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MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 9, 2007 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The seventh regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2007 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with Vice-President Martha Bertolet presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer. Members Present –Roger Stetzler, Martha Bertolet, Elaine Swavely, Roy Heffner, Dale Schlenker, Jeanette Heckman Members Absent – Tammy Wilkinson Also Present –Solicitor Mike Zubey, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/ Recording Secretary, Manager Lynda G. Albright Visitors- Chief Painter, Maria Herne (Pottsville Republican), David Carroll (Reading Eagle), Roy Berstler, Becky Atwell, Leon Balthaser, John Sleboda, Jim Kissinger A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve the amended agenda ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker, J. HeckmanNAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Chief Painter stated that Officer Richard T. Leymeister has completed training and is now a certified DARE Officer as well as an SRO (School Resource Officer). The school has been notified and classes will resume in the Middle School as soon as the logistics have been worked out. Leon Balthaser questioned if the roads that are being destroyed from the I-78 construction will be repaired. Manager Albright stated that the engineers are working on the list of about 20 streets and it is hopeful that the contractor will be providing us with a bond to repair them. Mr. Balthaser also questioned the mound of dirt across from his lot. Manager Albright stated that this fill will be leveled out. John Sleboda questioned if the power lines that are on the pole at Port Clitnon Avenue and William Street could be placed underground. This is on the north side of the bridge. Manager Albright will be checking into this. Also it was questioned if there were any signs on I-78 to let motorists know that 4th street is closed to traffic. Manager Albright will be checking into this as well. Roy Berstler, 85 S. 3rd Street, stated that the Journey Café is playing their music too loud. He can hear it inside his house and has to turn his TV up so he can hear it. The juveniles smoke outside his house and leave it a mess. When parents come to pick up the juveniles, they block the intersection and make a traffic jam. Mr. Berstler stated that the juveniles are all over with skateboards and bicycles, not obeying the laws. It is dangerous. The Café’s next concert is April 21. Chief Painter will check into this. Mr. Berstler stated that he did talk to the Pastor as well as the people inside the Café to no avail. There is supposed to be adult supervision, but there isn’t. Chief Painter also asked Mr. Berstler to call if there is a problem. A motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the minutes of the March 26, 2007 meeting.ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker, J. HeckmanNAYES – None A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman 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, Code Enforcement report, Recreation Director’s ReportROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker, J. HeckmanNAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT MARCH, 2007 The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of MARCH, 2007 included the following :Held staff meetings with supervisors to discuss, provide and receive updates on various projects and issues taking place. Addressed complaints and other correspondence as needed. Met at various times of the month with John Leonforte to review various building projects and code enforcement issues he is working on, in particular, 4th and Hawkridge, the proposed access to Route 61, new subdivisions, proposed senior housing at the old Wright’s building. Representatives of the Police and Non-Uniform pension boards and I met with Smith Barney for updates on the employees’ pension funds for 2006. Guy Ketch, Rec. Director and I held additional interviews for the park/pool season. John Leonforte, Code Enforcement Officer, Councilmen Dale Schlenker, Roy Heffner and I met with the Great Valley Engineers and the engineer developing the old Wright’s building site to determine the adequacy of ingress and egress from the proposed apartments onto Peach Alley. Due the structure fire at Burkey and Driscoll and Curves buildings, members of Council, Code Enforcement Officer John Leonforte, Deena Kershner, Mark Geiger, Buck Holtzman and Micah Gursky, Sandra Christman, Dave Argall and I visited the site of Burkey and Driscoll to view the damage and try to determine what can be done to expedite getting the funeral home reopened. Also discussed the former Curves property and if the structure will remain or be demolished and something new put in its place. Met with Marita Kelly of DCED to further discuss and review the Administrative Study she is doing for the Borough of Hamburg. Marita and I also met with Kim Berger, Office Manager to discuss potential changes and seek her input for possible changes. The Study should be complete and ready to submit to Personnel Committee in April. Attended the monthly board meeting of the Our Town Foundation as a means for working together more closely and keeping communications open between the Borough and OTF. Met with Dean Klopp to further discuss the status of work on the HVAC. Have asked Mr. Klopp to provide cost estimates for possible future work. Contacted DCNR about the $300,000 grant for the pool. Hopefully, that will be forthcoming within the next 60 days. Received confirmation from the Berks County CDBG office of two grants being made available to the Borough – one for $50,000 for storm drain work and one for $250,000 for the Grand Street extension. During the month, attended two regular meetings of Council, Hamburg Municipal Authority, Planning Commission, Finance, Property, Personnel, and Safety 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, 2007. PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT MARCH 2007
Servicing of the street sweeper as well as changing oil was completed. The 89 dump truck salt spreader was repaired by the crew. Street signs were repaired along 2nd Street, State Street, Apple and Walnut Street. 25 mph speed limit signs were replaced around town. Cold patching has continued during the time the weather allows. We had another winter storm whereby we salted the streets and then plowed. Sidewalks were cleared over the weekend. Intersections and parking lots were cleared of snow. As time and weather permitted, the salt shed walls were backfilled and the steel beam was painted. The trusses have been ordered. On the milder days we ran the street sweeper to start cleaning up for spring. The fire hydrant at S. 6th Street court was repaired. The crew assisted at the water filtration system at the water plant. The sinks and toilets were removed from the bathhouse at the swimming pool. The water was turned on for the Little League field. The new park regulations signs were erected around the park. Debris/sticks were cleared from the park. The fence at the park was struck and it was repaired by the crew. The new electric line at the Frey building was installed. Respectfully submitted,
Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report March 2007 The structure fire of March 5 created some issues for the water system. As the fire company started opening hydrants residents at the higher elevations experienced a total loss of water pressure. This required a "boil water" notice to be issued. This was done the morning of Tuesday the 6th. Bacteria tests Tuesday and Wednesday the 7th were negative and the notice was withdrawn. Employees went door-to-door distributing notices till such time, as the advisory was no longer needed. We have found this to be cumbersome and inefficient and will be revising policy in the near future. All water for the month was from the wells. We expect Optimum Control to start building the new control system in the next few weeks and hope to be back on surface water very soon. Wastewater The month started off with a severe rain event, which required pumping out the wet well at Ridge Lawn to avoid an overflow and the subsequent permit violation. We pump several tankers full, about 15,000 gallons and hauled it to the sewage plant. We have ordered a new control system for Ridge Lawn, which will help but still have other issues to deal with in Ridge Lawn. The rain event also caused some difficulty at the plant. While the construction has progressed to the point that we can pump and treat everything we are getting the piping from the secondary clarifiers to the chlorine contact tank has not yet been replaced and in an extreme rain event we have to pump the effluent to that tank. This lasted for several days. Operations started going downhill several days later, which turned out to be due to seal failure in the new clarifiers. The bands that hold the seals in place broke. Because it was 3 of 4 seals we think it was either over tightened during installation or a material defect. Repairs have been made and things are coming around.
Respectfully Submitted
OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT MARCH 2007 I contacted the representative from Carbo-line regarding anti-graffiti paint for the pool bathrooms, prices were received and turned over. Spent the better part of a day working on compiling pension information and organizing files. For the first two weeks of the month, there were many, many times there was no heat in areas of the building, alarms were found just about every morning when I arrived. We worked them out with the assistance of the crew, Proac and Dynatech. During this process a chilled water line was found leaking. Burkhardt repaired this. Also during this process a sprinkler line in the basement was found leaking. Precision Fire Equipment repaired this line. The boiler impeller was found to be deteriorated. The chiller was found not running. Both of these issues have been repaired. 
On March 5, 2007, the fire at 32-36 S. 4th Street, devastated a lot of families. EMA arrived on location shortly after the fire started and throughout the night assisted families, tenants and all emergency personnel. We served as the communication agent for all services and assisted all those in need. We kept the communications open until 2 am and everyone had left the area. We extend our gratitude to all those individuals who assisted with this event. In response to this fire, the Hamburg Municipal Authority had to issue a boil water notice. We printed over 2400 notices to all the water customers of the Authority. Calls were fielded for three days regarding the safety of the water. Thankfully, there were no contaminants found in the water and the notice was lifted. 
In speaking with the representatives from Pizza Hut, it was found that they would like to donate some money to the Borough for use at the park. I explained to them various issues that the borough was working on for improvements at the park and we were asked to write a synopsis of what the Borough offers the children of our community. In doing so, Pizza Hut presented the borough with a check for $1,000 to use towards the park. On March 7, 2007, we were presented with this check during their ribbon cutting ceremony. Workers compensation claims continue to be logged and I have worked with different agents regarding the various claims. I met with a contractor to obtain prices on repairs of the walls in the municipal center as well as replacement of the ceiling tiles on two floors. We have received a quote. Research was done regarding upcoming litigations regarding the municipal building. Attended an insurance meeting with Aflac. Attended a non-uniform pension meeting with a representative from Smith Barney. The accounting clerk has been cross-trained in all matters regarding the accounting system. Payroll cross training will begin in April after the accounting clerk returns from her sick leave. Unfortunately our accounting clerk had fallen and broken multiple bones in her left elbow and had to have surgery. She will be returning after her doctor releases her. During her leave, I will be handling all accounting issues. Grease trap letters and quarterly reports for the first quarter have been completed. Attended two Council meetings and staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for all the meetings.
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT
Building, Zoning and Codes Report March 2007 Four (4) construction permits and one (1) zoning permit and one (1) excavation/ paving Permit and one (1) occupancy certificate were issued in March. Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows: Preliminary work continues, to reconstruct some curbing, sidewalks, and the streets at Catherine, Grandview Terrace, and Arthur st., we have some estimates and hope to ask for bids this spring with work to be done this summer/fall. Ricky and I have met with contractors or property owners of four properties slated for sidewalk and curb replacement. Penn Dot 78 construction project is progressing. Work in the Borough of Hamburg is slated to be completed By the end of November 2007. Survey work continues for the proposed extension of Grand Street to Rte 61. Stock piling of Material at the Wissahickon property is anticipated to start in April. Penn Dot has required a regional traffic study prior to considering an HOP for the project. Ryan Kern with Barry Issett associates has submitted a Penn Dot HOP application to place a traffic light at Hawk ridge and South 4th Street. Penn Dot has reviewed submission and requested comments be addressed. Discussions with Balfour Beatty, contractors working on I-78, and Penn Dot, to fill areas at the Dolly Hop site. Will require a design showing pipe easement and ROW to be done by Balfour Beaty. Then documents must be signed by the borough and Leon Balthaser. Stock piling of Material at the Dolly Hop property has begun. Exide has been in negotiation with EPA for clean up of the battery plant. A response is expected from Exide in the next 30 days . 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 Codes Administrator RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT MARCH 2007 The month of March continued with meeting with former Recreation board, Northern Berks Recreation, Community Day and a vendor for the pool. Numerous outside visits to the pool have been made to attempt to apprehend vandals who are damaging the garage doors. Discussions were conducted with groups of basketball players, skaters and bikers about littering and damage. Further interviews for the position of lifeguards are planned for April. Discussion continues for the Grand Re-opening of the pool. Y102 was contacted and they indicated that they no longer participate in that type of event. We met with a vendor for the pool to discuss the addition of a nacho machine and a slush puppie machine. Respectfully submitted, Guy Ketch, Recreation Director William Nabozny, Asst. Rec Director and Pool Manager
OLD BUSINESS Nothing NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner approving the Recreational Grant Agreement for the Open Space and Recreation Grant between the County of Berks and the Borough of Hamburg in the amount of $25,000 and authorizing the appropriate officials to execute same.ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker, J. HeckmanNAYES – None The following Proclamation for one-way traffic around park during Memorial Day Festivities was read by Manager Albright. Under Section 4, Chapter XV, as amended by Ordinance #638, dated December 5, 1994, I, the undersigned Mayor of the Borough of Hamburg, hereby declare a four-day trial period for the following. One Way Traffic
By Order of the Hamburg Borough Police Dept. Roy C. Del Rosario/s/ Mayor A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Dale Schlenker approve payment of invoices totaling $274,176.34ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker, J. HeckmanNAYES – None List of bills BARKO CLEANING 120.00 BERKS CO. CHIEFS OF POLICE 330.00 COUNTY OF BERKS 2,367.36 BERKS PRODUCTS 69.03 BERKS-MONT NEWSPAPERS 205.38 BLUE MT. COMPUTER 275.00 BURKHARDT MECHANICAL 252.00 ROY C. DEL ROSARIO 12.50 EMAC DAIRY BRUSH 39.00 EJB PAVING & MATERIALS 382.20 EDENBURG WELDING 1,379.60 ENGLE-HAMBRIGHT & DAVIES 30.00 FORT DEARBORN LIFE INSURANCE 295.85 GENERAL CODE PUBLISHERS 1,981.35 GREAT VALLEY CONSULTANTS 4,230.29 ROBERT GRUGAN 59.88 HAMBURG AUTO PARTS 116.11 HARTMAN JANITORIAL 710.00 HENN’S GARAGE 151.65 MIKE KERSHNER 25.00 EM KUTZ 667.34 MARTIN STONE QUARRIES 68.51 MET-ED 5,213.88 NESTER’S SANITATION 502.74 PSAB 10.00 PLCM 65.00 PPL 2,868.28 MICHAEL PAINTER 350.00 PENN PRIDE 2,157.68 PENNSY SUPPLY 248.40 PROAC 44,837.40 PURCHASE POWER 2,018.99 READING EAGLE 507.60 READING FOUNDRY 288.48 SAM’S CLUB 163.24 ES SAVAGE 106.48 SCHLENKER MOTORS 733.88 TELCO 265.00 THREN’S AUTO 78.20 THYSSENKRUPP 187.06 UNIFIRST 262.24 VERIZON 436.66 YODER’S HEATING 3,022.75 TOTAL 78,592.01 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – GROSS 82,550.59 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG - EMP SHARE SS 4,924.53 ZELINSKY, THOMAS 36.38 HOWER, STEWART 52.00 PSATS 50.00 BEE NET 75.00 BERKS CO. TREASURER 279.50 MOYER, CONNIE 52.00 HESS, ANDREW 12,761.79 LEYMEISTER, RICHARD 250.00 PETTY CASH 63.476 BROSSMAN, WANDA 52.00 DELONG, MARY 52.00 HAMBURG FAMILY CENTER 80.00 ALBRIGHT COLLEGE 45.00 BERKS CO. TREASURER 181.50 RJR ENGINEERING 50,000.00 TOTAL 195,584.33 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $274,176.34 SOLICITOR’S REPORT An executive session will be held to discuss police personnel issues. INFORMATION ITEMS
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. on the motion of Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner .Attest: Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary/Office Manager | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
