Author: Secretary

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

225 EAST MAIN STREET

P.O.  BOX  421

MILLHEIM, PA 16854

(CENTRE COUNTY)

PHONE (814)-349-5350       FAX (814)-349-5733

December 14, 2021

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler,

Patty Beckenbaugh, Beth Cowher.  Also, in attendance, Sherry Corman, Millheim Borough Treasurer/ Assistant Secretary and Mayor Lauralee Snyder, Solicitor John Miller.  Not in attendance were Council Members Katie Blume and Steve Myers and Denise Immel, Secretary/Assistant Treasurer. Citizens present: Leslie Warriner

Citizens Input: None

Consent Agenda

The Consent Agenda was approved including an item requested by the maintenance crew. They would like to purchase either a portable fuel tank and pump that they can take on the truck. It would relieve them of making multiple trips to Burkholder’s for gas in small cans when they use so much during the mowing season. A motion was made by Beth Cowher to approve the consent agenda along with the purchase of a fuel tank in the amount not to exceed $1000.00. The motion was seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh.

New Action Items

The 2022 Millheim Borough Budget was advertised as required and motion was made by Beth Cowher to approve the 2022 budget and seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh.

Tax Resolution 2021-14, stating that the real estate tax rate for the borough will not increase for the year 2022 was presented by solicitor John Miller. A motion was made by Patty Beckenbaugh to approve and sign the resolution, seconded by Beth Cowher.

The meeting dates for 2022 were presented and a discussion was held. Council chose to continue to keep the council meetings set for the second Tuesday evening of each month at 7:00pm and the Friday following 10 days later if needed at 8:30am. Solicitor John Miller reminded us that the meeting dates need to be advertised ASAP. Since the Lock Haven express is now newspaper of general circulation in our area it was recommended to place the ad there instead of the CDT.  A motion was made by Beth Cowher to approve the meeting dates as presented and seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh.

A review of the agencies, boards and committee appointments was held. We received a letter and fee schedule from Laron Horner requesting the position of Sewage Enforcement Officer for the Millheim Borough and Pamela Winters as the alternate Sewage Enforcement Officer for the same time period. A motion was made by Patty Beckenbaugh to accept his letter of interest and fee schedule, reply to Mr. Horner with a letter from the borough and approve him as the new Millheim Borough Sewage Enforcement Officer. The motion was seconded by Beth Cowher. We will look at agencies, boards and committees again at the reorganizational meeting in January.

Council members discussed the upcoming organizational meeting that will be held in January along with the procedure for the swearing in process. Lauralee Snyder has been the Mayor of Millheim for many years and council is so grateful for all her years of public service and knowledge given to our community. While sad to see her leave the position, Steve Myers was elected to be our new mayor. Steve was absent from this meeting so the borough secretaries were asked to remind Steve that he will need to go to the District Magistrate and be sworn in before our council meeting on January 3^rd. Patty Beckenbaugh is also finished with her term and did not seek re-election. The borough is also very grateful for her public service and will miss working alongside of her as well.

The mowing of the Union Cemetery was delegated to our own maintenance crew for 2021. Adam DeGarmo tracked the hours spent and gas used to do this. The figures were calculated at a combined total of $1661.75. A motion was made by Bath Cowher to reimburse our General fund from the Union Cemetery Money Market account in the amount of $1661.75 and was seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh.

Old Action Items

The Human Relations Commission was discussed. Robert Zeigler voiced the changes that have been made to the ordinance by the other Municipalities to lessen the burden on the local level and how he believes that the borough should consider signing the ordinance so that the rural community has a voice and a seat at that table. Mayor Snyder voiced her concern about signing an ordinance and not having the tools to do what it is requiring. Beth Cowher still feels that we should not join. The issue will be tabled again until the next council meeting which will include our newly elected members.

Merry Millheim was discussed. The overall view was that Friday evening, when Santa was in town, the local businesses were very busy. The remainder of the event did not seem as successful as past years as the weather was not the best with high winds and rain.

The Sewer Grant was signed and approved for $404,000.00. We should soon see this income. As discussed at prior meetings we will use this money to replace the membranes at the sewer treatment plant and put in a new equalizer tank which will release the ARA money for other projects.

There is also an upcoming gravel/low pavement grant coming up. As soon as we have the information on that we will get in touch with Leslie Warriner to help with the grant writing process. A discussion was held regarding the Race Alley area for this grant.

No discussion was held in regards to the HR policies.

Secretary’s Report

We received a letter from the PA State Mayors association to be a member. We need to talk to Steve Myers, incoming mayor, to see if this is a program he is interested in joining. Sherry will scan the letter and email Steve.

A motion was made to amend the agenda by Patty Beckenbaugh and seconded by Beth Cowher to include the UNI-TEC invoice.

The UNI-TEC invoice was presented in the amount of $1,125.00, for engineering services related to the Park Road Bridge Repairs and also the Penn Street Water Main Relocate. A motion was made by Beth Cowher to pay the invoice and seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh.

A motion was made by Patty Beckenbaugh to amend the agenda to include a discussion and decision regarding the propane tank at the borough maintenance building. The motion was seconded by Beth Cowher.

Sherry Corman stated is has come to our attention that the propane tank used at the maintenance building is not our property and does not belong to Ingram Fuels. Ingram fuels is our current propane provider. We were made aware of this by an email from Stan Bierly’s.  According to Mr. Bierly the borough used to purchase its propane from them and the tank belongs to AMGAS. He noticed that we have not purchased propane from them for quite some time. Sherry Corman called Ingrams to notify them because they were unaware. Ingrams immediately removed us from the auto delivery at the maintenance building which was scheduled for delivery yesterday. The tank is unmarked by AMGAS and Ingrams and our staff were under the assumption that the tank was the boroughs property. Adam DeGarmo stopped at Millheim Small Engine to get an estimate on a new tank we would own. Millheim Small Engine quoted a 500-gallon tank at $2,500.00. They are very hard to get at this time and have increased significantly in price. Millheim Small Engine only has one in stock. Ingrams recommended that we use the remaining propane that is in the current tank and let them know when the propane level is at 30% if the borough is interested in them setting in a tank. This will give Ingrams time to get the tank in and set it up for us. The cost to lease a tank is included in the pricing. Beth Cowher recently had some issues which caused her to be in touch with Hellers and Ingrams and the pricing per gallon seems to be the same. We discussed that we already use Ingrams for propane at the Water Plant. We also discussed the pros and cons of setting in and owning our own tank. A motion was made by Beth Cowher to have Ingram fuels set in a new tank and continue to use them as the supplier. The motion was seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh.

Citizens Input

Leslie Warriner thanked and commended Lauralee Snyder and Patty Beckebaugh for their years of service to the Millheim Borough.

Adjournment

A motion was made at 8:00pm by Beth Cowher to adjourn the meeting seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh.

______________________________________

Sherry S. Corman, Treasurer/Assistant Secretary

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

225 EAST MAIN STREET

P.O.  BOX 421

                                                                                    MILLHEIM, PA 16854

(CENTRE COUNTY)

PHONE (814)-349-5350       FAX (814)-349-5733

REGULAR MEETING

November 09, 2021

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Patty Beckenbaugh, Steve Myers, Katie Blume and Beth Cowher also in attendance Mayor Lauralee Snyder, Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Sherry Corman Treasurer/Assistant Secretary and Solicitor John Miller.

Citizens present: Cecelia Gallup

Citizens Input: Ms. Gallup expressed concerns on parking on Penn Street beside the post office

Consent Agenda

Maintenance Report

With cold weather approaching time has been spent preparing winter equipment and winterizing mowers. The 2015 Steiner needed to have the original battery replaced as well as a relay module. Should now be ready for winter.  The race dam has been cleaned of debris and open the waterway back up. Ben Haupt was in and removed the trees as requested. It was a pleasure to work with him and his crew.

The pump shed on Park Road is starting to deteriorate, roof is collapsing and sides are falling apart. It has become a safety hazard. Although the property belongs to the Millheim Lions Club, the building was constructed by the Borough to house a pump which is no longer there. Beth Cowher made a motion to tear the building down after informing the Lions Club of our intentions, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried. Denise Immel will contact the president of the Lions Club, Harry Ward.

Katie Blume made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, seconded by

Steve Myers. Motion carried.

New Action Items

Baker Tilly Engagement Letter

Baker Tilly presented the borough with an engagement letter for the annual audit and DCED filing for the tax years 2021, $12,000.00 2022, $12,350.00 and 2023, $12,725.00. Steve Myers made a motion to authorize Robert Zeigler to sign the letter accepting all terms, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

2022 Budget advertisement

Beth Cowher made a motion to approve the tentative budget and authorize advertisement, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried. Denise Immel will contact CDT to place legal ad.

Ordinance No. 270 Repealing Per Capita Tax

Steve Myers made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 270 repealing the per capita tax ordinance and the per capita tax levy against each resident of Millheim Borough, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Gypsy Moth Spraying

Millheim Borough has been contacted by a land owner that has property adjacent to the land housing the Borough reservoir about spraying the area for gypsy moths. Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to decline the offer continuing to protect the borough water source, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.  Sherry Corman will contact landowner declining the offer.

Solvency Fee

We have received notification of the solvency fee for 2022, amount due is $357.01. Steve Myers made a motion to decline election, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Merry Millheim

Merry Millheim will be sponsored by the East Penns Valley Business Association and held on December 10^th, 11^th and 12^th.

Additional Leaf Pickup

Katie Blume made a motion to schedule an additional leaf pick up for November 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried. Borough staff will post on Facebook, and send an email to residents.

Discussion on anything for our employees for the holiday season

Beth Cowher made a motion to give $100.00 to employees who have been with the borough since January 2021 and $50.00 to employee hired after July 2021 as a token of appreciation, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Old Action Items

Park Rd/Bridge update

We have requested estimates to be given to the county for repair of damages caused by severe rain storms and flooding.

Dental Insurance Carrier

Katie Blume made a motion to amend the agenda to include Vision Insurance, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Two dental/vision plans were presented. Steve Myers made a motion to accept the Delta Dental Advantage 400 plan and the VBA Option 4 (4146) with borough paying for the employee and employee pay the difference for family coverage thru Daryl Schaffer, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Grant Info

Recycling grant for Kubota has been turned in

Liquid Fuels grant for signs and down payment on Kubota has been turned into the county

PennDot Multimodal requirements have changed will apply at a later date

DCED Multimodal was awarded last year and expires mid 2024

Low Volume Pavement/Gravel Leslie will be working on this next deciding what roads to work on

DCED Sewer funds thru Senator Corman’s office docs have been sent to us for signatures

Mike Pipe – Mr. Pipe to visit the Borough on November 10^th

JSSB Loan Modification

Katie Blume made a motion to amend the agenda to add approval of Bond Council Services and adopt Resolution 2021-13 approving third modification agreement, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Beth Cowher made a motion to authorize signing of the Bond Council Service letter from Eckert Seamans, Attorney at Law in regard to the loan modification with JSSB, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Steve Myers made a motion to adopt Resolution 2021-13, authorizing signing of the third modification of the JSSB loan, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Beth Cowher made a motion to approve signing of the third modification agreement with JSSB on the loan established November 13, 2007 original amount $2,140,500.00, fixing the rate at 2.50%, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

JSSB Loan payment

The semi-annual payment will be due December 2021 funds will need to be transferred from CD/Money Market. Katie Blume made a motion to transfer funds and pay JSSB the semi-annual installment, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Beautification CD

This CD is set to mature in the amount of $8,662.91, Katie Blume made a motion to allow the CD to renew at current market rate for the same term, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh.

Water/Dam grant update – contract to use funds expire in mid-2023

Review HR Policies – tabled

Secretary’s Report

Claren Court

The borough received a phone call from Brookside to inform us that ABB has placed lines on properties without authorization. They are working with ABB to correct.

Pool Donation

Beth Cowher made a motion to release the pool donation of $1,000.00, per 2021 budget, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Credit Card for Confer

Katie Blume made a motion authorizing a Borough card to Michael Confer with credit limit of $1,000.00, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

PSAB

After further review of the PASB membership approved last meeting it was discovered that this membership is for training programs only, granting a discount on all training provided by PSAB. As administrative staff has participated in the past training sessions this program is not needed at this time.

Katie Blume made a motion to rescind the motion from last month authorizing payment and pay the new invoice for membership only in the amount of $225.00, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

____________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

225 EAST MAIN STREET

P.O.  BOX 421

                                                                                    MILLHEIM, PA 16854

(CENTRE COUNTY)

PHONE (814)-349-5350       FAX (814)-349-5733

REGULAR MEETING

October 12, 2021

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Patty Beckenbaugh, Steve Myers and Katie Blume also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Sherry Corman Treasurer/Assistant Secretary, Solicitor John Miller and John Segursky. Absent Beth Cowher and Mayor Lauralee Snyder

Citizens present: none

Citizens Input: none

Consent Agenda

Water/Sewer Report

The month of September brought 5.8 inches of rain affecting both the water and sewer plants. Additional chemicals were added at the water plant to alleviate issues. Other than the rain the water the plant is running as expected.

In preparation for the rain the membranes were cleaned the day before the storm hit. We did have to call in a bypass to DEP, because we did 248 thousand gallons in a 23 hour timeframe. Everything at the sewer plant is back to normal. Our second grinder pump is on site and ready to be installed as soon as the old blue pump clogs up.

Maintenance Report

The heavy rains brought some damage to the Borough. Plum Street washed stones down onto Rt. 45, we have used older cold patch to try and make this section nicer especially with the upcoming winter and anticipated plowing. The Borough building parking lot always washes out during rain storms, an easy fix by scraping washed out stones from bottom of hill and bringing back up to lot. Park Road presents a bigger problem, it has been repaired to the best of our abilities. Estimates have been requested to resurface the road with stone or pavement. Still waiting for appointments to be able to meet with contractors.

All concrete projects have been completed. We met with Jason Kozak and planted 22 bushes along the raceway to help with the raceway erosion. Unfortunately within a few days someone took it upon themselves and mowed over 15 of the plantings. The plants were marked with bright blue paint and very visible. Trees will be removed By Ben Haupt on October 26^th and 27^th.

Engineer’s Report

Penn Street Bridge Replacement

The General Permit application to DEP was submitted for the water main that is being replaces as part of the bridge replacement. Approval was received on September 28, 2011.

Park Road Rebid

The bidding documents have been revised and adjusted to scope after conversations with PennDot Municipal Services and are ready to advertise. Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to hold off the bidding advertisement until January 2022, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Screen Replacement Project

The finalization of the paper work for the DEP permit is being completed. Anticipating a winter bidding and a spring construction award.

Membrane Replacement

DCED has contacted Uni-Tec about an opportunity to receive funding through a program titled Economic Development and Community Development Initiatives. This is not a competitive program, meaning the funds could be available upon application. Uni-Tec will prepare and submit the application at no cost to Millheim Borough as most of the work has already been done. Steve Myers made a motion to pursue said funding, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Regional Planning

Discussion was held around regionalizing trash pickup as there are issues with riff raff collection, recycling and other issues. Mild interest was shown in this and mental health services.

Consent Agenda

Steve Myers made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, seconded Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

New Action Items

Resolution 2021-12

Katie Blume made a motion adopt Resolution 2021-12 authorizing the total of $7,000.00 be distributed to Penns Valley Emergency Medical Services to help cover operating expenses, $5,687.10 from the collected Local Services Tax and $1,312.90 from the General fund, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Uni-Tec Invoice

Steve Myers made a motion to pay invoice #1000046741 in the amount of $1,953.75 for engineering services in relation to the Penn Street water main relocation, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

PSAB Membership

Steve Myers made a motion to pay invoice in the amount of $450.00 to PSAB for the PSAB plus Training subscription, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

East Penns Valley Code Lease

Steve Myers made a motion to accept the lease agreement as presented and authorize Robert Zeigler to sign said lease as representative for the Borough, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried. Lease will be presented to East Penns Valley Code for their signature.

Solar Array/West Penn Credits

West Penn has a clause which has us forfeiting any extra generated electricity if we use a third party supplier. As we use Constellation as our supplier, we will either need to break our contract with Constellation, the breakage fee is $17,000.00 the contract with Constellation ends in 2023, add additional accounts to the solar array generated power or do nothing and lose the extra generated electricity. Katie Blume made a motion to add additional accounts starting with the largest to cover the extra generated electricity and ride out the Constellation agreement, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried. Sherry Corman will work with Sel Edor to get additional accounts added.

Budget Discussion

Will adopt tentative budget with dental and vision at the November meeting.

Approval if Ed Carter Article Michelle Grove to assist

Katie Blume made a motion to authorize up to $500.00 for web page assistance and email enhancement, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Park Rd/Bridge update

Estimates are being requested to properly repair damages caused by severe storms and flooding. Additional information is in the  Engineer’s Report.

Penn St Bridge update

Information in Engineer’s report

Grant Related Topics

Recycling grant info turned in – Leslie will be forwarding billing

Liquid Fuels Grant

Will be used use for some road signs, painting one-way arrows for borough roads and rest of equipment costs relating to recycling grant.

Happy Valley Adventure Bureau grant report (Walkfest Grant) has been turned in.

Potential funding from DCED for Small Water and Sewer – Senator Corman’s office brought up our sewer expansion/membrane project to DCED. DCED has contacted Uni-Tec and advised them of the requirements and paperwork required to apply for funding.

PennDot Multimodal grant – pursue with Park Rd., 3 small bridges?

Low Volume-Pavement and Gravel grants – the application process for these grants will need started in January or February. We may be able to gather funding for an additional section of Park Road also possible additional funding for our 3 small bridge project.

Dogwoods

Seventeen of twenty two dogwood bushes that were planted on the bank of the Raceway to help stop bank erosion have been mowed over. The bushes were planted on Borough right of way and the area around these bushes was marked with blue paint and the ground freshly dug. We are hoping the root systems were not damaged and will start growing in the spring to help prevent further bank erosion.

Commissioner Mike Pipe to visit

Commissioner Pipe along with other commissioners have been invited to visit the Borough to view the solar array and to look at the three small bridges we are seeking funding on. Date of visit is November 10, 2021.

Old Action Items

JSSB loan (commit to fixed rate?)

Steve Myers made a motion to have Jersey Shore and Mr. Miller pursue transitioning this loan to a fixed rate product for a fee of $2,500.00, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Frazier Street Addresses

At the September meeting Council approved address changes to 3 properties on Frazier Street, 911 coordinator has questioned our decision, Scott Long, Emergency Management coordinator for Millheim Borough and Beth Bartley our postmistress will be consulted. If they concur with our decision council will move forward with decision from the September meeting.

Support for Solar Co-Op

Will stand by September decision

Water/Dam grant update

Waiting on DEP

Human Relations Commission – delayed, pending attorney findings

Pollinator Update

As we are unable to gain cooperation for volunteers to facilitate planting Steve Myers made a motion to suspend the pollinator project and have our crew continue mowing the solar array, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

HR Policies – no update

Secretary’s Report

Donations

Katie Blume made a motion to suspend the East Penns Valley Library donation for this year as we waived 6 months of rent in 2021, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Town Clock CD

Katie Blume made a motion to renew the Town Clock CD in the amount of $4,209.50 at prevailing rate, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Pension Obligation

We have received our 2021 State Aid in the amount of $9,983.00 and have sent it along with our contribution of $3,717.00 to PSAB.

Volunteer Fire Relief Association

We have received $3932.46 and forwarded to the Millheim Fire Company.

Water Fund

Steve Myers made a motion to transfer a year of payment ($13,237.20) from water fund checking to water project construction checking to cover PennVest loan auto withdrawals, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Gutelius Services

Penn Street and Frazier Street bills were reviewed.

E-Mail list

Katie Blume made a motion to keep an updated email list of borough residents to be used for announcements and notifications, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Steve Myers made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM.

________________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer