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

REGULAR MEETING

July 13, 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, Beth Cowher, Steve Myers and Katie Blume also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer and Sherry Corman Treasurer/Assistant Secretary. Mayor Lauralee Snyder arrived at 7:20 PM.

Citizens present: Leslie Warriner and Nickelaus Engle

Citizens Input: none

Consent Agenda:

Employee Reports

Roy Rupert submitted a written report on both the Wastewater plant and the Filtration Plant. The wastewater plant is running smoothly, still maintaining non-detect test results with no outstanding issues. A-3 USA can provide a service tech to help when the membranes do need to be replaced. The grinder pump has been installed with no issues to date.

Wylands pump service recommends seeing if the pump at the well runs prior to being pulled. Breon’s will be scheduled to hook up their generator on site to test the pump.

Mr. Rupert expressed concerns with the Reservoir Road being used as access to the solar field. He recommends using the Smithtown Road access as we did when the property was logged to insure we maintain our water quality.

A written report was received from the maintenance crew. They have started the cold patching of local roads but have gotten somewhat delayed due to the high winds knocking down large limbs on the roads. They have repaired drain damage on Long Lane. They are also gathering quotes for several trees to be removed from Borough property. The insurance claims for the fire hydrants damaged on North Street and Penn Street have been received. The repairs should be complete within the next two weeks.

Katie Blume made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

New Action Items:

Survey results/interpretations

496 surveys were mailed there was also access thru Face Book and our web page. 76 residents responded and 5 nonresidents. The top 3 responses in all categories:

Recreation: Walking Trails, Multi Use Park, and Dog Park/Movie Theater tied for third,

Planning and Development: Junk Ordinance, Home Rehabilitation Program, Stream Buffers and Flood Mitigation,  

Infrastructure: Millheim Race Repair, Additional Parking, Bridge Repairs,

Borough Property and Insurance, Traffic Light Area, Repair Town Clock, Fire Escrow Account,

Health and Safety: Pedestrian Crosswalks, Parking on Penn, Water Service,

Tourism and Business Revitalization: Borough Anniversary, Historic Signage, Trail Participation.

EMS Update (audit costs, Walkfest support):

EMS continues to look for ways to reduce their operating costs, their efforts have provided them with free internet service supplied by Atlantic Broadband. A suggestion was made to bill each municipality by per capita to cover the expense of the audit. They suppled medical coverage at the Walkfest on Saturday, possible donation from EPVCBA or Borough for coverage.

Interviews for new full time employee (readjust pay structure after hire):

Robert Zeigler and Justin Kerstetter will be conducting interviews on Wednesday the 14^th. Three candidates are scheduled if none of these meet requirements additional interviews will be scheduled or additional advertising placed.

Internship program (set up with Penn State):

Mr. Zeigler is in discussions with Penn State University on acquiring an intern for the spring of 2022. An intern who puts in 45 hours receives 3 credits and has a salary match from PSU. Deadline for submission is October 2021.

Junior Council person (pursue with Penns Valley School District):

Discussion was held about having a Junior or Senior work with the 7 municipalities to provide input at meetings but no voting rights.

Aftermath of WalkFest: seemed well received

Happy Valley Adventure Bureau Grants:

Katie Blume made a motion to open a new checking account to house the HVAB grant funds, with 2 signatures required on withdrawals and having the council president, mayor, Borough secretary and Borough treasurer as authorized signers, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried. Borough treasurer will obtain proper paperwork.

Beth Cowher made a motion to transfer the grant of $5,000.00 to EPVCBA upon receipt from HVAB to help cover the Walkfest event, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Mental Health in Penns Valley (progress, updates):

Centre County government is applying for grants to help address the need for American Rescue Act funds may also be used to address this need.

Bidding on dam weir and raw water filter project:

Uni-Tec is finalizing and submitting to DEP for permits. Based on review times bidding for this project should take place in January 2022 and construction to start as soon as the weather breaks for spring.

Grants to work on:

3 small bridges (DCED multimodal again, dirt/gravel)

Park Road (PennDot multimodal, dirt/gravel)

Water (pipeline from narrows to the reservoir)

Sewer (make it easier to expand plant, replace membranes)

Recreation (set biking/hiking trail system beginning next year)

Potential fall HVAB grant round (tourism business-oriented ideas)

Vacation Payout:

Mr. Kerstetter has reached the maximum carry over for vacation days. With the training process taking place over the last several months he has been unable to take vacation time, rather than loose the time he has requested a 60 day payout. In lieu of a payout Robert Zeigler made a motion to increase vacation carry over for full time employees for 120 hours to 160 hours and part time employees from 60 hours to 80 hours, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Millheim Pool:

Leslie Warriner stated that the pool is under the ownership of the Millheim Lions Club, and that there are concerns about the stability of the pool. Would the Borough consider purchasing the pool to insure the continued operation? Possibly form a Parks and Rec Committee? Katie Blume stated she will reach out to Lions Club on possible interest of selling and Beth Cowher requested members of the Lions Club be present at our next meeting.

Old Action Items:

Human Relations Commission – Ordinance/participation discussion

As many questions were asked with no answers available, council members requested Mr. Zeigler to have a representative from the commission attend the August meeting to address our concerns.

SR 2011 – table to August meeting

Pollinator Update: still trying to coordinate volunteers

3 Small Bridges update: may be able to use dirt/gravel grant and low traffic pavement grants

Flood Mitigation/addressing erosion update (County Conversation District Meeting):

A meeting was held with Justin Kozak and Jim Coslo with the following recommendations:

New bridges with better flow underneath are great (for all parties, especially DEP and Fish and Game) and can get funded in different ways.

Shrub/plant plan nearby the parking lot to limit erosion and provide a natural barrier into the race and improve the aesthetic. The cost to get these plants in the spring will be zero. This gives us time to communicate with nearby residents to see if they want to be involved. This also requires no permits.

Clearing debris, getting the wall stones out of the creek (and putting them back), other potential barriers are fine, no permitting needed.

Parking lot is a potential water flow issue that can wait to be addressed.

Secretary’s Report:

Speed Limit Signs:

Beth Cowher made a motion to move the existing radar signs from East and West Streets to North Street and Penn Street, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Beth Cowher made a motion to share any and all information obtained from the radar signs with the PA State Police, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Rescind Ordinance 2020-16: this is a resolution not an ordinance, Beth Cowher made a motion to Rescind Resolution 2020-16, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Sensus Services Agreement:

Steve Myers made a motion to extend the auto read software support program with Sensus in the amount of $1,715.95, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

The Borough has spent over $3,000.00 pulling the old Goulds pump at the sewer plant. Based on this information, the information from the employee’s reports and the recommendation of Mr. Kerstetter Beth Cowher made a motion to purchase an additional grinder pump, to replace the old Goulds pump, from OPSCO in the amount of $6,733.00 seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Beth Cowher made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:05 PM.

________________________________________

Denise Immel, Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer

1. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING CALL TO ORDER

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

1. CITIZENS INPUT (For items not included on the agenda, comments limited to five (5) minutes.)

1. CONSENT AGENDA
   1. CODE ENFORCEMENT/ HARB / PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS
   1. EMPLOYEE REPORTS
   1. APPROVAL of MINUTES – July 13^th
   1. APPROVAL of JULY FINANCIALS
   1. COMMITTEE and MAYOR’S REPORTS

• NEW ACTION ITEMS
• Funding request from EPVCBA (if received)
• Possible donation to collaborate with Walkfest (provide more funds)
• Route 45 Getaways! Recap
• Support for Solar Co-Op work – Henry McKay
• JSSB Libor rate
• 902 Grant Round Pre-App meeting August 18^th at 10:30am at 253 Transfer Rd.
• Tree Removal
• Utility Relocation Reimbursement Agreement/Resolution 2021-10
• Use Uni-Tec for DCED grant again, formal vote for associated costs (permit application fee, etc.)
• Roy’s concerns about watershed grounds (written in his report last month, regarding lease agreement)
• Justin passed his test(s)! And related discussion
• New Hire
• 2022 Financial Requirement and Minimal Municipal Obligations for Pension
• Baker Tilly Audit
• Traffic Logix icloud
• Dutch Fall Festival
• Centre County Suicide Prevention Resolution 2021-11
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month- October
• Review of HR Policies
• Dates for Budget Meetings
• Uni-Tec Invoice

• OLD ACTION ITEMS

1. Water/Dam grant update (currently still waiting on DEP)
2. Rebid update for Park Road
3. Human Relations Commission – is delayed, solicitor discussion between current municipal members
4. Pollinator update – trying to coordinate volunteers (same as before)
5. Flood mitigation/addressing erosion update – Centre County Conservation District will coordinate with us this fall

• SECRETARY’S REPORT

                         1.   Act 65

• CITIZENS INPUT (Comments limited to five (5) minutes)

1. MISC. COMMENTS AND CALENDAR ITEMS
2. Millheim Planning Commission Meeting – August 24, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. – Council Room (if needed).
3. Next Council Meetings – August 20th, 2021 – 8:30 a.m. (if needed); September 14, 2021 – 7:00 p.m.
4. Regional Planning Meeting – September 28, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. – Old Gregg School Room 106
5. ADJOURNMENT

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

June 08, 2021

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

Citizens Present: Nickelaus Engle, Leslie Warriner, Travis Walker and David Sprowls

Citizens Input:

Travis Walker requested that the Borough update the Code of Ordinance located on the borough web page as the last update was done in 2017. Robert Zeigler reported that the web page has just been updated, the Code of Ordinance is now current thru December of 2020.

Leslie Warriner gave a report on the Regional Planning meeting held May 25, 2021 some topics that were covered:

Discussions were held on the expansion of the Centre Hall Library, the expansion does not appear to  

be sanctioned by the Centre County Library.

The regional municipalities would like to hold a water operating meeting on July 27, 2021 at 6:00 PM in the Old Gregg School. This meeting is to be a change of information session and used as in introduction of all water operators in the Penns Valley Area. Invitations will be sent to all water operators.

Penns Valley Emergency Medical Services are looking at cost cutting measures. One suggestion was to have the municipalities spit the costs of the audit, cost of this audit is over $3,000.00.

Ms. Warriner reported that the steeple on St. John’s Lutheran Church has deteriorated and has become a safety hazard. The church does not have the funds at this time to repair and may need to

have it removed.

Ms. Warriner requested that the childcare center located in St. John’s be allowed to close off Race Aly from Mill Street to Deer Aly on Wednesdays from 9 AM until 5 PM to allow the children to safely play outdoors as the courtyard is unavailable.  Steve Myers made a motion to allow the closure of Race Aly between Mill Street and Deer Aly on Wednesdays from 9 AM to 5 PM beginning June 09, 2021 and continuing for 12 weeks, seconded by Katie Bloom. Motion carried.

Ms. Warriner and Mr. Engle gave an update on the pool opening. There appears to be a shortage of the chemicals need to support the pool. There is an issue with the pump which could cost $50,000.00 to replace and there is a drainage issue. The pool is in need of a major overhaul. Would the Borough be willing to donate our pump from the sewer plant if needed and can be transfigured to work? Katie Blume made a motion to donate the pump at the sewer plant to the Millheim Pool if the pump is needed and will work for their needs, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried. They also approached council about a loan to purchase a new pump. Council would consider only if other municipalities where asked for a loan as well.

Beth Cowher explain to council that the code office continues to have water run down the chimney damaging the walls and ceiling. The water damage could eventually lead to black mold and structural damage. Marcon has recommended a cap be put on the chimney as well as having the brick repointed.

Dave Sprowls suggested that we may be able to have the chimney wrapped instead of repointed. Ms. Cowher will look into the available options. Katie Blume made a motion to pursue obtaining prices for the repairs needed, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried

A borough resident has requested a dead end or no thruway sign be posted on Hillcrest Avenue where it meets Pine Street. Many cars just go down the street and turn around. We will have Mr. Kerstetter check on the availability of a sign and if none are in inventory request he obtain a price for said sign.

Steve Myers made a motion to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried

New Action Items:

Millheim WalkFest of Arts and Music:

The WalkFest is set to be held on July 19^th, 20^th and 21^s, The committee is requesting access to the grass lot on the corner of Center Street and Water Street for public parking, closing off Poplar Street from behind the Millheim Hotel to behind Penns Valley Jewelers as well as a small portion of Sugar Alley Next to Penns Valley Jewelers, to be used for public walking access coming from Pisano Winery area to the other festival areas and to use the Gazebo in Fountain Park as the WalkFest Headquarters. Katie Blume made a motion to honor the three requests of the WalkFest Committee, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried. The committee also requested permission to place a banner across Main Street. The banner request will be part of a resolution to be signed when the location can be determined.

LBGT+ Resolution 2021-07

Katie Blume made a motion to pass Resolution 2021-07 recognizing and supporting LGBTQ+ Pride Month June 2021, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Birch Trees by Breon Property:

The Breon Sisters have requested to have access to the birch trees that will be removed from the Boroughs property beside their house. The trees have sentimental value as their father planted the trees several years ago, they would like to make something from the wood as a remembrance of their father.

Beth Cowher made a motion to allow the Breon sisters have the trees once they have been removed, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Park Road bid discussion:

The Borough received 2 bids on the paving for Park Road and one bid for the bridge repair on Park Road. The bids came in significantly over budget. Steve Myers made a motion to reject all bids, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

2 Way Radio:

The Borough has received another proposal for two way radios from ComPros, for $3,798.26 the proposal from Centre Communications was $4,157.00 dated November 2020. Beth Cowher made a motion to accept the proposal from ComPros, seconded by Steve Myers, Motion carried. Borough secretary will contact Chris Leahy, ComPros representative and place order.

New Hire:

Beth Cowher made a motion to advertise for a fulltime maintenance person to fill the position left vacant as Mr. Kerstetter and Mr. DeGarmo move to their new positions, starting wage $15.00 per hour, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried. The positon will be posted on the borough web page and our Facebook page as well as in the Center County Gazette.

Water/Sewer operator salary: tabled until a later meeting

3 Small Bridge update:

Dave Venezian from Boggs Township has agreed to meet with John Sergusky and the Borough to demonstrate the bridge kits that Boggs Township has used to replace bridges. The borough will look at resubmitting for multimodal funding.

Coffee and Conversation:

Mr. Zeigler reported the hot topic was the fair districting legislature.

Old Action Items:

Pollinator Update:

The weeds have been destroyed and land is ready for planting. The seed has been delivered to Mr. King.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with the pollinator.

Letter to legislators regarding Fair Districts:

Katie Blume made a motion to accept as presented the letters supporting Fair Districting, with all council members and mayor signatures to Representative Benninghoff and Senator Corman, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Letter for HB225 signatures:

Katie Blume made a motion to accept as presented the HB225 letter opposing the consolidation of funds with all council members and mayor signatures to Representative Benninghoff, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

SB597:

PA Rural Water has requested Borough Council oppose SB 597, the bill appears to have the primary purpose of driving municipalities and small private entities out of the water and wastewater business through new unnecessary regulatory requirements and costs. Steve Myers made a motion to use the template supplied by PA Rural Water opposing SB 597 and send to the Chairman and Chairwoman and members of the Senate Consumer Affairs and Professional Licensure Committee, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Survey:

Beth Cowher made a motion to accept the survey as presented changing the return by date to June 30, 2021, survey to be distributed to Millheim residents by mail, posted on our Face Book page and on our web site, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Roy’s retirement/Boob letter:

Discussion was held on the concerns presented in Mr. Boob’s letter. Mr. Rupert explained to council that steps are in place for a smooth transition. Mr. Kerstetter has been receiving onsite training at both the water and sewer plants for the past 6 years, he is currently taking online classes and is set to take his water test on August 3^rd 2021.  Mr. Rupert wanted to assure the residents of the Borough as well as council that Mr. Kerstetter is fully capable of handling the operations of both the water and sewer facilities. Mr. Rupert will be available if needed and will continue to work directly with Mr. Kerstetter.

Mayor Snyder will work with Mr. Rupert to finalize his new employment agreement, which will be presented at the June 18, 2021 meeting.

Secretary’s Report:

Ms. Immel requested approval to correct the minutes of the April 13th meeting, the Ordinance that was passed vacating Confer is labeled as 267 the correct number is 269. Beth Cowher made a motion to correct the April 13^th, 2021 minutes changing Ordinance #267 to #269, also to correct the number on the Ordinance to 269, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Beth Cowher made a motion to approve and pay the Uni-Tec invoice for engineering services on Park Road Bridge in the amount of $1442.00, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Katie Blume made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.

___________________________________________________

Denise Immel, Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer