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MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 10, 2006 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The seventh regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2006 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Tammy Wilkinson presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer. Members Present – Tammy Wilkinson, Martha Bertolet, Roger Stetzler, Roy Heffner, Elaine Swavely, Dale Schlenker Members Absent – Tina Yoder Also Present – Borough Manager Lynda Albright, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Solicitor Mike Zubey Visitors- Deena Kershner, Dan Roman (Item), Lori Guldin
ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Lori Guldin thanked council for attending the Shoemakersville Borough Council meeting regarding pool rates. A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Martha Bertolet to approve the minutes of the March 27, 2006 meeting.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker,R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely NAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Elaine Swavely 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, Property Committee Report and Road Committee Report and Code Enforcement report.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker,R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGERS REPORT MARCH, 2006 The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of MARCH, 2006 included the following: Held staff meetings and/or individual meetings with supervisors to discuss, provide and receive updates on various projects and issues taking place. Addressed complaints and other correspondence as needed. Also met with a resident regarding a problem with a water/sewer bill. Met various times during the month with John Leonforte, Code Enforcement Officer, for updates on projects he is working on and other code enforcement issues as needed. Met with a representative from the Urban Research and Development Corporation Who was seeking information and doing a survey regarding the former Wright’s Knitting Mill. Attended the Open House at the American House Hotel on March 29th. The new restaurant is quite elegant and will provide a fine dining atmosphere for Hamburg. Also attended the Peeble’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on March 30th. This, too, is a very nice addition to the community. Spent time working on the pool renovation, providing additional documents as needed and working with the consultant to prepare for the bidding process. Received and have been reviewing the new "draft" of the Park Ordinance. Should be finalized very shortly. Had a "draft" policy for Handicap Parking in the Borough prepared and have submitted to the Safety Committee for their review and comments. Will be reviewing all current handicapped parking locations in the future. Members of the Road Committee, John Leonforte, Chief Painter and I met with state representatives and business owners from the South end of the Borough regarding traffic concerns in that area. The engineer has provided several proposals regarding traffic patterns in that area. We will also once again be looking at placement of a traffic signal at 4th and Hawkridge as a short-term solution. In addition to the two regular council meetings, attended the regular and special meeting of Hamburg Municipal Authority, Planning Commission, Property committee, Safety, Road, Finance, and Personnel 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 March, 2006. PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Throughout the month the crew trimmed trees and brush. The crew repaired different areas of the tile floor in the municipal center. Some cold patching was done around the borough. Erected new signs for the municipal building. The crew repaired the fence at the park again. The crew also lowered rides at the tot lot for insurance purposes. Mulch was placed around all the playground equipment, tot lot equipment and other equipment at the parks. The spring cleaning of the streets has started and the crew cleaned out the inlets. The crew installed a 15" pipe and inlet on Church Street. We assisted the authority with digging test holes at the sewer plant. The crew installed a new fire hydrant at 2nd and Grand Street. The crew repaired a water leak at 3rd and Franklin Streets. Respectfully submitted,
Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report March 2006 Water The word for the month is DRY. While all water for the month was from the surface source the level of the dam is dropping quickly. There was a total of .8 inches of rain in March. The water plant computer has been misbehaving. While being repaired it was quite difficult to recover some files. We will be instituting a new backup plan as soon as the software from the chart recorders is straightened out by the vendor. The meter replacement program has been completed for the season. Approximately 50 meters were changed. PaDEP conducted an inspection of the wastewater facility at the water plant. There are no issues. I met with representatives of Wissahickon Spring Water in regard to their water needs and how we can best meet them. I am working on updating the public notice plan for Tier 1 water violations as per PaDEP. Wastewater Our problems with PH persist but we are able to control it with the addition of soda ash. The pump station project has come to a temporary standstill while we wait for the new equipment to be delivered. We expect things to start happening again in May. On the other side of the coin, construction has begun at the wastewater treatment plant. Layout and excavation are underway and if there is an up side to the dry weather it is that this project can proceed. Respectfully Submitted Keith L. Brobst OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT MARCH 2006 Dealt with the software company on various hardware and software issues. Quarterly reports were completed for payroll. Quarterly grease trap letters were mailed. Community Day labels and letters were updated and printed. The street sweeping flyers were compiled. The police department was advertising and copies are available at both the police department and the borough office. Conferred with Telco on several occasions regarding the pedestrian push button and the pole at 4th and Pine. Various letters regarding complaints were sent to the violators. Attended two council meetings and staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for all the meetings.
Building, Zoning and Codes Report March 2006 Eleven construction permits and six zoning permits were issued in March. Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows While all curbing for N 4th St and N Crescent Ave. is in place. There remains some work to complete. The contractor has been notified, he is subject to the penalty clause. Paving contracts have been let, with work to completed by June 1, 2006. Construction at the Peebles Dept store is complete. Construction for a new Family Dollar is complete. American hotel’s second phase of construction, the resturant on North 4th St is complete. The former Wrights building, at Pine and 2nd St, has been purchased and is being cleaned up, secured and repairs are being done. Preliminary plans for development have been shown to the planning commission. Penn Dot 78 construction project is progressing. Barry Isett has been contracted to perform a preliminary study to determine the feasibility of a ramp/ jug handle From Rte 61 to Front Street. Wissahickon Water company has offered to pay for the study and donate the land for the street. Inspections were completed for residential and light commercial, previously permitted, work in the borough. Property Maintenance complaints of rubbish, and Occupancy inspections continue to be addressed. John Leonforte Code Administrator
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT MARCH 2006 ACTIVITY REPORT
PROPERTY COMMITTEE MUNICIPAL CENTER – 3:30PM ATTENDING: Lynda Albright, Martha Bertolet, Tammy Wilkinson, Roy Heffner & Dale Schlenker VISITORS: June Hilbert, Sylvia Summons & Kathy Mayberry walkie talkies to be used by Playground personnel while the park is operational.
Chairman of Property Dale R. Schlenker ROAD COMMITTEE – April 3, 2006 Present: Roger Stetzler, Roy Heffner, Elaine Swavely, Dale Schlenker, Martha Bertolet, Tina Yoder, Tammy Wilkinson, Chief Michael Painter, John Leonforte, Richard Pickel and Lynda Albright Also present: Residents from Catherine, Arthur, Church & Grandview Terrace Residents were present to voice their feelings about the proposed parking and traffic restrictions. A 90-day trial period for stop signs at Catherine and Church Street and parking on one side of Catherine, Arthur & Grandview Terrace was suggested. After 90 days, this will be reviewed. A letter will be sent to the residents for another meeting.Chris Madera requested a bus stop on N 4th Street with a cut of 4 feet into the sidewalk to make room for a small bus to pull over pending PA DOT. The S. 4th and Woodland Road project is awaiting the estimate from the engineer.
OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler authorizing the Manager to seek bids for the pool renovations.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker,R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely NAYES – None NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner authorizing Sustainable Energy Fund to proceed with the exploration of energy saving costs with the traffic lights in the Borough at a cost not to exceed $1,200.00.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker,R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Elaine Swavely to approve the request of the Hamburg Business Association to hold their annual Sidewalk sale on Saturday, August 12, 2006 and to close S. 4th Street from State to Pine, and State Street from 3rd to 4th; in addition, allow use of the municipal lots in excess of the two-hour limit for vendors and patrons. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker,R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Elaine Swavely approving the request of the Hamburg Jaycees to hold their annual Memorial Day Festivities and to use the park on Sunday, May 21, and May 24 through May 30, 2006, and with the same criteria as in the past.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker,R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Road Committee, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Roy Heffner approving the request of Chris Madeira for placement of a "bus stop" in front of his business at 4th and State on 4th Street to be located in the yellow zone and to have the curb cut back 4 feet, that Chris be responsible for all of the maintenance and snow removal in that curb cut back, that this responsibility go with the property, if the property should be sold in the future and contingent upon getting PennDOT approval. There also can be no delay in the progress of the proposed streetscape work and any additional costs for the proposed work will be borne by Chris Madeira.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker,R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely NAYES – None Mayor declared a 90-day trial period for the following: for placement of a stop sign at Church and Catherine on Church Street, one facing north and one facing south and to restrict parking to the south side of Catherine Street, the south side of Arthur Street and the east side of Grandview Terrace. As a result of discussions held at the Finance Committee meeting held immediately prior to tonight’s council meeting, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Dale Schlenker to authorize the solicitor in conjunction with the solicitor of the Hamburg Municipal Authority to prepare and advertise an ordinance authorizing the borough to guarantee the authority’s bond issue in the amount not to exceed $4,600,000 to fund upgrades to the Authority’s sewage treatment plant and pump station.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker,R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely NAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve payment of invoices totaling $182,754.56.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker,R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely NAYES – None (T. Wilkinson abstained from Reading Eagle due to direct income) LIST OF BILLS AT & T 288.15 AR ADAM 1,080.00 AMERICAN ARBITRATION 300.00 BARRY ISETT 23,455.71 BERKS COUNTY LIVING 14.95 COUNTY OF BERKS 2,300.15 BERKS PRODUCTS 60.79 BERKS MONT NEWSPAPERS 128.60 BURKHARDT MECHANICAL 1,269.00 KIM CHERRY 99.99 COPY WORLD 553.00 EJB PAVING 277.50 FORT DEARBORN 297.75 HARTMAN JANITORIAL 1,975.00 KIRK ERNST LANDSCAPING 375.00 KERMIT KISTLER 20.15 MARTIN STONE QUARRIES 122.40 MET-ED 56.70 MILLER MUNICIPAL DIVISION 56.70 MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 301.52 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYERS INSURANCE 202.50 NEXTEL 617.36 PA STATE ASSC. OF BOROUGHS 10.00 PPL GAS 2,425.52 PENNPRIDE 1,817.18 PA CHIEFS OF POLICE 100.00 QUINLAN PUBLISHING GROUP 147.00 READING EAGLE 437.24 READING FOUNDRY 109.85 RANDALL RENTSCHLER 10.60 THYSSENKRUPP 176.24 UNIFIRST 259.36 VERIZON 416.28 WINDSOR PRESS 25.70 TOTAL 45,045.29 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH 137,709.27 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL 182,754.56 SAM’S CLUB 486.34 BERKS CO. TREASURER 628.00 PUROFIRST 2,725.27 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – GROSS 124,904.01 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – EMP SHARE SS 6,770.52 CHERRY, KIM 227.39 BERKS SECURITY 178.50 GREET, JESSICA 30.00 RICHARD, DARLENE 52.00 DELL 129.00 MAHER, JANICE 10.00 WILSON, MARILYN 52.00 DELONG, NORMAN 1,400.00 PAINTER, MICHAEL 108.24 PETTY CASH 8.00 TOTAL 137,709.27 SOLICITOR’S REPORT A brief executive session will be held after the meeting to discuss police personnel issues. No action will be taken after the executive session. INFORMATION ITEMS April 17, 2006 – 7:00 p.m. – Planning Commission April 18, 2006 – 3:30 p.m. – Safety Committee April 19, 2006 – 7:00 p.m. – Hamburg Municipal Authority Meeting April 24, 2006 – 7:00 p.m. – Water/Sewer & Public Relations April 24, 2006 – 7:30 p.m. – Borough Council meeting
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. on the motion of Dale Schlenker and seconded by Elaine Swavely .Attest: Kim Y. Berger
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