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MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 13, 2003 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The nineteenth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2003 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 Boyd, Leon Balthaser, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Roy Heffner, Scott Kreider, Dale Schlenker Members Absent – None Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Solicitor Shollenberger, Mayor Del Rosario Visitors- Nikki Murry (Item), Cherie Reichard, Martha Bertolet, Clara Moyer, Margaret Moyer, Kimm Montone (Pottsville Republican), Andrew McClue (Reading Eagle), John Jablowski (M & T Bank) Douglas Rauch (Leisawitz, Heller, Abramowitch and Phillips), Chief Zelinsky A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the amended agenda by adding recommendations by the Finance Committee after the approval of minutes. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Margaret Moyer from the 200 block of S. 3rd Street was present to state that in Peach Alley there is an area where the water just lies there and there is a large hole there as well. She did not understand why the speed bumps were constructed. Council explained that the speed bumps were constructed due to complaints of speeding in the area. As far as the complaint of the alley in need of repair, the public works superintendent will be instructed to take a look at it and the Manager will give her a call. A motion was made by Jeannette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the minutes of the September 22 public hearing and September 24, 2003 meeting. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Charles Figard to purchase a salt spreader for $4,312. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Scott Kreider to authorize the borough issue a line of credit of up to $2 million dollars and to accept the proposal from M & T Bank to purchase same and to authorize the borough officials to take whatever steps necessary as set forth in the attached ordinance. The ordinance has already been advertised. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – L. Balthaser On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Dale Schlenker to accept the proposal from M & T Bank to modify the interest rate on the borough’s 2002 bond from 4.24% to 3.85% and authorize the borough officials to do all things necessary as per the resolution. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – L. Balthaser A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Roy Heffner 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 Property Committee Report. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGERS REPORT SEPTEMBER, 2003 The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of September, 2003 included the following: Held several meetings during the month with supervisors to discuss personnel issues in the individual departments. Working on making some positive changes. Keith Brobst, W/S Supt. And I met with a representative of the Blue Mountain Eagle Hiking Club to discuss rules, regulations and access over the Appalachian Trail through the Hamburg Watershed property. Attended the VIP opening of Cabela’s on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2003. On Monday, Sept. 22, met with representatives from Business Assoc., Council, Rep. Argall’s office, Barta and Deena Kershner (OTF) to discuss the feasibility of having a trolley travel between Hamburg and Cabela’s. It was suggested that a formal letter of request be sent to Barta asking them to provide this service on a 6-month trial basis. Met with Fred Sheeler and Gert Haus regarding an occupancy permit issue. Spent quite a bit of time with John Leonforte regarding code enforcement issues. On Sept. 30, 2003, Kim Berger and I attended a hearing at DJ Stitzel’s office on a weed complaint. I am happy to report we won the case. Met with business owners and spoke to realtors hoping to secure property for parking. Met with representative from the Auditor General’s office for an exit conference to discuss the audit of both the uniform and non-uniformed employee pension plans. A full report will be forthcoming. Handled utility billing issues as well as various complaints regarding weeds, trash, zoning issues. Some time has been spent on preparation of the 2004 budget, as well as reviewing revenues and expenses for third quarter of 2003. Also spent time gathering information for major projects the borough is hoping to undertake in the future. In addition to the two regular council meetings, attended Authority, Planning, Recreation, Personnel, Finance, Safety, Road 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 September, 2003. Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT SEPTEMBER 2003 The entire crew spent an entire day working on the public parking lot at 4th and Pine Streets; marking the lines; moving the car stoppers, bolting the bike rack and signing the lot. It was completed in time for the dedication of the town clock. Met with Councilman Schlenker regarding placement of public parking signs
around the borough. The crew installed four public parking signs at various
intersections for the parking lot at 4th and Pine Streets. The crew continues maintaining the streets by hot patching and cold patching various areas around the borough. The crew spent a lot of time working on and modifying flashers for an emergency at 4th and 61. Due to the lack of an inlet on Port Clinton Avenue, the crew installed a 2’ by 2’ inlet and hot patched around it. Cooler weather is setting in however, the crew continued to spend time mowing the grass and cutting brush and weeds around the borough. I spent time meeting with four different landscapers and individuals to obtain prices to have them cut the grass around the borough. These prices have been turned over to the Borough Manager. Received a complaint from a resident of Quince Alley whereby water runs into her garage after storms. I met with the complainant and attempted to temporarily resolve the situation by using hot blacktop. This is only a temporary fix. Quince Alley is in need of being replaced. I met with Lynda regarding the guardrails that were damaged along Port Clinton Avenue when a tree fell on them from Hurricane Isabel. After contacting Morgan Rail, they will be repairing them in the near future. The crew assisted with installing a ˝" remote meter. The crew installed 60 feet of fencing along Island Street to prohibit vehicles from entering the southern part of the park along the tennis courts. The greenway area had to be reconditioned after Hurricane Isabel passed through. The storm washed away some of the stones along the area. The crew plugged the skimmers and return lines on the large pool and painted the wall of the filter room where the juveniles continue to use it as a skateboarding backboard. The crew spent time digging out water ditches and putting in 3" of base and 1 ˝" of topping at the following locations: Primrose Alley, Park Road, William Street, 2nd and Front Street, 47 N. 2nd Street, Fire hydrant at the carwash, 226 S. 4th Street. During the month I attended staff meetings and the Road Committee meeting as required. Respectfully submitted, Richard L. Pickel Public Works Supt.
Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report September 2003 Wastewater Earth Tech, the EPA contractor, has raised a manhole next to the Field House in the course of their rehabilitation of the area around the creek. They also repaired a trap found to be broken in the rehab area. The water pump failed on the backhoe. It was sent to Powerco for repair of the pump as well as some overdue brake work. We met with a representative of the Blue Mountain Eagle Hiking Club on the rules and enforcement thereof on the Appalachian Trail where it runs through Borough and Authority Property. There was heavy rain the evening of September 15 and the morning of September 23. There was a call out on each occasion, however there was no by-pass on the 15th. The 23rd was a different matter and we pumped to the field for about 16 hours. Both Edenburg and Ridge Lawn Pumping Stations surcharged and overflowed for several days. The appropriate paperwork has been filed. In a related matter, several inspections in Windsor Twp. were done during the month and just a handful remain. Water Supply for most of the month has been from the surface source. High influent turbidity due to the heavy rain did send us onto the wells for about a week. We have once again lost a chlorine booster pump. This is the third pump since the plant has gone on line. This is very unusual. In the course of normal operations Tony found that, once again, during a backwash there was no flow to the chlorine booster pumps. We have discussed this with the Engineer and are working on a remedy. We are also working on several glitches in the operations program. Roberts Filter has been called in and will be investigating the problem. Until it is fixed we will be on well water.Tony and I attended a roundtable discussion on the disinfection/disinfection byproducts rules that are about to go into effect. We also attended a seminar on security, emergency response and right to know. Respectfully Submitted Keith L. Brobst Water/Wastewater Superintendent OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT SEPTEMBER 2003 Contacted the insurance company on various occasions to check status of radios which were struck by lightening as well as the police car accident which occurred in the beginning of September. Compiled MMO information for uniform and non-uniform consultants. Consulted payroll companies and researched prices to have payroll performed outside of the borough office. Completed various complaint letters regarding blocked water meters and sewer vent caps that are missing. The web page and municipal access channel continue to be updated. Compiled ten year expense report. Assisted the police department regarding junk vehicles in the borough. Work continues on workman’s compensation claims. Worked on information needed for the COPS grant – ACH deposit form; financial request form and paper system form. Requested more information from our advisor. Everything is in order. Attended the dedication of the town clock on September 11, 2003. Attended supervisors meeting with Lynda. Met with Lowell Thomas, EMA Coordinator to prepare for Hurricane Isabel. We were prepared, however, luckily, there was very little damage and there was little that we had to do. We were in touch with the county EMA and were monitoring emails and weather stations. Prepared letters and applications to send to former park and pool employees as per past practice. Worked with the engineer on invoices from the burglary at the sewer plant from May, 2003. Researched information on replacing the VCR for the security system. Attended ordinance violation hearing with Borough Manager. Took pictures of various places and things throughout the borough. Attended two council meetings, a public hearing and staff meetings as required. ,
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT SEPTEMBER 2003 ACTIVITY REPORT
Property Committee 10/1/03 Chairman – R.R. Heffner Attending: R. Heffner, R. Boyd, D. Schlenker, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, L. Albright, J. Leonforte, D. Kerschner(OTF)
OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to take action authorizing Sgt. Michael Painter to return to work effective immediately without restrictions based on his physicians report. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Charles Figard to take action to hire Janet Ostrosky as a crossing guard effective immediately at a rate of $20 per day and $10 for a ˝ day. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None Mayor Del Rosario announced the Trick or Treat nights; they will be October 30 and October 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and there will be Jaycees at the major intersections to cross the children. On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Dale Schlenker to take action to authorize the Borough Manager to advertise the proposed Billboard Ordinance. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to take action to approve the bonfire for the Hamburg Area High School’s Frost Bowl on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 7 p.m. The Hamburg Fire Company will be standing by at the event. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to take action to appoint Joan A. Adams as a member of the Library Board effective immediately; term will expire 12/31/03 at which time she may be reappointed. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to take action to approve the request of the Hamburg Jaycees to hold the annual King Frost Parade on October 25, 2003 and rain date being November 1, 2003 with the same stipulations as in the past. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None A motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Charles Figard to approve payment of invoices totaling $120,560.21. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider NAYES – None LIST OF BILLS AT & T 205.05 ALBRIGHT COLLEGE 75.00 BOC GASES 23.07 BARKO CLEANING 1,022.00 COUNTY OF BERKS 1,630.17 BERKS PRODUCTS CORP. 21.50 BERKS MONT NEWSPAPERS 482.30 BURKHARDT MECHANICAL 182.50 KIM CHERRY 34.97 EMAC DAIRY BRUSH 37.20 EJB PAVING 767.79 EDENBURG WELDING 296.50 EXXIS SECURITY 310.16 FROMM ELECTRIC SUPPLY 24.30 HAMBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT 721.50 HAMBURG AUTO PARTS 6.99 HENN’S GARAGE 94.99 HILL/DONNELLY 137.22 KERMIT KISTLER 104.60 E. M. KUTZ 116.92 KUZAN’S 154.99 LEISAWITZ, HELLER, ABRAMOWITZ 3,931.47 LESHER’S APPLIANCES 40.00 LEXIS NEXIS MATTHEW BENDER 405.70 LOWE’S 48.79 MARK-IT INC. 62.75 DAVE MAZAIKA 89.99 MET-ED 5,288.55 MOUTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 192.01 MEIT 188.50 NATL. TACTICAL OFFICERS ASSC. 40.00 STATE WORKERS INSURANCE FUND 6,468.00 PA STATE ASSC. BOROUGHS 9.00 PENN PRIDE 697.55 QUILL 543.16 REPPERT’S AUTO SERVICE 153.58 SCHLENKER’S MOTORS 373.27 ROGER STETZLER 135.00 SYSTEMS DESIGN 696.18 THYSSENKRUPP 155.70 TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 170.50 UNIFIRST 244.75 VERIZON 416.19 WADE ASSC. 3,375.00 WESTERN AUTO 233.60 WINDSOR PRESS 12.50 Total $30,121.46 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – GROSS PAYROLL 79,964.96 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – EMP. SHARE SS 4,322.81 JUSTIN SAUL – REFUND OPT 9.80 SAM’S CLUB 366.18 KUZAN’S 73.15 LAUREN SMITH – SWIMSUIT REIMB. 25.00 MET –ED 3,485.30 DEPT. OF PUBLIC WELFARE 10.00 PA STATE POLICE CENTRAL REPOSITORY 10.00 PA UNEMPLOYMENT COMP. FUND 1,935.60 BERKS COUNTY TREASURER 44.50 PETTY CASH 41.45 HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 150.00 TOTAL $90,438.75
SOLICITOR’S REPORT No Report An Executive Session was called at 7:50 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue. Meeting reconvened at 7:52 p.m. UPCOMING MEETINGS/INFORMATION
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. on motion of Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner.
ATTEST:
Kim Y. Berger Recording Secretary/Office Manager | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
