The tenth 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, Martha Bertolet, Tina Yoder Dale Schlenker, Elaine Swavely, Roger Stetzler, Roy Heffner

Members Absent - None

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

Visitors –Kerry Delong, Pat Delong, Lisa Weidner, Drew Weidner, Nikki Murry (Hamburg Item), Val Lacis (Reading Eagle), Josh Parsons (Pottsville Republican)

A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Tina Yoder to approve the amended agenda with four additions under new business.

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Lisa Weidner was present to discuss the parking issue on N. 4^th Street. Ms. Weidner was curious as to why there needs to be special parking in front of any business. Ms. Weidner stated that most of North 4^th Street is residential. Ms. Weidner asked if the rest of 4^th street was two hour parking. President Wilkinson stated that from State to where the fire company is located is two hour parking as well as from Primrose to Peach on State Street and 3^rd Street from State to Washington Street. Manager Albright stated that there would be 3 spaces on the east and 3 spaces on the west side that will be two hour parking. President Wilkinson stated that the council will not be taking any additional parking away from the residents. Ms. Weidner stated that the American Hotel’s employees and guests take up a lot of parking spaces and the residents cannot park on 4^th Street. President Wilkinson stated that parking has always been a problem for Hamburg. Mr. Drew Weidner stated that there are also a lot of people parking on 4^th Street who live in the "boarding" house at 4^th and Island and at 13 N. 4^th Street. Mr. Weidner stated that he has a business on N. 4^th Street and he doesn’t have special parking for his customers. Ms. Weidner stated that it is unfair to take six more spaces and make them two hour parking and not allow the residents to park there. Residents can’t keep moving their vehicles every two hours.

Ms. Weidner also stated that the "patient parking only" sign is a joke, because the owner parks there and the doctor’s office is only open a few days a week. Ms. Weidner stated that everyone is upset about this sign. Ms. Weidner stated that that even though this issue is resolved this evening, the council is being reactive rather than proactive.

Ms. Weidner requested that this issue be revisited at the committee meeting so that residents could voice their opinions.

Mr. Weidner was questioned if he had off street parking. Mr. Weidner stated that he did have off street parking. Mr. Weidner stated that between the employees and the contractors of the American, there is no room for residents to park. Mr. Weidner stated that it has been getting worse since the renovations have started at the American. Mr. Weidner stated that street sweeping days are horrendous.

Councilman Schlenker stated that someone should ask Chris Madara to have his employees’ park at the Church Street property to help alleviate some of the parking issues. This will also be discussed at the Road Committee meeting on June 5, 2006 at 3:30 p.m.

President Wilkinson stated that there was also a problem with parking at 4^th and Island. Manager Albright stated that this issue is being addressed by the Zoning Officer.

Kerry Delong stated that there he was at a meeting where there were several plans or schemes developed for the intersection of 4^th and Rt. 61. Mr. Delong questioned how soon there will be a final determination made on them. Mr. Delong expressed his opinion as to which scheme he thought was best, this would be #SK2. Various reasons were stated.

President Wilkinson stated that it would not be done before I-78 construction was finished and the State Street Bridge was repaired. President Wilkinson stated that this was done because of the development of the area. Councilman Schlenker stated that he started the plans rolling because of the mess at the end of town.

The funds for the study were paid for by some of the businesses at the south end of town. Councilman Schlenker stated that the scheme that Mr. Delong liked was also the one that the Council likes. Mr. Schlenker stated that PA DOT told them it would take them 10 years to look at it. Mr. Schlenker stated that this region of PA is slow for getting things done. As far as the extension of the road at Wissahickon, this would become a borough street, not a private road. We were hoping that the road would become a reality before the State Street Bridge was going to be worked on.

Pat Delong stated that she contacted Senator Rhoads office regarding implementing one-way streets in the borough (more specifically, 3^rd and 4^th Sts). Ms. Delong stated that it was up to the Council to designate one-way streets, not the State. Ms. Delong wanted to know whose job it was to designate one-way streets. Councilman Schlenker stated that it was the borough’s job after PA DOT finishes I-78.

Ms. Weidner wanted to know where the issue of the one-way streets is brought up. President Wilkinson stated that it would be discussed in committee meeting. Ms. Wilkinson stated that this idea of making 3^rd and 4^th Streets one way has been kicked around for years.

Ms. Weidner brought up the subject that the police department is never visible. Ms. Weidner stated that there is speeding on 4^th Street and if you park a vehicle such as an Excursion on 4^th Street, your mirrors will be struck.

Ms. Weidner stated that she does not see the police officers out on the street. Council admitted, they are trying to rectify this. Pat Delong stated that the police are never around and that there are drug dealings going on and the vandalism is getting out of control. Why are the police not doing something about this? Why are they not patrolling this area? Ms. Delong stated that Council is not doing anything about this. President Wilkinson stated that is why council is looking at other ways of policing and regionalized services. Ms. Delong stated that the Council was in charge of the police, make them do something about the problems. Council directed Ms. Delong to contact the Mayor since he is in charge of the police department.

Ms. Delong commented that there is a lot of speeding on her street, Poplar Street. Ms/ Delong stated that the police are never ever anywhere around. Council again stated that residents need to make a complaint to the police department. Council will also mention this to the Mayor. Council have already discussed this previously with the Chief and the Mayor. Ms. Weidner stated that if the officers aren’t doing their jobs, just fire them. Council members stated that it wasn’t that easy.

(back to one way streets) Mr. Delong stated that the council should have some kind of an action plan. A time line needs to be developed. Work with PA DOT on this. President Wilkinson stated that she would like to see that become a reality.

Ms. Delong questioned what happened with the stop sign for William Street and for Port Clinton Avenue. President Wilkinson stated that council decided not to place the stop signs and to go with a lower speed limit. Ms. Delong stated that the 25 mph speed limit is not being enforced. It was stated that there was a 90-day trial period in effect and it could not be enforced.

Mr. Delong asked that the stop sign issue be revisited.

Ms. Delong stated that no one stops at stop signs in the borough. They crawl through the intersections.

A motion was made by Tina Yoder and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the minutes of May 8, 2006 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 and Safety Committee Report.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, R. Heffner, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ISSUES

The wastewater treatment plant continues to test our operator skill. pH levels require the addition of control chemicals. The sludge dewatering system continues to be used as required.

WWTP PROJECT

Bids were received for the Wastewater Treatment Plant on February 17, 2005. The Authority at their February 22, 2006 meeting issued the "Intent to Award" to:

General/Mechanical Contract DESCCO Construction, Inc.

Amount of Contract: $5,866,184.00

 

Electrical Contract J.B. Electric Corp.

Amount of Contract: $983,469.00

 

HVAC Contract PSI Pumping Solutions

Amount of Contract: $70,900.00

Contracts were executed and the "Notice to Proceed" was issued on March 17, 2006 to all contractors. The pre-construction meeting was held on March 16, 2006. Work is progressing very well.

Work completed this period:

Oxidation Ditch excavation completed

Clarifier excavation in progress

Clarifier below slab piping

Clearing of outfall line

Construction of new road in progress

Clearing for garage, sludge and chlorine buildings

Applications for Payment

DESCCO Design and Construction Application No. 2 (Requisition 203)

Amount $41,400.00

Balance on Contract $5,699,072.00

 

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. assists the Solicitor on financing issues as required. The self liquidating debt report was completed and provided to Bond Counsel.

PUMP STATION PROJECT

Bids were received for the Pine Street Pump Station on December 16, 2005. The Authority has issued the "Intent to Award" to:

General/Mechanical Contract Pikeland Construction, Inc

Amount of Contract: $585,000.00

 

Electrical Contract Pagoda Electrical, Inc.

Amount of Contract: $206,000.00

The Award and Notice to Proceed was issued on January 20, 2006. Work on the wet well suction valves and force main tie-in has been completed. The Electrical Contractor has begun work with the main power feed.

Applications for Payment

Pagoda Electrical Application No. 1 (Requisition 205)

Amount $ 5,400.00

Balance on Contract $200,600.00

CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN and I/I WORK

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is continuing dialog with DEP on the Connection Management Plan. DEP Planning contacted Systems Design Engineering, Inc. to ask how the schedule is proceeding and an update on Port Clinton.

WISSAHICKON WATER

Wissahickon started production. Keith and Systems Design Engineering, Inc. are scheduling an inspection to determine discharge parameters.

PROJECTS

The application for the design of the force main upgrade of the Edenburg Pump Station has been submitted to DEP. Information for the proposed force main location is being provided to the Solicitor and Keith. The lines are being marked in the field.

WATER PRODUCTION

The impoundment dam is currently full. Currently all water production is from surface water. Well 5 is scheduled to begin operation on Monday May 15, 2006 to provide water for Wissahickon’s RO units.

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

WELL 5

A recent inspection by DEP noted that they want an application filed on the cyclonic separator installed nearly 2-3 years ago. Discussions with DEP have indicated that a minor amendment to the water permit should be filed. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is progressing with the permit amendment per direction of the Authority.

WATER PROJECTS

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

REQUISITIONS

Safety Committee Meeting

5/16/06

Chairman: R. Heffner

Present: L. Albright, M. Bertolet, Chief Painter, D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, Visiters: Randy(Apple Tree)

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner to remove the loading zone in front of 7 North 4^th Street and to add one additional parking space for 2-hour parking in this same location and authorize the Borough Manager to prepare and advertise the ordinance amendment for same.

(Discussion: Lisa Weidner questioned if council was taking action after what was discussed earlier in the meeting. Councilman Schlenker stated that it was approved this evening and can be discussed at the Safety Committee meeting and be rescinded if necessary.)

NAYES – None

Hamburg, Pa May 22, 2006 7:30 p.m.

NAYES – None

The Mayor proclaimed One-Way Traffic around Park 24 hours per day on May 26, 27, 28, 29, 2006.

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Tina Yoder to hold the annual Strawberry Festival at St. John’s Church on Sunday, June 11, 2006 and to close off Church Street from Catherine to Pine from 3 pm. to 9 pm.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Tina Yoder to approve the "Handicap Parking Policy" to become effective immediately.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Tina Yoder to hire Dolly Faith as the part-time receptionist effective June 5, 2006 at a rate of $8.00/hr.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Tina Yoder to sell the 1988 dump truck to Troy Conrad of Temple, PA for $6,000.00 (based on bids received).

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Dale Schlenker to appoint Barry Isett and Assoc., Inc. to

perform traffic engineering services as it relates to the South 4^th and Hawkridge Drive intersection, pending research.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of Solicitor Masano, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve and execute the Inter-Municipal Cross Indemnification Agreement between Windsor Township and the Borough of Hamburg.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Planning Commission, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Dale Schlenker to grant waivers on the Weidman Subdivision on the placing of a concrete monument at South 4^th and Woodland Road and showing the clear site triangle at the same intersection based on Great Valley Consultant’s letter of May 12, 2006.

NAYES – None

NAYES – None

AT & T 27.38

AR ADAM & SONS 295.00

BARLEY SNYDER 1,179.48

BARRY ISETT & ASSC. 3,050.00

BLUE MT. COMPUTER SERVICE 375.00

EMC INSURANCE 13,203.35

GOLDEN, MASANO, BRADLEY 3,848.68

HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 657.65

JP MASCARO 11,160.00

MET-ED 2,191.20

PMHIC 23,176.74

PERSONALIZED COMPUTER HELP 100.00

PITNEY BOWES 188.70

RADIO MAINTENANCE 75.30

RARITAN VALLEY DISPOSAL 19,350.00

TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 170.50

ARLAN WESSNER 984.00

ZEE MEDICAL COMPANY 42.65

DUDA ACTUARIAL CONSULTING 900.00

TOTAL $80,975.63

Executive session was held after the meeting to discuss police personnel issues.

At 8:20 p.m. the meeting recessed and will reconvene on Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 9 a.m. to take action on the Third amendment to the agreement with Tilden regarding the Hamburg Municipal Authority’s upgrade and expansion of the Wastewater Treatment plant.

ATTEST:

Kim Y. Berger
Recording Secretary/Office Manager