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MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 10, 2003 COUNCIL MEETING The third regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2003 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Rick Boyd presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer. Members Present – Richard Boyd, Roy Heffner, Leon Balthaser, Charles Figard, Dale Schlenker, Jeanette Heckman, Diana Edwards Members Absent – None Also Present – Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Lynda Albright, Borough Manager, Mayor Roy Del Rosario) Visitors – Nikki Murry (Item), Merav Bushlin (Reading Eagle), Kimm Montone (Pottsville Republican), Peggy Sterner, John Sterner, Ceylon Koppenhaver, Richard Kunkel A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the amended agenda. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE NONE A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve the minutes of the January 22, 2003 meeting. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None A motion was made by Roy Heffner 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, Treasurer's Report and Personnel Committee Report. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGERS REPORT The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of January, 2003 included the following: Was on vacation in North Carolina the first full week of January. Held one staff meeting during the month to discuss various issues with the Supervisors. On Wednesday, January 22, Keith Brobst, Water/Sewer Supt. and I met with Larry Gallagher of the Pennsylvania Game Commission to discuss new regulations and other issues regarding the Hamburg Watershed area. Met with Ron Barkman to discuss cleaning of the municipal building. Met with Doug Kramer of Synergetics Architects to review outstanding issues related to the remodeling of the municipal building. Also discussed problems still associated with the HVAC system. Had a meeting with Dave Stewart, a resident of Windsor Township to discuss the Borough or Authority interest in some mountain land he owns which abuts Borough/Authority property. I am currently researching ownership of the land in question. Had a meeting with Jeff Schlappich, owner of Schmeck’s Restaurant to review and discuss his sewer usage for the Restaurant. Mr. Schlappich is questioning how the Authority is billing restaurant usage. This will be reviewed further with the Authority engineer. Attended a meeting at the Hamburg High School to hear a proposal from Andy Muller of the Blue Mountain and Reading railroad to connect the proposed Cabela’s store with the Borough of Hamburg downtown area via a trolley-rail system. This proposal was met with much enthusiasm from Borough officials, as well as others present, i.e., Business Association members, North Berks Chamber members, residents.Took care of paperwork for submission to the State regarding the Sewage Enforcement reimbursement to the Borough. On Thursday, January 30th, met with two representatives from Raritan Valley Trash Disposal to discuss changing the trash pickup days in the North Ward of the Borough. Pickup days for trash only will change from Mondays to Fridays effective sometime in February. Raritan Valley is taking care of notifying all trash consumers in that area. Had several meetings with John Leonforte, Code Enforcement Officer to review and discuss building, zoning and code issues. In addition to the two regular council meetings, attended Authority, Safety and Property Committee. If anyone has any questions regarding my report, please feel free to ask. Listed below are the activities of my staff for the month of January. Lynda G. Albright PUBLIC WORKS SUPT. REPORT FOR JANUARY AUTHORITY PROJECTS Assisted with meter changes and meter readings. A 4" water main was repaired at 47 N. 2nd Street. The fire hydrant at 2nd and Franklin Street, which was out of
service for some time, was repaired. After the ice storm of December 26, a lot of time was spent cleaning up branches that came down as well as clearing some areas. Cold patching continues throughout the Borough. Since the crew did not have the extra time to hot patch, this continues to be a problem. The alleys are especially deteriorating. In spring, a major effort is going to be put forth to hot patch. Brush was cut along the roads, however a lot remains untrimmed. This will be worked on in the near future, weather permitting. Refacing of the street signs has been ordered. As soon as these signs come back from the manufacturer, the signs will be replaced. The winter weather continues to plague us. A lot of cindering has been done throughout the month and only on a few occasions had to plow. The one salt spreader is starting to deteriorate and I am looking to replace this in October for the start of the next winter season. During the coldest part of January time was spent working on repairing and maintaining the trucks and equipment. Richard L. Pickel Water & Wastewater Superintendent’s Report January 2003 Wastewater Rains at the beginning of the month caused both the Edenburg and Ridge Lawn Pumping Stations to overflow. The appropriate authorities were notified. The grouting of the manholes in Edenburg has since been done. We are still waiting to hear from the contractor who will be sealing the other 4 manholes. New meters have been ordered for both the disinfection/dechlorination system and the plant influent. We had another short bout with filimentous organisms. We caught it very early and the impact was short lived and minimal. Water The cold weather had a more profound effect on the water system. January 4 there was a leaking water main on 2nd St. It was repaired by Borough employees. We had several reports of "no water". In each case the service lines from curb line to the house were very long and froze on the customer side of the curb stop. The month finished up in grand style with water running out the front of the former Wright’s Knitwear building. You may recall there was a problem there about a year ago and the sprinkler system was turned off inside the building because the shut off in the curb did not hold. The inside valve froze and when it thawed the water started to flow. We had the outside vale replaced and will be in contact with the owner about reimbursement for those costs. Two day s later there was water coming from the former Pa. Steel building where a meter froze. Again the outside valve did not work. Water was turned off to that block of south 3rd street until that valve is replaced. At the Treatment Plant we have had an ongoing problem with the post filtration soda ash feed freezing. We installed a second line for a quick change over, however we ended up with both lines frozen. The lines have been wrapped with heat tape and that has sufficed except for one day. The PaDEP has approved the NPDES for the backwash clarifier at the Water Plant with one small change, that being the addition of a reportable outfall of the reservoir overflow. For the good news, all water was from the surface source and treatment is good. Respectfully Submitted Keith L. Brobst Water/Wastewater Superintendent
During the month of January, I attended two Council meetings, one EMA meeting, one EMA training session, one office meeting, one haz mat incident and one staff meeting. As you may already be aware, this has been a tremendously demanding and eventful month to start out 2003. It appears when it rains…it snows (in this case due to the temperatures outside). The beginning of the month was dedicated to closing out 2002 and preparing everything for 2003, this including reviewing and printing W-2’s, 1099’s, reports and the like. The budget and reports associated with it were completed. Throughout the month I worked with June Hilbert, the Recreation Director on various issues, including, a new program for tracking season tickets, developing new season tickets (plastic), revamping the job descriptions, revamped the season ticket information sheet, revamped the rules and regulations and developed a chart, showing the chain of command of the park and pool. Various interview letters were mailed as well as confirmation letters to those that we will be hiring. As always time was spent updating the municipal access channel. At the beginning of January a lot of time was spent working on updating the web page with all the changes of board members, dates and etc. Due to the new trash company and new uniforms for the employees, I spent a lot of time organizing and weeding out the problems associated with it. There were several workman’s compensation claims and bills that needed to be detailed and this has been taken care of. The revamped zoning ordinance document was scanned into the computer system and was modified (spelling, spacing etc.) This took me a great deal of time but it has been turned over to John Leonforte and Lynda for review with the appropriate board. The 911 center called on a few occasions and between the office staff and myself we verified all the information that they requested. I have created a system of keeping track of the registration plates for all the borough and authority vehicles and equipment. I have verified with Pa DOT that all our plates are correct and accounted for. Worked with the library on employment and benefit issues as well as asked for information to input into the web page. Received a lot of complaints regarding the trees hanging on wires on Windsor Street. After various calls to Met-ED and verification that these lines were both cable and telephone, I contacted both companies. Unfortunately these companies do not trim tree branches on wires. They informed me that it is the property owner’s responsibility. A letter was sent to the property owner and the owner took care of trimming the trees. Compiled the revenues and expenses of the pool for Lynda. Information was compiled regarding the revenues and expenses of beverages sold at the pool. Time was spent organizing and moving records to the second floor. Everyone in the office prepared for the auditors. The auditors are scheduled to be here from February 3 to February 17, 2003. I am in the process of working with the engineer to gain reports that he needs. Due to a change in trash days for the northward, almost 1,200 addresses were typed and emailed to the trash company for a mailing they will be doing.
Respectfully submitted, Kim Y. Berger
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT February 5, 2003 Persons present: Rick Boyd, Jeanette Heckman, Charles Figard, Lynda Albright Items discussed: Officially appoint Donna Sweigart as assistant librarian as chosen and approved by the Hamburg Library Board. Hire summer staff (names as submitted by Borough Manager, Lynda Albright) for the park and pool. Enact policy as required by law for HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Act and Accountability) and make Lynda Albright, borough manager responsible person for its duties. Review policy for removal of board members that are unable to fulfill their duties. Respectfully submitted Jeanette Heckman, Chairperson
OLD BUSINESS Councilman Balthaser wishes to discuss the noise problem at the "Back Door". Councilman Balthaser stated that they have done everything that they can to keep the noise down. However, on Friday and Saturday evening there was an individual playing the drums and it was disturbing. Apparently the Chief was called and he stated that there was nobody on duty and they did not check out this complaint, however, Chief Zelinsky indicated that he could summon the State Police or the Shoemakersville police to handle the complaint. Councilman Balthaser did not wish to have anyone else other than a Hamburg Police officer respond. Councilman Balthaser also stated that the proprietor is trying to make the business run and he is coming up with a lot of obstacles. Mr. Sterner wanted to defend himself. He stated that he was playing at about 8 pm and it was for ˝ hour to 40 minutes and he has spoken with the neighbors and this was okay with them. Besides it was not being done while being were trying to sleep. Mrs. Sterner asked that the noise ordinance be revamped to be sure that it is fair to everyone. President Boyd stated that the noise ordinance is in the process of being revamped. NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee and Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the hiring of the following individuals for the 2003 summer season at the park and pool: Aaron Wetzel, John Andracchio, Joshua Gruver, Raynore Clark, Vivian Zweizig, Rebecca Harrison, Troy Adams, Lauren Smith, Kristen Ketch, Michael Ketch, Bethany Emes, Zachary Romig, Travis Fritz, Brad Biehl, Anne Boran, Ben Scharadin, Geoffrey Yoder, Steven Smith, Kyle Travaglini, Adam Moyer, Anthony Casko, Jasten Prutzman, Joe Pugliese, Michelle Stark, James Pierce, Matthew Caruano, Bradley Spotts, and Kristen Epting, Jennifer Bechtel. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Roy Heffner naming Lynda Albright the Privacy Official for developing and implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). (This policy must be in effect by April 14, 2003.) Also naming Kim Y. Berger as the alternate. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee and the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Dale Schlenker establishing the season ticket rates for the 2003 summer season as follows: BEFORE MAY 15: RESIDENT FAMILY - $125.00
ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to appoint Donna Sweigart as a full-time employee in the Library as the Children’s Librarian retroactive to 1/1/03 at a rate of $10.00/hr. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Roy Heffner to appoint Gerry Thren as the Borough Council’s representative to the Municipal Advisory Committee (between Hamburg-Tilden-Windsor) which deals with the disbursement of funds to The Fire Company. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Leon Balthaser to approve payment of invoices totaling $160,711.85 ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker NAYES – None LIST OF BILLS AT & T 161.64 AMERICAN ROCK SALT CO. 2,427.32 ARK RENTALS 862.57 BCMHIPG 16,028.99 BARKO CLEANING 828.00 COUNTY OF BERKS 1,630.17 BERKS PRODUCTS 96.53 BERKS-MONT 23.10 BLUE MT. COMPUTER SERVICE 540.00 BURKHARDT MECHANICAL 1,632.08 COLLISION SAFETY INSTITUTE 250.00 DEFENSE PROCUREMENT MFG. SERVICE 54.50 EMAC DAIRY BRUSH 74.40 EJB PAVING 103.60 EARTHLINK INC. 23.95 EDENBURG WELDING 560.00 ENGLE-HAMBRIGHT & DAVIES 101.00 GBF INFO 188.16 GALLS INC. 183.96 HAMBURG AUTOMOTIVE 75.79 HENNS GARAGE 602.64 HEPNERS GLASS SHOP 29.05 HESS, ANDREW 79.06 IACP POLICY CENTER 100.00 INTERNATIONAL SALT CO. 1,620.62 STANLEY KLOPP 122.66 EM KUTZ 188.74 KUZANS 101.85 LEE WAYNE 1,315.50 LOWES 71.95 JP MASCARO 6,404.75 MET ED 5,683.20 MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 96.08 MEIT 135.50 NEXTEL 792.04 PPL UTILITIES 1,693.57 PATRIOT COLLISION CENTER 709.01 PENN PRIDE 735.83 POWERCO 10.97 PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCES 405.00 RANDALL RENTSCHLER 73.00 SAM’S CLUB 42.13 SOFTWARE SYSTEMS 29.43 SOMES UNIFORMS 32.00 STAPLES CREDIT PLAN 25.98 STRAUSSER INSURANCE AGENCY 50.00 SYNERGETICS 495.00 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 155.70 US MUNICIPAL SUPPLY 355.40 UNIFIRST 152.00 VERIZON 408.76 WEIS MARKETS 30.00 WESTERN AUTO 101.26 WINDSOR PRESS 815.15 THOMAS ZELINSKY 16.50 TOTAL $49,526.08 CASE CREDIT $11,829.06 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH 99,356.71 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $160,711.85 INFORMATION ITEMS February 11, 2003 – 6 p.m. – Library meeting (in the Library building) February 12, 2003 – 3:30 p.m. – Road Committee February 17, 2003 - 7 p.m. – Planning Commission February 18, 2003 – 7 p.m. – Safety Committee February 19, 2003 – 6:30 p.m. – Water Sewer Committee February 19, 2003 – 7 p.m. – Authority Meeting February 26, 2003 – 7:30 p.m. – Council Meeting
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. on motion of Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Leon Balthaser.
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