving inflow. Most production this reporting period has been from the surface water filtration plant. The programming for the Filter Plant has been nearly completed and the plant is again producing water. The report on the Filter Plant Performance Evaluation (FPPE) was received. The system received a satisfactory rating. Plant operators are to be commended on this review and rating. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is working with the operators on some recommendations included in the FPPE. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to work with Plant Personnel on new and proposed regulations that may effect the System in the future.
Controls at Well 5 continue to require some attention. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is working with Kohl Brothers on improving the level control of the high service pump. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is assisting plant personnel with the Radon Study.
Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is working on the Vulnerability Assessment for the water system and will report recommendations for review.
TO: BOROUGH COUNCIL, BOROUGH OF HAMBURG FROM: THE HAMBURG CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 2003 YEAR END REPORT At the end of 2002 three officers were hired for the Hamburg Police Department. In conjunction with this recruitment, the beginning of 2003 saw that all of the various testing, investigations etc. were performed for the new hires. The yield of this recruitment was three recruits being officially placed on the payroll as new-hire officers. To date, two of the full time officers remain and are actively working toward completion of their one-year probation period. The third officer is no longer employed with the Borough of Hamburg. In August of 2003, Chief Zelinsky requested that we advertise for more officers. This request prompted a review of our practices, and during this review it was discovered that the firm we used for the last written examination, PMPTS (PA Municipal Police Testing Service) had ceased to do business. To address this need, the commission appointed PA Chiefs of Police Testing Service. With this service in place, we were now ready to begin the new recruitment process. Following an application submission process, testing was performed on November 6, 2003 with sixteen applicants taking the test. To demonstrate our fiscal responsibility to the Borough we serve, commission members proctored the testing room, thus saving Borough monies. This test yielded 14 applicants that passed all sections of the test. These are the 14 applicants we will now go forward with. I want to highlight that although we had a higher pass rate on some of the sections, our governing laws state that an applicant must pass all sections. We view this as a quality initiative. We anticipate the oral interview process to be administered in the near future. Interview team members need to provide scheduling availability so that opportunities for this process can be determined. Multiple dates will be required because of this large pool of candidates. My thanks to Kim Berger for her expertise and patience as she coordinates what is arguably a difficult task. Minutes are on file in the Borough Office for review. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask anyone on the commission, Lynda Albright, Borough Manager or Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/Recording Secretary Respectfully submitted, Hettie L. Riegel Secretary, Civil Service Commission ROAD COMMITTEE REPORT Attending: Scott Kreider, Lynda Albright, Rick Pickel, Martha Bertolet, Tammy Wilkinson
Still waiting on the report of the October 2003 Bridge inspection. Receiving some assistance from Rep. Argall’s office in securing all bridge information. It was stated that there is some concern from PA Dot on the new and increased traffic patterns
Briefly reviewed this with new council-elect members to bring them up to date with what we are attempting to accomplish over the next 2 years through the use of some of the $2 million line of credit.
The storm drainage must be connected with 3rd Street before the lot can be completed. We will shoot for spring of 2004.
All work has been completed and was funded by the Municipal Authority. The repair work was caused by several water leaks over a period of time.
We reviewed this with the new council-elect members, explaining our intent for each item listed that was submitted to the county.
This project is progressing. The engineer still has some items to address before construction and installation of curbing can begin.
There was some concern as to whether the $100,000 plus cost is justified. It was questioned why we couldn’t have a retired or similar person to direct traffic when needed for school activities. The traffic study did indicate that the volume of traffic was enough to warrant a signal, however the majority of those in attendance seemed to feel that there was a more cost effective solution.
System Design Engineering is working on a plan project. It is unknown when this will be completed for review.
It was thought that Barta was now able to choose a route through downtown Hamburg. Borough crew painted lines on Pine Street, South 4th Street, South 3rd in an effort for the Barta bus to drive through the borough and over to Cabela’s and back in through the Borough and out of town to 61 south; however, I am unsure if this is being done on a regular basis at this time. 9. N. Turner St. This street is in deplorable condition and is constantly being cold patched. It was decided to notify all property owners to install curbing for total reconstruction for as late as spring 2005, if not sooner.
The road crew has made needed improvements to the river access. There have been several washouts during heavy rains. The Hamburg Lions Club may be interested in funding a more permanent solution to this area (i.e. paving, (2) drainage pipes, etc.) Superintendent Pickel was asked to get a price on how much it might cost to accomplish this. 12. Grandview Terrace/Catherine St./Arthur St. All efforts will be made to having this area reconstructed in 2004. All property owners will be notified to have curbing installed where needed. Some residents that live on State St. will have to install curbing at the rear of their properties in order that the road will be held in place between 2 lines of curbing and allow for better drainage. Storm drainage systems must be evaluated and improved if necessary to complete this area.
There seems to be inadequate drainage from the school property onto Pine St. and into detention ponds. Ron Strausser, School District Grounds supervisor, is currently installing inlets to alleviate this problem at school district expense. Respectfully submitted Scott Kreider, Chairman
PROPERTY COMMITTEE AGENDA Persons Attending: Roy Heffner, Dale Schlenker, Jeanette Heckman, Richard W. Boyd, Lynda AlbrightCouncil Elect – Tammy Wilkinson, Adam Dries, Tina Yoder, Martha BertoletUPDATES –
schedule as time permits – but will be done prior to spring. (nothing new to report on this.
commenced. Weather permitting, the painting will be done this year. Nothing new to report.
completed the study and presented the project to the library board on Tuesday, November 25, 2003; also provided them with a set of plans, a model, and a colored elevation drawing. Doug must still provide a written, preliminary construction budget estimate with the option of minimizing basement work.
transferring of the deeds and assume all costs as recommended by Committee. Wants to know if anyone interested in looking at the property before starting the transfer.
sent to BARTA officials – lines have been painted for access by the Barta bus along 4th, 3rd and State Streets and bus service has recently commenced through the business district to Cabela’s and back. Spoke with Barta today regarding trolley service. Apparently their original request for funding the trolley based on hours of use, was not fully honored. They will be resubmitting a proposal after the holidays and they will be emphasizing funding availability and logistics. Their hope is to use the trolley on weekends, this being based on present information. NEW:
OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the following board re-appointments: RECREATION BOARD - expires 12/31/06 Anna Heffner Michael Stasulli Tina Yoder ZONING HEARING BOARD - expires 12/31/06 Ronald Musser, Jr. Robert Gust PLANNING COMMISSION – expires 12/31/07 Dale Schlenker LIBRARY BOARD – expires 12/31/06 Pauline Gilmartin Nancy Kramer Corine Rollman MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY – expires – 12/31/08 Stanley Dietrich ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the 2004 General Budget in the amount of $2,448,900. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner to adopt Ordinance #718-03, establishing the tax rate of 3.5 mills for general operations and .5 mills for capital reserve for year 2004. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the annual agreement with the Animal Rescue League for 2004. This shall include a $300 contribution to ARL. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None NEW BUSINESS A motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Roy Heffner to authorize the Borough Manager to make budgetary transfers as necessary (within each organization area of the budget). ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the extension of the agreement with Penns Valley Publishers to update the ordinances for 2004 and 2005. The cost has gone down 40% from previous years. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard to release $62,486.01 from the Line of Credit to reimburse the General Account for expenditures made to date. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – A. Dries On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to accept the resignation of Rita Reed as Police Secretary per the letter submitted to the Manager. This is effective 12/18/03. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None Borough Manager Albright read the letter of resignation and it is on file in the Borough Office. Kerry Delong questioned why personnel issues are spoken about publicly. Some of these issues are strictly confidential. President Boyd stated that the letter is public information and council holds executive sessions. SOLICITORS REPORT Solicitor Speicher stated that the lawsuit that had been filed by Mr. Arce demanding storage fees against the borough has been dismissed. He can appeal if he wants to. An executive session was called at 8 p.m. to discuss personnel issues. Meeting reconvened at 9 p.m. A motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Charles Figard to accept the terms of the letter from Thomas Zelinsky dated 12/20/03 in its entirety, noting that #3 will be 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Roy Heffner to appoint Lynda G. Albright as acting Chief of Police effective midnight 12/31/03 until midnight 6/30/04. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – A. Dries A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Scott Kreider to approve payment of invoices totaling $284,474.71 ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider, A. Dries NAYES – None LIST OF BILLS AT & T 23.44 B & B COMMUNICATIONS 186.00 BOC GASES 23.07 BARLEY SNYDER 97.50 BEE NET INTERNET 20.00 BERKS CO. CHIEFS OF POLICE ASSC. 50.00 BERKS CO. REPORTING SERVICE 938.77 BERKS MONT NEWSPAPERS 281.80 KEITH BROBST 101.84 BURKHARTDT MECHANICAL 1,195.73 EHRLICH 121.00 EXETER SUPPLY 70.00 GEBHART’S OFFICE MACHINES 22.25 HAMBURG AUTO PARTS 11.03 HART, RICHARD 12,278.00 TERRY HECKMAN 200.00 MIKE KERSHNER 74.50 ANTHONY LASCALA 100.00 JP MASCARO 6,404.75 MILLER MUNICIPAL SUPPLY 38.00 MONICK VIDEO 80.00 MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 39.84 PA DEPT. OF LABOR & INDUSTRY 42.50 QUILL 692.09 RARITAN VALLEY DISPOSAL 13,302.00 READING EAGLE 156.75 REPPERTS AUTO 431.44 SCHLENKERS 146.30 SYNERGETICS 4,883.30 SYSTEMS DESIGN 4,883.30 UNFIRST 254.52 WADE ASSOCIATES 1,125.00 WINDSOR PRESS 36.00 A. H. MOYER 16,152.07 EDWARD REIDER 26,201.11 TOTAL $284,474.71 TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 170.50 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – GROSS PAYROLL 78,372.16 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – EMP. SHARE SS 4,206.31 THOMAS INVESTIGATIVE PUBLICATIONS 240.00 EDWARD REIDER 33,789.96 SAM’S CLUB 223.40 SMITH BARNEY 76,429.00 HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 50.00 PETTY CASH 29.44 TOTAL BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH $193,519.77 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $284,474.71 UPCOMING MEETINGS/INFORMATION January 1, 2004 – HAPPY NEW YEAR! (OFFICE CLOSED) January 5, 2004 - 7:30 p.m.– Continued Year-end meeting; 8:00 p.m. – Reorganization Meeting January 12, 2003 – 7 PM - RECREATION BOARD January 19, 2003 – 7 p.m. – Community Day meeting
Meeting will reconvene at 7:30 p.m. on January 5, 2004. ATTEST:
Kim Y. Berger Recording Secretary/Office Manager |
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