The fourteenth meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2005 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Adam Dries presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer.

Members Absent – None

Also Present – Solicitor John Speicher, Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary

Visitors – Time Neufeld, Alean Tray, Sylvia Summons, Kim Emes, Chuck Miller, Dan Roman (Hamburg Item), Heather Breininger, Kelly Breininger, Diane Robinson (Reading Eagle)

A motion was made by Tina Yoder and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the amended agenda with an addition of a motion to prepare and advertise the curb and sidewalk ordinance using the same standards that PA DOT does.

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Lori Guldin presented a paper to Lynda Albright, Borough Manager to review with Council.

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Tina Yoder to approve the minutes of July 11, 2005 meeting as submitted.

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Martha Bertolet to approve the following reports: Engineer’s Report, Safety Committee Report and Finance Committee Report, Personnel and Sewer Committee Report.

NAYES – None

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ISSUES

Flows at the plant have returned to normal. Settling characteristics of the activated sludge process has improved greatly.

The sludge dewatering device has been delivered and plant personnel have it up. Plant personnel started the dewatering device on June 3, 2005 and are using it almost daily. Results running the dewatering device looking promising. Filtrate from the process is significantly cleaner than from the belt press. Based on performanc4e to date, Systems Design Engineering, Inc. recommends an equipment bid be advertised to purchase the system or equal.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to work on a preliminary design for the expansion of the wastewater plant. The planning module for an expansion of the WWTP to 1.5 MGD has been submitted to DEP. Meetings continue to be held with the design team as the project progresses. A verbal report will be presented to the Board.

The Planning Approval for the WWTP has been approved by PA DEP. This is a significant milestone in the permitting process.

CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN and I/I WORK

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is continuing dialog with DEP on the Connection Management Plan. Based on televising of the collection system from the 2004 contract, a repair contract has been advertised. The bid documents are on the street with bid receipt for the August meeting. Contact with Lisa Trakis from the EPA was accomplished to coordinate EPA and PA DEP schedules. A verbal report will be presented.

MID-ATLANTIC CANNERS

MACA notified the Hamburg Borough, Authority and Systems Design Engineering, Inc. to notify us that they will cease operations on August 5, 2005. This closure will have significant impact on the Authority revenues. 2004 revenues from MACA were $175,000 to the sewer account and $15,000 to the water account.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. contacted EPA to postpone some required pretreatment items that may now not be required. In particular is the recalculation of the local limits due this year, an item that costs nearly $10,000 in modeling and testing.

PROJECTS

Design of the upgrade/expansion of the Pine Street Pump Station is progressing.

Charles Fitzpatrick and Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continue dialogue with Tilden representatives on the proposed Inter-Municipal Agreement and representation issues.

WATER PRODUCTION

The impoundment dam is near the lower intake and is essentially at the empty stage. Recharge from local storms allows continued use, but staff anticipates switching to the well at any time. Water production was mainly from the surface water/filter system this report period.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to work with Plant Personnel on new and proposed regulations that may affect the System in future.

WATER PROJECTS

The Consumer Confidence Report was completed for Borough staff to mail.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. works with staff on minor operation and maintenance issues as required.

 

FINANCE COMMITTEE
JULY 11, 2005
MUNICIPAL CENTER 6:30 PM 

ATTENDING: Lynda Albright, Chuck Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Chief Mike Painter &Martha Bertolet

 Chief Painter reported that the program the officers use to report incidents to the state is out dated and time consuming.

Robert Mengel applied for a grant for $10,000.00 from DCED and it has not been officially approved. We are still waiting for the final confirmation. It would be used to purchase a new system CODY which will cost $11,200.00. As soon a final confirmation is received it will be recommended to council for approval to purchase CODY.  It would be installed into 3 computers in the office. Office Mengel is working on another grant to put the system into the police cars if that is awarded it would save the officers reporting time.

 Chief Painter reported on the need for a new police car. The Chev. Impalla in Black and White V-6 with front wheel drive would cost $21, 500.00. Finance needs to review the budget to see if funds are available for the new purchase or lease.

The Chief said the DARE vehicle has the most mileage but that it could be used for spare parts because if it is sold it most certainly would be around $400.00. If the money is available it will be recommended to council for approval.

Lynda reported the extra money from EIT is not an error but due to people moving into the borough. 

In the recent audit it was reported we owe an additional $19,000.00 to Workmens Compensation. and $10,000.00  due to increase in salaries.

 Chairperson of Finance
Martha E. Bertolet

SAFETY COMMITTEE
July 19, 2005

The committee met at 3:30 p.m. on the above date, with the following persons present: Lynda Albright, Dale Schlenker and Chuck Figard. Chief Painter joined the meeting later.

Randall Miller, owner of Apple Tree Specialty Country Store was the only visitor.

ITEMS DISCUSSED

LIMITED PARKING ON NORTH 4^TH STREET

Mr. Miller requested restricted parking from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, to ensure spaces would not be occupied for entire day by residents. Time limit was for one or two hours, similar to those limits now in effect from State to Pine on 4^th Street. The spaces involved would be just north of State St. with four spaces marked on both sides. The area contains five businesses.

Following the meeting several committee members checked for off-street parking in Primrose Alley. The committee agrees to mark a total of four spaces, three on the west side of N 4^th St. and one on the east side, with a 2-hour parking limit, which is the same as the parking limits along S. 4^th St. business section, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

USE OF "JAKE" BRAKES (TRACTOR/TRAILERS ONLY)

Danny Williams of the Fire Police requested action to prevent tractor-trailer operators from using the above-mentioned brakes inside the borough limits. Use of the brakes produces window rattling muffler sounds especially in a commercial or built up area where the sound bounces off the masonry walls. Chief Painter will check with Danny to make certain that noise is the only factor in the request.

RUNNING STOP SIGNS

Reports have been received concerning construction truck operators who are failing to stop at stop signs, particularly in the Williams Street area.

Chief Painter will contact the primary contractor to remind construction truck drivers that the signs mean stop, not roll-through.

PARKING TICKET FINES

The committee recommends an increase in all fines for parking etc. to be increased to $20.00. Council will be asked to approve the increase at the next council meeting.

Chief Painter received a check from the I-78 contractor in payment for police services during moving of construction material and equipment during June 13 and 14. Payment included pay for use of the borough’s vehicles as well as pay for the officers.

The meeting ended at 4:55 p.m.

Chuck Figard

July 14, 2005

3:00PM

Persons Attending: C. Figard, J. Heckman, M. Bertolet, T. Wilkinson, and L. Albright, borough manager.

Items discussed:

Agreed to recommend Christine Roth to the Library Board.

Were informed about police personnel concerns regarding injury of Officer Zelinsky. Personnel concerns are important and confidential for the protection of the employees and borough, therefore not listed specifically.

Discussed requiring pre-approval from personnel committee for reimbursement to board members,(for example planning, zoning, and recreation), attending information workshops and seminars pertinent to there board. The attendees to such events should return to their board and share information learned.

Lynda shared information on ASO/Self-Funding Arrangement for medical that has the potential for saving money on health care.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanette Heckman

June 27, 2005

Attendance: Martha Bertolet, Charles Figard, Dale Schlenker, Tammy Wilkinson, Lynda Albright, John Speicher, Denise Clare, Charles Fitzpatrick, David Fink, Steven Blefgen, Judy Romig, JoAnn Rahauser and Richard Boyd.

Discussion was held in conjunction with the Hamburg Municipal Authority. The Tilden Planning Commission representatives were also present to discuss the agreement between Tilden Township and the Borough of Hamburg for the upcoming sewer expansion project. Tilden is contributing financially to the expansion and upgrade to the current system. The financial figures and service were provided to the Water and Sewer Committee based on the Municipal Authority calculation. At this time it is still unclear of the amount of grant funding that will be available. The amount of grant funding will affect the EDU rate. As for now the EDU rate was raised from $1,500 to $3,000. The Municipal Authority has the power to set the EDU rate. Mr. Boyd was not in agreement with that terms of this agreement as well as the issue of the EDU rate. Future discussion will be held at the council meeting held immediately after this meeting. All other parties were in agreement and the recommendation to approve the agreement between the Borough of Hamburg, Hamburg Municipal Authority and Tilden Township, will be made in the amended agenda for this evenings council meeting.

Tammy Wilkinson

None

On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson to appoint Christine Roth as a member of the Hamburg Library Board.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker to authorize the increase of all borough parking fines to $20.00, except for handicapped space fine, which should be increased to $30.00.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to post a 2-hour parking limit, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., north of State Street – three on the west side of North 4^th and one on the east side of N. 4^th and authorize the Borough Manager to prepare an ordinance and advertise same.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Tina Yoder and seconded by Charles Figard to hire William Ford, Francis Downin and Deborah Rabenold as crossing guards for the 2005-2006 school year.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Road Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Tina Yoder to approve a grant submittal for CDBG funds to the County of Berks in the amount of $40,000+ for storm water management projects.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Tina Yoder and seconded by Charles Figard to prepare and advertise an ordinance amending the current specifications for curb and sidewalk to those used by PA DOT.

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Tina Yoder and seconded by Charles Figard to approve payment of invoices totaling $72,196.46

NAYES – None

T. Wilkinson abstained from Met-Ed (family member works for them).

AT & T 32.35

AMERICAN RED CROSS 84.30

BCMHIPG 20,882.58

COUNTY OF BERKS 1,867.26

BLUE MT. COMPUTER SERVICE 100.00

EMAC DAIRY BRUSH 19.50

EMC INSURANCE 4,703.01

EDENBURG WELDING 270.25

GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSC. 275.00

HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 168.79

HARTZ CONCRETE 19.50

HESS, ANDREW 145.00

RANDY KLINE 450.00

LOU EES 1,001.00

JP MASCARO 6,811.21

MET-ED 4,059.01

MILLERS 156.58

ONE TOUCH TO WIRELESS 19.99

ORION SAFETY PRODUCTS 479.25

PMHIC 1,077.30

PHILIPS MEDICAL SYSTEMS 204.00

PURCHASE POWER 2,016.99

RARITAN VALLEY DISPOSAL 13,721.59

SOFTWARE SYSTEMS 5,185.00

ROGER STETZLER 117.00

SYNERGETICS 250.00

TELCO 580.00

TOTAL 64,696.46

UNION FIRE CO. #1 OF HAMBURG – 2^ND INSTALLMENT 7,500.00

TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $72,196.46

Solicitor Speicher stated that approximately two years ago Officer Leymeister had been receiving his regular salary until his Heart & Lung request was approved. Those taxes were submitted to the various agencies. Solicitor Speicher has been writing letters to the IRS to try and recoup these taxes, to no avail. Solicitor Speicher is going to write one more letter and if it doesn’t work, the borough would have to file an action against the IRS. It was suggested that Holden’s office be contacted to see if we could get some help with this money being refunded.

An executive session was called at 7:40 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue.

Meeting reconvened at 8 p.m.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to award Heart & Lung benefits to Officer Thomas Zelinsky for a re-injury of his right wrist and thumb.

NAYES – None

                    August 1, 2005 STREETS COMMITTEE MEETING – 3:30 P.M.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. on the motion of Tina Yoder and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson.

ATTEST: