AUG. 14, 2006

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MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 14, 2006 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL

The sixteenth 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, Tina Yoder, Roger Stetzler, Roy Heffner, Dale Schlenker, Elaine Swavely

Members Absent – None

Also Present – Borough Manager Lynda Albright, Solicitor Mike Zubey, Mayor Roy Del Rosario

Visitors- Nikki Murry (Hamburg Item), Deena Kershner, Maria Herne (Pottsville Republican), Kerry Delong, Pat Delong, Valdis Lacis (Reading Eagle)

A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Tina Yoder to approve the amended agenda by adding the addition of four motions.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

None

A motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve the minutes of the July 24, 2006 meeting.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Tina Yoder 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, Property Committee Report.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT
JULY, 2006

The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of JULY, 2006 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 and the proposed redevelopment plan/proposal.

Continue to do on-site inspections at the pool. Colors of the pool walls, tiles, floor and water features have been decided on. Work is on schedule and should be completed in October.

Met with the applicants for Recreation Director again and a recommendation for hire will be forthcoming.

Met with a resident regarding storm water issues he was having at his property; He was referred to John Leonforte and the problem is being resolved.

John Leonforte and I did an on-site inspection of the Exide property due to complaints about the west wall of the 2nd street building showing signs of deterioration and possible collapse. The owners have been notified and are commencing work to make the property corrections.

Dale Schlenker, Property Chairman and I met with Wayne Wade, pool consultant and the pool contractor to discuss various concerns and issues that were still pending.

Met with Carol Adams of the Reading Railroad Technical Museum to review documents relating to the former Penn Steel Property as well as surrounding properties.

Kim Berger and I met with representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers at the towpath along Port Clinton Avenue to view the damage done to the towpath and canal during the most recent flooding. They indicated they would probably only be able to provide us with technical assistance for its restoration; they maintain they have no ownership in this property. They will, however, be checking and confirming to us, ownership of the property to be restored.

Kim and I also met with FEMA and PEMA officials to discuss the flooding of the towpath and possible funding for its repair/replacement. Again, subject of ownership arose and it was determined that if ownership is the Borough’s, we would most likely be eligible for reimbursement for its restoration. We will be working closely with these officials in the upcoming weeks/months to make sure necessary applications for reimbursement are accomplished and work gets completed in this area.

Members of the Non-uniform pension committee and I met with Don Consul, Actuary, to look at possible changes to the pension plan. He will review our requests and do a cost study, at which time recommendation will be made to Council for approval, if it can be done affordably.

Took the NIMS study course, along with other employees and some members of Council. It appears that to date all that have taken the course have passed. We need 100% certification of all employees, appointed and elected officials by September, 2006.

During the month, attended two regular meetings of Council, Hamburg Municipal Authority, Recreation Board, Finance, Property, Road, 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, 2006.

PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

JULY 2006

The crew started to perform some work along the walkway after the flood had done some damage to it.

The crew spent a lot of time cleaning up after the storm/flood.

Installation of 2 hour parking sings on 4th Street as well handicap signs.

Performed some cold patching around the borough.

Due to some vandalism, the fence at the park was repaired as well as the window in front of the stage.

Weeds were once again sprayed around the borough, as well as cutting/trimming weeds along the streets.

Repaired a 6" water main leak at 4th and 61 once again.

Installed stop signs on Church Street.

Repaired 12" storm drainpipe on Third Street near the bridge.

Installed stones along the shoulder on Port Clinton Avenue and Mountain Road.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard L. Pickel Public Works Supt.

Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report July 2006

Water

Most production for the month was from the wells due to high turbidity from June’s rain. We are back on surface water and, once again face issues with the filter control program. We are having a dialogue with Robert’s on these issues.

We are looking at some engineering issues involving the replacement of the chlorine booster pumps at the water plant. Tony and I are working with Systems Design and Kohl Bros. to find a way to get more life and better service from these pumps.

Wastewater

The construction is moving right along. The new clarifiers are in place and should be leak tested any day. The first pour in the oxidation ditch has been made and the second is scheduled for August 10.

The pumps have been delivered to the Pine Street Pumping Station and should be installed shortly. The Channel Monster has been installed, with start up scheduled for August 8.

We have received notice of a civil penalty from the USEPA for by-passes and overflows between 2000 and 2005. The Solicitor and Engineer will be addressing this.

We have also received a Notice of Violation for permit exceedances for ph from January through May of 2006. We have responded to PaDEP as required. We have had one ph violation in July and seem to have it under control through chemical addition.

Respectfully submitted

Keith L. Brobst

Water/Wastewater Superintendent

OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT
JULY 2006

At the beginning of the month, I continued working with Berks County EMA to finalize the damage assessment forms, including meeting with several property owners on site regarding the flood.

Contacted Nester’s to bring in a dumpster for the flood victims.

Throughout the month I contacted the flood victims numerous times regarding information. There were approximately 60 victims.

Compiled information for EMA.

Various letters were completed including, debris letters, weed notices, blocking water meter letters. Various other correspondence was completed.

Met on several occasions with the hardware company to work on the continuing problems with our server.

Assisted the accounting clerk on various accounting issues.

On July 11, 2006, a water leak occurred and we answered customer’s calls.

Compiled the six-month budget report.

Worked on various workman’s compensation claims and requests for invoice payments.

On July 17, 2006, met with Bruce Rogers of the Army Corps of engineers on site at the damaged canal/walkway.

Researched the minutes from 1972 regarding the role that the Army Corps of Engineers played in the repair of the canal from Hurricane Agnes.

Reminder grease trap quarterly reports were mailed to the commercial businesses.

Pictures were taken of various handicap parking space areas.

July 24, 2006 - attended the FEMA meeting at the Berks County AG building. Information was obtained as to how to apply for Federal Funding for public property.

July 25, 2006 – met with the non-uniform pension actuary to discuss various issues and changes.

July 28, 2006 – attended a "kick off" meeting with FEMA regarding paperwork that needs to be completed for clean up after the flood of June 2006.

July 31, 2006 – met with Tim Roaten from Eastern Air Balance regarding problems with the HVAC.

Respectfully submitted,
Kim Y. Berger

Office Manager

TREASURER'S REPORT

July 1, 2006 to July 31, 2006

GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT - BALANCE - July 1, 2006

$455,382.62

Real Estate Current

$ 59,798.48

Real Estate Transfer

$ 7,973.54

Tax Claim

$ 3,999.18

Real Estate Interim

$ 5.88

Per Capita Current

$ 3,204.60

Per Capita Delinquent

$ 180.00

EMS Tax - 2006

$ 5,035.20

EMS Tax - Prior

$ 10.00

Building Permits

$ 1,061.98

Zoning Permits

$ 250.00

Occupancy Permit

$ 50.00

Paving Permits

$ 180.00

Sign Permit

$ 50.00

Police Grant

$ 10,000.00

Transfer from Line of Credit

$ 52,650.00

Traffic Light Reimbursement

$ 7,595.00

Library Payroll Reimbursement

$ 6,004.98

Ping Pong Table Reimbursement

$ 349.88

Dog Licenses

$ 103.50

Police Reports

$ 90.00

Fines & Violations

$ 2,311.63

Parking Tickets

$ 1,660.00

Facility & Parking Rentals

$ 2,724.23

Foodstand Income

$ 477.25

Pavilion Rentals

$ 200.00

Community Days Income

$ 1,616.50

Trash Collection Fees

$ 164,874.44

Water Purchased Services

$ 16,965.89

Sewer Purchased Services

$ 28,269.84

Interest

$ 1,721.75

Other Miscellaneous Revenue

$ 494.02

$379,907.77

835,290.39

Less Paid Out

(357,737.09)

 

Balance in Treasury - July 31, 2006

 

 

 

$477,553.30

Honor Roll Fund - Balance - July 1, 2006

$ 546.93

Interest

$ 1.49

 

Balance in Treasury - July 31, 2006

 

 

$ 548.42

Motor License Fund - Balance - July 1, 2006

$ 113,282.67

Interest

$ 372.34

 

Balance in Treasury - July 31, 2006

 

 

$ 113,655.01

 

 

HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT

JULY  2006 ACTIVITY REPORT

911 Hang-up

6

HAHS Security Check

68

Traffic Complaint

 

Abandoned vehicle

 

Harassment

11

Traffic Stop

52

Act 64, Drugs

 

HBGPark Security Check

89

Vehicle Theft

1

Alarm Calls

14

HBMBldg. Security Check

24

 Vehicle, Abandoned

 

 

 

Hit and Run

1

Vehicle, Disabled

 

Animal Calls

9

HWShed Security Check

96

Vehicle, Towed

 

Assault

1

Information

15

Warnings Issued

 

Assist Fire Company

6

Juvenile Complaints

3

Warrants

1

Assist Officer

59

Lost and Found

7

 

 

Assist Other PD/PSP

14

Lost/Missing Persons

 

 

 

Assist Person

 

Miscellaneous

99

 

 

Background Checks

2

Neighbor Dispute

1

 

 

Bicycle Incidents

 

NGArmory Security Cks.

31

 

 

Burglary

 

Noise Complaint

3

 

 

Check Building

 

Non-Rep. Traffic Acc.

7

 

 

Check Person

 

Open Door, Business

 

 

 

Child Abuse

 

Open Door, Other

 

 

 

Civil

2

Orange Card Business Cks.

44

 

 

Complaints

 

Parking Complaint

8

 

 

Criminal Mischief

1

Public Drunkenness

1

 

 

Death

 

PFA Orders

4

 

 

Disorderly Conduct

4

Recovered Stolen Vehicle

 

 

 

Dog Complaints

2

Reportable Traffic Acc.

2

 

 

Domestic

5

Robbery

 

 

 

DUI Stops

1

Runaway

 

 

 

EMS Calls

31

Security Check

52

 

 

Escort, Funeral

 

Suicide

 

 

 

Escorts, Other

1

Suicide, Attempt

1

 

 

Fight

3

Suspicious Act

6

 

 

Fire Call

1

Suspicious Person

2

 

 

Fraud

 

Suspicious Vehicle

 

 

 

 

 

Theft

7

 

 

 

 

 

JULY 2006

TOTALS

CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS FILED

3

JUVENILE COURT REFERRALS

0

TRAFFIC CITATIONS

35

NON-TRAFFIC CITATIONS

3

PARKING TICKETS ISSUED

80

FINES COLLECTED

PARKING TICKETS

$1,660.00

DISTRICT JUSTICE COURT

$2,412.94

BERKS COUNTY COURT

$212.69

 

Building, Zoning and Codes Report

July 2006

Six construction permits and seven zoning permits and nine paving/sidewalk permits were issued in May.

Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows:

Preliminary work has begun to reconstruct the curbing, sidewalks, and street at Catherine, Grandview Terrace, and Arthur st., with hope to ask for bids this summer for work to be done spring of 2007.

Penn Dot has been contacted regarding storm water problem at 5th & State. I will meet week of July 10th with Penn Dot.

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.

Sewage Treatment plant upgrade is progressing.

Work continues at the municipal pool on schedule.

Barry Isett has been contracted to perform a preliminary study to determine if any wetland exists in the proposed extension of Grand St to Rte 61. No wetland has been found to be in the area of work. Andy Muller has been contacted regarding acquisition of land on the west side of route

61 for additional lane needed for intersection.

Barry Isett has been contracted to perform a preliminary study to determine cost to place a traffic light at Hawk ridge and South 4th Street. Traffic count is in progress.

Streetscape work is on hold waiting Penn Dot approval to start. All known vaults have been filled.

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.

New notice letters are being developed; as it has been determined that previous notices may have been legally insufficient.

John Leonforte

Code Administrator

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

JULY 25, 2006

MUNICIPAL CENTER – 3:30 PM

ATTENDING: Lynda Albright, Tammy Wilkinson, Roger Stetzler, Roy Heffner & Dale Schlenker

VISITOR: John Leonforte (Zoning Official) & James Rumen (RJR Engineering-Pool Contractor)

RJR Engineering presented the options for the water features and the committee picked appropriate colors. The pool should be finished in October, if all goes well.

PennDOT and our Solicitor have reviewed the park property and will be forwarded to this committee shortly.

Burkhardt/Eastern Air Balance continues to the work to balance airflows, humidity in the Municipal Center.

Greg Unger, Municipal Authority engineer, will have map and drainage basin completed for our next meeting.

Rose Shultz, on behalf of her daughter, Alyssa Schultz, has requested to complete a Girl Scout project at the park. The project is painting the picnic tabletops & the benches for her award. The committee has given her the go ahead.

John Leonforte addressed the committee on the condition of the sidewalks in the Borough. Much discussion ensued with different scenarios on repair by property owners. Letters will be forwarded to property owners with a time limit for their repair. The Borough will proceed with repairing a portion of our sidewalks this year. The remainder will be repaired next year to stay within our 2006 budget.

Lynda, Kim and John Leonforte have been in contact with FEMA, the Army Corp of Engineers, Berks Conservancy, & the Schuylkill Greenway attempting to correct the problem on Port Clinton Ave. where the walkway was breeched. Repair is to be attempted shortly.

Chairman of Property Dale R. Schlenker

OLD BUSINESS

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Tina Yoder and seconded by Roger Stetzler to hire Guy Ketch as the new Recreation Director, effective 9/1/06.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler,

R. Heffner, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Tina Yoder to hire William Nabozny as the Assistant Recreation Director and Pool Manager, effective 9/1/06.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler,

R. Heffner, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

NEW BUSINESS

 

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Tina Yoder to accept, with regret, the resignations of Kathy Maberry and Lori Riegel as members of the Recreation Board, effective immediately and authorize the Borough Manager to send letters of appreciation for their service. Both resignations cited personal reasons.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, 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 Roger Stetzler approving the request for Alyssa Schultz to repaint the tables at the park as a community service project, which will enable her to receive her Girl Scout Bronze Award.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler,

R. Heffner, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Elaine Swavely permitting Derek Leibensperger to place a banner across 4th and Maple Street from September 9 to September 25, 2006 advertising Homecoming festivities for the Hamburg High School, provided he meets all criteria as requested by PennDot.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler,

R. Heffner, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Tina Yoder approving the request of the First Assembly of God Church to hold their annual "Light the Night" on the same night as Trick or Treat in the Borough and to use the 4th and Pine parking lot under the same conditions as in the past.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler,

R. Heffner, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve payment of invoices totaling $251,100.67

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler,

R. Heffner, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

 

LIST OF BILLS

AT & T 26.52

AT & T 241.09

COUNTY OF BERKS 2,300.15

BERKS PRODUCTS 256.25

BLUE MT. COMPUTER SERVICE 359.47

BURKHARDT MECHANICAL 84.00

CAPP, INC. 26.66

CONNECT-TEK 62.50

EMAC DAIRY BRUSH 197.80

EJB PAVING & MATERIALS 177.84

EASTERN AIR BALANCE 43,365.00

ED’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR 25.80

EDENBURG WELDING 532.60

EXETER SUPPLY 450.00

FORT DEARBORN LIFE INSURANCE 297.75

HAMBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT 852.72

HARTMAN JANITORIAL 850.00

KANTNER’S TIRE SERVICE 24.00

KLOPP NOVELTY 290.50

KUZAN’S TRUE VALUE 35.95

MET-ED 5,318.43

MILLER MUNICIPAL DIVISION 219.60

MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 452.71

MUNICIPAL EMPLOYERS INS. TRUST 202.50

NESTER’S SANITATION 1,235.43

NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS 618.57

PPL GAS 344.14

PENN PRIDE 1,966.19

POWERCO 115.02

RANDALL RENTSCHLER 6.28

E. S. SAVAGE 32.00

SOFTWARE SYSTEMS 6,166.00

THREN’S AUTO PARTS 2.99

THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 176.24

TOM SCHAEFFER’S CAMPING 39.98

TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 170.50

UNIFIRST 324.20

VERIZON 415.27

WADE ASSC. 1,500.00

WINDSOR PRESS 887.97

TOTAL 70,650.62

CONRED CONSULTING 5,875.00

INVOICES PAID PREVIOUSLY 174,575.05

TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $251,100.67

HETTINGER NURSERY 279.00

SAM’S CLUB 265.47

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG (GROSS P/R) 83,352.64

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG (EMP. SHARE SS) 4,818.10

SCHWOYER, DENNIS 3,170.42

SCHWOYER DEDUCTIONS 773.58

HOLMBERG, ROBIN 35.00

SEARS 349.88

EASTERN PA DEMO 26,000.00

RJR ENGINEERING 52,650.00

BERKS CO. BUILDING 70.00

KUZAN’S HARDWARE 110.75

KRAMER, WILLIAM 89.00

NORTH BERKS REGIONAL 46.00

BEST BUY 139.96

BERKS CO. TREASURER 88.50

KEITH BROBST 400.00

DEAN CORRELL 120.00

CUB PACK #184 50.00

CULTURE SHOCK 500.00

HECKART, PAUL 200.00

HINNERSHITZ, DANA 125.00

MARKO, RICK 600.00

PETTY CASH 103.47

PA DEPT. OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 238.28

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

An executive session was held after the meeting to discuss police personnel issues.

INFORMATION ITEMS

August 15, 2006 – 3:30 p.m. – Safety Committee

August 22, 2006 – 3:30 P.M. - Property Committee

August 28, 2006 – 7:00 p.m. – Water/Sewer & Public Relations

            August 28, 2006 – 7:30 p.m. – Borough Council meeting

August 29, 2006 – 7:00 p.m. – Planning Commission

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. on the motion of Tina Yoder and seconded by Roger Stetzler.

Attest:

Lynda G. Albright, Manager for

Kim Y. Berger

Recording Secretary/Office Manager