MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 26, 2007 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL

The twenty-second 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 Absent – Roger Stetzler

Also Present – Solicitor Zubey, Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/Recording Secretary, Mayor Del Rosario

Visitors – Chief Painter, Mary Nunan (Item), Stephanie LaSota (Pottsville Republican), Adam Dries, Charles Figard, Norma Berger, Neven Dries, Scott Kreider, Richard Boyd, Deena Kershner, Scot Boyd, Leon Balthaser, Becky Atwell, Lisa Gehring, Jeremy Drew (Reading Eagle), Rodger Gehring, Michele Park

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger to approve the amended agenda.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Scott Kreider asked if the employees were going to have to contribute to their health insurance this year. He has been asking that this be looked at. Manager Albright stated that for 2008, they would not be contributing but the employees will be put on notice that in 2009 they will have to contribute. Manager Albright also stated that the Borough received a refund on our contributions and we will use this towards the increase for next year.

Leon Balthaser stated that the I-78 project will be done in December. When will PA Dot finish fixing our roads? Manager Albright stated that PA DOT has repaved the roads they will be fixing and that would no others will be paved. The roads that were used the hardest were: Service Road, N. 6^th Street and Belmont Avenue. Mr. Balthaser asked if the Borough was going to repair them. Councilwoman Heckman stated that the Borough did plead with PA DOT to fix the other roads, to no avail.

Richard Boyd asked if N. 4^th Street would be done. Manager Albright stated that it was a State road and it was anticipated no roadwork will be done until the State Street Bridge work is completed.

Chuck Figard asked about Northmont Avenue. That was to be one of the roads that was to be repaired. Manager Albright stated that she can check with PA DOT, but the representatives that were with PA DOT originally, are no longer with the project. We can try, but PA DOT had stated they have done all they are going to do with repairing our roads.

Norma Berger questioned when the State Street bridge was going to be fixed. Manager Albright stated that it was scheduled to start the end of next year, but it wasn’t definite.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ISSUES

The operations within the new wastewater treatment plant continue well. All processes are on line. The sludge thickener has been moved and is situated in the new building. The paving and final restoration has been completed. The project will be nearly completed by the end of November including punchlist items.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is on hold with the bid document for repairs of the collection system while the finances of the Authority are reviewed to determine future capital expenditures.

Lynda Albright, Steve Smith and Systems Design Engineering, Inc. meet throughout this month to review the financial accounts of the Authority. Funds are being transferred to the proper accounts to close the construction project. Funds from Berks County (IFIP Grant) and Tilden Township reimbursements are needed to fully complete the project funding.

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 Design and Construction, Inc.

Amount of Contract: $5,866,184.00

Change Orders No. 1-4 $ 106,201.00

$5,972,385.00

 

Electrical Contract J.B. Electric Corp.

Amount of Contract: $983,469.00

Change Order No. 1-3 $ 4,137.97

$987,606.97

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. The Contractor is maintaining the work site in a clean and safe condition.

Work completed this period:

The Electrical Contractor has completed all their work and has started their punch list and closeout items.

Construction in the old Control Building. Finish work in the new bathrooms and painting progress with final cleanup.

Final grading and paving has been completed.

Garage Building is complete and new heaters installed.

Sludge thickener building has been completed with the re-installation of the sludge thickener.

Change Order No. 2 to J. B. Electric for $682.97 is presented for approval. This change order is for moving an existing photo eye and relocation of a water heater in the garage.

Change Order No. 4 to DESCCO for $13,474.00 is presented for approval. This change order was approved to be performed by the Authority at a prior meeting for replacement of deteriorated roof decking on the garage and a change to the final paving behind the control building.

Applications for Payment

DESCCO Design and Construction Application No. 20 (Requisition 280)

Amount $ 145,884.00

Balance on Contract $ 178,316.00

J.B. Electric Corp. Application No. 15 (Requisition 281)

Amount $ 18,194.37

Balance on Contract $ 49,347.15

PSI Pumping Solutions

Amount $ 0.00

Balance on Contract $ 11,088.00

DESCCO Design and Construction Application No. 21 (Requisition 283)

Final Payment and Release of Retainage

Amount $ 178,316.00

Balance on Contract $ 0.00

J.B. Electric Corp. Application No. 16 (Requisition 284)

Final Payment and Release of Retainage

Amount $ 49,347.15

Balance on Contract $ 0.00

Final payment and release of retainage is proposed to be held until completion of punchlist items, receipt of closing documents, as built record drawings, release of liens and consent of surety. Both contractors have indicated that everything will be completed and received prior to December 1, 2007.

WISSAHICKON WATER

No issues this report period.

PROJECTS

Financial Review - Systems Design Engineering, Inc. reviewed the financial accounts of the Authority in preparation of the closeout audit for the wastewater expansion project required by PennWorks. A review of the all the capital budget accounts, project costs and Tilden rate schedule was presented at the September meeting. The tentative Tilden rate schedule for forwarded to them for review. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. has not heard back from Tilden on the proposed rate. The Authority Chairman, Borough Manager and Systems Design Engineering, Inc. reviewed the Authority accounts along with the Trustee to rebalance the accounts to close the construction projects.

The impoundment dam is down to the second inlet structure and for production purposes, empty. Water for this report period was produced entirely from the wells.

Water Filtration Plant Control Project – The installation of the new control system is substantially complete. The tie-in of the alarm system has been completed.

PROPOSED WATER LINE REPLACEMENT

Enclosed with this report are estimates to replace the water lines in Walnut Street and South 2^nd Street. This project was previously discussed to replace old lines and improve the fire flow capacity in that area.

REQUISITIONS

Requisition 280 DESCCO Design and Construction $145,884.00

Requisition 281 J. B. Electric, Inc. $ 18,194.37

Requisition 282 Systems Design Engineering, Inc. $ 5,852.98

Requisition 283 DESCCO Design and Construction $178,316.00

Requisition 284 J. B. Electric, Inc. $ 49,347.15

Requisition 321 Gannett Fleming $ 4,521.98

Requisition 322 L/B Water Service $ 3,260.04

Finance Committee

November 12, 2007

Attending the meeting were Tammy Wilkinson, Elaine Swavely, Heather Berger, Roger Stetzler, Dale Schlenker, Lynda Albright, Martha Bertolet, Deena Kershner, and Buck Holtzman.

Deena presented the OTF proposal for 2008 to the finance committee. All of the things OTF has improved in the borough not just the business district through various grants have a benefit for the entire community. The Elm Street Program will certainly enhance more of the town. DCED will do a study to see which area will be chosen for the Elm Street area.

The traffic light pole replacement that was completed with grant money certainly benefits the entire community. The borough would have eventually had to replace those poles in the future.

OTF is a non-profit means of getting grants that cannot be obtained by the borough.

OTF is requesting a $45,000.00 contribution from the borough. The budget is currently being looked at for 2008 to see if money can be allocated to help the OTF effort. Buck Holtzman also spoke in support of what OTF has done for the borough. It is also the recommendation of DCED that the borough support the work of the OTF office going forward. Lynda and Deena are having weekly meetings to keep the lines of communication open on what is happening in the borough and OTF.

The second draft of the budget was given to council members for their review.

The possibility of Vendor Permits was discussed which will be explored in more detail. Lynda will check to see what other areas are currently doing to try to gain more revenue since we will not be getting as much in the Local Service Tax this year.

The floors in the building need to be stripped and waxed and tile in the kitchen needs to be replace. This will be looked into next year.

November 26 the 2008 proposed budget will be presented for tentative approval.

Lynda is checking with BEIT to do the collections for the Local Service Tax since there are major accounting procedures to be followed with the changes.

Respectfully Submitted

Martha Bertolet Finance Chairperson

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

NOVEMBER 13, 2007

MUNICIPAL CENTER – 3 PM

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

VISITORS: Kay Greenawalt-Blueprint Community

Deena Kershner—Our Town Foundation (OTF)

John Leonforte—Codes Enforcement Officer

Kay Greenawalt, representing the Blue Print Community committee informed the property committee on the progress of the planned gardens for the Borough thru certification with the National Wildlife Federation. She requested a codicil to the existing weed ordinance. She said Allen Shollenberger, esquire, a member of their committee indicated the essence of the ordinance is very liberal and difficult to enforce. After discussion the committee indicated no change to the existing ordinance. John Leonforte discussed the current issues in the Borough with neighbors challenging each other on intrusive plants moving to other properties and indicated this will be very difficult to accommodate their wishes. He indicated a great place for this would be at the park behind the split rail fence. Kay indicated she was moving forward with this whether we were in favor, or not.

Deena Kershner, representing OTF informed the committee on the progress of the improvements to the Borough lot at State & Schuylkill streets; the progress of the canoe/boat launch at the entrance to the Etchberger walkway at Franklin street; results of the letter mailed to residents/business located in the streetscape area concerning a ordinance for returning the new sidewalk to existing if repair is need. All but 2 responding are in favor of the ordinance, but less than ½ have responded at all and nothing will go forward until a better tally is received and reported to this committee; the co-operative effort of many groups in the purchase and installation of snowflake Christmas ornaments on the new street light poles & the current electric poles downtown. Mike Painter (Police Chief) Ricky Pickel (Road crew) and Lynda gave Deena a diagram showing the placement of the necessary signage for downtown. Deena will ascertain costs for new poles prior to installation and report to Lynda before anything is installed.

The property committee recommends to council the purchase of a pool filter pump control (surge protector if you will) to protect the pump and motor from any more electrical surges, for whatever reason (last one happened because a squirrel shorted a transformer). Mike Kershner indicated the installed price will be about $2500.00.

The property committee recommends to council we avoid the planned property gift, on Port Clinton Avenue, which Fulton Bank wanted to donate to the Borough because of present and future liabilities caused by ground problems.

Lynda will correct the constant key issues at the park with the ball teams. The keys are not returned as per agreement and the price will be increased for non-returns and lock changes because of this problem.

The Women’s Club will meet with John Leonforte and discuss the improvements they would like to fund on the pavilion at the tennis courts on Island Street. Thank you Women’s Club, we appreciate your efforts.

The vacant lot (prior Curves Building) is in negotiation for sale. Good luck.

The final tally for cost for security at the park this summer is: KMI costs $10,914 and last years vandalism was well in excess of $10,000.00. It was a great effort by KMI (thank you) and co-operation between law enforcement, recreational personnel and reduced the taxpayer’s costs for the park maintenance.

CHAIRMAN OF PROPERTY DALE R. SCHLENKER

SAFETY COMMITTEE

NOVEMBER 20, 2007

MUNICIPAL CENTER – 4:00 PM

ATTENDING: Chief Michael Painter, Dale Schlenker, Heather Berger, Martha Bertolet, Elaine Swavely, Tammy Wilkinson, and Lynda Albright

GUESTS: Richard Boyd, Kay Greenawalt, and Deena Kershner

Chief Painter gave a brief overview of recent activities at Coast-To-Coast Foods located at 513 Island Street, Hamburg. After the recent stabbing and due to a wide variety of issues, steps are being taken to have this tenant removed from the building.

Richard Boyd presented the attached proposal to improve snow removal from the downtown shopping district. He sighted safety of pedestrians and drivers as a motivating force behind this proposal. Kay Greenawalt also indicated that response time for emergency personnel could be impeded by snow build up and narrowed or impassable intersections. The group sought and obtained consensus from the committee that the Borough would be interested in once again participating in contracted snow removal in a designated area.

The following points were clarified:

It is the responsibility of the Hamburg Borough road crews to clear the cart ways.

OTF would inquire with potential participants and manage contracts.

OTF would enforce contracts and pursue collections as/if necessary.

OTF would oversee project, work with contractor, bill businesses and the Borough and charge a $10 per bill administration fee.

The contractor would need to prioritize this work and react quickly so that intersections and parking would be cleared by the time a snow emergency was lifted.

The Borough would assume a portion of the clean up costs in the yellow "No Parking" areas in front of businesses. That portion/percentage was not clarified.

The business owners are responsible to clear their pavements and have the snow to be removed on the street by the curbs.

A thank you note from Debbie Reber was read. The note thanked the Safety Committee and the rest of Borough Council for its recent approval of handicapped parking in front of Ms. Reber’s mother’s home.

John Leonforte inquired whether there was a need for an ordinance regulating sale, storage and use of fireworks within the borough. After some discussion it was determined that John Leonforte or Lynda Albright will check state laws and regulations with Sandra Christman. John or Lynda will come back to the committee with their findings.

John Leonforte provided additional information regarding 513 Island Street and the issues/concerns regarding the property and its current uses.

Chairperson

Heather Berger

Proposal for improvement of safety conditions during snow emergencies by the Economic Restructuring Committee

Borough crew will continue to plow cart ways.

Borough police to enforce no parking until snow is removed. Snow Emergency declaration.

Participating businesses will be responsible for moving snow to curb from sidewalk.

Contracted party to clear only participating party parking areas of snow plowed from cart ways and sidewalks.

OTF to administer and assess costs of contract party on a linear foot basis. Participants must commit on yearly basis.

Borough crew will continue to clear and remove snow from intersections.

The area of this program is to be determined.

Mayor Del Rosario questioned if this includes a fall clean up. Manager Albright stated that it does not, however, we are looking into other alternatives.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger to award the bid for Recycling collection for 2008 to JP Mascaro and Sons in the amount of $135,984.00.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Heather Berger and seconded by Dale Schlenker to set the tax rate for 2008 at 5.25 mils for general purposes and .25 for fire protection services and authorizing the Borough Manager to prepare and advertise an ordinance at this tax rate. (same tax rate as 2007).

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger authorizing the Borough Manager to begin the process of obtaining a Tax Anticipation note in the amount of $150,000 and authorize the appropriate officers to execute the necessary documentation.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Heather Berger approving a resolution to increase the trash/recycling fee to $274.00/yr. (billed $137.00 January and July). This would be a $14 increase for the year.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Martha Bertolet approving Ordinance #751-07 – Local Services Tax.

(Question: Scott Kreider asked for an explanation. This will replace the EMST (Emergency Municipal Services Tax). These funds are to be used for fire, ambulance, streets, police etc. There will be an exception for those individuals earning less than $12,000 a year.

Chuck Figard questioned what type of an impact it will have on our revenues. Manager Albright stated that we took in over $100,000 with the EMST, but since the exception went into effect and the change in the rules, we don’t anticipate more than $30,000.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Heather Berger and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve payment of invoices totaling $$80,357.10

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker,

H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

AR ADAM 70.00

BERKS MONT NEWSPAPERS 117.36

BOROUGH OF SHOEMAKERSVILLE 425.00

DYNATECH CONTROLS 672.00

J E FINK & SONS 45.00

FIRST PRECINCT UNIFORMS 64.00

HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 2,765.14

HEPNER’S GLASS SHOP 160.00

KERMIT KISTLER 220.78

MASANO BRADLEY 7,268.00

JP MASCARO 11,606.40

ROBERT MENGLE 331.00

MET – ED 2,372.33

MILLER’S BUILDERS 1,029.72

NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS 648.26

PMHIC 20,756.73

PA STATE ASSN OF BOROUGHS 100.00

POSTMASTER OF HAMBURG 175.00

R & W ENGRAVING 70.20

RJR ENGINEERING 9,080.00

RARITAN VALLEY DISPOSAL 20,120.66

SCHLOUCH 1,945.50

SYSTEMS DESIGN ENGINEERING 125.27

TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 161.50

YIS/COWDEN GROUP 27.25

An executive session was called at 7:50 p.m. to discuss pending litigation issues.

The regular council meeting reconvened at 8:12 p.m.

A motion was made by Heather Berger and seconded by Dale Schlenker to authorize the President of Council to execute a Settlement Agreement and Release with Rodger Gehring which provides for the reinstatement of Rodger Gehring as a police officer with the Borough, for the payment to Mr. Gehring of $5,000 and such other non-substantive and customary terms and conditions as may be reviewed and approved by the Solicitor..

Discussion: Mr. Richard Boyd read the following statement:

I obtained this sticker a few years ago while traveling. On the surface it pokes fun at a concept about cops eating donuts. But after thought it has a deeper meaning about values and our society. We are taught from childhood about values and that good deeds are rewarded and that bad deeds are punished. The sticker says if you are a bad cop you are not going to get your reward or specifically your donut.

What you have tonight is a decision to make about a police officer who has an established record with more than a couple of fundamental value flaws. The biggest one is that he is a liar. Now, I am not trying to be politically correct here when I use this word but the shoe fits. It is also not a nice word and certainly not one that should be associated with a police officer. It is also said with the full legal knowledge of the ramifications of using such a word when describing an individual to a broad audience. But again, the shoe fits not only by my personal experience but also because of sworn testimony. Mr. Gehring lied in writing and he lied in statements, which were discovered while employed as a probationary police officer of the Borough. He was discharged and the Borough’s position was upheld in Arbitration. I have to assume that all present council members have read the full Arbitration case as it does speak to the matter before you today.

Why is lying a bad deed so important to society as a whole and to police officers specifically? It is because society puts officers on a pedestal and does hold them to a higher moral standard than others. You cannot be a police officer if you have committed a misdemeanor or a felony as an example but you can hold many other positions in life, even a politician. Police officers are the front line defense of society against criminal activity. They cannot be used as the starting point for our criminal justice system if their integrity cannot be presented without question in a court of law. This goes from the simplest jaywalking case to homicide. Once the egg is cracked on integrity, humpty dumpty’s men cannot put it back together again.

Other value flaws include how Mr. Gehring conducts himself while employed in a police department. A South Heidelberg Township incident raises the issue of pursuing filed charges on a DUI case. Why an officer would file such charges against a women and then refuse to appear at repeated court hearings leaves a big question on motives. Testimony was offered by both the South Heidelberg Township Police Chief and the Assistant District Attorney in this matter. There is a report on the books of Mr. Gehring engaging in sex in the back of a Landsford police car, an incident he admitted to. There is the incidents of a sexual affair with a 911 Berks County dispatcher. While on duty, an approximate 17 minute recording was made of Mr. Gehring discussing their affair. The county dispatcher acknowledged upon later questioning that they were discussing Mr. Gehring’s penis on the tape. Another report while employed as a probationary police officer addresses Mr Gehring’s neglect, inefficiency and conduct unbecoming an officer by neglecting to make contact with a female calling for officer assistance in an abuse incident. Two cell phone calls were made to the Hamburg police and both went un-responded to. Additionally, Mr. Gehring attempted to hide information on his background questionnaire by falsely answering questions concerning dismissal from the State Department of Corrections at Greaterford for excessive absences and dismissal from Alcoa Engineered Products.

The situation you are presented with this evening is a choice. The fact that it requires a vote by this Council to rehire Mr. Gehring or settle the lawsuit or whatever the details are, indicates a weighing of issues which are in your power to make a decision on. There can be no political spin on a decision such as this. A decision to return Mr. Gehring is one which says we will bring you back for the next 20, 30 years knowing that you are totally useless to us as a police officer. A reasonable assumption is that with the present pay of a Borough Officers this may only cost tax payers 2 to 3 million dollars. This assumes that he sits in a corner and does nothing. Coming out of the corner then starts exposure of the Borough to legal civil suites form the first incident that his conduct is in question. You have been presented with Mr. Gehring’s conduct so you now have no defense of ignorance in this matter.

You have the choice tonight to say that lying is a violation of society. You have the choice tonight of saying that the conduct of police officers matters. You have the choice tonight to say that only honest police officers can and should serve the Borough residents.

Bad Cop – No Donut

Mr. Charles Figard stated the old adage, people who forget their history are destined to repeat it. He hopes that everyone remembers 2004.

In addition, Mr. Charles Figard questioned what the benefit was for bringing him back.

Solicitor Zubey stated that he was unable to comment on the particulars of the pending litigation; however, all current lawsuits withdrawn with prejudice against the borough in exchange for a payment from the borough of $5,000.

Mr. Figard questioned any back pay? Solicitor Zubey stated that it would only be the $5,000 payment.

Mr. Figard asked that there were only six members present, couldn’t this be tabled until all seven members were present. In the event of a tie, the Mayor would have to break it and he is a personal friend of Mr. Gehring. It wasn’t fair.

Mr. Figard asked why this had to be pushed now, can’t it wait until all seven members are present.

ROLL CALL: AYES – T. Wilkinson, H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – M. Bertolet

J. Heckman, D. Schlenker – Abstained

MOTION CARRIES

Mr. Boyd questioned why Councilman’s Heckman and Schlenker abstained. If they were abstaining it had to be a financial issue.

Solicitor Zubey stated that there were many reasons why an individual council member could abstain, conflict of interest.

Councilwoman Heckman stated that she could not be fair in her decision-making and that is why she abstained.

December 3, 2007 – 3:30 p.m. – Road Committee

December 4, 2007 – 4:00 p.m. – Personnel Committee

December 10, 2007 – 6:30 p.m.- Finance Committee

December 10, 2007 – 7:30 p.m. – Council meeting

Scott Kreider had a question about the old Christmas decorations that had been hung on the poles around the borough. What is going to happen to them? Can’t we give them to another community? Deena Kershner stated that the decorations were unsafe and will be scrapped.

ATTEST: