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MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 12, 2001 COUNCIL MEETING The 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, Roy Heffner, Leon Balthaser, Scott Kreider, Jeanette Heckman, Charles Figard, Diana Edwards Members Absent – None Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary Visitors – Thomas J. Zelinsky, Jr. – Chief of Police, Fred Sheeler, Harold Holtzman, Norm Prutzman, Nikki Murry (Item), Alex Rodriguez (Reading Eagle/Times) A motion was made by and seconded by to approve the amended agenda by adding Letter "E" under New Business – CDBG money and changing the list of bills amount. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider, D. Edwards NAYES – None
COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Fred Sheeler was attending the meeting to represent the Northern Berks Chamber of Business and Industry and invite everyone to the Tour of Tamaqua’s downtown area on Friday, February 23, 2001. The Chamber’s meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2001 at 7 p.m. at Jack D’s. The basis of that meeting will be about the Main Street program. Norm Prutzman wanted to thank the Borough Council members for serving on the board. Mr. Prutzman was questioning the Committee reports and why they are not given verbally or discussed at the meeting. Mr. Prutzman wanted to know why and by whom it was recommended. President Boyd stated that it was done about four years ago and it was discussed at length with the Council. Mr. Prutzman questioned what the advantage was. President Boyd stated that the advantage was that the information about what was discussed in the individual committees be put in a report and go out to the public via the press. Anyone who would like information can come into the Office. Mr. Prutzman also stated that there was a lot of dissention on Council. It appears that Leon Balthaser and Scott Kreider vote together, however, he gave the two ladies on council credit for speaking their minds. President Boyd stated that the way things that are done are deliberated first and Council members do not make snap decisions. Mr. Prutzman is concerned that Council members are not thinking individually. Councilman Figard stated that he will vote for whatever he thinks is the best for the Borough. Mr. Prutzman stated that there should not derogatory comments made about fellow Council members. This is in poor taste. This should cease. Anything personal should be left out of this issue. Councilwoman Heckman stated that she was glad that he spoke up and that she thinks the Council members are doing what they think is correct. Councilwoman Edwards stated that we have to keep personal issues out of it. The bickering has got to stop and we should do what is right for the Borough. Mr. Prutzman stated that Councilman Balthaser is doing what he thinks is right for the Borough. Also, the municipal center would not be what it is today, except for Leon. Councilman Balthaser stated that he did not think that the vote about the terminating of the Building Inspector/Zoning Officer was a rash decision as President Boyd stated it was. A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Diana Edwards to approve the minutes of the January 24, 2001 and the January, 30, 2001 meeting as submitted. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider, D. Edwards NAYES - 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, Treasurer's Report, Police/ Mayor Report and Property Committee Report. (Councilman Figard asked if we are still using a lot of water. Manager Albright Stated that there is probably a pretty big leak because usage is up and it is not showing up at the sewer plant. Councilman Figard also questioned how long till the backhoe is paid off. Manager Albright stated that she believed that we have two years left to pay on it after this year’s payment.) ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider, D. Edwards NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER'S REPORT JANUARY, 2001
The Borough Manager's activities during the month of JANUARY, 2001 included the following: A lot of time was spent in the beginning of the month in preparation for the tax anticipation note. Closing with the bank was held here in my office on 1/16/01. Also, spent a substantial amount of time regarding Penn Steel’s closing, having attended two meetings, one on 1/8/01 with representatives from Penn Steel, Council President Boyd, Council V.P. Roy Heffner and on 1/9/01 with Rep. Argall, union reps. of Penn Steel, reps from Penn Steel. Concerns were addressed by those in attendance regarding the future of this facility and its employees. Held two staff meetings during January to discuss various issues with department heads. On 1/24/01 attended Nextel phone demonstration prior to council meeting. Met with Paul Reidenhour of Windsor Township to review and discuss the agreement that he has with the Hamburg Center regarding the flood control dams, water rights, etc. Tonya Gerner and I interviewed additional applicants for positions at the park and pool for the summer season. Recommendations will be made to the Personnel Committee for their hire. Met with a workers compensation insurance adjuster from Vincent Insurance Adjusters to review John’s Ayello’s prior workers comp claims in an effort to determine if his estate is entitled to receive a settlement. Also spent time during the month dealing with building/zoning issues, created by the termination of Joe Wertz as building/zoning officer. Attended first police negotiating meeting on 1/31/01. In addition to the two regular meetings and one special meeting of Borough Council, I attended Authority Meeting, Finance Committee, Personnel Committee, Safety Committee, and Property Committee meetings. If anyone has any questions concerning my report, please feel free to ask. Following are the reports of my staff for the month of January, 2001. LYNDA G. ALBRIGHT BOROUGH MANAGER
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – JANUARY 2001 During the month of January, the Borough Crew completed the following: AUTHORITY PROJECTS The crew continued to rebuild fire hydrants. The crew trimmed some trees along the sewer plant road. GENERAL WORK Brush was cut along the roadways. A lot of time was spent cold patching around the borough. A great deal of time was spent working in the police office. The crew plowed snow, cindered streets and moved snow from the intersections. After the various snow incidents the trucks and equipment had to be repaired. Street signs were changed. Various lawn mowers and other equipment were worked on getting ready for the spring season.PARK/POOL The pool was "topped off" and filled with water. Richard L. Pickel Public Works Superintendent Water and Wastewater Superintendent’s Report January 2001 Water The water plant is back on line and running in "auto". After some initial difficulties Tony has got the plant purring like a kitten. We are still running well 5 because usage is very high. We have located a leak and will be making a repair within a few days. Repairs have been made to the fence at the water treatment plant where it was cut. And a new gate should be installed behind well 3 within a few days. Wastewater The leaking wet well at the Ridge Lawn Pumping Station has been repaired. The grinder pump at the Edenburg Pumping Station has had the gear box rebuilt. Both Windsor Pumping Stations need to be evaluated along with the collection system. Both stations have been unable to handle even slightly higher than normal flows.The filimentous problem is finally under control. There were no permit exceptions due to the problem, however it took an extremely long time to control it. The "pinch" valve to waste aerobic sludge has not been working properly. We removed it and found it clogged with leaves. This valve was buried. We have reinstalled the valve but it is not performing the way it should and we may, after all, replace it. Flows are slightly higher than normal but have not caused any problems outside of the Windsor Pumping Stations, Keith L. Brobst Water and Wastewater Superintendent OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT – JANUARY 2001 The month of January has come to a close, the following information has been completed for the month. I completed the year end process for the accounting package, year end reports were printed for the auditors and I am in the process of preparing for the auditors. They anticipate arriving around the first full week of February and I still have things to prepare for them, however, I hope to be completely ready a few days before their arrival. Budgetary transfers were performed in various organizations, Motor License year end report was prepared, the payroll program was updated for 2001, including the new tax tables and rates for the employees, various letters to residents and memos to employees were also completed. As you are already aware, the Accounts Payable Clerk was hired and I am in the process of slowly training her. Her starting date was January 15, 2001. I have the office staff working on preparing the information to hand deliver to the businesses for the collection of Occupational Privilege Tax. I am again working on a workman’s compensation claim. I have been on the telephone almost daily with the insurance agent, the doctor’s office or the nurse case manager. We hope that this will soon be rectified. I have been working on the web page, adding businesses and other information. I have added several things to the web page, including the Hamburg Jaycees and updating information for the meeting dates. Software Systems Inc. has been here on a few occasions to work with the Utility Billing Clerk on the new system. We plan to go live with the February billing. I have been on conference calls numerous times with the company to straighten out problems or questions that they have. I attended two staff meetings, two regular Borough Council meetings and one special Borough Council meeting, the Nextel demonstration and one EMA meeting. Minutes and/or notes were typed for all meetings. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Submitted by, Kim Y. Berger
THE FOLLOWING IS A REPORT OF ACTIVITY OF THE HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY: INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED COUNT DESCRIPTION 1 Burglary Forcible entry 4 Assault Harassment, Stalking, Other not aggravated6 Theft By Unlawful Taking or Disposition 2 Disorderly conduct1 Drunkenness, public 4 Harassment by Communication 2 Indirect criminal contempt 5 Offenses against family or children, domestic disp 2 Vandalism, criminal mischief 4 Animal complaints 2 Dogs running at large (borough ordinance) 15 Assist ambulance 1 Assist fire company 18 Assist Other Departments 3 Assisted disabled motorist 2 Complaint Neighbor disputes 1 Noise complaints 4 911 Hang-up Calls 4 EMS Advisory 40 Miscellaneous calls/complaints 1 Miscellaneous incidents 1 Persons Attempted suicide 3 Medical emergency/personal injury acc/nature death 2 Property Alarms calls 10 Property False Alarms 4 Lost property 2 Property Security checks 1 Violation Borough ordinance violation 2 Violation Littering CRIMINAL ARRESTS Harassment, Assault, Other not Aggravated 2 Assault with Hands, Fists, and Feet 2 Bad Checks 2 Disorderly Conducts 2 Drunkenness, Public 1 False Reports 2 Indirect Criminal Contempt 1 Weapons, possession TRAFFIC REPORT 6 Parking complaints 12 Parking tickets issued 1 Parking violations 1 Fleeing or attempting to elude police 1 Moving stopped or parked vehicles 1 No passing zone 5 Obedience to traffic control devices 2 Operating vehicle under suspension 1 Stop sign violation 6 Traffic accidents (non-reportable) 8 Traffic accidents (reportable) 5 Traffic stops 2 Vehicle Escorts 4 Abandoned vehicle
MILES DRIVEN – 1997 FORD – CROWN VICTORIA – WHITE 835 1995 FORD – CROWN VICTORIA – WHITE 977 1993 FORD – CROWN VICTORIA – WHITE 2081 _____ TOTAL MILES DRIVEN 3893 FINES COLLECTED DISTRICT COURT 23-03-06 $ 1501.04 BOROUGH PARKING TICKET FINES 355.00 COMMON PLEAS COURT 50.00 _________ TOTAL $ 1906.04 Respectfully Submitted, Michael C. Painter SergeantMAYOR’S REPORT JANUARY 2001 The following is the Mayor’s Report for January 2001. 1/3/01 – Held meet with the Mayor meeting. Alex from the Reading Eagle stopped in to discuss the future plans of the vacant businesses in Hamburg. Council President Rick Boyd and Councilman Leon Balthaser were also present. 1/08/01 – Attended the monthly Borough Council meeting 1/16/01 – Attended the monthly Safety Committee meeting 1/23/01 – Officer Scott Williams and I attended the Girl Scout meeting and gave a small presentation about being a Police Officer, Mayor and Paramedic. We also held a mock trial charging one of them with drug possession with intent to distribute. 1/24/01 – Attended the monthly workshop meeting of the Borough Council I will be awarding a monthly "Top Cop" award to one of our police officers for outstanding performance of duty. This months winner is Officer Dennis Schwoyer. When you see him, please congratulate him on his outstanding efforts. Respectfully submitted, Roy C. Del Rosario
Property Committee meeting – 2/6/01
OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Charles Figard to adopt Ordinance No. 697-00, extending the red fire zone at the Fire Company. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES - None NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Jeanette Heckman authorizing CFL Mechanical to install ten (10) motorized damper motors on the HVAC air handler units on the 1st and 2nd floors at a cost of $275.00 each. (Discussion: Councilman Balthaser questioned what the savings would be and why they weren’t put on in the beginning. President Boyd stated the savings would be about $10,000 a year in energy costs and we don’t know why they weren’t put on in the beginning.) ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES - None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Roy Heffner to have the Borough Manager prepare and advertise for the adoption of the most current Pennsylvania Building Codes. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES - None On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Scott
Kreider and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to set the rate for the tax collector
for the next four years at 2% commission for current Real Estate and per Capita
taxes. L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to execute an agreement with the Berks County Community Development for Storm Drain work and associated street work in the amount of $50,000 of which we will be receiving a grant. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES - None A motion was made by and seconded by to approve payment of invoices totaling $124,271.06 A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to amend the original motion to add to the list the donation to the Fire company for the fire truck in the amount of $20,000. Roll call on the amendment ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider, D. Edwards NAYES – None Roll call on the original motion ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard S. Kreider, D. Edwards NAYES – L. Balthaser LIST OF BILLS
UPCOMING MEETINGS/INFORMATION
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. on motion of Diana Edwards and seconded by Charles Figard. Attest:
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