MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 22, 2007 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL

The twentieth 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 – None

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

Visitors – Chief Painter, Penny Hummel (Item), Deena Kershner, Kris Frantz, Maria Herne (Pottsville Republican)

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

R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Deena Kershner handed out her monthly report. She stated that the "no turn on red" signs at 3^rd and State cannot be seen at night due to the glare from the cobra lights. Lynda will check with Telco. If and when the cobra lights are removed, this may alleviate the problem.

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

R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Heather Berger to approve the following reports: Engineer’s Report, Finance, Property, Road and Safety Committee Report.

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

R. Stetzler, 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 has been completed and final restoration is nearing completion. The project should be nearly completed by the end of October.

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.

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. 1-3 $ 92,727.00

$5,958,911.00

 

Electrical Contract J.B. Electric Corp.

Amount of Contract: $983,469.00

Change Order No. 1-2 $ 3,455.00

$986,924.00

 

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. 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. The roof masonry are complete. Finish work in the new bathrooms and painting remain.

Final grading is progressing and the paving is complete.

Garage Building is complete and new heaters installed.

Sludge thickener building is being completed with the re-installation of the sludge thickener.

Applications for Payment

DESCCO Design and Construction application No. 19 (Requisition 277)

Amount $ 342,714.00

Balance on Contract $ 310,726.00

J.B. Electric Corp.

Amount $ 0.00

Balance on Contract $ 66,858.55

PSI Pumping Solutions Application No. 1 (Requisition 278)

Amount $ 59,812.00

Balance on Contract $ 11,088.00

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

Change Orders $ 7,914.00

$592,914.00

 

Electrical Contract Pagoda Electrical, Inc.

Amount of Contract: $206,000.00

Change Orders $ 2,339.72

$208,339.72

The Award and Notice to Proceed was issued on January 20, 2006.

The project is complete. The remaining punchlist items have been completed.

WISSAHICKON WATER

The Solicitor has been working on some issues with Wissahickon pertaining to continued use of municipal water.

The sewer meter from their pump station has been malfunctioning for over 3 months. After the Solicitor intervened, Wissahickon corrected the meter and other outstanding issues. Sewer meter readings have been reviewed for the last 3 weeks. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. recommends a revised sewer bill be calculated to correct the estimated billings that have been paid.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. has reviewed correspondence sent to us by Wissahickon pertaining to their ongoing attempts to permit their on site wells with PADEP. From the correspondence reviewed, it appears that their wells will be permitted for use shortly.

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.

WATER PRODUCTION

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.

REQUISITIONS

Requisition 277 DESCCO Design and Construction $342,714.00

Requisition 278 PSI Pumping Solutions $ 59,812.00

Requisition 276 Systems Design Engineering, Inc. $ 9,755.41

Requisition 320 Systems Design Engineering, Inc. $ 210.58

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT – October 10, 2007 – 6:30 p.m.

Attending the meeting were Lynda Albright, Tammy, Dale, Roger, Heather, Jeanette, Elaine, Martha and guests Ken Pick and Ed Geubtner from the county.

The purpose of the meeting was to explain Tax Incremental Financing for the purpose of the Grand Street extension.

Phase I is the north bound exit on Route 61 at present there is about a million and a quarter in grant funds available, the cost is expected to reach $2,000,000.00

Phase II is the South bound exit on Route 61 and at present there is no funding available.

TIF needs to be done before Phase I is started and the Re-Development is borrowing the money.

Hamburg Borough, Hamburg School District and the County need to be in agreement because new tax money that comes out of this commercial new development would be used to pay off the TIF over a period of 8 to 20 years.  Hamburg Borough Council must take the first step to initiate this financing.

The Finance Committee is requesting council to take action to investigate the possibility of establishing a Tax Incremental Financing District to support the Grand Street Extension project.

Martha Bertolet, Chairperson

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

OCTOBER 9, 2007

MUNICIPAL CENTER – 3PM

ATTENDING: Martha Bertolet, Jeanette Heckman, Lynda Albright, Roger Stetzler & Dale Schlenker

VISITORS: John Leonforte & Ricky Pickle

John Leonforte informed the committee on the progress of Catherine, Arthur and GrandView Terrace streets prior to reconstruction. Things are moving along nicely.

Discussion ensued concerning additions to our rubbish ordinance and how it can be "tighten up" to eliminate some of the issues we are confronting.

After much discussion the committee has decided not to sand blast the painted curbs in the downtown area at this time.

The pool cover is in place, the pool winterized and issues previously discussed have been corrected. The new pump and motor (destroyed by a squirrel shorting out a transformer) are on order. Pity the squirrel.

Security will continue at the park; vandalism is almost non-existent because of the great job being done KRE.

The demolition of Exide buildings # 1 & 2 are almost complete.

Lynda was instructed to ascertain all necessary information and costs involved in starting a summer swim team using our pool; grants could be used for the hard products needed. There have also been inquiries for a senior aquatics class. This too will be investigated.

Lynda was instructed to contact the proper individuals, including our solicitor concerning 631 Port Clinton Ave. Fulton Bank has shown an interest in donating the property to the Borough of Hamburg.

 

CHAIRMAN OF PROPERTY DALE R. SCHLENKER

In Attendance: Martha Bertolet, Jeanette Heckman, Rick Pickel, John Leonforte, Lynda Albright and Roger Stetzler and one visitor, Ray Dunkle.

SAFETY COMMITTEE

AUGUST 21, 2007

MUNICPAL CENTER – 4:00 PM

ATTENDING: Tammy Wilkinson, Roger Stetzler, Lynda Albright, Chief Michael Painter, Dale Schlenker, Heather Berger, Martha Bertholet and Jeannette Heckman

The Safety Committee discussed complaints regarding skateboarding in the downtown area. Dale Schlenker indicated he spoke with attorney Zube about hiring security to patrol the downtown during peak hours. Chief Painter indicated that security cannot enforce anything, just monitor and advise. Chief Painter plans on having Officer Travis Fritz patrolling on foot in the late afternoon and early evening hours.

The Safety Committee tabled the request for a handicapped space at 33 South Fourth Street. The area has two hour parking limits during the day. Further discussion/evaluation is needed.

The Safety Committee discussed the need to renew a handicapped parking space on Windsor Street for 2008. At the appropriate time, action will be taken regarding this renewal.

The Safety Committee recommends that Chief Painter be allocated $375 to repaint the Chevrolet police car in black/white.

Chairperson

Heather Berger

SAFETY COMMITTEE

SEPTEMBER 24, 2007

MUNICPAL CENTER – 6:00 PM

ATTENDING: Roger Stetzler, Chief Michael Painter, Dale Schlenker, Heather Berger, Martha Bertholet and Jeannette Heckman

The Safety Committee recommends a handicapped space be approved for 90 days at 314 South Fourth Street.

The Safety Committee denied the requests for handicapped spaces at 138 North Third

Street and 110 North Third Street. There are already two handicapped spaces per block.

Discussion was held regarding a County Wide Mutual Aid Agreement between the Borough of Hamburg and the County of Berks for County-wide emergency services. The Safety Committee recommends to council approval of this Agreement.

The Safety Committee discussed the need to have a map to reference existing spaces when considering applications. In addition, re-evaluate requirements (or must meet two or more) and consider extending distance from 20 feet to 50 feet.

Chief Painter presented a suggestion to restrict parking on the Southeast side of State Street (next to the VFW). Consensus is not to limit parking in that area.

The Safety Committee recommends opening the spaces in the middle of the municipal building parking lot to three hour public parking.

Chairperson

Heather Berger

SAFETY COMMITTEE

OCTOBER 16, 2007

MUNICPAL CENTER – 3:30 PM

ATTENDING: Tammy Wilkinson, Roger Stetzler, Lynda Albright, Chief Michael Painter, Dale Schlenker and Heather Berger

Guest attending – Robert Gust

The Safety Committee is recommending to council the approval of a temporary 90-day handicap parking space for both 110 North Third and 138 North Third Street.

The Safety Committee is denying the application for a handicapped parking space at 33 South Fourth Street.

Chief Painter briefed the committee regarding an accident which occurred this morning involving a Hamburg Borough police car. The State Police conducted the investigation and the officer was not found to be at fault. The car is being repaired by Patriot Collision.

Chief Painter updated the committee on the recent thefts that have been occurring between 1 AM and 5 AM in neighborhoods around Hamburg (and surrounding communities). A stolen minivan containing items stolen from this area was stopped and impounded by Philadelphia police. The four individuals in the van were arrested. Chief Painter went to Philadelphia and recovered the stolen items.

Hamburg, Pa October 22, 2007 7:30 p.m.

Sidewalk/Stamped Concrete Care sheet with a questionnaire on the reverse side was presented for discussion. Local businesses are being poled by the Our Town Foundation to determine their interest in having an ordinance passed requiring pavements to be repaired/replaced to match new streetscape design.

Tammy Wilkinson indicated she has been approached by Phyllis Schappell about the police conducting a speed blitz on State Street.

Chairperson

Heather A. Berger

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to place a handicapped sign for a 90-day period at 110 North 3^rd Street. (will be reviewed again after that time)

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

R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Dale Schlenker to place a handicapped sign for a 90-day period at 138 North 3^rd Street. (will be reviewed again after that time)

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

R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

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

R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Road Committee, a motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Dale Schlenker authorizing the Borough Manager to have the solicitor prepare an amendment to the curb and sidewalk ordinance.

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

R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Heather Berger and seconded by Dale Schlenker authorizing the appropriate officials to execute the Agreement with the County of Berks for the $50,000 grant funds for the installation of new traffic signals at 4^th and State and 3^rd and State Sts.

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

R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve payment of invoices totaling $84,375.52

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

R. Stetzler, H. Berger, E. Swavely

NAYES – None

AT & T 25.15

ADAM CONSTRUCTION 10,683.38

AMERICAN ROCK SALT 4,759.33

BERKS COUNTY 11.25

BERNVILLE FUELS 58.95

BLUE MT. COMPUTER SERVICE 1,477.96

CDW GOVERNMENT 309.52

D.A.R.E. AMERICA 233.88

HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 187.97

KRE SECURITY 612.00

LOWE’S BUSINESS ACCT 175.18

MASANO BRADLEY 8,068.80

JP MASCARO 11,606.40

MET-ED 2,841.06

MILLER’S 5 & 10 76.82

NATL. TACTICAL OFFICERS 40.00

Nextel 647.61

PMHIC 21,487.26

PITNEY BOWES 108.97

RARITAN VALLEY DISPOSAL 20,120.66

STRATIX SYSTEMS 154.00

THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 187.06

TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 161.50

CHRIS UNGER 4.00

WEIS MARKETS 32.00

YEAGER SUPPLY 265.56

ZEE MEDICAL 42.25

TOTAL $84,375.52

There was no need for an executive session and Solicitor Zubey had nothing to report.

November 5, 2007 – 3:30 p.m. – Road Committee

November 6, 2007 – 4:00 p.m. – Personnel Committee

November 12, 2007 – 6:30 p.m.- Finance Committee

November 12, 2007 – 7:30 p.m. – Council meeting

Trick or Treat nights to be held October 30 and 31, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m. on the motion of Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger.

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