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

February 11, 2025

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Cecilia Gallup and Nickelaus Engle. Also in attendance Mayor Steve Myers, Denise Immel Borough Secretary and Solicitor John Miller Absent: Beth Cottrell and Cim Besecker, Borough Treasurer

Citizens present:  Kathy Highbaugh, Amber May, Tammy and John Myers, Beth and Buddy Cowher, Henry Beiler and David Beiler

Citizens input: none

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the December 10, 2024 minutes as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the December 2024 financials as presented seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments. No reports from HARB or Planning.

Employee Report:

January had a handful of snow storms they were all managed well. A major cold snap that ended up freezing some water lines in resident homes, Borough employees helped out where they could to get pipes open and water running. January 10^th the Gazebo was hit by a car. Attempts were made to contact contractor, only one contractor, Home health Construction stopped buy and gave a very reasonable quote to fix up the Gazebo.

During the snow and ice storm on 2/9/25, the borough snow plow damaged the rear corner of 110 East Main Street, tearing off some siding and downspout. The owners and renters were contacted, everyone was very understanding. This is a project that borough staff can repair.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to pay invoice #126644 in the amount of $800.00 and invoice #126643 in the amount of $2,000.00 and invoice #126869 in the amount of $1,600both to Buchart Horn for services rendered on the raw water main replacement project and equalization tank, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to pay invoice #737634-0 in the amount of $392.70 to Nittany Office for yearly service agreement, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Review Secretary-Treasurer Ordinance:

Solicitor Miller presented an amendment to Ordinance 145 appointing a secretary and a treasurer as separate offices of the borough. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to have solicitor Miller advertise the ordinance as presented, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Rental/Short-term Rental discussion:

Penns Valley Code presented a draft ordinance that is compiled from neighboring municipalities’ rental ordinances. The purpose of the ordinance is to insure the safety of the tenants but also the safety of all our residence. Landlords present at the meeting requested a copy of said proposed ordinance be sent for review. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to have Secretary Immel email a copy of the proposed ordinance to all landlords on file, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. Further discussion will take place at the March meeting.

Approve Tax Collector Fees Ordinance 281:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adopt Ordinance 281, amending Ordinance 254 by increasing the fee for tax certification issued from $15.00 to $20.00 and increasing the fee for duplicate bills from $2.00 to $4.00, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

2025 DGLVR grant:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to have Robert Zeigler prepare the application requesting funds to address proper drainage of roads in the Hillcrest Avenue, Cherry Street, and Gramley Avenue areas seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure updates:

DCED Multimodal Grant Bridge Project:

Per our discussion at the January meeting Buchart Horn is on track to have design completed for March bidding.

WWTP Project – Equalization Tank.

After the January meeting John Segursky reached out to the Funding Agency about whether the COSTARS purchase would be allowed under their funding. Our Specialist indicated that it would be acceptable. He has requested a revised proposal from the supplier as his initial one did not have a Performance and Payment Bonds as part of the package. Mr. Segursky believes those were critical items to be included. He has forwarded the new proposal to the Solicitor for his review. He believe we can complete the tank through COSTARS and modify the bid package to only include general work (trenching, valves, controls, etc.)  A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the presented contract Kappe Associates for the Equalization Tank in the amount of $348,500.00, seconded by Cecilia Galllup.  Motion passed.

Raw Water Main Replacement:

 Base mapping is completed, Buchart Horn is moving forward with design documents. This project is approximately 70% complete and will be ready for spring construction. This will also be ready for approval at the March meeting.

DEP LT2 PERMIT APPLICATION:

 Buchart Horn confirmed with Justin that the modifications requested by DEP have been completed.

Annual Waste Load Management Report:

The annual Chapter 94 Report is due by March 31, 2025. Buchart Horn will work with Justin to complete this task. Since we have so many active projects this work will be completed again without a fee. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve Buchart Horns preparing the Chapter 94 report at no charge, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

VCBA update:

Happy Valley check has been received and turned over to business association.

Clock fundraiser:

A fundraiser to help Calvary Church repair the clock tower will be held on March 16, 2025 at the Millheim American Legion beginning at 1 PM.

Pool updates:

Robert Zeigler and Katie Blume have been contacted to facilitate meeting with the Pool board, Swim team, Lions Club and any additional involved organizations. Robert Zeigler made a motion for himself and Katie Blume to continue to facilitate meetings with involved parties, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Robert Zeigler: yes, Katie Blume: yes, Cecilia Gallup: yes, Nickelaus Engle: abstained.

It has been reiterated that the Borough is not responsible for the pool but is interested in helping interested parties. Robert and Katie have been requested to ask if the meeting could be open to the public.

Planning Commission;

Planning Commission met to discuss their role within the Borough. Next meeting to be held March, 25, 2025.

Gazebo:

Estimate for repairs has been received from Home Health Construction in the amount of $3,853.57. This estimate has been forwarded to insurance company. Awaiting their response.

Town Hall Topics:

Nickelaus Engle presented suggested town hall meeting topics for remaining calendar year 2025. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve topics as presented, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Secretary’s Report

Article from Mr. Carter:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to follow our solicitor’s advice and decline this and any additional request for publication on the Borough web page, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Annual statements of financial interests are due from council member. All presented completed at meeting.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adjourn, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.

_______________________________________

Denise Immel Borough 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

January 14, 2025

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Cecilia Gallup, Beth Cottrell and Nickelaus Engle. Also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary, Cim Besecker, Borough Treasurer and John Segursky representing Buchart Horn. Absent: Katie Blume, Mayor Steve Myers and Solicitor John Miller.

Citizens present:  Kathy Highbaugh, Amber May and Amanda Snyder

Citizens input:

Amanda Snyder requested the Borough evaluate East Poplar Street by placing DO NOT ENTER signs at the intersections of Sugar Aly, Maple Aly and Church Street allies where they intersect with East Poplar Street. Also signage signifying East Poplar as a one way street headed east to prevent people leaving the fire hall parking lot from entering and head west.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the December 10, 2024 minutes, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the December 2024 financials, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments. No reports from HARB or Planning.

Employee Report:

December was spent time keeping up with maintenance on equipment and odds and ends in the shop. A few snow storms passed through that were handled well. Aside from snow storms and snow cleanup the Borough building had some lighting replaced. The Fountain Park gazebo getting stuck by a car damaging the east side. Insurance companies have been notified, it will be decided whether to repair or replace. Maintenance crew believes it would cost more to fix the current one compared to getting a new one.

New Action Items

Centre County Long-Range Planning:

Greg Kausch, Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization, was present at the meeting to seek council input on areas of long term needs within the Borough. Items mentioned included the replacement of the Mill Street Bridge, the drainage issues Faced by resident on Penn Street and the drainage issues the borough has experienced on East Main Street. The borough is also looking at sidewalks, both repair and installation and the possibility of designated bike paths or ATV designated streets or allies.

Invoices: None

Hook up charge appeal:

The Borough received a letter of appeal on the decision from the meeting in December. The letter stated various reasons for asking for an exception. Council held discussion on the letter and agreed to uphold the original decision. Nickelaus Engle made a motion to deny the appeal, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

SEO appointment:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to reappoint Laron Horner as our Sewer Enforcement Officer and accept the fee schedule for 2025, also reappoint Justin Dashem, Penns valley Code Enforcement as our Alternate Sewer Enforcement Officer, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Old Christmas Decorations:

A resident has expressed interest in purchasing our old Christmas wreaths. Questions were raised that could not be answered by council members and the resident was not present to take questions. Cecilia Gallup will follow up with said resident.

Planning Commission report ideas:

Nickelaus Engle questioned not having an active planning commission. Suggested a couple of ways to engage  the planning  commission – by forwarding emails from Centre County Planning for review and possible attendance at the Penns Valley Regional Planning meetings. Robert Zeigler to contact planning commission and arrange a meeting.

Zoning Hearing Board appointment:

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-01 reappointing William Wolfe for a term of three years, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion carried.

Town Hall meetings:

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to assign the topic of Community Engagement to the town hall meeting scheduled to be held from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on February 11, 2025, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion carried.

Maple Aly and Race Street safety:

With the accident taking place at the East Main Street intersection and Maple Aly, Nickelaus Engle requested a review of streets and allies within the borough to determine if  visibility adequate to safely enter roads. Cim Besecker will work with road crew in assessing.

Property lease on Park Road:

Lease was reviewed. No changes were suggested to the lease. Council questioned if there would be any other use than the grazing of cattle.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure update:

DCED Multimodal Grant – Bridge Project:

The plan is to have bidding documents completed and ready for winter bidding with construction starting in early spring.

WWTP Project – Equalization Tank:

 No bids were received. Mr. Segursky spoke with the supplier of the tank and they are now certified through COSTARS. He received a proposal from them for review. There is additional site work that would need to be done but it would be a smaller project if the tank is separated. Mr. Segursky will contact grant administrator to check if they will be agreeable to the purchase of tank thru Co-Stars

Raw Water Main Replacement:

Base mapping is completed, Buchart Horn is moving forward with design documents. This project is approximately 70% complete and will be ready for spring construction.

Tax collector fee:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to approve the tax collectors request to increase the tax certification fee to $20.00 and the duplicate bill fee to $4.00 unifying the Penns Valley Area School District tax collector fees, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried. Denise Immel will notify Solicitor Miller for an amended ordinance.

Kathy Highbaugh reported that the books for 2024 are officially closed, only 8 properties were turned over to the county for collection totaling $921.33.

VCBA updates: none

Laundromat engineering request:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to authorize Robert Zeigler to sign a letter stating that the Millheim Borough water and sewer has the capacity to sustain the proposed laundromat, seconded by Beth Cottrell.

Water Street Property:

It is understood that the residents surrounding the Center Street property are not in favor of a dog park. Nickelaus Engle suggested we look at other uses, possible something similar to Fountain Park.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to adjourn, Seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.

_________________________

Denise Immel, 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

December 10, 2024

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Cecilia Gallup and Nickelaus Engle. Also in attendance Mayor Steve Myers, Denise Immel Borough Secretary, Cim Besecker, Borough Treasurer, Solicitor, John Miller and John Segursky representing Buchart Horn. Absent: Katie Blume and Beth Cottrell.

Citizens present:  Kathy Highbaugh, Amber May and Rusty Long

Citizens input:

Rusty Long expressed his concerns and displeasure at the prospects of a dog park being constructed on the Borough lot on Center Street. His number one concern is residents not properly cleaning up after their animal both within and outside of the designated area and the additional noise levels that will be created by having more than one animal in the same area. He feels that there are better uses for the property and the funds.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the November 12, 2024 minutes, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the November 2024 financials, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments. No reports from HARB or Planning.

Employee Report:

November is busy time of the year. Leaves were collected for 4 weeks. Snow fence becomes a priority, and has been installed along Long Lane. This was the first year for the new Christmas decorations they went up as planned and look nice. Penns Valley School District called a meeting for all of the surrounding Boroughs and Townships, contact information was exchanged allowing both municipalities and the school district to stay in touch on the conditions of the roads. This will give the school district a good understanding of local road condition when considering delayed opening or cancellation. A plan was established for winter storms in regards to delays and cancellations.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to pay invoice #125975 in the amount of $1,300.00 and invoice #126111 in the amount of $1,600.00 both to Buchart Horn for services rendered on the raw water main replacement project, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Amend Ordinance 145:

Solicitor John Miller is to review ordinance 145 and adjust from secretary treasurer position to one secretary and one treasurer.

Approve Ordinance 280:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adopt Ordinance #280 establishing the tax rate for the year 2025 at the rate of 5.00 mills on the value of the real property located within the borough, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Approve Resolution 2024-11

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to adopt Resolution 2024-11, increasing the monthly water service fee from $22.00 per month to $25.00 per month, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Approve FY 2025 Budget:

The 2025 Millheim Borough Budgets was advertised as required. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adopt the 2025 budgets as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Approve 2025 calendar:

A motion was made to approve the meeting dates as presented and to add town hall meetings to be held on the seconded Tuesday of every month from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried. Secretary will advertise Town Hall meetings, Council meetings, HARB meetings and Planning meetings

Tax certification fee:

Kathy Highbaugh reported that the Centre County tax collectors are discussing the unification of certain fees charged by the tax collectors. Ms. Highbaugh will advise council of new fees when final decisions are made. Council will need to amend the current ordinance #254.

Direct Deposit fee:

QuickBooks is raising the direct deposit fee from $4.00 to $5.00 per employee per payroll. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to accept the increase and continue with direct deposit, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Sewer fee:

An exemption request has been received asking Council to waive a sewer fee for adding a use to the property that is not related to using the property as a primary residence. Said use will be not for profit. Council reviewed documentation as presented, Centre County Planning granted a conditional approval for minor land development. The property will be used for something other than a residence. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to deny the request, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Holiday items for review:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to give $100.00 to each employee who have been with the borough since January 2024 as a token of appreciation, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Residential water leak:
A large water consumption has been noted at a residence, (208,000 gallons in November) the meter has been checked and is continually running indicating a water leak. The resident has received emails in the past asking them to address the issue with nothing being done. We received a response to the email sent in December explain a toilet leak had been repaired, but the amount of water going thru the meter is greater than a leaking toilet. The Borough cannot afford to lose this amount of water. A motion was make by Cecilia Gallup to deliver a 3 day notice, advising the resident if action is not taken to repair the leak the water to the property would be shut off, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Secretary Immel will prepare the notice and deliver on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure update:

DCED Multimodal Grant Bridge Project:

The plan is to have bidding documents completed and ready for winter bidding with construction starting in early spring. Mr. Segursky spoke with the grant Specialist about what needs to be done to receive a one year extension of the grant beyond its June 2025 date. He will work with borough secretary to get this submitted.

WWTP Project – Equalization Tank:

Project is currently out for bids. The bid opening is scheduled for 12/13/2024.

Raw Water Main Replacement:

Base mapping is completed, Buchart Horn is moving forward with design documents. This project is approximately 70% complete and will be ready for spring construction.

DEP LT2 Permit Application:

The permit has been issued. Some conditions of the permit require some additional discussions with Mr. Kerstetter.

VCBA updates:

Merry Millheim was held December 6^th and 7^th with missed attendance.

Town Clock update:

A donation of $500.00 has been received for the clock tower repairs. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to use the Town Clock checking account for donations, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Article: Living Legacy:

The above article has been presented by Ed Carter for publication on the Borough webpage. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to deny the request, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Secretary’s Report:

The streetlight at 115 East Main Street was reported out. Kuharchik will repair.

The streetlight for 136 West Main Street should be in by the end of January, Kuharchik will install as soon as received.

Official notice was sent to Centre County, as required, listing 2 council member, 1 mayor and 1 tax collector as open positions for election year 2025.

County Liquid Fuels grant for paving for North High Street, Hillcrest Avenue and Cherry Street has been declined.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adjourn, seconded Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

____________________________________

Denise Immel, Borough Secretary