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MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 8, 2003 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The twenty-third regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2003 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 Boyd, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Roy Heffner, Scott Kreider, Dale Schlenker Members Absent – None Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Solicitor Speicher, Mayor Roy Del Rosario Visitors- Eric Veronikis (Hamburg Item), Helen Becker, Tammy Wilkinson, Adam Dries, Nevin Dries, Martha Bertolet, Donna Smith, Garnetta Heckman, Margie Bender, Alean Tray, Dale Frye, Lori Guldin, Jeff Guldin, Bob Gust, Holley McEllroy, Bob Mengle, Tina Yoder, Dennis Schwoyer, Debbie Spence, Dean Kauffman, Ruth Cass, Tim Neufeld, John Timtishin, Moises Arce, Tracy Arce, Kimm Montone (Pottsville Republican), Officer McEllroy, Lisa Gehring, Tammy Wilkinson, Merav Bushlin (Reading Eagle), John Sterner, Peggy Sterner, Richard Hybe, Norma Berger, Clara Moyer, Heather Breininger, Brad Breininger A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Scott Kreider to approve the amended agenda along with adding a verbal report by the Mayor under the reports section. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Heather Breininger was present to question why the November 10 minutes were approved without the board having all of the minutes before them. Ms. Breininger had picked up Mr. Balthaser’s minutes since it was public information and only half of the minutes were there. Councilman Kreider explained that the packets were sent out with only half the minutes and the other half of the minutes were distributed that evening for everyone to review. Ms. Breininger questioned if the residents can look forward to receiving the newsletter on a regular basis or was that just some special that was put out because of the election. President Boyd stated that it is hopeful that the new council will continue with it. Ms. Breininger questioned if it was in the budget for next year. President Boyd stated that it could be. Ms. Breininger questioned whose responsibility it was to publish it. President Boyd stated that Council as a whole created it as well as the Library, Historical Society and the Main Street committee. Ms. Breininger questioned if the agenda was going to be placed on the website so that the public can be kept informed. President Boyd stated that it would be. Moises Arce and the Citizens for a better Hamburg read a statement and voiced concern about the safety of the residents and children if a police officer would be laid off. Mr. Arce once again asked for President Boyd to step down as President of Borough Council with a petition as presented in the past. A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the minutes of the November 24, 2003 meeting. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the following reports: Borough Manager’s Report, Public Works Supt. Report, Water/Sewer Supt. Report, Office Manager’s Report and Police Report. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGERS REPORT The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of November, 2003 included the following: Continue spending time and working with John Leonforte regarding code enforcement issues, as well as work on the proposed new zoning ordinance. Meeting has been held with representative from Systems Design who is projecting that a "Draft Copy" with the engineer’s recommendations will be submitted by the end of December.Handled utility billing issues as well as various complaints regarding weeds, trash, zoning issues. In addition, Keith Brobst and I met with several businesses during the month regarding outstanding billing issues. Again, a significant amount of time has been spent on preparation of the 2004 budget. The preliminary budget has been submitted, however, I continue to make changes with as minimal impact on the public as possible. We have been faced with decreasing revenues in our earned income and extremely high increases in medical insurance as well as worker’s compensation and liability insurances. Attended two meetings with Benecon (medical insurance representative) to discuss the impact of Blue Cross rates for 2004. After several resubmissions to Blue Cross regarding a rate increase, they have agreed on a 30% increase to all municipalities participating in the program. Spent time taking care of and following up on issues at various committee and board meetings. Attended a job meeting regarding the progress of the DJ’s office. Work is still ahead of schedule and should be complete by the end of December. It is hopeful the DJ offices can be relocated to the municipal building in early January. Have met and spoken with some of the council-elect members on several occasions to provide information as necessary as they move towards their taking office in 2004. Chief Zelinsky and I met with Allen Piper of the Reading Transportation Commission to discuss the letter received from PennDot regarding one-way traffic on certain streets in the Borough. Allen has indicated a willingness to participate in this project as necessary and have this included in the traffic study to be done in this area, hopefully in 2004. In the mean time, several concerns were raised regarding the one-way streets and they will be addressed with the Safety Committee for recommendations. Greg Unger of SDE, Keith Brobst, W/S Supt, Steve Smith, Authority Chairman and I met with several state representatives to discuss sewer capacity and future use of the sewage system, funding, etc. In addition to the two regular council meetings, attended Authority, Personnel, Safety, Property and two finance 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, 2003.
Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT The yearly winter process of replacing meters with remote boxes has begun. One borough crewman and sometimes two replace meters Tuesday through Thursday. Equipment continues to be serviced and the street sweeper had to have several brooms replaced. The salt spreaders and snow plows were readied for the winter season. Salt was delivered and we should be ready to move when the first snowflake falls. The new cinder spreader was installed on the 89 dump truck. The Street Sweeper was used heavily during the month of November to sweep around the borough as well as to vacuum up the leaves around town and around the inlets to keep them from becoming clogged. This is a done as a preventative measure so that when the heavy rains come and bring the leaves down, the inlets are not clogged and the rainwater can run into the drains as it is supposed to. Cold patching continues to be done around the borough. The crew continues to get bombarded by complaints from residents of North Turner Street regarding the pot holes. We do our best to accommodate them as well as other areas of town, but there is little or nothing that we can do to appease them. The cold patching does little to fix the damage. It is put in place and when it rains the water just washes it right back out. The crew repaired some signs around the borough including the stop sign at Apple and Franklin Streets. The crew spent time painting the garage roof, however the paint was defective and started chipping. After speaking with the company, we received new paint and we will have to repaint the roof at a later date. The crew assisted Kim in moving tables and chairs in the council room for police testing. I met with Scott Sproessor of Sproessor’s Lawn Care to discuss prices for snow plowing and clearing snow from intersections if the crew would need assistance in the future. I met with Mark Kitzmiller of Systems Design Engineering in reference to the storm water project that needs to be done in the borough. The Borough received 600 recycling containers. The crew unloaded the containers and then moved these containers into the building for storage. On Franklin Street near Belmont Avenue, we installed 20 ton of blacktop to help with the deterioration of the roadway. Due to the Christmas trees from 2002 not being chipped, the crew rented a chipper and took most of a day to chip them and get them out of the way. Since the soccer season has terminated, the park bathroom and food stands have been winterized. The crew spent a lot of time cleaning up the sticks, leaves and debris at the park. We have been seeing a lot of vandalism occurring at the park again. Trash and debris of all types has been collected. Parts of fencing have been discovered broken and/or missing. The crew spent time painting the fence posts at the park. The crew has replaced an 8 foot piece of sidewalk on the Franklin Street side near the playground equipment. The crew spent time working at the Hamburg Reservoir cutting brush behind the dam. During the month I attended staff meetings and the Road Committee meeting as required. Respectfully submitted, Richard L. Pickel Public Works Supt. Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report November 2003 Water Water for the month has been a mix of surface and well water. We spent about a week working on programming. During that time and on a few days since we did some testing for radon in the plant, which required the operation of both well 5, and the wells at the plant. Since the programming changes at the plant, it has been running smoothly and we don’t expect any more interruptions of surface water use. The intersection at 4th & Pine has been reconstructed and the traffic light controls will be repaired shortly. Wastewater Flows remain high due to frequent heavy rains. While there were no by-passes at the Pine Street Pumping Station both the Ridge Lawn and Edenburg stations have overflowed several times. We are continuing to look for sources of inflow and infiltration both in Windsor Twp. and in Hamburg. We have installed or replaced manhole inserts throughout the system and will continue to do so. Response to our requests for property owners to make repairs to their vents and clean outs are, by and large being ignored. Second notices will be sent. We welcome Robert Grugan to the staff. Robert’s responsibilities will be mainly to help deal with the I & I problems. He will be conducting inspections of basements and vent traps as well as metering flows in manholes and laterals and assisting with collection system maintainence. On November 26 we were called to 28 S. 3rd Street for a clogged lateral. The problem turned out to be a clogged main. A contractor was hired to clean the main and we spent an entire day working on the line. By late afternoon on the 28th the line was open, however, the grease buildup requires further cleaning. Using a water jet we opened the line from Washington St. to Lemon Alley and jetted Lemon Alley. Moving all that grease created problems downstream and we will be cleaning those mains shortly. The filimentous problem we were experiencing is under control, and beyond issues related to flow, the plant is working well. Respectfully Submitted Keith L. Brobst Water/Wastewater Superintendent OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT Assisted two departments in securing jackets, coveralls, coats, Nextels, etc. for the new laborers. For Civil Service I obtained the needed paperwork, pencils, tests, etc. and organized the council room for the applicants. I assisted Hettie Riegel in proctoring for the evening. Researched information regarding the pool. Various filing was accomplished in the office as well as organizing the storage area. Assisted with budget preparation on numerous occasions. Assisted the insurance company and the tractor trailer company responsible for the traffic accident at 4th and Pine Streets. I have been in contact with the Ontario, Canada company as well as with our insurance company on a regular basis. Compiled various dates for the new year, staff meeting, payroll dates, closing dates etc. Assisted the police department and PA State Police on an investigation. Faxed quarterly COPS grant paperwork. Worked on various parking ticket issues. Information has been accurately recorded. Various letters, memos etc. were completed. Assisted police department on occasions as necessary. Attended two council meetings, civil service testing and staff meetings as necessary.
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT NOVEMBER 2003 ACTIVITY REPORT
The following activities were performed for November, 2003 by SRO Schwoyer:
Bullying- 2
DARE Classes- 6 Exploratory Classes- 2 Researched student information for Officer McEllroy investigation 11/13/03 – Along with SRO duties covered calls on the street, No other Officers on.
Respectfully Submitted, SRO Dennis R. Schwoyer
A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None
An executive session was called at 7:37 p.m. to hear a presentation from DCED regarding a management situation in the police department Meeting reconvened at 9:04 p.m. A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Dale Schlenker requesting DCED perform a Management Review of the Police Department at no cost to the Borough and the Borough Manager to be the point contact for this review. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Scott Kreider to authorize the Mayor and Jeanette Heckman (Personnel Committee Chairman) to discuss labor issues with the Chief of Police. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None A motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Charles Figard to accept the Personnel Committee report. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT 12/2/03 – 6 P.M. Persons Attending: R. Boyd, c. Figard, J. Heckman, M. Bertolet, T. Wilkinson, T. Yoder, A. Dries, L. Albright, Borough Manager and approximately ten residents and visitors. Items Discussed: 1. Update on Officer Leymeister’s request for Heart and Lung. Doctor’s Report determined that physical condition is job related, therefore it is recommended that he be granted Heart and Lung. 2. Discuss and recommend appointments and reappointments to Recreation Board, Library Board, Authority, Planning Commission and Zoning-Hearing board as listed by Borough Manager (See Council meeting Agenda for list.) 3. Offer John Leonforte the opportunity to join the BCBS plan at no cost to the borough. 4. Recommend Council elect Adam Dries, fill the resignation created by Leon Balthaser for the remainder of the later’s term. 5. Discussed the need to trim the budget for 2004-2005. Suggestions from all persons present were heard and given thought. Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jeanette Heckman The Mayor attended a ceremony with M.A.D.D. and was presented a ALCO-Sensor for DUI. Mayor Del Rosario gave it to Office McEllroy so that he could utilize it. Mayor Del Rosario stated that the Police Department now has a certified Federal Motor Carrier Officer. Officer Mengle attended the schooling and is now certified to inspect tractor trailers, buses, etc. Mayor Del Rosario presented Sgt. Painter with a Medal of Honorable Service for assisting with saving the life of John Sleboda. OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Finance Committee a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker to rescind the prior motion to prepare and advertise the tax ordinance at 3.25 mills for general operating and .5 mills for capital reserve. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Scott Kreider authorizing the Borough Manager to prepare and advertise the 2004 tax ordinance setting the tax rate at 3.5 mills for general operating and .5 mills for capital reserve. (There will be no lay-offs in any department with this tax increase) ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve Officer Richard Leymeister’s request for Heart and Lung Benefits. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Scott Kreider to remove from the table the proposed billboard ordinance. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Scott Kreider to adopt Ordinance #717-03, the Billboard Ordinance as presented. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None
NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to appoint Adam Dries to fill the vacant council seat created by the resignation of Leon Balthaser. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None Mayor Del Rosario swore Adam Dries into office and Adam took a seat at the council table. On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Jeanette Heckman appointing Harold (Buck) Holtzman as the Council’s representative to the North Berks Recreation Corp. for 2004. 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 Resolution #3-2003, increasing trash rates from $180.00/year to $190.00/yr., effective with the 2004 bills. 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, Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve Resolution #4-2003 - 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 1.99%). ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider. A. Dries NAYES – None A motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve payment of invoices totaling $70,547.79. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider. A. Dries NAYES – None List of Bills For Approval AT & T 224.04 ALBRIGHT COLLEGE 50.00 BARKO CLEANING 914.00 BARLEY SNYDER 350.00 COUNTY OF BERKS 1,630.17 BURKHARDT MECHANICAL 862.50 PA DEPT. OF LABOR 25.00 EMAC DAIRY BRUSH 112.90 EJB PAVING 603.60 GP FASTENER 7.50 HAMBURG AUTO 141.08 HENN’S GARAGE 278.61 INTL. CODE COUNCIL 100.00 LEISAWITZ, HELLER, ABRAMOWITCH 4,336.78 M & T BANK 21,705.60 MET-ED 5,300.97 MILLER MUNICIPAL 109.90 MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 35.01 PA LOCAL GOV. SEC. ASSN. 75.00 PPL GAS UTILITIES 1,085.73 PENN PRIDE 772.64 READING EAGLE 445.25 SAVAGE, E.S. 32.00 SYNERGETICS 14,698.85 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 155.70 VERIZON 406.19 WESTERN AUTO 8.18 WINDSOR PRESS 731.83 YIS/COWDEN GROUP 253.75 UNION FIRE CO. 15,000.00 TOTAL $70,547.79
SOLICITOR’S REPORT No Report UPCOMING MEETINGS/INFORMATION
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m. on motion of Charles Figard and seconded by Adam Dries. ATTEST:
Kim Y. Berger Recording Secretary/Office Manager
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