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MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 12, 2001 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The twenty-first 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, Leon Balthaser, Scott Kreider, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Roy Heffner, Diana Edwards Members Absent – None Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Mayor Del Rosario Visitors - Lily Henning (Reading Eagle-Times), Yarrow Maurer, Jenna Gerner, Thomas Zelinsky, Chief of Police A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Diana Edwards to approve the amended agenda by adding under Old Business an update on the siren. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None None ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Diana Edwards to approve the following reports: Borough Manager's Report, Public Works Supt. Report, Water/Sewer Supt. Report, Office Manager's Report, Property Committee Report and Treasurer's Report. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of October, 2001 included the following: October was a an extremely busy month, with much of my time spent on preparation of the 2002 water, sewer and general budgets. On Monday, October 1, John Leonforte and I did an on-site inspection on a property regarding a possible safety issue. This was done based on a concern received by a couple of property owners living adjacent to the property in question. On Tuesday, October 2, Kim and I met with representatives from
M & T Bank for a presentation of new banking services available to the
Borough which can be done on-line. This will allow us to print statements at the
end of the month, stop-payment on checks as needed, transfer money and basically
access all of our accounts on a regular basis. We will be moving forward with
this in the next several weeks. On October 16 and 17, Chief Zelinsky and I interviewed possible applicants for the Police Secretary position. Also attended Meet Your Candidate Night at Jack "D"s on Tuesday, October 16th. This was very informative. On Thursday, October 18, interviewed an applicant for the Recreation Director’s position which will be opening up at the end of the year. A recommendation will be made to the Personnel Committee at the November meeting. On this same date, met with representatives from EPA for an update on the lead contamination sites in the Borough. On Friday, October 19, Kim and I met with representatives from M & T Bank again to discuss Direct Deposit of payroll and the benefits for employees willing to use this service. Depending on costs, we would like to implement this after the first of the year. On this same date, Roy Heffner, Rick Boyd Glenn Powers and I met with Terry’s Tree Service at the Park to decide on trees to be trimmed or removed. Work will commence shortly and continue through the winter as funds are available. On Tuesday, October 30, attended the quarterly meeting of the Uniform and Non-uniform pension plans to review current activity of these plans. On this same date, Kim and I attended a seminar at Albright College regarding GASBE 34 and how it will eventually impact all municipal government. For Boroughs our size, implementation must begin by 2003. Also held two semi-monthly Staff meetings to discuss various issues. Advised Supervisors that I was placing a freeze on all spending. All expenditures, regardless of need, must be discussed with me prior to requisitioning anything. In addition to the two regular council meetings, attended Authority meeting, Personnel, Safety, Finance, Library Board, Civil Service, and Property 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 October. LYNDA G. ALBRIGHT During the month of October, the Borough Crew completed the following: AUTHORITY PROJECTS The crew spent four days flushing fire hydrants. The sewer plant field was cut by borough crew. The crew installed pads at the reservoir and Well 5 for blowing off the wells. A few meter checks were performed. The areas around the flood control dam were cut. The crew continued to cut weeds along the roads and mow the grass around town. Hot patching was performed around town
where the bad spots were. The grass was mowed and leaves collected at the park. A lot of time was spent working on the electric line at the park. The crew worked on removing things from the park and pool and preparing for winter. Richard L. Pickel Public Works Superintendent Water & Wastewater Superintendent’s Report October 2001 Water All water for the month has been from wells. The catwalk project has taken on a new look. As we progressed it became clear that remortaring was not the answer. After consulting with the engineer and the Authority it was decided to replace the mortar with grating and that work is being done as the crew has time. The sluice gate in the tower has not been repaired. A day before the work was scheduled to begin the crane that was to be used broke down. At this time a new date has not been set. Tony, Lynda, Tom Zelinsky and I met with Susan Werner of PaDEP on counter terrorist actions that should be taken in light of the events of Sept. 11. Most of the things that were requested were easily taken care of by making sure gates and doors are locked and in general being aware of what’s going on around us. On the morning of 10/2 Tony discovered 3 bullet holes in the Well 5 pump house. Sgt. Painter investigated. He spoke to a neighbor impressing upon him the danger involved in shooting in that direction. Hydrant flushing took place the week of 10/1 and since that time Well 5 has been in use on a regular basis. PaDEP inspected Well 5 on 10/18. It seems the well was never inspected after construction and has been running without t the requisite paperwork. No problems were found and it’s in the mail. The new fire hydrants at Hex Highway and Reservoir Rd. and Mt. And Reservoir Rds. have been installed and are operational. We have purchased a Spectrophotometer for the water plant to replace the chlorine meter. We upgraded to a spectrophotometer due to intermittent high iron and manganese. This machine will allow us to monitor these parameters. Wastewater The WWTP roof is being replaced. After trying to get contractors to look at making repairs it was decided to have Gale Sterner replace it on an emergency basis. During heavy rains it leaks directly onto the heat exchanger. Work has started. Number 2 primary clarifier is back in service. Both clarifiers now have new drive chain and new valve actuators. Number 3 secondary clarifier is off line due to low flows. Flows are extremely low for this or anytime of year. Flows are averaging about .4MGD. That is as low as I can remember. The up side is that we are saving on pumping and other electric costs. The down side is, of course, the lack of water supplies. The starter on the Ridge Lawn pumping station generator has been replaced. In the time the Authority has controlled the former Windsor system be have replaced all batteries on the generators and replaced the injectors at Edenburg along with this starter. I’m afraid this is not the end of it. We have purchased a spectrophotometer for the wastewater lab. This machine replaces the portable chlorine meter and allows us to monitor ammonia throughout the system. Which brings us to an ongoing problem of high total chlorine residuals while not having enough chlorine for disinfection. At this point in time this isn’t a major problem however, as of 6/02 we will have a total chlorine residual limit. I have addressed this with the engineer and he is trying to assess the best way to deal with it. Keith L. Brobst Water& Wastewater Superintendent OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT OCTOBER 2001 During the month of October, the following has been completed: The recycling container grant was compiled and mailed to the appropriate officials. Work continues on the ongoing problem with the utility billing program. I am diligently working with the software company to straighten this out. Throughout the month of October I have been in contact numerous times with our siren representative as well as with CEO’s of the manufacturer attempting to get it running. They were here numerous times. At the time of this writing we are expecting a shipment of a new electronic "box". We are hoping that this will do the trick. Keep your fingers crossed!!! During the month I worked with the Jaycee members finalizing things for King Frost. In addition, I did work for the police department that evening. It was cold, but there were very few incidents. I have organized the Building Inspector’s Office and have moved some things to make it more efficient for him. In addition, I am working with John Trubilla to have a computer set up for John Leonforte. This will be completed very shortly. A mailing to previous park/pool employees was done which included an application for 2002. The EMA Operations Manual has been completed and copies were made for all those who currently have the book. Throughout the month various letters, committee reports, minutes, violations etc. were typed and mailed. The web page and municipal access channel continue to be updated. We are beginning to receive a few inquiries about different things in the borough via e-mail. I have responded and all recipients are very grateful for the information. Lynda and I attended the "Meet the Candidates" meeting as well as conference regarding GASB 34. Lynda and I met with representatives from M & T Bank regarding Web Banking for the Borough. This appears to be a very beneficial program that we will be implementing. During the month, I attended 2 Council meetings, 1 EMA meeting, 2 staff meetings, and 1 Civil Service Commission meeting. The minutes have been prepared for all meetings. If you have any questions in reference to my report, please feel free to ask. Respectfully submitted, Kim Y. Berger,
Property Committee 11/6/2001 Chairman: Roy R. Heffner l) Discussed the issues concerning the Northern Berks Recreational Corp. and the tabled motion. Explained the objectives of NBRC and how it is represented by the region. Expressed the desire that the two groups should meet and establish a mutually agreeable relationship. 2) In the past several weeks, the recreation board and the property committee chairman did a walk through the park and several other recreational areas in the borough. The assessment is attached. Several of the maintenance items can be addressed by the borough crew. The tree trimming has been contracted and will progress through the next months as weather permits. Since funds are limited, the recreation board suggested that on certain improvement items, sponsorship through local civic groups might be necessary. 3) Instructed the borough manager to pursue developing two ordinances. The first to address adult bookstores within the borough. The second to propose the International Property Maintenance Code, which will complement the International Building Codes, that were adopted earlier this year. 4) The borough manager was happy to report that the plans for the housing development in the north end of Hamburg have been recorded. This is positive for Hamburg and will provide additional 29 single-family dwellings within the borough.
OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Roy Heffner to adopt Ordinance #703-01, adopting the International Residential Code for One and Two-family Dwellings. 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 Charles Figard to adopt Ordinance #704-01, adopting the International Building Code. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None Councilman Balthaser stated that the siren is now working and that the siren was used for a fire call this afternoon. He wanted to thank Kim for all her persistence in trying to get it to work. A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard to remove from the table the issue dealing with supporting the North Berks Recreation Corp. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, S. Kreider NAYES – L. Balthaser A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard to accept the proposal as submitted supporting North Berks Recreation Corp. concept for development of the area. (Discussion: Councilman Balthaser questioned by the Borough of Hamburg was getting involved in this venture. He stated that the property is not in the Borough. Why are we getting involved. President Boyd stated that some of the property is in the Borough of Hamburg, through our trail system. We have appointed a representative to serve on this committee. In order to obtain grant money, the state looks more favorably on multi-municipalities than if it was done just by a single municipality. This was reviewed by the Property Committee. Councilman Balthaser questioned why the Borough would be taking sides on this issue. Councilman Heffner stated that at this time, the Borough would not be giving any money to this venture. We may reap some benefits, i.e., utilization of our sandwich shops or other shops. Five townships, three boroughs and the school district have representation at the meetings, along with the Greenway Association. It was stated that Tilden Township is not in favor of the development and that they will revert to the decision that will be made by the State.) Councilman Kreider called to question. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None Roll call on the original motion: ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, S. Kreider NAYES – L. Balthaser NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Roy Heffner to authorize the Borough Manager to prepare and advertise the International Property Maintenance Code. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Leon Balthaser to approve the request of the Greater Hamburg Business Association to hold their annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 1, 2001 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., to close Pine Street from 3rd to 4th and to close and use the Municipal Parking Lot at 4th and Pine for parade participant parking and dispersal. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider
On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard to authorize the Borough Manager to prepare an ordinance dealing with Adult Book Stores in the Borough. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None A motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve payment of invoices totaling $119,766.99. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None
LIST OF BILLS AT & T 92.68 AMERICAN RED CROSS 119.25 AMES DEPT. STORE 17.99 ASSC. OF MAYORS 10.00 BOC GASES 21.83 BARKO 774.00 COUNTY OF BERKS 1,704.66 BERKS PRODUCTS 48.72 BERKS-MONT NEWSPAPERS 305.76 BLUE MOUNTAIN COMPUTER SERVICE 100.00 CAN SURETY 443.75 DAVID DENGLER 62.65 E-MAC DAIRY BRUSH 37.20 EJB PAVING 454.07 EARTHLINK 105.75 FIRST UNION 935.56 GPU 373.33 GT DISTRIBUTORS 1,070.85 GOODYEAR TIRES 342.16 GRAINGER 271.14 HAMBURG AUTO PARTS 10.00 MIKE KERSHNER 659.10 KISTLER O’BRIEN FIRE 68.00 KUZANS 56.40 LEISAWITZ, HELLER, ABRAMOWITCH 2,327.30 METROCALL 9.95 MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 73.24 MEIT 105.50 NATIONAL UNIFORMS 219.50 NETWORK GENERATIONS 462.00 NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS 679.50 PA LOCAL GOVT. SEC. ASSC. 75.00 PENN PRIDE 568.32 RANDALL RENTSCHLER 248.54 SA-SO 61.05 KEN SCHADLER 9.96 ROLAND SMITH 15.00 SOCIETY CLEANERS 15.00 SYSTEMS DESIGN 1,349.87 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 139.05 UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 7.54 VERIZON 404.40 WESTERN AUTO 46.59 WINDSOR PRESS 93.55 YODER’S HEATING 465.00 SUBTOTAL $15,460.71 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 104,306.28 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $119,766.99 UPCOMING MEETINGS/INFORMATION
November 20, 2001 – Safety Committee meeting - 7 p.m. NOVEMBER 22, 2001 – HAPPY THANKSGIVING – OFFICE CLOSED November 28, 2001 – Water/Sewer Committee –6:30 p.m. November 28, 2001 – Authority meeting – 7:00 p.m. November 28, 2001 – Council meeting 7:30 p.m. Mayor Del Rosario stated that the Police Department received a check for $4,000 towards the base station from the Masonic Lodge. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. on motion of Charles Figard and seconded by Roy Heffner. Attest: Kim Y. Berger
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