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MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 13, 2007 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL. The fifteenth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2007 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, Roger Stetzler, Martha Bertolet, Elaine Swavely, Dale Schlenker, Jeanette Heckman, Heather Berger Members Absent – None Also Present –Solicitor Mike Zubey, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/ Recording Secretary, Manager Lynda G. Albright, Mayor Del Rosario Visitors- Maria Herne (Pottsville Republican), Felix Pena (Reading Eagle), Deena Kershner, Kerry Delong, Chief Painter
ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, J. Heckman, T. Wilkinson, H. BergerNAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Kerry Delong was present to question whether a resolution has been reached regarding the damaged roadways from the I-78 project. Manager Albright stated that the engineer is working with PA DOT and Balfour Beatty (the contractor for the interstate project), however, nothing has been resolved at this point. A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve the minutes of the July 23, 2007 meeting. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, J. Heckman, T. Wilkinson, H. BergerNAYES – None A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman 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 and the Recreation Director’s Report.ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, J. Heckman, T. Wilkinson, H. BergerNAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT JULY, 2007 The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of JULY, 2007 included the following :Held staff meetings with supervisors to discuss, provide and receive updates on various projects and issues taking place. Have asked department heads to submit a "draft" five-year plan. Addressed complaints and other correspondence as needed on a daily basis. 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, the Grandview, Arthur, Catherine Street curbing project, Streetscape and the Exide Building. Also reviewed several complaint issues he is working on. Attended the monthly board meeting of the Our Town Foundation. Attended the quarterly Pension Board meetings for both the Police Pension and Non-Uniformed Pension plans for updates on the performance of each plan. Also spent time addressing police and non-uniform personnel issues. Met with Jerry Knowles of Representative Argall’s office, as well as a few residents of North 6th, south of I-78 to address some concerns about the tremendous amount of noise generated by the removal of the bank and trees in connection with the construction project. Residents are asking to have some type of noise barrier in place, i.e., trees or shrubs. Mr. Knowles will be addressing this issue with PennDOT and Balfour Beatty. Attended the interviews for the prospective council candidates. John Leonforte, Rick Pickel, Guy Ketch and myself met with Jim from RJR Engineering to do another walk-through of the pool renovation area. Several items have been documented and taken care of. Other items to be addressed at the pool closing. Started working on the budget process for 2008, as I will be making some changes to the fund accounts, due to departmental changes. During the month, attended two regular meetings of Council, Road, 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 July, 2007.
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Along the Greenway, there was a tree that needed to be cut up and an old table was removed. The handicap sign was installed at 134 N. 4th Street. Grass at the park, tot lot, Hawk Ridge Park, garage, municipal center and monument continue to be cut. A lot of light bulbs needed to be changed at the municipal center as well as records needed to be transported to the second floor storage room. The grass/weeds at the flood control dams were cut. A lot of time was spent working on the storm drainpipe on Island Street. Spraying of the weeds along the roads continue. The crew hauled the storm drainpipe to N. 5th Street for the contractor to install for the new bridge. The shrubs around the municipal center, library and monument were trimmed. Repaired a ½" service line at 50 S. 3rd Street. Hot patched all the water ditches around the borough. Ran the street sweeper in Shoemakersville. An old service line at 514 Island Street was leaking and since it was dead-ended, the service was terminated. The gates at the swimming pool were repaired. The fence at the tot lot park that was damaged by a falling tree was repaired. The park bank was cut. Painted the tables at the park and stated to paint the fence posts. Time was spent at the pool performing backwashes and starting the heater. Island Street was hot patched. Hamburg, Pa August 13, 2007 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report July 2007 Water Water for the month was supplied from both the surface and well sources. The filters ran while the plant was manned while the bugs were being worked out of the system. The programming has been moving along quite well and we hope the physical end of the installation will be completed shortly. Unfortunately, unless we get some substantial rain the surface water source will be unavailable very soon. We have received some isolated dirty water complaints that have us somewhat perplexed. We have tried several flushing strategies but have been unable to solve the problem for the long term. Tri-annual copper and lead testing has been completed with all samples being below that action levels. This keeps us on a reduced monitoring schedule of 20 sites every 3 years. Wastewater The construction continues. The anaerobic digesters have been emptied and demolition has started. The utility water line is near completion and when that is done we should be ready for paving. The new garage addition is up, doors have been installed and the electrical contractor is in the process of getting it wired. The remaining work is mostly cosmetic, removal of the old aerators, the indoor remodeling, plumbing, and the HVAC. The effluent meter and weir have been installed and the effluent chemical feeds are pacing to flow. The heat pump/ air conditioning in the training room burned out and had to be replaced. We had to bring in a contractor to deal with roots in a lateral at a residence on S. Crescent Ave. This is the second time we have had this done in the last year. This is part of the I&I issue and needs to be dealt with as part of the upcoming repair project. Respectfully submitted Keith L. Brobst Water/Wastewater Superintendent OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT This was the year to test for lead and copper. Letters and instructions were mailed to the twenty sites. After results were received, follow up letters were mailed to the same sites. The quarterly budget report was prepared. Weed notice letters were sent as well as debris letters and ordinance violations. Research was done regarding information on Department of Corrections and ordering custom signs from them. Throughout the month, time was spent reviewing CD’s and worksheets regarding the major upgrade of our accounting/utility billing and payroll software. Training must continue with the rest of the staff. Upgraded software should be on line in mid-September. Worked with our phone representative regarding issues with the phone system. A new board was installed and assisted with various issues regarding this issue. Attended the quarterly pension meeting with Smith Barney. Budget worksheets have been prepared. Various Worker’s Compensation claims were filed. Assisted the Borough Manager with updating all the Authority files. Outdated information was removed and stored in boxes and new files/drawers were set up. Work continues on compiling a budget for five years. Various costs were researched as well as equipment needs. A lot of time was spent working with the accounting clerk on issues related to year-end, month end and other issues. Also time was spent on reconciliation outstanding utility billing issues. Attended two Council meetings and staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for all the meetings.
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT JULY 2007 ACTIVITY REPORT
Building, Zoning and Codes Report July 2007 Four (4) construction permits and four (4) zoning permits and two (2) paving/sidewalk permits were issued in July.Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows: The Streetscape project is in progress. Few problems have been encountered. Water, sewer and gas fixtures are being replaced as required. Some finish work is not meeting standards and will be addressed. Work Is progressing at a good pace with few complaints. 90 % of curb and sidewalk is complete. Lamp posts are being installed. Work is progressing to reconstruct some curbing, sidewalks, and the streets at Catherine, Grandview Terrace, and Arthur St. We have sent letters to each affected property owners asking that curb and sidewalk repairs be made. We have some estimates and hope to ask for bids, for the paving, this fall with work to be done this spring. Final drawings for phase one of the Grand Street extension has been sent to Penn Dot for their review. Our engineer has met with DEP and it was determined a joint permit with DEP and Army Corp of Engineers will be required. We have had infiltration testing done, with initial results appearing to be acceptable. We hope to get through the permitting process in 12 months and build Phase one 4 months after that, with a hoped for completion date of November 2008. Ryan Kern with Barry Issett associates and I have met with Met Ed regarding right of way and construction easements needed to place a traffic light at Hawk ridge and South 4th Street. We were received positively at the local level, but approvals from higher authority is pending. Demolition has begun. Exide Corporation , the demolition contractor and, EPA continue the clean up and demolition of buildings #1 and #2, and all the accessory structures of the battery plant. A cleaning process ( primarily pressure washing) continues. Actual demolition has started, with completion in October of this year. Demolition of the Curves property has started. Completion of demolition is expected by August 10th. Work on the Peach Alley Apartments project (former Wrights Building, at 239 Pine) has begun this is will be a 12 month project. Inspections were completed for residential and light commercial, previously permitted, work in the borough. Property Maintenance complaints of rubbish, high grass and Occupancy inspections continue to be addressed.
John Leonforte Codes Administrator RECREATION DIRECTORS REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2007 The month of July continued with various meetings of multiple backgrounds and purposes. Various events were held in the park this summer. The Jaycees sponsored the Memorial Day Festival and Lion’s Club sponsored Community Day. Park use consisted of various baseball leagues, a soccer camp, a twirler camp (under the direction of Mrs. Gassman) will hold a program August 15 at 7 p.m. at the bandstand. Numerous picnics and several meetings were held at the pavilions. Several issues have developed with the operation of the pool. In the past couple of weeks, difficulties with the floodlights have occurred. They continue to burn out. Mike Kershner has been notified and is trying to resolve the problem. The pump for the sprinklers in the wading pool ceased to function. Lynda is addressing this problem with the contractor. Various construction problems were placed on a punch list. Some of the list is being corrected, some are being negotiated and others will be corrected in the fall as a result of a meeting with the contractor. The grass around the deep end of the pool remains to be a major issue. A meeting was held with Jim of RJR. The heater was put on line. We are presently running the heater at 78 degrees to be most cost effective. The pool operations have gone well. We held a swim and dance and a movie night, which were successful. Other had to be cancelled due to the weather. Extended hours to 10 p.m. when weather and pool population permitted have been received with great enthusiasm. The new freezer and the vent fan were positive additions to the operation of the food stand. The establishment of security in the park is working well and the added support of the Hamburg Police, especially, Officers Mengle, Kramer and Sheperak has effectively limited some of the problems at the park. All in all, this summer is progressing well. Respectfully submitted Guy R. Ketch, Jr. Recreation Director OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Dale Schlenker to hire Dennis Moyer and Travis Fritz as part-time officers for the police department. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, J. Heckman, T. Wilkinson, H. BergerNAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Elaine Swavely to hire Colleen Ford as a part-time crossing guard. All necessary paperwork has been processed. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, J. Heckman, T. Wilkinson, H. BergerNAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Elaine Swavely and seconded by Heather Berger giving permission, via resolution, to the Union Fire Co. #1 of Hamburg to place a banner across South 4th Street at Domer Leibensperger’s business to advertise their 175th Anniversary of the fire company, contingent upon receiving PennDOT approval. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, J. Heckman, T. Wilkinson, H. BergerNAYES – None Proclamation as prepared by Mayor Del Rosario for Parking Prohibitions for the 2007 Fireman’s Parade are as follows: The following parking restrictions will be in effect on Saturday, September 29, 2007 from 2 to 6 p.m. On 4th Street between Maple and Port Clinton Avenue On Port Clinton Avenue between N. 4th St. and N. 3rd Street On 3rd Street between Port Clinton Ave. and Maple Street On Maple St. between S. 3rd St. and S. 4th Street On Windsor St. between 4th St. to the High School Road Entrance On High School Road between the entrance on Windsor St. to Pine Street On 5th Street between Windsor St. and Maple St. On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to authorize the Borough Manager to seek bids for the trash and recycling for 2008 and to include one bulk pick-up as an option. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, J. Heckman, T. Wilkinson, H. BergerNAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve payment of invoices totaling $158,855.30. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, J. Heckman, H. BergerNAYES – None T. Wilkinson abstained from Reading Eagle – direct source of income LIST OF BILLS AT & T 369.87 AR ADAM 885.50 ALBERT’S WAREHOUSE 235.22 ASSOC. OF MAYORS 45.00 BARKO CLEANING 200.00 BARRY ISETT & ASSC. 12,352.06 COUNTY OF BERKS 2,367.36 BERNVILLE FUELS 118.88 BLUE BOOK 24.95 CRAIG CORRELL 100.00 DAY-TIMERS 61.92 EJB PAVING & MATERIALS 456.15 ES 2 INC. 200.00 EHRLICH 971.10 FISHER DAM AUTO 375.00 FORT DEARBORN 309.55 FROMM ELECTRIC 112.96 GALLS INC. 112.96 GEORGE ELY 229.79 HAMBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT 863.97 HAMBURG AUTO PARTS 14.01 HARTMAN JANITORIAL 710.00 HERSHEY CREAMERY 947.94 INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL 157.40 IIMC 140.00 KRE SECURITY 1,428.00 KANTNER’S TIER SERVICE 32.00 MIKE KERSHNER 495.50 KERMIT KISTLER 245.52 KUZANS 465.96 LANTEK 278.90 LEBANON UNITED JOBBERS 389.40 LOUEES 525.00 LOWES BUSINESS ACCOUNT 53.28 PAUL MELNICZEK 374.00 ROBERT MENGLE 18.92 MET ED 5,460.98 MILLER MUNICIPAL DIVISION 64.50 MOGEL SPEIDEL BOBB & KERSHNER 980.80 MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 191.44 MEIT 117.00 NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS 715.94 PPL GAS UTILITIES 270.71 PSATS 50.00 PENN PRIDE 2,036.81 PEPSI BOTTLING GROUP 949.60 QUILL 221.12 RADIO MTCE 89.25 READING EAGLE 952.70 MJ REIDER 250.00 RANDALL RENTSCHLER 20.52 SEM MATERIALS 888.00 SAM’S CLUB 557.56 ES SAVAGE 32.00 RICHARD SCHAEFFER 190.96 SCHLENKER MOTORS 63.78 SKILL WORKS 180.00 SUSTAINABLE ENERGY 212.69 THREN’S AUTO 378.14 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 187.06 UNIFIRST 357.30 VERIZON 409.90 WEIS MARKETS 64.82 WINDSOR PRESS 462.21 UNION FIRE CO. #1 OF HAMBURG 9,750.00 TOTAL 52,972.84 INVOICES PAID PREVIOUSLY BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – GROSS PAYROLL 93,457.09 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – EMP SHARE SS 6,100.24 NORMAN BAILEY 10.00 WILLIAM MCELLROY 17.46 THOMAS ZELINSKY 34.92 SAM’S CLUB 1,958.20 JEFFREY SCHAPPELL 104.00 BEST BUY 154.95 KUZAN’S HARDWARE 271.44 SAMUEL ALONGE 1,300.00 JENNIFER ZETTLEMOYER 52.00 PETTY CASH 68.00 JENNIFER BECKER 52.00 REBECCA BRENNAN 52.00 BETTY CLAY 52.00 DELANA KOWALCHIK 52.00 DARLENE RICHARD 52.00 Hamburg, Pa August 13, 2007 7:30 p.m. KYLE SMITH 52.00 MATTHEW SMITH 52.00 BERKS CO. CONSERVATION 1,050.00 BERKS CO. CLEAN WATER 250.00 HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS 42.16 BERKS CO. TREASURER 123.00 HMA 525.00 TOTAL 105,882.46 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $158,855.30 SOLICITOR’S REPORT An executive session took place immediately following the regular meeting regarding police litigation issues, however, no action was taken. INFORMATION ITEMS August 14, 2007 – 2 p.m. – Rescheduled Road Committee August 14, 2007 – 6 p.m.- Library Board meeting – in the Library August 15, 1007 – 7 p.m. - Authority Meeting August 21, 2007 - 3:30 p.m. – Safety Committee meeting August 21, 2007 – 7 p.m. – Planning Commission August 27, 2007 – 7 p.m. – Water/Sewer/Public Relations meeting August 27, 2007 – 7:30 p.m. – Borough Council meeting (Dale Schlenker and Heather Berger will not be in attendance) There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. on the motion of Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger. Attest: Kim Y. Berger,Recording Secretary/Office Manager
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