The thirteenth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2005 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with Vice-President Tammy Wilkinson presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer.

Members Present – Tina Yoder, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Dale Schlenker, Tammy Wilkinson, Martha Bertolet

Members Absent – Adam Dries

Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Solicitor Shollenberger, Mayor Del Rosario (7:45 p.m.)

Visitors- Kerry Delong, Heather Breininger, Norma Berger, Scott Kreider, Lori Guldin, Rick Boyd, Chief Michael Painter, Maria Herne (Pottsville Republican), Mike Trask (Reading Eagle)

A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the amended agenda adding the Personnel meeting under information items.

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Scott Kreider was present to state that they have been successful with some aspects of the Barta Bus schedule however; there are still some 3 and 4-hour gaps. The riders will continue to be proactive in addressing Barta.

Mr. Kreider also questioned what was happening with the Wright’s property, it is in such bad shape. Juveniles are constantly in and out of the property. Why can’t the borough board up the doors and any other entrances to keep the kids out before there is a catastrophe?

Borough Manager Albright stated that a few years ago it was checked into and it would have cost the borough between $20,000 and $30,000 to board it up properly. The Borough’s hands are tied with this property. Manager Albright also stated that Solicitor Speicher has been investigating the circumstances with this property.

Mr. Kreider also stated that years ago there was an ordinance regarding the placement of signs on telephone poles within the borough and the removal of such signs. It looks terrible. What can be done about this.

Manager Albright stated that it is very difficult to enforce. However, with the particular signs that Mr. Kreider was speaking about, we can notify the business owner who erected the signs and ask them to remove them.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Tina Yoder to approve the minutes of the June 27, 2005 meeting.

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman 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, Building/Zoning/Codes Report, Treasurer’s Report, Police Report and Property Committee Report.

NAYES – None

The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of JUNE, 2005 included the following:

Addressed complaints and other correspondence as needed.

Met various times during the month with John Leonforte, Code Enforcement Officer, for updates on projects he is working on, primarily North Crescent Avenue, as well as various storm sewer projects and code enforcement issues throughout the borough.

Spent a great deal of time working on the new policy/rules/regulations for use at the park and the pool.

Again spent time working on the Management, Discussion and Analysis Report requested by the Auditors which, when completed, will be incorporated as part the 2004 Audit of the Borough.

Handled issues dealing with the I-78 project; also met with representatives from PennDOT to review the tentative time line for completion. I expect to receive documentation within the next several weeks. It appears that Confer Avenue, between Northmont Avenue and North 4^th Street, has been paved and should be re-opened to the public by the beginning of July.

Attended a meeting with PennDOT, Ludgate Assoc., and Deena Kershner to review the streetscape project, which should be ready to commence in spring of 2006.

Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Figard and I met with the Mayor to determine the need to change addresses on Chestnut Street in the new Wyndcliffe II development for the purpose of enabling better response time by the various emergency services.

June Hilbert and I met with one of the pool employees regarding an injury she sustained while working at the pool and her availability to work over the next couple of months.

June Hilbert and I also interviewed a potential candidate for employment at the food stand as a supervisor. She will be recommended for hire.

Mayor DelRosario, Deena Kershner, OTF, and I met with a newspaper reporter from Pleasantville, NJ in order that he could obtain information relative to the economic impact to Hamburg as a result of the Cabela’s store. Apparently a Cabela’s is being considered in both the northern and southern areas of New Jersy.

Attended settlement on property the Borough purchased on State Street across from the NAPA building.

John Leonforte and I met with representatives from Great Valley Consultants to discuss and review a proposed development in Hamburg and issues relative to zoning in that area.

Met with EPA to get updates on the Exide property, as well battery casing clean up in the Borough. Also, participated in a community survey they were doing.

Attended two meetings for police negotiations.

Attended the Open House for the new Redner’s, which seems to be well received by the community. It is a real "plus" for Hamburg.

Met with a resident in the community relative to review water/sewer/trash bills on a vacant property he owns.

In addition to the two regular council meetings, Recreation Board, Hamburg Municipal Authority, attended Property committee, Safety Committee, Finance, and Sewer 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 JUNE, 2005.

A lot of time was spent at the park and pool.

The fence at the park was repaired.

The diving board was repaired and the 6" PVC pipe was repaired at the filter room for the large pool.

The bathroom stalls in the pool bathhouse were repaired.

The crew assisted with removing the trees at the monument.

Painted the curb at the fire company.

Cut the weeds along the roads and the flood control dam.

Painted the cross walks around the borough and the word "stop".

Work with the contractor for paving of North 6^th Street.

Assisted the authority with cutting the sewer plant field.

Repaired the 2" water line at the sewer plant.

Cut a tree, which was blocking access at the water filtration plant.

Repaired stop signs and installed signs at various locations.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard L. Pickel Public Works Supt.

Water

Water for the month was from the surface source. Supplies are very low and I expect to be on well water very soon.

The clarifier at the water plant has been cleaned. I expect the suspended solids in the effluent to go down significantly.

The effluent meter for the clarifier has been calibrated. PaDEP conducted a compliance inspection and found no issues.

Wastewater

All 5 clarifiers and the #3 aeration tank have been cleaned. We plan to continue cleaning tanks in August after MACA closes, as loads should be lighter at that time.

We are testing a rotary drum sludge thickener for aerobic sludges. So far it has worked well taking sludges from .5% to 2.5% total solids. We are continuing to work with the manufacturers representative and a representative of a polymer manufacturer to fine-tune the process.

I&I inspections continue. Residents are not responding as quickly in this, the last zone. Second notices have been sent. The dry weather makes manhole inspections a moot point.

We had a main blockage on 3dr St. causing back ups into several homes. We called in a jet truck and opened the line. We removed a significant amount of grease.

The belt press is finally back on line. There were a series of unexpected issues that kept it from running for an extended period. Hauling was minimal due to the thickener and better settling.

We are experiencing problems with ph. We are adding soda ash daily to stay within permit parameters, however it has been at times, a challenge.

Respectfully Submitted

Keith L. Brobst
Water/Wastewater Superintendent

Spent a lot of time preparing notices for the last zone of the inflow and infiltration project. Appointments were made for about ½ of the properties in this zone.

After the inspections, sent letters to those problem areas.

Entered and printed a lot of season tickets

Assisted the Recreation Director in various ways.

Weed notices and junk car letters were mailed to those in violation.

The office prepared and mailed the Consumer Confidence Reports and a mass mailing for the Emergency Management Information forms.

Took pictures of the lifeguards to make a board for the pool.

Completed the quarterly reports for payroll.

Completed the grease trap notifications.

Attended an Emergency Management training program.

Attended two council meetings and staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for all the meetings.

Respectfully submitted,

Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager

Six building permits and thirteen zoning permits were issued in June.

John Speicher’s office is working on ordinance re: zoning amendments for special exceptions when sign proposals exceed certain zoning requirements.

I contacted Ryan Curran At Barry Issett regarding the traffic study done at the south 4th Street and Route 61 intersection. He will send to us ASAP.

Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows:

Construction is complete and occupancy certificates have been issued to Redners and the Credit Union at Cedar Shopping Center. Fit out for a liquor store inside the Redners store is not complete.

Inspections and reviews continue American hotel regarding the second phase of construction. The restaurant area on 4th St is expected to be open by the end of July.

Hamburg Commons site work has begun. Rite Aide construction has started.

Main street Streetscape project is now in the design stage and survey work has begun on 4^th street and State street.

Penn Dot 78 construction project has started. New curbing at Confer St is in place.

Inspections were completed for residential and light commercial, previously permitted, work in the borough.

The storm water project for Windsor St at Peach Alley at the KMX property has been delayed until EPA

sends a clarification of financial responsibility for work required if battery casings or contamination are discovered while installing pipe.

Berks county has offered to help the borough with redevelopment plans at a meeting with the borough’s

Planning commission. The Planning Commission will attempt to define a plan over the next year.

Property Maintenance complaints of rubbish, and Occupancy inspections continue to be addressed.

John Leonforte
Code Administrator

The first week of full time was very busy for the pool. Our revenue was doubled over the same periods last year. The weather was unusually warm for this time of the year. By the second week of June our playground was open and they were enjoying a lot of attendance participation in planned activities is good.

We are teaching tennis and baton twirling this year in addition to our planned activities. By the third week of June the pool was very full. We have a special activity each week. This week we had a scavenger hunt. Both parents and children were involved. Fun was had by all. Next week our activity for Wednesday is "Mother’s Day". We will be playing bingo with the mothers for prizes such as a candle, a keychain, a box of candy and so forth. Some of the planned events for July are: 16^th -Y102 pool patrol will be with us. On the l9th we will be having our Wild Wild West Days. We have 2 swim & dance parties planned for July. We will be making wristband and Indian headbands for our Wild Wild West Days. The playground is working on the Battle of the Parks, and a picnic at Kaercher Creek. They are also doing crafts for our Wild Wild West Days.

Till next month
June Hilbert
Recreational Director

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

JUNE 28, 2005

MUNICIPAL CENTER – 4 PM

ATTENDING: Lynda Albright, Martha Bertolet, Chuck Figard & Dale Schlenker

The Borough made settlement on the Canal Property at Front & State and is now Borough owned.

Barta Bus has updated their schedules, please take note of changes.

The Borough received approval from the Municipal Authority to expand the salt bin.

Our solicitor is reviewing the policies for park/pool and the smoke free ordinance for the park/pool which will be effective shortly.

Terry’s Tree Service removed both trees at the monuments-looks good.

Fees for park usage were discussed along with vendor permits. Discussion will continue.

Confirmation was received from PennDot, for liquid fuels payment of the dump truck lease. Truck should be in service shortly.

Park vandalism is still a pressing issue. Discussion on how to approach the problem in different ways is a priority and will be fast forwarded to the Police.

Chairman of Property

Dale R. Schlenker

Dale Schlenker questioned juveniles blocking access or traffic at the corner of Franklin and Park Road. This is a problem and needs to be addressed. Chief Painter will check into the situation.

None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Tina Yoder to hire Teresa Stern retroactive to June 20, 2005 as a food stand supervisor.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman authorizing reimbursement to the general account from the line of credit the amount of $30,324.28.

NAYES – None

Rick Boyd asked that PA DOT be notified to erect regular stop signs at Confer Avenue and a "No Outlet" sign at Confer and Northmont.

A motion was made by Tina Yoder and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve payment of invoices totaling $137,273.42

T. Wilkinson abstained from Met-Ed (family member works for them) and Reading Eagle (direct income).

NAYES – None

AT & T 296.66

AQUA SERVE 5,859.48

BERKS PRODUCTS 321.77

BERKSMONT NEWSPAPERS 100.31

CABELA’S RETAIL 149.91

SANDRA CHRISTMAN 332.94

FORT DEARBORN LIFE INSURANCE 222.66

FOX VALLEY SYSTEMS 77.86

GREAT VALLEY CONSULTANTS 521.73

HAMBURG AUTO PARTS 12.48

HARTMAN JANITORIAL 850.00

HENN’S GARAGE 393.09

HERR FOODS 92.46

HERSHEY CREAMERY FOODS 872.38

MIKE KERSHNER 374.35

KUZANS 70.62

LEISAWITZ, HELLER, ABRAMOWITCH 2,659.03

LOU EES 1,652.00

LOWE’S BUSINESS ACCOUNT 110.68

PAUL MELNICZEK 344.00

MET-ED 5,320.53

MILLER MUNICIPAL DIVISION 270.15

MILLER’S 5 & 10 105.23

MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 24.14

MUNICIPAL EMPLOYERS INS. TRUST 188.50

NATL. ELEVATOR INSPECTION 60.00

NEXTEL 680.25

PA DEPT. OF COMM. & ECON. 34.00

PPL GAS UTILITIES 776.41

PENN PRIDE 1,226.76

PRECISION DYNAMICS 89.75

READING EAGLE 219.80

MJ REIDER 120.00

RANDALL RENTSCHLER 24.46

SAM’S CLUB 59.22

TERRY’S TREE EXPERTS 800.00

THREN’S AUTO PARTS 72.80

THYSSEN KRUPP ELEVATOR 165.18

TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 170.50

UNIFIRST 234.96

VERIZON 428.03

FRANCIS WERLEY 559.75

WIN OUTLET 944.58

WINDSOR DISTRIBUTING 866.25

TOTAL $28,755.66

BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH

SAM’S CLUB 1,920.19

HAMBURG JAYCEES 500.00

POSTMASTER OF HAMBURG 774.17

BERKS CO. TREASURER 260.00

JUNE HILBERT 63.60

YODER’S HEATING 994.80

BOYER’S FOOD MARKET 74.20

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – GROSS PAYROLL 86,288.60

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – EMP. SHARE SS 4,642.48

THOMAS ZELINSKY – HEART AND LUNG 984.96

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – DEDUCTIONS 276.04

OAKLEY 29.00

ADP 192.40

BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS 20.80

CLASSY III 5.20

COUGLES RECYCLING 325.00

CROSS KEYS INSURANCE 5.20

THEORDORE DANDO 52.00

FIORE’S TANNING 5.20

FIRST UCC CHURCH 5.20

GREEN ACRES LAWN 46.80

MARY BETH KEMP 5.20

TERRY LOEB 5.20

JOSEPH NELABOVIGE 10.40

READING NORTHERN RR 22.20

REGIS CORP 36.40

ROCKWELL APPRAISALS 20.80

SFARA PIZZA INC. 20.80

SKYLINE TRAVEL 5.20

VFW 10.40

XIANG SHAN 10.40

DANIEL CORRELL 10.00

CHRIS HARTZ 3,844.53

AMERAD HESS 52.00

HAMBURG ATHLETIC 107.59

BETTY DELONG 167.84

ALLEN WILKINSON 100.00

PETTY CASH 65.49

J & A HANDY CRAFTS 66.42

ORIENTAL TRADING 42.43

FIRST AMERICAN 5,476.72

BERKS CO. RECORDER OF DEEDS 26.00

BERKS CO. 50.00

BERKS CO. TREASURERS 311.50

HMA 600.00

TOTAL $108,517.76

None

July 18, 2005 – 7:00 p.m. – Planning Commission

July 19, 2005 – 7:00 p.m. – Safety Committee

July 20, 2005 – 7:00 p.m. – Hamburg Municipal Authority Meeting

July 25, 2005 – 7:00 p.m. – Water/Sewer & Public Relations Committee

July 25, 2005 – 7:30 p.m. – Borough Council meeting

July 14, 2005 – 3 p.m. – Personnel meeting

Attest:

Kim Y. Berger
Recording Secretary/Office Manager