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MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 14, 2008 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The seventh regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2008 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, Elaine Swavely, Dale Schlenker, Roger Stetzler, Jeanette Heckman Members Absent – Heather Berger Also Present –Solicitor Mike Zubey, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/ Recording Secretary, Manager Lynda G. Albright Visitors- Steven Levan, Lori Fritz, Deena Kershner, Chief Painter, Kerry Delong, Penny Hummel (Hamburg Item), Michelle Park (Reading Eagle) A motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the amended agenda.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, E. SwavelyNAYES – None Deena Kershner, OTF, handed out copies of an article that was in the chambers magazine highlighting Boyertown, Hamburg and West Reading. June 8 – June 11 will be the Main Street Mgrs. State conference and she invited the council members to attend. It will be held in Gettysburg. OTF will pay for ˝ the regular fee. May 4 – May 6 the Governor’s Office will be holding a meeting on tourism. Hamburg OTF was one of six communities who received free registration. April 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. – Bill Fontana will be holding a meeting regarding integration of Elm Street and the OTF. This will be held at the American; Boyertown and Souderton-Telford communities have also been invited. Martha Bertolet will be attending as the borough representative and if anyone else is interested, please let her know. Not all of Council can attend though due to a limited amount of seats available. Deena also asked if there were any questions on the budget. If there were any please let her know. Kerry Delong questioned the huge dirt pile on King’s property on Church Street. It appears that work has come to a stand still. Manager Albright stated that John Leonforte has been up there several times to check on the project and that if he had any questions, he could speak directly with John. Lori Fritz questioned when the half-way house was scheduled to be opened. Manager Albright stated that there have not been any plans submitted. Lori stated that they were working on the curbing. Lynda advised that the curbing work that was being done was for the Senior Center Housing at Peach Alley. A question was raised from the audience if the council was going to be passing any ordinances to stop places like this from coming into town in the future. President Wilkinson stated that there has been no decision made at this time and the council has asked the solicitor to review the zoning ordinance. A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the minutes of the March 24, 2008 meeting and the special meeting of March 20, 2008.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, E. SwavelyNAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler 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, Code Enforcement report, Recreation Directors Report, Road Committee Report and Property Committee Report. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,R. Stetzler, E. Swavely NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT MARCH, 2008 The Borough Manager’s report for the month of MARCH, 2008 included the following: Normal day-to-day activities included Holding staff meetings with supervisors to discuss, provide and receive updates on various projects and issues taking place. Addressing complaints and other correspondence as needed. Meeting with John Leonforte, Codes Officer to review and discuss major projects being planned or worked on presently. Met with Kim Berger and Denise Clare to discuss and review required utility billing reports for the Authority. Reports will be ready for their April meeting. Also spoke with Kim requesting that the girls keep track of their time for one month for each area in which they are working, i.e., borough business, and water or sewer business. This is done periodically to keep the authority informed on how much time is actually being spent on water and sewer business. Met with Authority Chairman, Steve Smith and W/S Supt. Keith Brobst to review the sewer finances and sewer bond issue and other items of interest as it relates to the Authority operations. John Leonforte, Code Officer and I met with Ken Pick of the Berks County Redevelopment Office and Ed Gebtner to review the proposed area for the Elm Street project. Met with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, along with Council, John Leonforte, Deena Kershner and the OTF Board for explanation of how the projects should be handled, as well as concerns or issues that the Council and OTF board wished to address. There was some discussion on the Elm Street program; however, there will be another meeting to address this program by itself. Met with Guy Ketch, Rec. Director and Bill Nabozny, Asst. Director/Pool Manager to discuss the upcoming summer park/pool season, as well as possible changes, additions. Reviewed with them the new Senior Aquatic Classes being offered this year as well as the possibility of Friday or Saturday night events. The 2008 season should prove to be fun-filled and busy. Met and/or spoke with Deena Kershner, OTF Manager several times during the month to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects with OTF. Met with a representative from KJFP Company to review group life insurance for the police officers. They will be providing a quote in the near future to determine if they can be competitive. Attended two Council meetings, Authority meeting, Finance, Safety, Personnel, Property Committee meetings and the Civil Service Meeting. 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, 2008. Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT MARCH 2008 Installed all new black posts with street signs in the streetscape area. This venture took a total of 64 man-hours. In the municipal center, replaced the air filter in the outside air fan as well as replaced light bulbs. Cold patching continues throughout the borough. Leaves at the parks were collected. Repairs started at the pump at the pool house. Met with OTF regarding the park benches and tables. Removed one of the rides at the tot lot. The crew started to gather things for the park bathrooms, food stand and little league fields to get them ready for the start up of the 2008 season. Met with Jeff Adam regarding the little league dug out roofs. Cemented the garage floor 14’ X 25’. Due to the street sweeper striking some trees along the route, the crew trimmed some branches. Repaired two sewer laterals. 1) 81 S. 4th Street and 2) 413 William Street. Haul stones for the canoe launch. Equipment was serviced for the spring season (Tractors, leaf vac, etc.) The crew made stands for the salt spreaders.
Respectfully submitted,
Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report March 2008 Water Most water for the month was from the surface source. We continue to blend surface and well water. We have encountered some control problems and the contractors for the control system have been in to rectify the issues. We are making some sampling modifications to comply with the new plant designation of conventional, as well as continuing with the e-coli sampling to comply with the Long Term 2 Surface Water Rule. So far the results have been very good and we do not expect to need to go to the next step under that rule. Wastewater Once again heavy rains have caused some problems in the collection system. The storms at the beginning of the month required hauling from the Ridge Lawn Pumping Station. While we did not need to haul from Edenburg, for the first time since installing the 6-inch force main, the flow came out of the well onto the floor. We checked all laterals in Ridge Lawn and found a few that we suspect are leaking and are seeking permission from the property owners to televise these lines to confirm and locate the leaks. We replaced 2 laterals this month. One has been a chronic problem due to a sag in the line. The other was found to have a root infestation. The lateral was both cast iron and terra cotta pipe. After digging it up we found a root mat at every joint in the terra cotta pipe. I believe these materials were used extensively in installations north of I-78 and would expect that this is not an isolated case. We are experiencing some problems with the Return Activated Sludge pumps. There has been a seal failure on 3 of the 4 pumps. We are working with the pump supplier to determine why they have failed and how to prevent future failures. Respectfully Submitted,Keith L. Brobst OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT We are continuing to have problems with our printers and having reports print properly. I have been working with the software company to rectify this. It continues to be an ongoing problem. Various issues are being worked on regarding the computers and servers. Various forms have been updated for the park and pool 2008 season. Met with the Troy Hatt regarding various issues with the fire company, EMA etc. Quarterly reports for the first quarter of 2008 have been completed. The first quarter grease trap letters have been mailed. Met with the auditors regarding year-end adjustments. This will be completed in April. The ordinance book updates have been received. These have been distributed to all who have an ordinance book. The ordinance books in the office have been updated. Various issues in regards to the accounting, utility billing and payroll software applications were fixed or problems were rectified. Met several times with Denise, utility billing clerk to review reports needed for the Authority. Attended two Council meetings, one special council meeting, one public information meeting and staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for meetings as deemed necessary.
Building, Zoning and Codes Report March 2008 Six (6) construction permits and one (2) zoning permits and No (0) paving/sidewalk and one (1) occupancy permit were issued in March.Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows:The Streetscape project. The Issue at Saint Mary’s sewer vent problem on State St has been resolved. The Street light at State St knocked down has not been replaced.Catherine, Grandview Terrace, and Arthur St. We have contacted Bob Mazaika contracting asking that curb and sidewalk repairs be made. All but one owner has responded to our notices. We hope to complete curb and sidewalk work by the end of April, with paving work to be done this spring or summer. Grand Street extension Plans have been submitted to Penn Dot. We hope to get through the permitting process by summer 2008 and start construction after that, with a hoped for completion date of spring of 2009.Hawk ridge and South 4th Street Our engineer has submitted plans and a response to comments to Penn Dot Penn Dot has 30 days to respond. Exide Corporation site .. At this point the complex has been demolished.. EPA will test site over the next 120 days.Peach Alley Apartments Work on the Peach Alley Apartments project (former Wrights Building, at 239 Pine) is progressing. residential and light commercial Inspections were completed for residential and light commercial previously permitted, work in the borough. Property Maintenance complaints of rubbish, snowy sidewalks and Occupancy inspections continue to be addressed. Note: From March 1 to date, approximately 5 new Property Maintenance complaints were filed with 5 resolved and 16 still pending.Fire Safety Inspections One fire safety Inspection was done this month.John Leonforte RECREATION DIRECTORS REPORT FOR THE MONTH The month of March continued with staff meetings, a meeting with Lynda Albright, Bill Nabozny and myself, and additional meetings with Allen Schaeffer and Rick Pickel. Allen Schaeffer and I met at the park to discuss the replacement of the old boiler that heats the concession stand and showers. We are looking at a more efficient gas system with the possibility of the eventual use of alternative solar energy. Allen is currently researching the possibilities. Bill Nabozny has made several acquisitions at great savings for the concession stand and pool. He purchased two convection ovens for $60.00, a security camera and monitor for $50.00 and one free side-by-side refrigerator. Winter has taken its toll on the basketball backboards; one has been completely ruined requiring replacement. Spring has brought the kids to the park and some damage has occurred to the garage doors. I have increased supervisory visits to the park and have had discussions with the police and some little league coaches about park behavior. Respectfully submitted, Guy Ketch William Nabozny
HAMBURG POLICE REPORT – MARCH 2008
ROAD COMMITTEE REPORT 4-07-08 In Attendance: Martha Bertolet, Jeanette Heckman, Dale Schlenker, Roger Stetzler, Rick Pickel – Public Works Superintendent; Lynda Albright, Borough Manager, John Leonforte, Building Inspector future. PennDOT is requiring the Borough to adopt a resolution dealing with price adjustments of bituminous materials and the committee is recommending that we approve this resolution.
Respectfully submitted Roger Stetzler Road Commission Chairman
PROPERTY COMMITTEE APRIL 8, 2008 MUNICIPAL CENTER – 3 PM ATTENDING: Martha Bertolet, Jeanette Heckman, Lynda Albright, Roger Stetzler John Leonforte & Dale Schlenker VISITOR: Deena Kershner
CHAIRMAN OF PROPERTY DALE R. SCHLENKER OLD BUSINESS N othingNEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Road Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve Resolution # 3-08 regarding Price Adjustment of Bituminous materials for small quantities to be included in the bid specifications. (This must be done according to PennDOT regulations.)ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, E. SwavelyNAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Elaine Swavely to accept the Bill of Sale from the OTF for the streetlights, benches and trash receptacles that were done as part of the Streetscape Project.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, E. SwavelyNAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Elaine Swavely giving permission to OTF to purchase and install a historical marker at the Library.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, E. SwavelyNAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Martha Bertolet giving permission to the American Legion to hold their annual Memorial Day Parade as in the past. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely
On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made
ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,R. Stetzler, E. Swavely NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Elaine Swavely giving permission tothe Hamburg Jaycees to hold their Annual King Frost Parade on Saturday, October 25 and rain date, Saturday, November 1, 2008 with same conditions as the past. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, E. SwavelyNAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler authorizing the appropriate officials to execute the "Agreement of Dedication in lieu of Condemnation" between the Borough of Hamburg and Trident, LLC (formerly Wissahickon) for the extension of Grand Street. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, E. SwavelyNAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Martha Bertolet to approve payment of invoices totaling $223,958.00. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, E. SwavelyNAYES – None (T. Wilkinson abstained from Reading Eagle due to direct income) LIST OF BILLS AT & T 30.52 AT & T 553.48 A. R. Adam & Son 1,260.00 Albert’s Warehouse Outlet 64.57 Albright College 50.00 Allied Waste Mgt. 20,664.00 Amity Fence 1,623.00 Barko Cleaning Service, Inc. 120.00 County of Berks 2,430.62 Berks Envirotech, Inc. 21.59 Berks Products Corp. 357.25 Blue Marsh Surveyors 330.00 Blue Mountain Computer Service 2,253.32 Brother International 29.50 EPWPCOA Inc. 250.00 Edenburg Welding Co. 188.00 Engle-Hambright & Davies, Inc. 118.00 Ernst Cabinet Works 33.71 Fort Dearborn Life Insurance 316.11 Great Valley Consultants 138.75 Hartman Janitorial 1,100.00 Hartz Concrete 233.25 Henn’s Garage 447.35 Hess Embroidery & Uniforms 164.50 Andrew Hess Inc. 798.00 Kantner’s Tire Service 20.00 Mike Kershner 2,881.45 E. M. Kutz Inc. 398.45 Kuzan’s True Value 51.12 Lantek 821.15 M P Uniform & Supply 679.00 Masano Bradley 7,395.87 Met-Ed 5,539.14 Miller Municipal Division 544.50 Mountain View Supply 34.20 Municipal Employers Ins. Trust 145.50 Nextel Communications 649.24 PA Dept. of Community & Economics 52.00 PPL Gas Utilities 2,302.41 Penn Pride, Inc. 2,412.89 Public Safety Center Inc. 352.03 Quill Corporation 98.95 Radio Maintenance Inc. 55.00 Reading Eagle Co. 56.45 Sam’s Club 30.03 Scotts Lawn Service 96.00 Sustainable Energy Fund 212.69 Systems Design Engineering 4,211.47 Taser International Inc. 95.00 Telco Inc. 2,562.75 Thren’s Auto Parts 295.88 ThyssenKrupp Elevator 197.31 Triangle Communictions 187.40 UniFirst 352.65 Verizon 420.66 Water Environment Federation 244.00 Weiss Markets 70.95 TOTAL $67,041.66 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH Borough of Hamburg 50,000.00 Hess, Andrew Inc. 3,334.32 Berks Co. Treasurer 467.50 Borough Payroll 92,154.78 Sam’s Club 163.91 Laureti, Anthony 37.23 Middle Dept. Insp. 425.00 Nabozny, William 110.00 Our Town Foundation 173.68 Union Fire Co. 10,000.00 Petty Cash 49.92 TOTAL $156,916.34 GRAND TOTAL $223,958.00
SOLICITOR’S REPORT Nothing to report other than a brief executive session after the meeting regarding potential litigation and no action will be required. INFORMATION ITEMS
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. on the motion of Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Roger Stetzler.Attest: Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary/Office Manager | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
