The eleventh 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 – Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Dale Schlenker, Tammy Wilkinson, Martha Bertolet

Members Absent – Adam Dries, Tina Yoder

Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Solicitor Shollenberger, Mayor Del Rosario (7:38 p.m.)

Visitors- Mike Adams, Lori Guldin, Ingeborg Heffner, Dennis Schwoyer, Rick Boyd, Dan Roman (Hamburg Item), Mike Trask (Reading Eagle), Maria Herne (Pottsville Republican)

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the amended agenda.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Mike Adams, resident of Hamburg, was present to make council aware that he is hoping to start a grange in Hamburg. He would like to have support from the council if possible. Mr. Adams stated that he will have a stand at Community Days to gather support and answer any questions. Mr. Adams left some brochures for people to take with them and read.

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the minutes of the May 23, 2005 meeting.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Martha Bertolet 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.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

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

Held Staff meetings to discuss various issues.

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, North 6^th Street, as well as various storm sewer projects.

Worked with Office Manager to get the amended information out to the businesses regarding the new EMST tax.

June Hilbert, Recreation Director and I met to discuss last-minutes details for various park and pool issues, as well as making personnel changes. June and I also spent time again working on a new Policy/Rules and Regulation for the Park which was presented to both Property and Safety Committee. The policy is in the process of being finalized and then submitted to the solicitor for his review.

Attended the quarterly meeting with Benecon regarding the Borough’s Health Insurance. The municipal group has decided in favor of self-funding our health insurance, which should provide more cost savings for all the municipalities participating. This will go into effect January 1, 2006.

Met with Public Works Supt. Rick Pickel and Electrician Mike Kershner at the old Arts and Crafts building at the Park to discuss recommended work for additional lighting and other remedies to alleviate vandalism in that area of the park.

Met with Deena Kershner, OTF Manager several times during the month to discuss the possibility of a streetscape program for Hamburg, as well as the potential for a Redevelopment Plan. Information on the Redevelopment Plan will be presented to the Hamburg Planning Commission for their thoughts and comments.

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.

In addition to the two regular council meetings, Recreation Board, Hamburg Municipal Authority as well as Property committee, Personnel Committee, Safety Committee, Finance, Personnel Committees.

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 May, 2005.

Lynda G. Albright Borough Manager

This month was a big month of work being done at the park and pool getting it ready for the Summer of ’05.

Cleaned the wading pool and painted the wading pool.

Spent a lot of time at the pool cleaning and prepping it for the season and worked on the filters.

Repaired numerous path lights at the park with the assistance of our electrician.

Due to the graffiti, painted around the flag on the stage.

Repaired a ½" water line at the park for the food stand. This occurred during the Memorial Day Festivities and we had to shut off the water to that food stand. We gave the Jaycees a temporary water source for this weekend.

Repaired the fence at the park.

The grass continues to be mowed at all park locations.

The crew spent time cutting the weeds in the streams.

The spring cutting of the flood control dams were completed.

The crew continued with the spraying of weeds along the roadways.

The red curb was painted at the fire company.

Repaired a 4" water main at the intersection of State and Church Streets.

Repaired the backhoe for the wastewater department.

Repaired numerous signs including the stop sign at 4^th and Franklin St.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard L. Pickel Public Works Supt.

Water

Most water for the month was from the surface source.

There was a leak at Church and State Streets. There was significant damage from the road being undermined. It will need significant reconstruction.

The new finished water meters and the associated data management equipment have been installed. These meters will allow more water for fire flow and will also read in both directions allowing more accurate tracking of water use.

Wastewater

The bulking problems we have experienced over the last several months are finally under control. While settling is not good, it is significantly better. Ammonia levels have returned to normal after a spike at the end of April.

The belt filter press was on line for a short time; however a problem with the tracking of the belts has shut us down again. New disks in the comb assembly are on order and their installation should remedy the problem.

The start of construction on I-78 along with EPA’s lead remediation projects have kept us busy locating and marking both water and sewer lines. Residents may have noticed blue and green marks on streets and sidewalks. These marks indicate the location of water and sewer services.

In home inspections continue. There remains one zone to do. There are a few places throughout the town yet to be inspected. There are also a few in non-compliance.

We have set up a demonstration of a rotary drum sludge thickener. The hope is to cut disposal costs by removing sludge with higher solids content. We expect to start the trial shortly.

I attended a training session on the new regulations on laboratory certification. In light of these rules it may become advantageous to send more of our work to a commercial lab. We are looking at the pros and cons and will make a decision in the coming months.

I, along with representatives of Systems Design and Steve Blefgen visited East Norriton Township WWTP to look at some raw sewage pumps that are being considered for the Pine Street pump station upgrade.

Respectfully Submitted

Compiled all the park and pool employment forms and agreements and made sure that they were completed.

Completed the Little Miss Community Day fliers.

Worked with PRO-AC on the HVAC study.

Decorated the municipal center for the Memorial Day festivities.

Worked on the M D & A for the auditors.

We have received a lot of season ticket applications before the deadline as well as after. I am hoping that a lot more applications come in as the weather warms up.

Completed and submitted the 902 Performance Grant for the recycling.

The office is receiving a lot of weed complaints and these are being taken care of.

Worked on the street bids for two projects as well as discussed them with the PA DOT representative.

The letters regarding the sewer inspections continue as well as "problem" letters are being sent.

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 five zoning permits were issued in May.

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:

Inspections and reviews continue at Cedar Shopping Center for the renovation of the former Ames site into a Redners store and fit out for a liquor store and credit union inside the Redners store.

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 June.

Hamburg Commons Development is progressing, Rite Aide plans have been reviewed and approved,

HOP from Penn Dot has been issued.

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.

Bidding has been received and awarded the storm water project from Poplar to N Crescent Street.

A plot plan and estimates for salt storage expansion of the existing storage have been provided for review by the borough and sewer authority.

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

I spoke with, County planner, Jamie Passon re: the county UCC board of appeals being established. He will contact me with particulars as the board is developed, later this summer. We can determine if we wish to participate with the county board at that time.

John Leonforte

Code Administrator

We have completed stocking our food stand and we are ready to open for the Memorial Day weekend. The pool, although its problems, looks great. Ricky and his men have done a great job.

We opened the pool on Saturday, May 27^th, we had a few swimmers but the cold weather has kept the people away for now. Hopefully, next month will be a great month.

Sincerely

June D Hilbert

Recreational Director

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

MAY 24, 2005

MUNICIPAL CENTER – 4PM

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

The Property Committee recommends to Council that we move forward on the expansion of the salt bin.

A draft has been prepared, and is being reviewed by the Safety Committee and the Property Committee for additions and deletions, on a Park/Pool policy. There is way too much vandalism at the park, costing the taxpayers unnecessary expenses; efforts will be made to curtail these problems thru the implementation and police enforcement of a policy.

Wade Associates was given the go ahead to finalize and put out to bid the repairs to the pool. We would like to begin after the pool closes this year.

The Property Committee recommends the installation of two (2) additional lights at strategic positions on the playground, in addition to spot light at the east end of the pool refreshment stand to illuminate areas of continued vandalism. The cost for material and installation is $1,800.00. In addition the Manager reported that the wiring under the bingo pavilion will be replaced at a cost of $450.00. This, too, is being done in an effort to minimize vandalism in that area.

The Property Committee recommends measures be taken to repair the food stand at the park. Numerous proposals are being researched.

The Property Committee recommends dialog begin with Barta on the schedule changes and how it will affect local riders.

The Property Committee recommends the Rotary Club and the Northern Berks Recreation Commission be allowed to rename the current Hamburg Bicentennial Walkway, the Richard M. Etchberger Bicentennial Memorial Walkway. In conjunction with this recommendation, the before mentioned groups would continue to maintain the walkway and seek permission to erect new signage at both entrances of the Walkway. The signs will have pictures of the Old Schuylkill Canal printed on the face of sign. There is a long range plan intended with the following proposed and recommended by the Property Committee: restore the canal by removing all trees within the canal bed, restore the canal to a canal like ecosystem and erect trail signs to explain the history of the canal and tell the story of Richard M. Etchberger. The total anticipated cost of these ventures is in excess of $8,000.00.

Chairman of Property

Dale R. Schlenker

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to approve ordinance # 731-05 - dealing with amendments to the motor vehicle code.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to take action giving permission to the Greater Hamburg Business Association to hold their annual Heritage Day on Saturday, September 24, 2005 as requested.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker to take action authorizing the purchase of a spot light and two additional path lights at the park at a cost not to exceed $1800.00.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker giving permission to close the 100 and 200 blocks of South 3^rd street (Pine to Grand) on Saturday, August 20, 2005 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. for the Rock School, Culture Shock and Journey Café to hold an open house and to have students show their accomplishments.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Jeanette Heckman authorizing the President of Council and the Borough Manager to execute the easement agreement between the Borough of Hamburg and Carl and Ruth Hein giving the borough permission to place a buried storm sewer pipe across their property located on N. 6^th Street.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Dale Schlenker to allow the Hamburg Rotary Club and the Northern Berks Recreation Commission to rename the current Hamburg Bicentennial Walkway to the Richard M. Etchberger Bicentennial Memorial Walkway. These groups will continue to maintain the walkway and seek permission to erect new signage at both entrances of the walkway.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard council take action approving two resolutions between the Borough of Hamburg and the PACC (Pennsylvania Capital City) for the purchase of the two dump trucks being purchased.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

Councilman Schlenker wanted to express his appreciation and gratitude to all those involved in the Richard Etchberger Memorial. A picture of Mr. Etchberger was presented to the Council for display in the Municipal Center.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Martha Bertolet to approve payment of invoices totaling $158,245.47

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

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

List of Bills For Approval

AT&T 377.13

A.R. Adam & Sons 108.00

Albert’s Warehouse 61.85

Albright College 115.00

American Red Cross 266.70

Kim Y Berger 300.00

County of Berks 1,867.26

Berks-Mont Newspapers 135.00

Commonwealth of PA 82.00

D.S. Dalious Fire Equipment 185.00

E-Mac Dairy Brush Co. 65.30

EJB Paving & Materials 230.48

EMC Insurance Companies 2,500.00

Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Co. 233.06

Galls Inc. 232.96

Great Valley Consultants 1,499.07

Hartman Janitorial 850.00

Henn’s Garage 697.37

Herr Foods Inc. 76.61

Hershey Creamery Company 835.98

Hess Embroidery & Uniforms 86.00

Kantner’s Tire Service 15.00

Kuzan’s True Value 154.71

Leisawitz, Heller, Abramowitch 2,889.68

Lowe’s Business Account 206.33

M & T Bank 21,230.04

Paul Melniczek 88.00

Met-Ed 5,320.98

Mountain View Supply 62.82

Municipal Employers Ins Fund 188.50

Nextel Communications 708.91

One Touch to Wireless 9.99

PPL Gas Utilities 1,285.89

Penn Pride, Inc. 1,133.31

Personal Concepts 47.90

Pitney Bowes 330.90

Quill Corporation 247.53

Reading Eagle Co. 564.80

Randall Rentschler Inc. 25.07

Sam’s Club 137.11

Richard M Schaeffer 207.83

Roger Stetzler 20.00

Thren’s Auto Parts 66.61

ThyssenKrupp Elevator 165.18

Triangle Communications 238.50

UniFirst 293.70

Verizon 419.76

Win Outlet 887.90

Windsor Distributing 253.75

Windsor Press 126.25

Duda Actuarial Consulting Inc. 270.00

INVOICES PAID PREVIOUSLY 109,843.75

TOTAL FOR APPROVAL 158,245.47

BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH

Borough of Hamburg – Gross Payroll 87,490.43

Borough of Hamburg – Emp. Share S.S. 4,837.39

Sam’s Club 920.89

Van Etten, Carol J. 52.00

Berks County Treasurer 387.50

Dept. Public Welfare 30.00

RACC 100.00

Walmart 235.66

Zelinsky, Thomas Jr. 497.29

Petty Cash – Pool 800.00

Raritan Valley Disp. 13,721.59

YIS 355.00

HMA 400.00

Petty Cash 16.00

An executive session was called at 7:50 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue.

Meeting reconvened at 8 :13 p.m.

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve Heart and Lung benefits for Officer Thomas Zelinsky for an injury, which occurred while working on May 25, 2005.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

Mayor Del Rosario requested permission to investigate two individuals for hire as part-time police officers.

A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve this recommendation.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. on the motion of Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard.

Attest:

Kim Y. Berger

Recording Secretary/Office Manager