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MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 10, 2005 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The first regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2005 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Adam Dries presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer. Members Present – Adam Dries, Tammy Wilkinson, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Martha Bertolet, Dale Schlenker, Tina Yoder Members Absent – None Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Mayor Roy Del Rosario, Solicitor Shollenberger Visitors- Nikki Murry (Hamburg Item), Neven Dries, Kim Emes, Dennis Schwoyer, Larry Ernst, Heather Breininger, Norma Berger, Lori Guldin, Rick Boyd, Kerry Delong, Pat Delong, Chief Michael Painter, Scott Kreider (arrived during Executive Session) A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Tina Yoder to approve the amended agenda by adding the Road Committee Report for approval. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, T. Yoder NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Officer Dennis Schwoyer requested permission from Chief Michael Painter to address the Council. Chief Painter stated no, he did not have his permission. Officer Schwoyer asked the Mayor if he had permission to address the Council. Mayor Del Rosario stated that he would like to try to resolve this situation before it is brought before Council. Officer Schwoyer stated that he would be seeking legal counsel to protect his rights. Kim Emes questioned if Council had a total amount for the frivolous lawsuit that was filed against the borough by J & T. Manager Albright stated that she did not. Mr. Emes questioned whether the legal fees came out of the line of credit. Manager Albright stated that they did not come out of the line of credit. Mr. Emes questioned if the Borough was going to attempt to recoup the legal fees that were created because of the lawsuit. Manager Albright stated that she is working with the insurance company on this matter. Larry Ernst raised questions regarding the new OPT tax. Manager Albright stated that council’s decision was to find the extra revenue without going after the homeowners again. Also, the employees who work in the borough utilize the services that are beneficial to them, such as police, fire and the streets. We contribute to these organizations. Mr. Ernst also questioned why it wasn’t "eased into" rather than going the total $52. Councilman Schlenker stated that each municipality can set the OPT tax to whatever they want up to $52. Hamburg is choosing $52. Councilwoman Wilkinson stated that the money will be used to offset emergency services. Mr. Ernst stated that three years ago, there was a property maintenance fee put in place to offset the inspector costs. Since then the owners have not be billed. Why has it been stopped? Councilman Schlenker stated that the uniform construction code came into effect and he felt it should be stopped. Mr. Ernst questioned the trash rate and why it has to be billed all at once. Manager Albright stated that it was changed to once a year payment a few years ago to generate some income in the beginning of the year. Mr. Ernst requested permission for himself or the borough to place street signs in Primrose Alley. His business is located in Primrose and delivery trucks are having a tough time finding it. Mr. Ernst was referred to the Streets Committee on the first Monday of February at 3:30 p.m. Questions were raised by Pat Delong regarding the number of employees hired for the park and pool and the amount spent for salaries at the park and pool. A motion was made by Tina Yoder and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the minutes of the December 29, 2004 meeting. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Tina Yoder 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 Report and the Road Committee Report. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGERS REPORT DECEMBER, 2004The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of DECEMBER, 2004 included the following: Held Staff meetings to discuss various issues. Handled complaints as needed. Met various times during the month with John Leonforte, Code Enforcement Officer, for updates on projects he is working on. Held meeting with June Hilbert, Recreation Director, to discuss the hiring of a pool manager(s) for the upcoming summer season and to address concerns about their responsibilities and duties. Members of the Property Committee and I met with Wayne Wade of Wade Associates to review the plans and specs for the main and baby pool renovations. The baby pool specs will go out to bid for opening in January. Wayne will also be working with the Borough to apply for a grant to supplement the costs of the renovations to the main pool. Attended a self-assessment project on Financial Management at the Rockland Center of Albright College offered through the Center for Community Leadership. This is one of several that I am participating in during 2005. I, again, spent a major portion of my time working on the budget and the process associated with its adoption for year-end. Also worked with the bank and solicitor to finalize the 2005 Tax Anticipation note. Met with a representative from the new janitorial service we are using as of the beginning of the New Year. Met with our insurance representative to review the new insurance policies going into effect January 1. Workers compensation rates are down approximately 25%, however, we are seeing increases in both liability and auto due to several claims during 2004. Keith Brobst, W/S Supt., Greg Unger, SDE, Dave Fink, Authority V.P. and I met with state and federal representatives concerning funding for the proposed sewer plant expansion and pumping station upgrades. June Hilbert, Rec. Director and I conducted interviews for park and pool personnel for the summer season. A recommendation for hiring will be made to Personnel Committee. In addition to the two regular council meetings, Planning Commission and Hamburg Municipal Authority, attended Property committee, Safety Committee, Finance, Personnel and special budget meeting. 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 Dec ember, 2004.
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT DECEMBER 2004The Borough crew trimmed trees around the borough, those hanging in the right of way which caused dangerous situations. The brush along the Schuylkill River Greenway and river was cut. Also along the service road, Port Clinton Avenue and Mountain Avenue. Oil was changed in the backhoe and pick up trucks as well as the police cars. New signs were erected at Fawn Court and signs and sign posts were repaired at State and Franklin Streets and 5th and Franklin Streets. Cold patch continues on a regular basis. Due to a leak in the police office, ceiling tiles were replaced. The spring rides at the park were repaired. For the 90-day trial period, the curb was painted on the bridge on the south side State Street. Fire hydrants were rebuilt at 4th and Windsor, Park Avenue, Fairview and 564 Franklin Street. The salt spreaders and snowplows were put on the trucks for the winter. On December 19, 2004, we did have a crew out salt/cindering. The crew assisted the contractor with installing the 15" pipe on North 6th Street. The crew started to work on the ceiling in the well house at the reservoir. Attended staff meetings and Road Committee as requested. Respectfully submitted, Richard L. Pickel Public Works Supt. Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report December 2004 Water All production for the month was from the surface source. We continue to have problems with the filters getting clean after backwash. We are working with Roberts Filter to resolve the issue. A programming change may be necessary. Roberts also worked on some signaling and instrumentation issues. The new well houses are essentially complete. There are a few things that need to be finished but they are for the most part functional. We are working at refining the control system at well 5. It seems the controls are not reacting linearly making it difficult to control the clear well level. We had the meters on the wells as well as well 5 and the reservoir calibrated. Wastewater Heavy rains early in the month caused the Ridge Lawn and Edenburg Pumping Station to, once again, overflow. Heavy rains just before Christmas again caused Edenburg to overflow. PaDEP was notified and the proper paperwork was filed. Wastewater The plant is meeting its permit parameters, but settling is not good. Loading over the course of a day is very uneven. The oxygen sensor and control is starting the backup blower off and on thru the afternoon and evening. The backup runs 2 to 4 hours a day. A spill at Mid Atlantic Canners caused some minor problems, however the oxygen control system kept them to a minimum. All manholes in the area south of the interstate have been inspected. We are on schedule with the corrective action plan and should start manhole repairs in the next few days. Respectfully Submitted Keith L. Brobst Water/Wastewater Superintendent
During the month of December: Assisted with budget issues. Created various charts as well as reports regarding the budget. An abundance of memos, letters were completed, these include, memos to employees, junk car letters, thank you letters, board appointments and reappointments, year-end letters and grease trap letters. Quarterly reports were completed, W-2’s and year end reports were completed. Trash billing was completed and were taken to the post office for mailing. I attended a training course given by SSI. This course reviewed year-end procedures and update requirements. I have been working with two individuals regarding worker’s compensation claims. I worked with the wastewater treatment department regarding the I & I issues. A list was compiled of those individuals who have not come into compliance. I corresponded with the Authority’s solicitor to have these individuals contacted via mail and have been receiving calls for inspections. Reviewed information for the Civil Service report to the council. Corresponded with Civil Service secretary and the report was finalized and submitted to council for approval. Created several ordinances for adoption by council. Throughout the month various pictures were taken of situations, which required action. Assisted a Tilden Township official with EMA plans, directives and information. I will be working with them to answer questions and assist them in any way that I can. I again, have been working with the Met-Ed representative regarding a few troublesome lights in the center of town. We are working with the supervisors and the Vice-President to rectify this situation. I have updated the web page and the municipal access channel. Attended two council meetings and staff meetings as necessary. Respectfully submitted, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT December 2004 ACTIVITY REPORT
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT 2004 YEAR END ACTIVITY REPORT
The following is a list of activities completed by SRO Schwoyer for the Month of December 2004. INCIDENCES – 18 – (Incidences investigated, assisted or handled)
(2) Child Custody Issue- 2 Elem. – 1 M.S. – 1 (3) Drug Offense – 1 (M.S.) (4) Possession/Use of Tobacco Products in School – 1 (M.S.) (5) Threat – 1 (HAHS) (6) Parking Complaint – 1 (HAHS) (7) Disorderly Students – 2 (HAHS) (8) Bullying – 1 (Elem) (9) Fight – 1 (After School- Off Campus on Windsor St)
STUDENT CONFERENCES – 5
PARENT CONFERENCES – 2
DARE CLASSES - 7
EXPLORATORY CLASSES – 4
CITATIONS – 6 Attendance- 4 – Elem- 1, M.S.-2, HAHS- 1 Disorderly Conduct – 1 (for possess. Sm. Amt. marijuana) Tobacco Violation – 1
HEARING- D.J. – 1
TRAINING – Response Law – Defuse and Manage Problem Students and Confrontational Parents.
BANK TIME-------------------------------------- Carry over from November = 9.50 hrs 12/03 – Girls & Boys B.B. Tournament --- 1530-2230 --------------------------- + 7.00 12/04 – Girls & Boys B.B. Tounament --- 1415-2100 --------------------------- + 6.75 12/08 – Girls B.B. Game -------------------- 1745-2100 ---------------------------- + 3.25 12/09 – Boys B.B. Game -------------------- 1745-2115 ---------------------------- + 3.50 12/10 – Girls B.B. Game -------------------- 1745-2100 ---------------------------- + 3.25 12/15 – Girls B.B. Game -------------------- 1450-2100 ---------------------------- + 3.25 12/20 – Two Hour Delay – Ice ------------- 0730-0930 ---------------------------- - 2.00 12/20 – Girls B.B. Game -------------------- 1745-2100 ----------------------------- + 3.25 12/22 – Boys Wrestling Match ------------- 1800-2000 ----------------------------- + 2.00 (+ 32.25) (-2.00) Total Dec. --------- + 30.25
TOTAL CARRIED TO JANUARY 2005 ------ + 39.75
Respectfully submitted, SRO Dennis R. Schwoyer ROAD COMMITTEE REPORT – JANUARY 3, 2005 Attending: Tammy Wilkinson, Tina Yoder, Martha Bertolet, Dale Schlenker, Lynda Albright, John Leonforte and Richard Pickel Audience: John Driscoll, Jeanette Heckman, Ed Heck, Thomas Donahue, Michael Donatelli, Richard Boyd and other N. Crescent Avenue residents A public meeting was held for the North Crescent Avenue residents with future street and storm sewer work pending in the next coming year. A public session was held to include the N. Crescent Ave. residents on the progress of the project, a broad scope of work to be done, questions or concerns that the property owner might have and or encounter with the project. John Leonforte will be working with the residents for information concerning this project. He has also compiled a list of concerns with street lighting. Right-of-way, electrical and various other potential complications or concerns. Other mattes discussed were storm drain work on Windsor Street. Water run off management for the residents of S. 3rd Street, update progress on N. 5th Street, in addition, Catherine, Arthur, & Grandview Streets will be addressed at a later date. Tina Yoder OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard approving Ordinance #728--05 - AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING THE EMERGENCY AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES TAX. (Discussion: Councilwoman Wilkinson asked if there were going to be any exemptions or a minimum and it was stated that there are no exemptions. Councilwoman Bertolet questioned if there was an individual working two part-time jobs, who would get the fees. Past practice has been that if you pay at one place you do not have to pay at the second job. Should we collect the difference? Solicitor Shollenberger stated that he did not know the answer to that but that he believes that the statute has not changed. Solicitor Shollenberger stated that we can re-visit this topic next year and revamp it if necessary. Councilwoman Wilkinson questioned if we can make our own exemption amount. Solicitor Shollenberger stated that it was $12,000 or nothing). ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. SchlenkerNAYES – None NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Borough Manager and Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Tina Yoder to hire the following applicants for the 2005 park/pool summer season: Lauren Smith, Kristen Ketch, Kristen Epting, Jasten Prutzman, Brandon Ebeling, Jordan Heckman, Nathan Mengle, Denise Thomas, Gregory Thomas, Sara Hartman, Bethany Emes, Michael Ketch, Troy Adams, Kyle Travaglini, Jennifer Bechtel, Anthony Casko, Gail Grill, Vivian Zweizig, Raynore Clark, Derick Dupree, Kyle Smith, Amie Spatz, Anne Boran, Kathleen Mayberry and Steven Smith. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. SchlenkerNAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to hire Iliana Ramierz as a Translator for the Hamburg Police Department at a rate of $8.00/hr. and to be used only on an as-needed basis. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None Mayor Del Rosario enacted his right to veto the 2005 Budget/Tax Ordinance. Mayor Del Rosario stated that he would like to see the Line of Credit be removed. The borough has barely enough money to pay the bills, how are we going to pay back the Line of Credit. Street work still has not been touched. A lot of discussion was held regarding the budget. A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to override the Mayor’s veto. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. SchlenkerNAYES – None Kerry Delong stated that council really needs to work towards the future and do their homework now. A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Tina Yoder to approve payment of invoices totaling $195,425.79. (Councilman Schlenker stated that the Mayor can pay for his own Mayor’s Assc. dues of $10 as a way to save money. Also Councilwoman Heckman and Councilman Figard paid their $10 subscription to the PSAB magazine and Tina Yoder wanted her name removed from the subscription.) T. Wilkinson abstained from Reading Eagle (direct income) and Met-Ed (family member works for them) ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. SchlenkerNAYES – None
List of Bills For Approval AT&T 304.95 Albright College 400.00 Association of Mayors 10.00 Albright College 295.00 Barko Cleaning Service, Inc. 788.00 Berks Cty Chiefs of Police Assoc. 50.00 County of Berks 1,836.97 Berks Products Corp. 437.92 Berks-Mont Newspapers, Inc. 438.55 Blue Marsh Syurveyors 5,121.00 Blue Mtn. Computer Service 100.00 Berkhardt Mechanical 357.30 CNA Surety 100.00 Career Track Inc. 149.00 E-Mac Dairy Brush Co. 55.80 Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Co. 230.68 Four Star Electronics 672.00 Great Valley Consultants 1,469.79 Hamburg Auto Parts 61.00 Henn’s Garage 139.99 Kantner’s Tire Service 16.00 Mike Kershner 37.00 Kermit K. Kistler, Inc. 210.74 Leisawitz, Heller, Abramowitch 1,635.92 Lowe’s Business Account 347.37 Met-Ed 5,325.84 Miller Municipal Division 246.00 Miller’s 5 & 10 66.03 Mountain View Supply 22.69 Municipal Employers Ins. Trust 188.50 Munis 4,365.00 National Emblem, Inc. 152.00 PA State Assn. Boroughs 90.00 PA State Assn. Boroughs 300.00 PA State Assn. Boroughs 25.00 PPL Gas Utilities 1,834.06 Penn Pride Inc. 1,009.87 Purchase Power 2,016.99 Quill Corp. 198.00 Reading Eagle Co. 67.20 Reppert’s Auto Service 408.21 Telco Inc. 580.00 Thren’s Auto Parts 34.44 ThyssenKrupp Elevator 165.18 Unifirst 207.56 Verizon 407.32 YIS/Cowden Group Inc. 45.50 Zee Medical Service Co. 82.20 Thomas Zelinsky, Jr. 21.20
TOTAL 33,123.77 INVOICES PAID PREVIOUSLY 162,302.02 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL 195,425.79
BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH Borough of Hamburg – Gross Payroll 124,816.36 Borough of Hamburg – Emp. Share S.S. 5,972.04 Berks CO Treasurer 207.00 M&T Bank 2,442.27 Hamburg Soccer Assoc. 150.00 Anthony Lascala 97.00 Nathan Hess 35.00 Jeremy Kalis 35.00 Michael Lund 35.00 PA Assn Boroughs 50.00 Michael Popovich 35.00 Petty Cash 75.11 Postmaster of Hamburg 552.68 Reading Co. Technical & Historical 1,026.25 Sam’s Club 85.08 Donald Smith 35.00 William Strickler 35.00 Union Fire Co. #1 7,500.00 Tammy Wilkinson 43.04
SOLICITOR’S REPORT Attorney Shollenberger commented on the Stewart land swap. There are clean and green issues. This issue is being worked on. Executive session was called at 8:30 p.m. to discuss personnel issues. Meeting reconvened at 9:12 p.m. A motion was made by Tina Yoder and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to grant Officer Richard Leymeister Heart and Lung Benefits. ROLL CALL: AYES – None NAYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. SchlenkerINFORMATION ITEMS January 17, 2005 – 7:00 p.m. – Planning Commission January 18, 2005 – 3:30 p.m. – Safety Committee January 24, 2005 – 6:30 p.m. – Water/Sewer & Public Relations Committee January 24, 2005 – 7:30 p.m. – Borough Council meeting There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m. on the motion of Tina Yoder and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson.
Attest:
Kim Y. Berger Recording Secretary/Office Manager | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
