MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 12, 2007 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL

The third 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, Roy Heffner, Dale Schlenker, Jeanette Heckman

Members Absent – None

Also Present –Solicitor Mike Zubey, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/ Recording Secretary, Manager Lynda G. Albright

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Kyle Fritz stated that he would like permission to perform his Eagle Project at the Little League Field by repairing and painting the bleachers.

NAYES – 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 Director’s Report, Property and Personnel Committee Report.

NAYES – None

BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT

JANUARY, 2007

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, 4^th and Hawkridge, the proposed access to Route 61.

Spent significant time working with the solicitor and council regarding police personnel, along with retirement benefits related thereto.

Auditors started the annual audit and some time was spent with them responding to questions they had or providing information as needed.

John Leonforte and I met with a resident concerning the building of a new home and various questions he had on its proposed location.

Met with Deena Kershner, OTF Manager, Pete Eisenbrown of Ludgate Engineering and John Hivner of Telco to look at the traffic signal poles at 4^th and State, 3^rd and State and 3^rd and Pine, with the idea of replacing them with new black coated poles, as well as relocating further back off of the curb (as was done with the pole at 4^th and Pine). Telco will put together a proposal and submit to the Borough for review. If approved, funding will come from the streetscape funds of OTF.

Representatives of the Property Committee and I met with Wayne Wade of Wade Associates at the pool to determine how the Borough could economically renovate the pool bathrooms to make them handicapped accessible. This will have to be done prior to the opening of the pool this season.

Met with the cleaning service to discuss scheduling a time this spring to redo the floors in the lobby area of the second floor of the Municipal Building.

During the month, attended one regular meeting of Council, Hamburg Municipal Authority, 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 January, 2007.

Throughout the month assisted the water department installing meters.

The brush was cut along Mountain Avenue, Port Clinton Avenue and William Street.

Cold patching continues on a regular basis.

Servicing of the police cars as well as changing oil was completed.

The crew took some more time changing signs, i.e., stop signs, no parking signs and street sweeping signs.

The fire hydrants at Catherine and Church Streets as well as 6^th and Arch were rebuilt.

The crew built a gate for the walkway (north end of the tow path).

Due to vandalism, the crew replaced two new doors at the Little League foodstand.

The crew also repaired a portion of the basketball fence.

Any Christmas trees that were left behind or weren’t put out for the Rotary collection were picked up and then all the trees were chipped.

Repairs were made to the John Deere tractor, lawn mower and roller on the 89 dump as well as the salt spreader.

During one of the small snow events, the crew salted the streets and cleared sidewalks and parking lots.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard L. Pickel Public Works Supt.

Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report January 2007

Water

We continue to use the wells for the water supply.

Rebuild of the filter plant control system has been bid and awarded. We expect the new system to be in place within the next few months.

Wastewater

The oxidation ditch has been put on line. We are meeting permit parameters and have had no violations. Settling in the clarifiers could be better. We are using two (2) clarifiers even though flows should not require two. We are working with Systems Design and US Filter to fine tune the operation.

Construction continues at a good pace. All three secondary clarifiers are available if needed. The 18 inch transfer line around the aeration tank is complete and the primary clarifiers are off line and being filled in. All in-plant recycle lines have been tied into the ditch. The anaerobic digesters are being emptied. Demolition of the raw sludge pumps and return activated sludge pumps will start any day.

Respectfully Submitted

Keith L. Brobst

Water/Wastewater Superintendent

Throughout the month the staff prepared and completed all issues relating to closing 2006 and opening 2007 including accounting, utility billing and payroll issues.

I continue to work with John Trubilla on computer related issues.

Bright Signs had been contacted regarding signs for the park.

Work continued on gathering information for the police actuary.

Various correspondence was mailed including: debris letter, interviews, insurance files, worker’s compensation etc.

Grease trap letters for the 4^th quarter were mailed.

I have been corresponding with the elevator company regarding regulations and policies.

All Emergency Management updates have been distributed.

Letters have been mailed to all commercial businesses asking for their 2006 recycling report. This helps the borough receive recycling money.

To get ready for the auditors, all confirmations and letters were mailed.

The auditors started on January 24, 2007 and everything is going well.

On January 30, 2007, a workman’s compensation audit was completed.

Attended two Council meetings and staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for all the meetings.

Respectfully submitted,

Kim Y. Berger
Office Manager

Building, Zoning and Codes Report 
January 2007 

No construction permits and one zoning permit and four excavation/ paving (Gas repairs) permits were issued in January.

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. A meeting with the residents affected may be advisable.

I have received several calls from contractors regarding the former Wrights building, at Pine and

2^nd St. Estimates for proposed renovation is in the three million dollars range. Work is to be started this summer.

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 in the next 90 days.

Inspections were completed for residential and light commercial, previously permitted, work in the borough.

  John Leonforte 

Codes Administrator

September 2006 marked the beginning of a new Hamburg Recreation Department Administration.  Joining this year's team was Guy Ketch as Recreation Director. William M . Nabozny was also hired as Assistant Rec Director and pool Manager at a hourly rate until January 1, 2007, when he becomes salaried.

 Activities from September through January included the placement of a float in the King Frost Parade, which was spearheaded by Mr. Nabozny.  The float was a success in the advertising the opening of the Hamburg Community Pool in May 2007.

  In conjunction with the rec board, a profitable poinsettia fundraiser was held prior to Christmas.  Mr. Ketch conducted numerous oversight visits to the park and attended various meetings.  A general inventory for 2006 has been conducted.  New rules for the pool are in process of being developed to include the new slide and other safety regulations.

  Interviews for the pool have been conducted with the possibility of having to advertise to fill food stand and lifeguard positions.

  Community Day meetings have begun for the July 21st event.

 As of January 31, 2007, The Rec. department feels it is off to a good start.  Please feel free to offer any suggestions and ask questions.

  Respectfully submitted. 

Guy R. Ketch,

Recreation Director

William M. Nabozny,

Assistant Rec Director & Pool Manager

JANUARY 23, 2007

MUNICIPAL CENTER – 3 PM

ATTENDING: Lynda Albright, Tammy Wilkinson, Martha Bertolet, Elaine Swavely, Roy Heffner, Roger Stetzler & Dale Schlenker

The walls to the salt storage area have been erected and we will seek additional estimates for the roof.

A meeting with Wade Associates will be set up to continue progress on the improvements to the Hamburg Pool Bath House; especially the handicapped area.

Lynda has been instructed to continue the work with Proac on the work on the Municipal Center.

THANKS to the Rotary Club for their pick-up of the Christmas trees.

Letters have been sent to Met-Ed concerning the safety of a few of the utility poles on the affected Streetscape area; we have had no reply. After Lynda made numerous calls we discovered the names given for follow-up were incorrect and Lynda will begin the process all over again after receiving the proper people names and addresses.

The Property Committee recommends the purchase of a road roller (in 2007 budget) via the State Contract for $12,891.70

Investigation will continue on the service contracts, for the Municipal Center HVAC system, in an attempt to cut expenses.

Lynda met with OTF and their representatives to determine the feasibility of re-locating 3 traffic signals at the remaining intersections on 3^rd & 4^th streets. This could be accomplished if OTF has sufficient monies remaining from the Streetscape grant.

Kyle Fritz, Boy Scout Troop 184, has requested approval to repair the bleachers at the Hamburg Little League area as an Eagle Scout project. The Property Committee says, Thanks and git-r-done.

The Property Committee recommends to Council the following dates/events sponsored by OTF: Kids fest, 6/23/07-Beach Night 7/20/07 and the closing of Pine St. from 3^rd to 4^th Sts. and use of the Municipal Lot.

After discovery of a boiler problem and repair by Yoder Heating, Lynda called the manufacturer of the boiler and was successful in being refunded on the costs of parts under their warranty; good job.

Chairman of Property Dale R. Schlenker

02/05/2007

Persons in Attendance: Jeanette Heckman, Chairperson, M. Bertolet, T. Wilkinson, R. Heffner, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, Lynda Albright, Chief Painter, and Solicitor M. Zubey.

Items discussed:

Committee recommended accepting the resignations of the police personnel Corporal positions and returning the two men to patrolman status.

Had a request from a former employee to review his personnel file. Committee agreed to ask him specifically what he wished to see from his personnel file. Non-employees (according to law) have no rights to their files.

Agreed to hire names presented for park/pool employment.

The hiring of a crew person is still underway.

Administrative study being done by Marita Kelly is still underway. A report should be forthcoming soon.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanette E. Heckman

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner reaffirming approval of the final land development plan of the Hamburg Square for a new bank.

NAYES – None

NEW BUSINESS

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Martha Bertolet giving approval to Kyle Fritz to repair the bleachers at the Little League Field in order for him to obtain his Eagle Rank as part of Boy Scouts Troop 184 (repairing will be to replace seats and paint).

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to purchase a Wacker Roller from Andrew Hess at the State Contract price of $12,891.70.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Elaine Swavely and seconded by Jeanette Heckman approving OTF’S request to hold two different events, utilizing the municipal lot at 4^th and Pine – Kids Fest on Saturday, June 23, 2007 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Pine Street closed from 3^rd to 4^th Sts. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Beach Night on Friday, July 20, 2007 from 5 to 9 p.m., with Pine Street closed from 3^rd to 4^th Streets from 12 noon to 10:30 p.m.

NAYES – None

NAYES – None

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to accept the resignations of Robert Mengle and Richard Leymeister as Corporals for the Hamburg Police Department and put them back to regular patrolman status effective January 30, 2007.

NAYES – None

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Roy Heffner approving the Salt Contract Participation Agreement with the Commonwealth of PA – Department of General Services for the 2007-2008 Winter Season.

NAYES – None

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Elaine Swavely and seconded by Jeanette Heckman approving the contract between the Borough of Hamburg and Ark Rentals for the bounce inflatable rides for Community Day. ($704.00)

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Elaine Swavely and seconded by Jeanette Heckman approving the execution of the Letter of Agreement between the Borough of Hamburg and the County of Berks with reference to the $25,000 Recreation Grant as submitted by the OTF. (this is for the canal area).

NAYES – None

Manager Albright read the following letter addressed to Mayor Del Rosario:

February 5, 2007

To all concerned:

We wish to commend Police Chief on his fast response to our call in regards to a firearm sighting report across from the High School involving a student.

We just wanted to thank all involved for a potential situation that your team handled very well. We feel jobs well done deserve recognition.

Thank you!

Bob-Diane Deibert

NAYES – None

AT & T 302.11

AMERICAN ROCK SALT 2,043.84

BARKO CLEANING 160.00

BERKS COUNTY CHIEFS OF POLICE ASSC 50.00

BERKS PRODUCTS 4,751.40

BLUE MT. COMPUTER 871.41

EDENBURG WELDING 250.00

FORT DEARBORN 297.75

HAMBURG AUTO 35.22

HARTMAN JANITORIAL 710.00

KANTNER’S 29.00

MIKE KERSHNER 138.50

KOZLOFF STOUDT 441.00

KUZAN’S 364.12

LANTEK 118.13

LOWE’S 210.00

MAZAIKA CONCRETE 8,013.42

MET-ED 5,237.94

MILLER MUNICIPAL DIVISION 380.60

MILLERS 5 & 10 122.38

MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 25.26

MEIT 145.50

NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS 700.95

PA BOROUGH COUNCIL ASSC 25.00

PA DEPT. OF LABOR & INDUSTRY 44.00

PPL GAS 1,796.15

PENN PRIDE 1,171.95

PA CHIEF OF POLICE ASSC 100.00

QUILL 147.76

REPPERT’S AUTO SERVICE 1,023.73

ROGER STETZLER 138.00

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUND 212.69

SYSTEMS DESIGN 351.70

THREN’S AUTO PARTS 186.78

THYSSENKRUPP 1,163.06

TYLER TECHNOLOGIES 3,750.00

ULTIMATE OFFICE 22.31

UNIFIRST 336.05

VERIZON 405.29

WINDSOR PRESS 815.06

YIS/COWDEN GROUP 698.25

ZIPPY USA INC 114.47

STATE WORKERS INS. FUND 7,149.00

TOTAL $45,049.78

BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH

DANNY WILLIAMS 120.00

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – GROSS 84,741.16

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – EMP SHARE SS 4,704.03

BERKS CO. TREASURER 948.50

PA CONSTRUCTION 95.00

TYLER TECHNOLOGIES 6,530.91

BEST BUY 505.94

GLOBAL COLLECT 141.00

BROSSMAN, WANDA 52.00

MET-ED 5,282.74

BERKS MONT 78.24

KUZAN’S 161.45

WENRICH, BRENDEN 52.00

BLUE MT. COMPUTER 100.00

PETTY CASH 27.65

TOTAL INVOICES PAID PREVIOUSLY $103,892.12

TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $148,941.90

Solicitor Zubey stated that proposed Ordinance #747-07 is in the process of being advertised. This proposed ordinance deals with the intergovernmental agreement regarding the Northern Berks Regional comprehensive plan.

An executive session will be held following the meeting to discuss police personnel issues. No formal action will be taken.

February 13, 2007 – 9:00 a.m. – Rescheduled Road Committee

February 13, 2007 – 3 p.m.- Property Committee

February 20, 2007 – 3:30 p.m. – Safety Committee

February 20, 2007 – 7 p.m. – Planning Commission

February 21, 2007 – 7 p.m. – Authority meeting

February 26, 2007 – 7 p.m. – Water/Sewer/Public Relations meeting

February 26, 2007 – 7:30 p.m. – Borough Council meeting

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. on the motion of Roger Stetzler and seconded by Jeanette Heckman.

Attest: