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MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 10, 2008 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The fifth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2008 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, Elaine Swavely, Dale Schlenker, Heather Berger, Roger Stetzler Members Absent – Jeanette Heckman Also Present –Solicitor Mike Zubey, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/ Recording Secretary, Manager Lynda G. Albright Visitors- Penny Hummel (Item) A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger to approve the amended agenda. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. SwavelyNAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Nothing A motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Elaine Swavely to approve the minutes of the February 25, 2008 meeting. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. SwavelyNAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger 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 Directors Report and Road Committee Report. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. SwavelyNAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORTFEBRUARY, 2008 The Borough Manager’s report for the month of FEBRUARY, 2008 included the following: Normal day-to-day activities included
Auditors were here for several weeks, however, this is now complete; apparently there have been some considerable changes in the way municipal audits are being done and time was spent with some of the Authority members, President and V-P of Borough Council, Kim and myself reviewing how the change(s) may or may not impact all municipal governments. Spoke to Brad Knittle once again and he maintains that the sandblasting will be done in March. Estimated cost for this work will be $1600.00. This is much lower than originally anticipated. Met with Rick Pickle, PW Supt. And Kervin Kline, Lions Club member at the park to determine placement of a gazebo the Lions Club will be donating to the Borough. The gazebo will be placed in the playground on the north end close to Franklin Street. The crew has the area ready for placement as soon as the Lions can get transported. Connecteck has started the installation of the voice-mail phone system and will be returning shortly to finalize the work. Currently, John Leonforte’s phone is the only one on the new system. Met with Guy Ketch, Rec. Director and Bill Nabonzy, Asst. Rec. Director/Pool Manager to discuss potential changes for the upcoming park/pool season. Met and/or spoke with Deena Kershner, OTF Manager several times during the month to discuss ongoing and upcoming projects. Met with reps. From the Lions Club, Dale Schlenker, Chair of Property, Rick Pickle, PW Supt., John Leonforte, Bldg./Codes Officer, Jeff Adam, local contractor at the bandshell to review and discuss the Lions’ plans to refurbish the bandshell. The first part to be addressed is the replacement of the supporting posts. It is hoped this project will be completed either prior to Memorial Day or prior to Community Day. Attended a portion of the training provided by Munis regarding utility billing and the ability to obtain different and better types of reports as requested by the Authority and the Authority engineer, SDE. It was very informative and it is believed they will be able to accommodate the majority of what we are looking for. Met with Ken Pick and Dave Hummel of the Berks County Community Development Office and John Leonforte, Codes Officer to review and discuss the grant funding for the Grand Street Extension and information required for its submittal. I am also working on two grant submittals for additional funding for this project, which must be submitted by the end of March. Tammy Wilkinson, Council President, Dale Schlenker, Property Chair, attended a grant-writing seminar with DCNR to obtain information for various projects at the park. The deadline for submission this year is April 25th. Attended two Council meetings, Authority meeting, Finance, Safety, Personnel, Property Committee meetings and the Civil Service Meeting. 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 February, 2008. Lynda G. Albright Borough Manager PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Throughout the month we had a few occasions to cinder, plow and clear snow from sidewalks and parking lots. During some of the warmer days, we took advantage of it and cold patched a few areas. During the numerous rainy days, painted a few more areas of the Municipal Center. The signs at 4th and Port Clinton Avenue were repaired. Oil was changed in the 1997, 2001 and 2004 police vehicles. A lot of work was done on the street sweeper to get it ready for the 2008 spring season. The fence along the walkway at the park was repaired. Due to the several ice storms, the park was cleared of sticks and leaves and etc. Assembled the tables and benches for the OTF. A lot of time was spent working on the sewer plant backhoe. Some time was spent working on equipment, trucks and cleaning up areas of the garage. Respectfully submitted,
Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report February 2008 Water Most water for the month came from the dam. We are supplementing that source with a well to stay within our permitted withdrawal limits. We had some problems with valves sticking in the closed position, which caused a discharge permit violation of low ph. The valves have been cleaned and lubricated and they are working. We are working with a vendor to determine what parts may be needed to be replaced. We have started sampling the raw water for e-coli. This sampling is mandated by USEPA and will continue bi-weekly for a year in compliance with the Long-Term Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule 2 (LT2). The ultimate goal of this part of the rule is to reduce the risk of disease caused by cryptosporidium and other microorganisms. So far the results have been undetectable but further testing could be required if that were to change. Wastewater Heavy rains and warm temperatures, which melted snow and ice served to remind us that we continue to have problems with infiltration and inflow. Flows through the Pine Street Pumping Station exceeded 3 million gallons on several occasions this month and the Ridge Lawn Pumping Station overflowed for several hours till we could get a pump truck in and haul the sewage to the plant. We are continuing efforts to locate the I & I sources, especially in Ridge Lawn and have identified several, however we continue to flirt with overflow situations. We have also identified several laterals that are leaking and/or sagging and will be replaced in the next several weeks. Meters at the WWTP and Pine Street Pumping Station have been calibrated. During the heavy rains we found a few places where water was bleeding through the block in the new garage. The contractor was notified and they recaulked a few joints and sealer will be applied in the spring. We continue to learn the nuances of operating the new system. We have cut back on available tank capacity under normal flow and effluent quality has improved. Ammonia levels had started to creep up along with the suspended solids. Ammonia is back to mostly non-detectable levels and suspended solids have also dropped. The plant has performed very well through three high flow events of the past month, absorbing the shock load without too much interference from the operators. We have had the new buildings and the Pine Street Pumping Station equipped with burglar alarms. The next step will be to tie the SCADA into the alarm system. We will work with the security company to get this done in the near future. Respectfully Submitted Keith L. Brobst Water/Wastewater Superintendent OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT FEBRUARY 2008 Throughout the month the auditors were here and this year was more extensive than years past. They were here for most of the month. Many hours and days were spent answering questions and reviewing information with them. I am happy to report that as of February 26, 2008 they have completed both the Borough and the Authority’s audits. On February 28, 2008 all records were removed from the Caucus room and the room returned to its prior condition. Various things were prepared for the Civil Service Commission meeting. The advertisement for the position of corporal has been posted in the police department. Resumes are due by March 15, 2008. The web page was updated with the minutes for 2008. We were having a few technical problems, but everything has been resolved. We had a few printer issues this month, which took a lot of time to fix, but this too has been resolved. On February 11, I came into the building to find it very cold below 60 degrees. After verification, gas was also smelled in the basement. I ventilated the area and contacted both Dynatech and Yoders. At that time it was determined that there was not enough gas coming into the building to run the heating system. This was resolved by about 10:30 a.m. The purchase order manual was reviewed and updated for approval. On February 21 and 22, a representative from Munis was on site to assist us with questions regarding the Utility Billing module. A lot of insight was gained. Within the next few weeks we will be utilizing this information to prepare reports that the engineer has been looking for. We learned a few new reporting techniques and reports as well as a way to utilize the data. The key reference list for our keys has been revamped. The hard drive in my computer crashed and Dell had to make another stop here to repair it. During this time my computer was down. Again there was no charge for this repair. Attended a training course from the County regarding identification of personnel and equipment. This will have to be done on an EMA level, a police level, fire company and ambulance level as well as a municipal level. More information to come on this issue. Attended two Council meetings, one Civil Service Commission meeting and staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for all the meetings.
Building, Zoning and Codes Report February 2008 Four (4) construction permits and one (1) zoning permit and No (0) paving/sidewalk and no (0) occupancy permits were issued in February.Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows: The Streetscape project. The Issue at Saint Mary’s sewer vent problem on State St remains to be resolved. The Street light at State St knocked down has not been replaced. Catherine, Grandview Terrace, and Arthur St. We have contacted Bob Mazaika contracting asking that curb and sidewalk repairs be made. All but one owner has responded to our notices. We hope to complete curb and sidewalk work by the end of March with paving work to be done this spring or summer. .Grand Street extension Geotechnical testing for phase one is complete. Preliminary result look positive. Plans have been submitted to Penn Dot. We hope to get through the permitting process by spring 2008 and start construction after that, with a hoped for completion date of fall of 2008 or spring of 2009. Hawk ridge and South 4th Street Our engineer has submitted plans and a response to comments to Penn Dot Penn Dot has 60 days to respond. Exide Corporation site .. At this point the complex has been demolished. Some rubble remains to be trucked to a safe landfill. EPA will test site over the next 90 days. Peach Alley Apartments Work on the Peach Alley Apartments project (former Wrights Building, at 239 Pine) is progressing. residential and light commercial Inspections were completed for residential and light commercial previously permitted, work in the borough. Property Maintenance complaints of rubbish, snowy sidewalks and Occupancy inspections continue to be addressed. Note: From Feb 1 to date, approximately 8 new Property Maintenance complaints were filed with 25 resolved and 16 still pending. Fire Safety Inspections No new fire safety Inspections were done this month. Codes Administrator RECREATION DIRECTORS REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2008
The month of February continued with staff meetings, Our Town Foundation, Blue Mountain Wildlife, Lynda Albright, Bill Nabozny, Cheri Dotterer, and Lisa White. Bill Nabozny and I reviewed applicants for summer employment and submitted the list to Lynda Albright to seek council approval. Kim Berger has sent hiring letters to the respective candidates. I believe we will have an excellent staff for the summer of 2008. On February 19th, Lynda Albright, Dale Schlenker, Rick Pickel, John Leonforte, Jeff Adams, and I met with members of the Lion’s Club to review plans to refurbish the bandstand. The Lions Club has committed $8,000 to the repair of the base and the supports that hold the roof of the bandstand. The Lions Club is also seeking sponsorship for the other repairs to the bandstand. In addition, the Lion’s club has acquired a small pavilion that it has graciously donated to the park. I would like to thank the Lion’s Club for sponsoring Community Days for the last two years and their continued commitment to the community of Hamburg. Again, I would like to thank Lynda Albright and Council for the approval of the senior aquatics program. Cherie Dotterer is excited and enthusiastic about the program and looking forward to opening day. Respectfully submitted, Guy Ketch William Nabozny ROAD COMMITTEE REPORT 3-3-08 In Attendance: Martha Bertolet, Jeanette Heckman, Elaine Swavely, Dale Schlenker, Roger Stetzler, Rick Pickel – Public Works Superintendent, Lynda Albright – Borough Manager
OLD BUSINESS Nothing NEW BUSINESS Nothing A motion was made by Heather Berger and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve payment of invoices totaling $193,318.45. ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. SwavelyNAYES – None LIST OF BILLS ARM GROUP INC 7,146.88 AT & T 30.12 AT & T 284.24 AR ADAM & SON 210.00 ALLIED WASTE 20,664.00 BARKO CLEANING SERVICE 160.00 BAYSHORE FORD TRUCK 113.80 BEE NET INTERNET SERVICE 450.00 BERKS COUNTY CHIEFS OF POLICE 145.00 BERKS CO. TREASURER 483.84 COUNTY OF BERKS 2,430.62 BERKS PRODUCTS CORP 178.43 BLUE MT. COMPUTER SERVICE 697.80 EDENBURG WELDING 24.00 JE FINK 542.00 FORT DEARBORN LIFE INSURANCE 316.11 GENERAL CODE PUBLISHERS 742.05 GORMAN & ASSC 15,000.00 HAMBURG AUTO PARTS 72.79 HARTMAN JANITORIAL 975.00 HARTZ CONCRETE 444.50 HENN’S GARAGE 1,260.61 INSIGHT 796.99 KANTNER’S TIER SERVICE 68.00 KUZAN’S 53.78 LANTEK 46.50 THOMAS McCONNELL 3,548.00 MET ED 239.91 MT. VIEW SUPPLY 149.02 MEIT 145.50 NEXTEL 717.75 PPL GAS UTILITIES 2,503.52 PENN PRIDE 2,420.64 PENNSY SUPPLY 367.77 PITNEY BOWES 189.00 QUILL 114.02 RANDALL RENTSCHLER 3.05 STAPLES 15.54 SYSTEMS DESIGN 4,050.50 THREN’S AUTO 205.10 THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 197.31 TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 161.50 UNIFIRST 334.11 VERIZON 421.98 WEIS MARKETS 54.00 WINDSOR SERVICE 224.97 TOTAL $69,400.25 INVOICES PAID DURING THE MONTH ANTHONY LAURETI 27.12 PETTY CASH 221.52 BERKS CO. TREASURER 641.50 PURCHASE POWER 2,018.99 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – GROSS 85,555.04 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – EMP SHARE SS 5021.11 SAM’S CLUB 153.35 MET –ED 1,997.57 OTF 82.00 LARRY LAFAVER 35.00 KENNY SCHLEGEL 35.00 PAT KOLLER 35.00 CHARLES HENN 175.00 RUTH ZERR 35.00 BRIAN ADAMS 35.00 MARTHA BERTOLET 35.00 JOHN STASULLI 105.00 DONNA SCHUMAKER 35.00 ANNA HEFFNER 70.00 NANCY SATTAZAHN 35.00 JOHN SEIDEL 35.00 TERRY PRICE 35.00 RJR ENGINEERING 22,000.00 SCHLENKER MOTORS 5,500.00 TOTAL 123,918.20 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $193,318.45 SOLICITOR’S REPORT No report INFORMATION ITEMS
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m. on the motion of Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger.Attest: Kim Y. Berger,Recording Secretary/Office Manager | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
