The eighteenth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2003 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Rick Boyd presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer.

Members Present –Rick Boyd, Roy Heffner, Leon Balthaser, Dale Schlenker, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Scott Kreider

Members Absent – None

Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Mayor Del Rosario, Solicitor Speicher

Visitors- Nikki Murry (Item), Merav Bushlin (Eagle), Moises Arce, Brad Breininger, Tim Neufeld, Jacob Turner, Sr., Lori Guldin, Tammy Wilkinson

A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the amended agenda.

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Lori Guldin stated that the borough crew did an excellent job with the repairs in Pear Alley and other things in the borough and they work as a team, they look happy, they are happy and are very nice people.

Brad Breininger questioned if the junior councilman project was going to be pursued. He had spoken to some young individuals who would be interested in the position. Councilwoman Heckman stated that it has not been ruled out and more discussion and research would have to be done on the issue.

NAYES – None

NAYES – None

Flows at the plant are normal for this time of year. Treatment is within normal parameters.

The MCC repairs were completed. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is coordinating the insurance reimbursement.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. and Keith Brobst will discuss security issues at the meeting.

A response to the DEP comments on the Corrective Action Plan was submitted to PA DEP. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. will present an update at the meeting.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to talk with MACA on future needs. The Authority has received a letter from MACA pursuant to organic load. MACA is considering an additional capacity purchase of 200 pounds of BOD to take their long-term capacity from 700 to 900 pounds. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is using this request in the capacity review and we have stated the MACA that this capacity should be negotiated for purchase by year-end.

Repairs to the manholes and pipes are substantially complete. Borough staff has completed a significant portion of home inspections during this reporting period. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. will provide a form letter citing the Authority’s Rules and Regulations to provide notice of repairs required on the house sewer or home.

The solicitor and Systems Design Engineering, Inc. are meeting to bring the draft specifications to completion. A renewed effort is required to update the Rules and Regulations for the CAP.

NPDES Permit Renewal-In progress

The impoundment dam remains full with recent rains greatly improving inflow. Most production this reporting period has been from the surface water filtration. Repairs of the air header under the clarifier, re-gasketing and painting of the clarifier have been completed. The electrical system is Well 5 has been repaired from the lightning effects this past month.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to work with Plant Personnel on new and proposed regulations that may effect the System in the future.

The report on the Filter Plant Performance Evaluation (FPPE) was received. The system received a satisfactory rating. Plant operators are to be commended on this review and rating. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is working with the operators on some recommendations included in the FPPE.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is working with plant personnel on the addition of a combined turbidimeter and SCADA system to record turbidity and direction of flow, i.e., waste or to system.

Controls at Well 5 continue to require some attention. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is working with Kohl Brothers on improving the level control of the high service pump.

A sketch for the improvements to Manhole 1 (finished water line behind the plant) has been submitted to DEP for approval and has been verbally approved. Construction of the improved manhole should be completed shortly.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is working on the Vulnerability Assessment for the water system and will report recommendations for review.

Attending: Rick Boyd, Leon Balthaser, Scott Kreider, Lynda Albright, Rick Pickel, John Leonforte

Visitors: Tim Neufield, Kehr/Correll Family representatives

5. Pear Alley - We received a letter from Pear Alley and Belmont Avenue resident Lori Guldin concerning the continuous water run-off and collection of loose stones and debris that accumulates in her yard and driveway after any hard rains. The crew just recently used over 27 tons of hot patch in Pear Alley to hopefully relieve this situation on a temporary basis. She is very satisfied with what has been done. This has been prioritized for 2006 reconstruction.

6. Reading Area Transportation Authority--we received a letter from RATA concerning the 12-year plan review for Sept 1st on the County level.

7. Willow Subdivision-Kehr/Correll Agreement Representatives from the Kehr/Correll Family and Carl Hein were there to present their problems and desires for the Borough to follow through with the agreement from 10-15 years ago to have N. Sixth Street completed from the service road to South Crescent Avenue.

a) This section of N. 6th St. was opened in 1969

b) Pave to center line of S. Crescent Avenue

c) Abandon that section of S. Crescent Avenue

        1.) Will require new petition and ordinance

d) No cul-de-sac or sidewalk will be required

e) Road will be 33’ wide to accommodate possible future development of state owned land to the north of N. 5th Street

f) Need to have right-of-way extended to past Mr. Hein’s property

g) A "No Outlet" sign will have to be erected to discourage traffic

h) Extend storm drain outlet east on S. Crescent Avenue past Hein property into a retention swale.

i) SDE (Systems Design Engineering) to do line and grade work.

This work is scheduled to be completed in 2004.

8. The Road crew is in need of a new or used roller to replace the current one. A new one is about $12,000. Our current one is old and breaks down occasionally. These breakdowns can cause the loss of truck loads of hot asphalt if the equipment is not repaired in short order.

There had been a Penn Dot used equipment depot in Hawley, PA where we may be able to get a good deal on a used roller. Rick Pickel will check into it.

 Respectfully submitted,

The committee met at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, 16 September 03, with the following present: Mayor Del Rosario: Rick Boyd; Chief Zelinsky; Lynda Albright; Dale Schlenker and Chuck Figard.

The only visitor was Patricia Delong, whose complaint involved a lack of visibility for drivers attempting to enter Port Clinton Avenue from Williams Street. A steep embankment obstructs a view of traffic from the driver’s right. The land is owned by Wyndcliffe who will be requested to remove enough embankment to permit adequate vision.

Sam Garland had asked why there is no police officer to direct school bus traffic at 4th and Windsor. Buses now use Arch, Windsor & Pine streets which reduces Windsor traffic. Also, in the event police assistance is a requirement at Windsor & 4th Streets, the school district has an assigned officer who can be utilized for that purpose.

Barta bus stops in the business district were discussed. Prior to establishing the stops further determinations must be made.

The borough must also determine locations for vehicle stop lines so there is no interference with embedded traffic sensors in use at several intersections. The use of timed signals was also discussed.

Chief Zelinsky presented four policy directives – Criminal History Information; School Crossing Guard; Self Directed Performance Index, and Traffic. Since the Criminal History Information Policy is state mandated, the borough’s policy is verbatim of the states and is recommended that council approve it at the next meeting.

The remaining three will be acted upon at a later meeting.

The meeting ended at 5:40 p.m.

Manager Albright certified to Borough Council that the 2004 MMO for the Police Pension Plan was $23,789 and the 2004 MMO for the Non-Uniform Pension Plan is $18,460.

Manager Albright stated that this should be covered by state aid funds.

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the Criminal History information policy as presented by the Chief of Police and which is verbatim of the State’s Policy.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Hamburg Library Board and Doug Kramer, Architect, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to award the bid for the library front entrance restoration to Eshbach Brothers in the amount of $25,000 for the base bid and Alternate A-2 in the amount of $1,200 for a total amount of $26,200.

(Discussion: This will be library funded and the A-2 option is painting the ornamental grill work in the front of the library).

NAYES – None

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

AT & T 30.89

TROY ADAMS 100.00

B & B COMMUNICATIONS 170.00

BCMHIPG 14,640.71

CALENDARS 35.70

FORT DEARBORN LIFE INSURANCE 35.70

GBF INFORMATION SYSTEMS 189.23

GALLS INC. 189.23

HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 81.84

HEPNER’S GLASS SHOP 181.90

HESS, ANDREW 52.88

KANTNER’S TIRE SERVICE 36.00

MICHAEL KETCH 100.00

M & T BANK 430.16

J. P. MASCARO 6,404.75

MILLER MUNICIPAL SUPPLY 198.60

NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS 597.92

PPL GAS UTILITIES 472.01

PURCHASE POWER 1,019.00

QUILL CORPORATION 275.96

RARITAN VALLEY DISPOSAL 13,302.00

REED SMITH 1,516.31

ROLAND AND SCHLEGEL 1,403.00

BEN SCHARADIN 100.00

RUSSELL STICHTER 89.88

SYNERGETICS 2,552.17

SYSTEMS DESIGN ENGINEERING 340.17

TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 170.50

YEAGER SUPPLY 22.62

ZEE MEDICAL COMPANY 47.45

UNION FIRE CO. #1 OF HAMBURG 7,500.00

TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $52,338.71

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

Discussion regarding the construction of the District Justice Office on the second floor.

Solicitor Speicher stated that Stirling Engineers was the low bidder and that after awarding they filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and now they are in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Our recommendation is to sign a mutual release to allow Stirling Engineers out of the bid and to award the bid to the next lowest responsible bidder. A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Roy Heffner to sign the mutual release.

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

Solicitor Speicher stated that the next lowest responsible bidder Edward A. Reider at an approximate increase of $10,000.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Scott Kreider to award the bid to Edward A. Reider for the general construction of the District Justice Office.

(Councilman Balthaser questioned how long it would take to recoup our investment. Councilman Schlenker stated that we should recoup our money within 5 to 6 years and we have a 10 year contract with the county).

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

Solicitor Speicher stated that the former Wright’s building, now owned by Richard Roussin has sent an email to John Leonforte that he is trying to turn the property back to Wright’s and he has "wiped his hands" of the property and there are unpaid authority and borough bills. The property is in a deplorable condition, hazardous condition and the borough should discuss what to do with the property.

Solicitor Speicher stated that an executive session needed to be called to discuss the ongoing litigation regarding Sgt. Painter and Officer Gehring and the Police Pension

Executive session was called at 7:50 p.m.

Meeting reconvened at 8:32 p.m.

A motion was made Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to recommend informing the Borough of Hamburg’s counsel not to proceed further with the police pension litigation appeal.

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Roy Heffner to authorize Joseph Rudolph to intervene on the side of the Commonwealth of PA on the appeal filed by Rodger Gehring to the Commonwealth’s decision.

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to have the DCED Chairman Frey do a non-binding consultation with the Mayor, Chief of Police and Council President.

NAYES – None

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. on motion of Scott Kreider and seconded by Charles Figard

ATTEST: