MINUTES OF THE JULY 9, 2007 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL

The thirteenth 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

Members Absent – None

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

Visitors- Mike Gombar, Thomas Berger, Gretchen Dietz (Reading Eagle), John Kurtz (Item), Deena Kershner, Kim Emes, Jean Bowers, Chief Painter (7:45)

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Nothing

NAYES – None

NAYES – None

BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT
JUNE, 2007

The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of JUNE, 2007 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, 4^th 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.

Attended the monthly board meeting of the Our Town Foundation.

Met with Council police negotiating committee to try and reach some type of resolve with the police for their contract.

Also spent time on police personnel issues.

Met with KRE Security to discuss the areas of the park to be watched, hours, etc. Security started the middle of June. This has been a positive move and things are quieting down in the park/pool area.

Met with two representatives of the little league ball team to discuss placement of a pipe to help with drainage in the outfield. Time and some material to be donated; they are requesting that the Borough purchase stone and topsoil.

Attended the pool "Grand Opening". The newly renovated pool has thus far been a huge success. Season ticket sales are at their all-time high. We have received many positive comments regarding the pool, as well as the personnel.

Rick Pickel, Public Works Supt. And I toured the Borough to observe the numerous projects that have to be completed, most before the end of the year. Significant storm drain work is the major concern. This will be reviewed with the Road Committee

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 June, 2007.

PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
JUNE 2007

A handicap sign was installed on Walnut Street.

Cold patching continues around town as we have the time.

In the Municipal Center, the two walls where the walls had been cut to provide access to the "chase" were sanded and painted. They will have to be repainted again as we have the time.

Grass mowing continues at the tot lot, Hawk Ridge park, the park, municipal center, library, along Port Clinton Avenue, etc.

Cutting of the flood control dams has started.

Painting of the white crosswalks continues.

Spraying weeds, cutting weeds along roads and in the streams continue.

The crew worked on the storm drain grates on Mountain Avenue.

Lots of time was spent working on the storm drain on Island Street. The drainpipe is clogged and we have been working to find the blockage.

The baby pool filters were repaired and backwashes continue.

The area was dug out where a new park bench will be installed.

A lot of time was spent at the pool bathrooms.

Installed barricades and signs at the 4^th and Pine parking lot for various events.

Repaired the Ping Pong table at the arts and crafts building.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard L. Pickel Public Works Supt.

Water

We had a major water main leak when a contractor, installing a service line first tore the existing line then broke the corporation stop off of the main. We had customers in 2 blocks out of water for several hours till repairs were made. I issued a boil water notice and informed PaDEP. Sampling over the next 2 days showed no contamination and the notice was lifted on Saturday June 9^th.

Installation and testing of the SCADA system at the water plant continues and we have been using some surface water during this time. This is a custom system and there have been some bugs to be worked out.

Wastewater

A representative of US Filter was on site for training in the operation of the new plant. He made presentations on 3 subjects and left copies of them with the staff. We are working with those methods and the plant is working well.

Overall the effluent is as good as I have ever seen it. We did have one exception to the DMR in June. Total residual chlorine was very high on the 17^th. This was a Sunday and residuals have been running high on weekends. There are modifications being made to the effluent weir, which will, among other things, allow us to pace the chlorine feed to flow. This should help to mitigate these types of issues.

I attended a seminar on electronic reporting of the DMR. I am still evaluating whether this is something we want to do. This would only apply to the state, not the federal government.

Respectfully Submitted

Keith L. Brobst
Water/wastewater Superintendent

Throughout the month of June, we continue to work with the Recreation Director and Pool Manager working out details regarding the pool, season tickets, supplies needed, forms required, etc. Our totals for season tickets thus far have far exceeded those in 2005. In fact more tickets had to be ordered to fill our need.

Met with Chief Painter on various occasions to discuss issues regarding equipment repairs, complaints received. Assisted the Chief in various copying projects.

Updates to the Municipal Access Channel and web page are on going. I am planning on a major update in the next month or so as time allows.

Various payroll forms were completed and research completed to make sure that we were in compliance.

Received various complaints regarding weeds, debris etc. Notices were sent to those affected.

Workman’s compensation forms were filed for a few employees including a crossing guard who was struck by a vehicle. I am happy to report that he sustained no severe injuries and returned to work the next day.

The Hamburg Municipal Authority Consumer Confidence report was copied and folded by Windsor Press and then labeled by our staff, sorted and mailed the last week of the month.

Lowell and I were asked to attend a meeting at the Berks County Fire Academy regarding EMA’s role in the February 14 snowstorm, which shut down I-78 for almost 24 hours. It was a very informative meeting whereby all the agencies involved during the incident were able to critique what went wrong and what things went right. We will be meeting again in a month or so to go over everything that was discussed that night.

Attended the Pool’s grand opening on June 9. I took a lot of pictures that day so that we could share them with the Hamburg Item and have a back panel of the paper as you see so many other organizations have. I copied all the pictures to a CD and delivered them to the Item. Unfortunately, they only printed one picture.

The 2006 Performance Grant 904, Recycling Grant, has been completed and submitted to DEP.

The quarterly grease trap letters have been sent.

The quarterly payroll reports have been completed.

There was a leak in the Senior Center computer room; however, upon investigation it was found that the leak was actually behind the DJ’s

courtroom in the storage room. Apparently one of the pipes came loose from the chiller and was leaking through the floor and through the ceiling in the computer room. Burkhardt was called to repair and the mess was cleaned up.

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 June 2007

  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.

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. .

We have received final drawings for phase one of the Grand Street extension. 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 4^th Street.

We were received positively at the local level, but approvals from higher authority is pending.

Exide Corporation , the demolition contractor and, EPA continue their mobilization regarding the clean up and demolition of buildings #1 and #2, and all the accessory structures of the battery plant. Mobilization by the demolition company has begun. A cleaning process ( primarily pressure washing) will start  this month and extend into July. Actual demolition is slated to begin at the end of July with completion in October of this year.

I have been in contact with the owner of the Curves property. I’ve met with Stellar Contracting, the company hired for demolition of the build. Work will begin as soon as DEP mitigation of hazardous materials is complete. Completion of demolition is expected by the end of July.

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.

The month of June was an exciting time. There were days when the pool was virtually empty and days when the pool was gorged with swimmers.

Ricky Pickel and his crew were instrumental in repairing and dealing with several critical problems. One of the main problems was the repair of the hammer vacuum.

Bathrooms in the ladies and men’s room were remodeled. New stalls and handicap facilities were added.

As a result of age and heat in the concession stand, we lost a freezer. Thanks to Dale Schlenker, Ernie Lesher sharpened his pencil and a new freezer was purchased. To try to prevent further damage, an exhaust fan was added to the concession stand to vent the excessive heat.

Several logistical issues are on going involving the wading pool, pump house, season tickets, Aqua Serve, etc.

The Grand Opening was a great success. We received many compliments. The dance was well attended and enjoyed by all in attendance.

Swim lessons were held with positive results. Additional free lessons and private lessons are being planned for the future.

Articles in the Pottsville Republican, Reading Eagle, achieved public relations and we were selected pool of the week in Voices, June 26^th.

Several pool parties have been scheduled. A movie and swim night has been planned for July 18^th and another swim dance is in the works.

Bill and I have enjoyed the month of June. Our staff of lifeguards is excellent, as well as the food stand and park leaders. Our support from the Borough Manager and Borough Hall staff has contributed to our success. The compliments for the pool and our staff have been numerous.

We look forward to another great month in July.

Respectfully submitted

Guy R. Ketch, Jr.

Recreation Director

William Nabozny

Assistant Recreation Director and Pool Manager

Nothing

At the request of the County Recorder of Deeds and on the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Martha Bertolet to accept Ordinance #750-07.

Manager Albright stated that this ordinance deals with Act 40 and the need to amend our Realty transfer tax. This Act 40 creates new provisions to enhance collection and enforcement for both state and local realty tax.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Dale Schlenker to purchase a Ford F550 Dump truck through the state contract at an approximate cost of $56,000.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to utilize Real Lease through M & T Bank as the financing source to lease/purchase the dump truck for 5 years with a $1 buy out at the end of the lease, contingent upon solicitors review.

NAYES – None

Manager Albright read the following proclamation for Community Days.

One way traffic will be in effect around the Hamburg Park from Saturday, 7/21 from 6 am to midnight for Community Days.

One way traffic will run:

Westbound – On Franklin St. from N. 3^rd St. to Park Road

Southbound – On Park Road from Franklin St. to Island St.

Eastbound – On Island St. from Park Rd. to N. 3^rd St.

Northbound – On Peach Alley from Island St. to Franklin St.

By Order of the Hamburg Police Department, Roy C. Del Rosario, Mayor

Manager Albright stated that she received a petition for street paving of Moss Alley. This will go to Road Committee on Tuesday.

NAYES – None

AT & T 457.85

ALBERT’S WAREHOUSE 412.92

BARKO CLEANING 120.00

COUNTY OF BERKS 2,367.36

BERKS PRODUCTS 14.20

BROCK ENTERPRISES 82.80

BURKHARDT MECHANICAL 93.50

EDENBURG WELDING 978.00

FORT DEARBORN LIFE INSURANCE 323.25

HAMBURG AUTO PARTS 43.10

HARTMAN JANITORIAL 710.00

HENN’S GARAGE 71.39

HERR FOODS 92.90

HERSHEY CREAMERY 2,116.54

ANDREW HESS 79.98

KRE SECURITY 1,428.00

KANTNER’S TIRE SERVICE 15.00

MIKE KERSHNER 270.65

MICHAEL KETCH 25.00

KOZLOFF STOUDT 6,856.50

LEBANON UNITED JOBBERS 1,246.25

LEHIGH VALLEY PHYSICIAN GROUPS 120.00

LOUEES 775.00

PAUL MELNICZEK 635.90

MET ED 5,974.34

MILLER MUNICIPAL DIVISION 481.40

MONARCH PRECAST 715.00

MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 346.11

MEIT 117.00

PPL 186.11

PENN PRIDE 1,844.28

PEPSI 950.55

PURCHASE POWER 2,018.99

QUILL 207.98

RADIO MAINTENANCE 339.39

MJ REIDER 200.00

RICHARD SCHAEFFER 5,446.65

SCOTT’S LAWN SERVICE 96.00

KYLE SMITH 25.00

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUND 212.69

THREN’S AUTO PARTS 296.04

THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 187.06

TYLER TECHNOLOGIES 960.15

UNIFIRST 220.28

VERIZON 431.95

WEIS MARKET 67.29

WINDSOR PRESS 40.79

ZEE MEDICAL 21.90

TOTAL $40,723.04

SAM’S CLUB 3,932.43

WALMART 139.26

BERKS CO. TREASURER 548.50

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – GROSS PAYROLL 94,331.43

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – EMP SHARE SS 5,937.09

REDNER’S MARKETS 47.60

DOLLAR GENERAL 19.00

BOROUGH OF SHOEMAKERSVILLE 7,151.00

CONNIE BOHN 190.00

READING FOUNDRY 3,407.50

SHAWN KRAMER 150.00

ALLAN WILKINSON 180.00

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG 139,618.60

KUZAN’S HARDWARE 556.06

PETTY CASH 78.65

WILLIAM NABOZNY 26.00

POSTMASTER OF HAMBURG 559.16

TOTAL 256,872.28

TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $297,595.32

An executive session was called at 7:40 p.m. to discuss police personnel issues and pending litigation.

Meeting reconvened at 8:05 p.m.

July 10, 2007 – 2:00 p.m. – Rescheduled Road Committee

July 10, 2007 – 3:00 p.m. – Property Committee

July 10, 2007 – 6 p.m.- Library Board meeting – in the Library

July 17, 2007 - 3:30 p.m. – Safety Committee meeting

July 17, 2007 – 7 p.m. – Planning Commission

July 18, 2007 – 7 p.m. – Authority meeting

July 23, 2007 – 7 p.m. – Water/Sewer/Public Relations meeting

July 23, 2007 – 7:30 p.m. – Borough Council meeting

There is a vacancy on Borough Council due to the passing of Roy Heffner on June 30, 2007. The Borough Office will accept letters of interest until July 19, 2007 at 5 p.m.

Attest: