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MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 11, 2006 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL. The twenty-fourth 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, Roger Stetzler, Martha Bertolet, Elaine Swavely, Roy Heffner, Dale Schlenker Members Absent – None Also Present – Borough Manager Lynda Albright, Solicitor Mike Zubey, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/Recording Secretary Visitors- Chief Michael Painter, Maria Herne (Pottsville Republican), , Ron Devin (Reading Eagle), Nikki Murry (Item), Alean Tray, Scott Kreider
ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Scott Kreider was present to question a few items relating to the budget. Wages were questioned, medical insurance, contributions to the Fire Company, and expenses for the Hyundai, Police motorcycle and the possibility of litigation in regards to the police cut backs. A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Martha Bertolet to approve the minutes of the November 27 and December 5, 2006 meeting. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker NAYES – None A motion was made by Roy Heffner 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, Personnel and Property Committee ReportROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT NOVEMBER, 2006 The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of NOVEMBER, 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. Work on the pool renovation has ceased for the winter. In spring, they will put the finish on the pool, put up the new water features and test the system. Pool will be opened for the Memorial Day weekend. Discussions still being held with governmental agencies regarding the canal
restoration. It is now anticipated work to commence in the beginning of
December. Met with Marita Kelly, Local Government Policy Specialist from the Governor’s Center to start the process for an Administrative Study in the Borough Office. She spent about 6 hours here obtaining information and discussing policy and procedures and work being done in this office. I am expected to receive a draft report by the end of November or early December. Attended both the Streetscape and Timbering bid openings on November 13, 2006. Attended a meeting regarding the Riverfront project in which there were members of the Blueprint Community, OTF, Council, as well as, representatives from North Berks Rec. Corp, Blue Mountain Wildlife, Berks County Conservancy and Schuylkill River Greenway. Met with a representative from M & T bank to review the borough’s accounts. During the month, attended two regular meetings of Council, Hamburg Municipal Authority, Recreation Board, 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 November, 2006. Lynda G. Albright Borough Manager PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Oil was changed in the 2001 police vehicle. Cold patching was done around the borough. Hot patching was also done on Port Clinton Avenue and Peach Street. The crew also spent time sealing around the hot patches and the cracks in the roads. Leaves at the park continue to be collected. The pool cover was taken to New York for repair by a crewmember and within a week was repaired and was picked up by a crewmember After the soccer season, the bathrooms were winterized. The crew assisted the Authority by cutting the brush at the reservoir behind the impounding dam. It is that time of the year whereby the salt spreader was installed on the small dump truck and the other spreaders were serviced and are ready for installation. The crew cleaned the shoulders along Mountain Avenue, William Street and Port Clinton Avenue from the fallen leaves. The afternoon before Thanksgiving a water break occurred on the 6" water main on Walnut Street. Upon arrival, a second leak occurred a few feet away. Schlouch was called in to assist the crew and we were on site until after 9:30 p.m. repairing both these leaks. Respectfully submitted,
Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report November 2006 Water Most water for the month was from the surface source. The weekend of the 18th and 19th the plant got a mind of its own and caused significant problems. Signaling from the PLC to the pre-filter soda ash pump became inconsistent and caused turbidity to rise. We worked with it for several days until it became apparent that the filters were unreliable. We will be on well water for the foreseeable future. The engineer, Tony and I met with a representative of OCC, a company specializing in controls and are waiting for a proposal to replace the control system at the water plant. The new chlorine booster pumps should be installed very soon. Kohl Bros. have temporarily installed a "loaner" to keep us running till the permanent installation can be done. The afternoon before Thanksgiving we had a water main break on Walnut Street in the area of Exide. In the process of closing valves to locate this leak another developed at the other end of the block. While the Borough Crew fixed one leak we had a contractor repair the other. The second leak was significant and did some damage to the street. Homes were without water for about 8 hours. Happy Thanksgiving! Wastewater Construction is proceeding on schedule and we expect to flow through the oxidation ditch and new clarifiers by year end. There have been a few issues regarding the stability of the catwalks on the clarifiers and US Filter along with DESCCO are working to resolve the problem. On November 9th we noticed a solvent like odor from the primary clarifier however there was no other evidence of a spill at that time. Later that evening Robbie told me he had heard there was a fuel oil spill on State Street and I went to the Wastewater Treatment Plant to find the primary clarifiers covered with a film of fuel oil. This resulted in an almost total kill of the biomass. We were able to remain in permit compliance and bring the biomass back but we had a nervous couple of days. A week later extremely heavy rain flooded the Pine Street Pumping Station. This time we were able to avoid a by-pass and treated everything that came down the pipe. The backup into the station, however indicates we still have considerable work to do in the collection system. Finally, I am happy to report there were no exceptions to the November DMR. Keith L. Brobst, Supt. OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT NOVEMBER 2006 Throughout the month of November various forms of correspondence was sent including rubbish/debris letters and miscellaneous other items. The Municipal access Channel and the website continue to be updated. The pool cover was delivered to the manufacturer in New York, was repaired and the picked up by a member of the Borough crew. We did receive a discount for the repair and it was well below the estimated cost. Work continues on the various workman’s compensation claims that are outstanding as well as one new claim. Preliminary dates for 2007 for the boards and committees have been developed. Upon authorization, these dates will be advertised. Due to a poor response from businesses that are required to turn in grease trap inspection forms, I sent second and third notices to those in violation. So far this has been somewhat successful. Throughout the month, the budget has been compiled and entered. Assisted ML Construction with the repairs of the doors in the municipal building. All doors have been repaired and thus far they are working fine. Due to some accounting issues, I spent a lot of time working on reconciliation of the books. I hope to have this complete shortly. Due to some delinquent EMST businesses, I started some courteous phone calls to these businesses. I have been pretty successful with contacting them and having them send in their delinquent amounts. I continue to be in touch with those that are researching their records.CANAL Project – At approximately 2:30 a.m. on November 17 after approximately 3" of rain, the river overflowed once more into the canal bed along Port Clinton Avenue and onto Port Clinton Avenue itself, due in part because of the breach of the towpath. Thankfully, there was only minor damage. Pictures were taken early on the 17th. I met with the property owners along Port Clinton Avenue. I have received official approval from DEP, approval from the Berks County Conservation District, approval from the Army Corp of Engineers and a non-conflict approval from the PA Historic and Museum Commission. On November 24, 2006, Rick, Lynda and I met with the contractor who will be performing the work. Due to the holiday and the upcoming hunting season, no work will be commenced until the week of December 4, 2006. This work should take approximately a week, barring any unforeseen circumstances and weather permitting. Attended two council meetings EMA meeting and staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for all the meetings. I also attended training at County EMA.
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT NOVEMBER 2006 ACTIVITY REPORT
Building, Zoning and Codes Report Two construction permits and one zoning permit and one paving/sidewalk permit were issued in November. Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows: Preliminary work continues, to reconstruct the curbing, sidewalks, and street at Catherine, Grandview Terrace, and Arthur st., with hope to ask for bids this fall for work to be done Spring of 2007. Ricky and I have been meeting to determine an alternative
to total reconstruction. secured and repairs are being done. Preliminary plans for development have been shown to the planning commission.
end of November 2007. Work at the municipal pool is suspended for the winter. No delay in spring pool opening is anticipated. Survey work has begun for the proposed extension of Grand Street to Rte 61. Ryan Kern with Barry Issett associates has submitted a Penn Dot HOP application to place a traffic light at Hawkridge and South 4th Street. Ricky and I have had discussions with Balfour Beatty, contractors working on I-78, to fill areas at the Dolly Hop site. A release has been signed and permitting is being applied for by BB. Exide has been in negotiation with EPA for clean up of the battery plant. A response is expected from Exide by Dec.11th . 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 Personnel Committee December 5, 2006 Present were: Council Members Roger Stetzler, Tammy Wilkinson, Elaine Swavely, Martha Bertolet and Borough Manager Lynda Albright Interviews were done for positions on the Zoning Hearing Board, Planning Commission and Recreation Board. As a result, the Personnel Committee will be making the following recommendations for appointment: On the recommendation of Personnel Committee request council appoint Anthony Merklinger to the Zoning Board. Anthony Merklinger is new to the borough as of January 31, 2006 and is also interested in serving on Planning if another position is available. On the recommendation of Personnel Committee request council appoint Scott Kreider to the Planning Committee. Scott has the knowledge of the area and has served on Borough Council as well as other Boards before. On the recommendation of Personnel Committee request council to appoint Jeff Adams to the Recreation Board. He is very interested in working with youth. Two applications were submitted to Council for the Council position vacated by Tina Yoder. Chuck Figard and Jeanette Heckman both are interested a recommendation is forth coming at the December 11, 2006 meeting. Martha E. Bertolet PROPERTY COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 28, 2006 3:30PM ATTENDING: Lynda Albright, Elaine Swavely, Tammy Wilkinson, Roger Stetzler, Roy Heffner & Dale Schlenker
OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Roger Stetzler to reimburse the general account from the line of credit the amount $188,267.30 (pool renovation only).ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve and authorize the appropriate officials to execute the Resolution and other documentation dealing with the 2007 Tax Anticipation Note in the amount of $50,000. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker NAYES – None NEW BUSINESS 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 Greater Hamburg Business Association for their event dates in 2007 as follows: Block Party – May 18th; Side Walk Sale – August 11th, Artist Day – Sept. 15th and Heritage Day – October 6th; and, to block traffic on 4th Street from Pine to State and on State from 4th to 3rd.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker
On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the following pool rates for 2007: Ø Borough Resident Family - $175.00Ø Non-Resident Family - $200.00Ø Borough Resident Single - $115.00Ø Non-Resident Single - $140.00Ø Resident Student - $90.00Ø Non-Resident Student - $95.00Ø Daily Swim - $8.00 for Adults and $5.00 for ChildrenROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Elaine Swavely to appoint Anthony Merklinger as a member of the Zoning Hearing Board, term ending 12/31/07.ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Dale Schlenker to appoint Scott Kreider as a member of the Hamburg Planning Commission, term ending 12/31/08. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Dale Schlenker to appoint Jeffrey Adam as a member of the Hamburg Recreation Board, term ending 12/31/09. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker
On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Roger Stetzler to appoint Jeanette Heckman to fill the unexpired term created by the resignation of Tina Yoder. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker
A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve payment of invoices totaling $124,888.92 ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, R. Stetzler, E. Swavely, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker NAYES – None (President Wilkinson abstained from Reading Eagle due to direct income) LIST OF BILLS AT & T 26.20 AT & T 301.65 ALBRIGHT COLLEGE 15.00 BARKO CLEANING 120.00 BARRY ISETT 2,660.08 COUNTY OF BERKS 2,300.15 BERKS PRODUCTS 123.28 BERKS-MONT NEWSPAPERS 57.25 BLUE MT. COMPUTER 575.00 KEITH BROBST 300.00 BURKHARDT MECHANICAL 178.20 KIM CHERRY 200.00 DENISE CLARE 200.00 COMMONWEALTH OF PA 495.00 ROY C. DEL ROSARIO 25.00 EJB PAVING 741.81 LYNN ERNST 200.00 FORT DEARBORN INSURANCE 297.75 GOODYEAR 697.44 ROBERT GRUGAN 200.00 HAMBURG AUTO 8.77 HARTMAN JANITORIAL 710.00 INTL. CODE COUNCIL 50.00 KUZAN’S TRUE VALUE 257.09 ANTHONY LASCALA 300.00 RICHARD LEYMEISTER 439.65 DAVID MAZAIKA 89.99 MEDTRONIC 309.66 MET-ED 5,316.80 MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 11.98 NEXTEL 639.19 PA LOCAL GOVT. SEC. ASSN 85.00 PA STATE ASSC OF BOROS 400.00 MICHAEL C PAINTER 203.50 PENN PRIDE 1,808.38 PENNSY SUPPLY 266.34 PHILADELPHIA BALL 62.00 PITTNEY BOWES 189.00 QUARTERMASTER 132.92 QUILL 437.08 READING EAGLE 564.44 SA-SO 187.84 SAM’S CLUB 24.70 STAPLES 79.99 ROGER STETZLER 14.00 THREN’S AUTO PARTS 110.18 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 176.24 TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 161.50 TYLER TECHNOLOGIES 240.00 UNIFIRST 268.84 VERIZON 401.88 WINDSOR PRESS 89.82 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH POSTMASTER OF HAMBURG 725.31 BORO OF HAMBURG – GROSS P/R 86,306.71 BORO OF HAMBURG – EMP SHARE SS 4,640.85 HAMBURG YOUTH BASEBALL 250.00 PETTY CASH 125.14 MET-ED 7,302.97 JEFF SEIDEL 25.00 TEEN CHALLENGE 1,053.15 BERKS CO TREASURER 59.50 GREEN ACRES LAWN 52.00 KERVIN KLINE 199.70 RILEIGHS OUTDOOR 198.00 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $124,888.92 SOLICITOR’S REPORT Nothing to report INFORMATION ITEMS December 18, 2006 – 7:00 p.m. – Planning Commission December 19, 2006 – 3:00 p.m. – Safety Committee w/ Property Committee to follow December 20, 2006 – 7 pm – Authority meeting December 27, 2006 – 6:30 p.m. – Water/Sewer/Public Relations meeting December 27, 2006 – 7:30 p.m. – Year End Borough Council meeting January 6, 2006 – Rotary will be collecting Christmas trees There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m. on the motion of Roger Stetzler and seconded by Dale Schlenker. Attest: Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary/Office Manager | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
