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MINUTES FROM THE MAY 23, 2001 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The tenth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2001 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with Vice-President Roy Heffner presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer. Members Present - Roy Heffner, Leon Balthaser, Diana Edwards (7:35 p.m.), Jeanette Heckman, Rick Boyd Members Absent – Scott Kreider, Charles Figard Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Solicitor John Speicher, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Mayor Del Rosario Visitors –Chief Thomas Zelinsky, Jr., Rosetta Zelinsky, Nikki Murry (Item), Ellen Stapleton (Eagle/Times) A motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve the amended agenda. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner,
J. Heckman, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider COURTESY TO AUDIENCE None A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the minutes of the May 14, 2001 meeting. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner,
J. Heckman, L. Balthaser A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Leon Balthaser to approve the following reports: Engineer’s Report and Finance Committee Report. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner,
J. Heckman, L. Balthaser HAMBURG MUNICIPAL
AUTHORITY SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
Flows at the plant are normal to low for this time of year. Treatment is within normal parameters. Keith has been working with Nalco and a new polymer that shows promise on increasing sludge drying throughput. Hauling costs have been high this month, but are anticipate to drop.
Systems Design Engineering, Inc. and Keith continue to work with MACA this month on waste strength issues.
The EPA has accepted the local limits as submitted by SDE. Lynda is working on obtaining proof of adoption of the new limits from all boroughs and townships.
The mechanical and electrical contractors are progressing with the contract. Most of the shop drawings have been submitted and approved. The pump arrived, and the work should be completed by the end of May. WATER SYSTEM (COUNCIL: FOR INFORMATION ONLY) WATER PRODUCTION The impoundment dam is currently full and water is flowing over the spillway. However, we have entered a dry period. DEP inspected the water filtration plant. The inspector expressed some concern over the manholes outside the plant where all the filters and wells are combined. The manhole lids may have to be modified. We await their formal written report.
Systems Design Engineering, Inc. will discuss the project with the Authority at the meeting. SDE started the survey for the proposed new water line from Well #5. Valve modifications and connection to the Hamburg Center water tank to the Borough are being determined.
Systems Design Engineering inspected both pump stations with Keith. Recommendations for improvements are being prepared. Smith and Loveless provided information on the pumps, however, details on the force main are lacking.
SDE put the project on hold until the Board reviews the existing conditions at the plant.
The following items are currently being worked on:
Finance Committee Report Attending: Scott Kreider, Lynda Albright, Chuck Figard, Roy Heffner, Jeanette Heckman E.I.T. Earned Income Tax 1st quarter receipts were somewhat lower than expected. We Will look at the 2nd quarter at a later time; hopefully, this is not a trend. Street Sweeping Fines – No tickets were written for (l) occasion in April 2001. Lost Revenue was approximately $690.00. Chief Zelinsky has assured us that this will not happen again. Police Pension Fund – We have not received any written determination as to whether we Will owe the approximately $60,000.00 to date so far. Lynda will get more Information. Hamburg Historical Society – The group is in the process of reorganizing. They have $2,000.00 - $3,000.00 in their account. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 7th at 7:00 P.M. at the Hamburg Library. Respectfully submitted, Scott A Kreider OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the revised building permit policy and fee schedule as was presented to members of council previously. (Question: Councilman Balthaser questioned what changes were made. Mr. Balthaser requested a copy of this schedule. Manager Albright will be sure that he gets a copy. It was stated that the schedule should be in the minutes. It will be typed after this motion. It was stated the schedule was going to simply the process – there is no dollar amount set and there may not be permits required for some things.) ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner,
J. Heckman, D. Edwards, L. Balthaser Whereas the Borough of Hamburg has adopted the use of the 2000 International Building, Residential and Property Maintenance Codes for One & Two Family Dwellings, the Borough of Hamburg does hereby amend those codes to provide for financial compensation and exceptions allowed for by the codes. The following will be the schedule for Permit Fees and costs: Hamburg Department of Building Safety
Zoning permits: Non-variance: $25.00 Certificate of Occupancy Fees: New Construction: Residential: Included with bldg. Permit fee Non-Residential : Included with bldg. Permit fee Remodeling: Residential: Included with bldg. Permit fee
Change of use/tenancy ( non-residential only) $50.00 Zoning Hearing Board of Appeals, Special Exceptions, $300.00 Variances, Amendments to the Zoning Ordnance PAID IN ADVANCE W/APPLICATION
Building Permits: All new construction work requires a completed permit application. Some repair or remodeling work does not require any building permits/fees. These specific items are listed below: Painting Caulking Paneling/wall papering Re-siding or covering facia/soffit Re-shingling Re-pointing masonry Re-glazing windows Replacing: Floor tiles Carpeting Door hardware Windows & doors (Not Relocating) Rain gutters/down spouts Railings Plumbing fixtures (Not Relocating) Cabinetry Electrical switches, receptacles, and lamps If you are in doubt, contact the Hamburg Borough office. The Borough office will contact the Building Safety Inspector for disposition. If an emergency exists, make the necessary repairs and then contact the Hamburg Borough office. The Borough office will contact the Building Safety Inspector for any requirements. These items may be added/deleted to upon recommendation of the Building Safety Inspector to the Hamburg Borough Council. When the repair/remodeling requires a Building permit. the following fee structure will be used: Valuation % Fee $0 to $999 Flat rate $15.00 $9,999 1.5% $150.00 $99,999 1.25% $1,275.00 $999,999 1.00% $10,275.00 $9,999,999 .75% $77,775.00 $99,999,999 .50% $527,775.00 Inspections required as a result of noncompliance or missed appointments will be billed to the property owner at the greater cost of $35.00 or two (2) times the billed cost from the contracted engineering firm. Failure to abide by stop work orders may result in fines of $100.00 per day, billed to the property owner. NEW BUSINESS NONE A motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Diana Edwards to approve payment of invoices totaling $91,820.02, ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner,
J. Heckman, D. Edwards, L. Balthaser LIST OF BILLS
BCMHIPG 13,561.71 BFI 9,604.84 COMMONWEALTH OF PA 60.00 FRY COMMUNICATIONS 753.53 FULTON BANK 48,339.54 GPU 7,504.36 DEAN HENNE 126.00 ICI DULUX PAINT CENTERS 187.00 INTERSTATE SUPPLY CO. 77.20 LEISAWITZ, HELLER, ABRAMOWITCH 2,005.04 JP MASCARO 4,010.83 MAZAIKA CONCRETE 1,638.91 MEDICAL LIFE INSURANCE CO. 207.20 ROBERT MENGLE 14.30 MOYER ELECTRONICS 245.17 PPL 710.03 PURCHASE POWER 1019.00 QUILL 98.89 TELCO 1,456.17 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 139.05 VOSS SIGNS 61.25 GRAND TOTAL $91,820.02 SOLICITOR’S REPORT Solicitor Speicher reported that the Commonwealth, despite the arguments by the Borough and Police attorney, intends to file a mandamus action shortly regarding the police pension underfunding. Solicitor Speicher discussed a resolution for adoption of procedures relative to new liquor license applications. This would be to set up a procedure where an application would be required to fill out an application setting forth information for the Borough to review prior to the transfer of any liquor license. Fees would be required. We need to get something in place. President Boyd requested a copy be sent with the next packet, so approval could be done at a later time. In regards to the Hamburg Area High School agreement, Solicitor Speicher is awaiting a reply from the schools attorney. Solicitor Speicher discussed the issue about having an ordinance allowing fire company to assess property owners for equipment. The Solicitor does not recommend we do this at this time. Solicitor Speicher reported that the Exide Real Estate Tax Assessment appeal was continued until July. Councilman Balthaser suggested that the Solicitor gather information on a vicious dog ordinance. Solicitor Speicher stated that there is a state vicious dog state law and he will get copies of it. Chief Zelinsky was asked to give Council an update on the Rave Concert issue. Chief Zelinsky stated that there was a Rave Concert held on May 19 and there were numerous arrests for narcotics. He stated that there were 3000 expected, however, only 500 people showed and that there was a lot of police presence. Chief Zelinsky stated that there were some merchants that have not been paid for their services, including the field house. Chief Zelinsky stated that it was successful as far as the police are concerned. Councilman Balthaser stat ed that there is a movement for a veteran’s Hospital at the Hamburg Center and we should write letters to Brightbill and Holden in support of it. Manager Albright stated that she is waiting for information from Sandy Christman and plans are already in the works to accomplish this.. UPCOMING MEETINGS/INFORMATION May 28, 2001 – HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY – OFFICE CLOSED June 4, 2001 – Rec Board meeting – 7 p.m. June 5, 2001 – Property Committee meeting- 7 p.m. June 11, 2001 - Finance Committee – 6:30 p.m. June 11, 2001 – Council meeting – 7:30 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m. on motion of Leon Balthaser and seconded by Roy Heffner. ATTEST: Kim Y. Berger |
