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

May 11, 2021

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Patty Beckenbaugh 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.

Citizens Present: Nicholaus Engle and Leslie Warriner

Beth Cowher reported that the Purple Ride will be held on May 29, 2021, proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army. The Munch Ride will be held July 17, 2021 with proceeds benefitting the baby pool.

Mayor Snyder reported members of the regional planning committee held discussions on the financial situation of the Centre Hall Library and the invitation by Centre County Library and Historical to join a zoom meeting for discussion with their planning consultants. Pros and cons of having a Dollar General in Aaronsburg was also discussed.

Roy Rupert reported that during the sewer cleaning process it was discovered that damages had been done to the connectors and would need replaced.  PSI’s estimate is not to exceed $7,900.00.

The consent agenda was reviewed by council. Beth Cowher made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

New Action Items:

Human Relations Committee:

This commission is being established to help protect or assist people from many type of discrimination (housing and employment practices, people with disabilities, race, gender, economic status, etc.) while also educating people. The commission will also be able to offer advice to the Centre County Commissioners and be used as a resource for Centre County residents, Boroughs and Townships. Millheim Borough has received an invitation to have a representative sit on the newly forming Humans Relations Commission. Katie Blume made a motion to proceed with the requesting a seat on the commission provided there will be no costs to the Borough, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Library Request:

East Penns Valley Library presented council with a written request to have the EPV library statue moved to a location that would highlight the statue and serve as a reminder to the community of the existence of the library as a resource for individuals and families. A motion was made by Beth Cowher to have a platform poured on the unused stairway entrance and place the statue there, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

2 Way Radios: tabled until June meeting

LB Water Quote:

We have received a quote from LB Water to update our outdated meter reading system. Steve Myers made a motion to accept the quote as presented as this is a budgeted item, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried. Mr. Zeigler will sign the terms and conditions of sales and system will be ordered.

Cleaning Service:

TNT Cleaning Service, Rick Dunlap of Woodward presented a quote of $60.00 per hour to clean the borough office, council chambers, code office and the common areas including stairs, lobby and restroom. His estimate that it will take 2.5 hours to thoroughly clean these areas. Steve Myers made a motion to accept TNT’s proposal and have them clean the designated areas once a month, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Hazard Mitigation Resolution 2021-05:

The Centre County hazard mitigation Plan update has received “approved pending Approval status from FEMA. The County will give final approval to the plan at the commissioners meeting on May 11, 2021.  The Borough has been asked to adopt this plan, which is a requirement to be eligible for mitigation grants. This adopted plan will expire in five years. Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to adopt Resolution 2021-05, accepting the Centre County 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update as the official Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Borough, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.  Copies of resolution will be forwarded to FEMA and Centre County Government.

Community Service:

Mr. Zeigler signed documentation authorizing 10 hours of community service for Braydon Cowher. Mr. Cowher will be able to perform any duties that do not require use of equipment such as pulling weeds, mulching, water sealing wooden ramp etc. Katie Blume made a motion to accept the signing of the documentation, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Survey Discussion: to allow additional time to review the questions final decision was tabled to June

Committee Work:

Going forward committee heads will need to take control of the responsibility assigned to their department.

Set up Coffee and Conversation:

The coffee and conversation will continue to be held at the Burkholder Cafe. Date and time will be announced for each event. This gives community members the opportunity to lend their voices to areas of interest or improvements for the valley.

Old Action Items:

Update and discussion of Roy’s retirement:

Katie Blume made a motion to have Mr. Rupert commit to his presence at the plants once a week, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.  Lauralee Snyder and Roy Rupert will work together to establish details on council expectations of his duties.

Millheim Walk Fest of Arts and Music/Christmas wreaths:

Downtown Business Association has requested the use of the Boroughs Christmas wreath for the above event. After discussing the age of the wreaths and how fragile the have become it was decided to deny the request. Mr. Zeigler will advise the DBA of this decision.

Pollinator Update:

Mr. King will be in Friday May 14^th to sign the agreement.

HVAB Grants:

Three grants have been submitted to Happy Valley Adventure Bureau to help fund events to promote the Millheim Borough as a destination place.

Letters to state legislators:

Katie Blume will update the letter, Steve Myers made a motion approve the updated letter and cc Senator Corman and the Centre County Commissioners, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.  Council decided to not send the fair districting letter at this time.

Millheim Triathlon:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve the indemnification clause as requested by PennDot and to issue the required letter including this clause to the triathlon committee in order for the committee to obtain the necessary highway permit to hold the fundraising event, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Secretary’s Report:

Steve Myers made a motion to sign Seven Mountains EMS council request to proclaim May 16-21, 2021 as Emergency Medical Services Week, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Beth Cowher to adopt Resolution 2021-06 authorizing the expenditure of $5,087.73 from the funds collected by the Borough of Millheim from the fire tax to the Millheim Fire Company No. 1 for the fire truck loan payments and workers’ compensation insurance, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Katie Blume made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 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

April 23, 2021

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Patty Beckenbaugh and Katie Blume. Also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer and Sherry Corman Borough Treasurer/Assistant Secretary. Absent Beth Cowher, Steve Myers and Mayor Lauralee Snyder

Citizens Present: none

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

New Action Items:

Roy’s retirement proposal/discussion of full time hire.

A proposal was distributed in council packets. Various questions were presented to Mr. Rupert regarding his compensation, part time employee status or independent contractor status. Final decision was table to the May 11, 2021.

With the retirement of Mr. Rupert council will need to make a decision on hiring an additional full time employee.

Resolutions relating to HVAB:

Mr. Zeigler presented 3 resolutions to aid in a grant process thru Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Katie Blume made a motion to adopt Resolution 2021-03, Long Term Economic Growth in Millheim, and 2021-04, Collaboration for Millheim Walkfest in Millheim, after the addition of the clause or combination of local matching dollars and in-kind services, and to adopt Resolution 2021-02, Support of Ferguson Township as presented, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Discussion of letter to Benninghoff referring to recycling funds:

Mr. Zeigler presented a draft letter to Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff in regards to HB255, moving dedicated funds into the Commonwealths General Fund. This letter states the Millheim Borough cannot support this bill and strongly oppose it. Katie Blume made a request to have all council members and our mayor present to sign the letter.  Action table to our May 11, 2021 meeting.

PAMA membership:

Katie Blume made a motion for the borough not to become a member of this organizations as PSAB fulfills our needs, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Request to close Church Street:

A request has been received from David Grubb to close Church Street from East Main Street along property line of 126 East Main Street, on May 8, 2021 from 3 PM to 8 Pm to insure the safety of family member during a family gathering. Katie Blume made a motion to approve this request seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Old Action Items:

Pollinator Update/Omar King Lease:

Mr. King has agreed to spray weed killer and assist with the trimming at the solar array in exchange for being able to use the adjacent property for farming purposes. Katie Blume made a motion for Mr. Miller to draw up a new one year agreement, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Reviewing of employee insurance: no report

A grant of $300,000.00 has been received from CFA for the purpose of bridge restoration/replacement. The original application was to $700,000. 00 to be used to replace Plum Street bridge and restore Elk Creek Bridge and Mill Street Bridge. John Segursky is researching if we can accept the grant and focus on just one project. We will also explore other funding options.

Katie Blume made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 AM.

_______________________________________________

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

April 13, 2021

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order with the pledging of allegiance at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Steve Myers, Patty Beckenbaugh 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 Beth Cowher

Citizens Present: Travis Walker, Eden Myers, Shawna and Abbie Long

Citizens Comments: Eden Myers presented a program on the benefits as well as the need for a dog park in the Borough. Katie Blume made a motion to explore this program, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda:

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to approve all items in the consent agenda as presented, seconded by Steve Myers, motion carried.

Roy Rupert stated the need for the pump station to be cleaned. He would like to coordinate the cleaning by Kline Services with the cleaning of the Gregg Township station and split the cost of the transportation expense. Steve Myers made a motion to schedule the cleaning of the pump station in conjunction with Gregg Township and split the transpiration expense, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

New Action Items:

Roy Rupert’s proposal:

Mr. Rupert would like to retire from his position as full time employment with the Millheim Borough. As we currently do not have another licensed representative, he proposes being rehired as a part time employee with a salary of $32,751.00 to act as a consultant for the water and sewer plants. This enables the Borough to use his current licenses until an employee obtains his license. Katie Blume made a motion to accept the early retirement request with the details of a part time position to be established based on the need of the water and sewer plants, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

PennDot Right of Way:

PennDot has presented the Borough with a right of way agreement for a section of property located on Mill Race on both sides of the Penn Street Bridge for the consideration of $2,000.00. Steve Myers made a motion to accept the right of way agreement for the consideration of $2,000.00, provided PennDot agrees to change the wording of the Agreement of Sale in Section 2, from: The Grantor warrants GENERALLY the property hereby conveyed to: The Grantor warrants SPECIAL the property hereby being conveyed. Also on the Deed page 2 first paragraph from: The Grantor warrants GENERALLY the property hereby conveyed to: The Grantor warrants SPECIAL the property hereby being conveyed. Seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

King Lease and Pollinator:

Ernst Conservation Seeds Inc. has supplied us with the cost of 30 lbs. of Northeast Solar Pollinator 3’ mix to be used to pollinate the solar array on Tattletown Road. Cost of seed is $33.50 plus shipping and handling. Mr. King’s lease is expiring and we will look at once again asking him to assist with the preparation and planting in exchange for the use of adjacent property.

HVAB (Happy Valley Adventure Bureau) grant process:

EPVCBA is proposing a Second Saturday event as well as a Millheim Fest, funds are available thru HVAB in the form of grants, using in kind services and/or cash as matching funds. These grants are to be used to support projects and advertising within Centre County.  Katie Blume made a motion to approve Robert Zeigler submitting for a grant to help support EPVCB, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

EIT Tax Deadline:

EIT tax deadline has been extended to May 17, 2021 which is the extension for filing federal and state taxes.

Revision of Penns Valley Regional Planning Committee’s Bylaws:

Katy Blume made a motion to accept the Regional Planning Committee bylaw changes as presented, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Fountain Park and Stover Light Poles:

Light poles have been damaged by Borough snow plows at both the municipal parking lot located behind Fountain Park and the residence of Jake Stover. Our maintenance crew is working with Mr. Stover to repair the damage. We have contacted the company who originally supplied the lights at municipal lot, the exact light is no longer available but a very similar light pole can be purchased for approximately $400.00. Katie Blume made a motion to purchase two (2) light poles, from the general account, as we are not sure how long this style will be available, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Ferguson Township/Millheim Borough Partnership:

Ferguson has contacted the Borough in regards to a partnership for a special event celebrating and promoting local food, music and agriculture. Ferguson Township would be applying for a grant to assist with costs involved. Discussion was held and a Resolution will be prepared for approval at the next council meeting in support of the partnership and financing.

Town Survey:

In order for council to learn the thoughts of the residents in the borough a survey will be prepared and made available online and mailed.

Paper Alleys Roads/Signage:

Sherry Corman and Denise Immel will begin a study of any/all streets and allies that are not properly marked with signage as well as any unnamed allies or roadways.

Old Action Items:

Warriner Grant Writing:

Katie Blume made a motion to accept the contract Ms. Warriner presented at the February 09, 2021 meeting for grant writing purposes, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Confer Alley Ordinance:

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to adopt Ordinance #267, vacating Confer Alley, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Covid 19 updates:

The Borough will be awarded Covid funding from the Commonwealth, the funds have restrictions as to how they are spent. Robert Zeigler made a motion to keep these funds separate from our general account by establishing a separate checking account with signers to be the same as general account, for these funds, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried. 

Update on government funding; no update

Code and Library Leases:

Discussion was held on waiving monthly rent for the library as they are still struggling financially.  Patty Beckenbaugh make a motion to waive the next 3 months rent to show our support of the East Penns Valley Library, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.  A letter will be sent to the library informing them of the waiver.

NIMS: no update

Update on Fire Hydrant:

Documentation has been sent to Nationwide for payment, Nationwide has accepted responsibility for payment but have not given any timeframe.

Secretary’s Report:

Maturing CD’s:

Katie Blume made a motion to allow the CDs to rollover at the going rate, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Old Desks:

The metal desks in the Borough office have been upgraded to professional wooden desks, Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to contact Centre Peace to see if they had an interest also to post on Facebook if no interest is received contact Grenoble for disposal, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Notary:

Denise Immel’s notary expires November 08, 2021.  Steve Myers made a motion to cover the expense of the renewal, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Town Wide Yard Sale:

Inquiries have been received in regards to a Town Wide Yard Sale, this event is normally held in conjunction with Millheim Fireman’s Carnival. As the carnival has been cancelled this year residents are wondering if council will support a town wide yard sale. Robert Zeigler made a motion to support a town wide yard sale from Thursday, June 17, 2021 thru Sunday, June 20, 2021 and request code waive permitting fees for these days, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Steve Myers made a motion to approve and pay the Nittany Office Equipment yearly service contract for in the amount of $990.00, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Steve Myers made a motion to approve and pay the invoices from Unitec for the preparation of the Chapter 94 report and  engineering fees for the Park Road bridge project in the amount of $2.300.00, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion Carried.

Steve Myers made a motion to allocate up to $500.00 for the purchase of high visibility shirts for the maintenance crew, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.  

Steve Myers made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 9:02 PM.

_______________________________________

Denise Immel, Secretary/ Assistant Treasurer