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

March 12, 2024

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Nickelaus Engle, Beth Cottrell, Katie Blume arrived at 7:10 PM also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary, Cim Besecker Borough Treasurer and Solicitor John Miller.  Absent Cecilia Gallup and Mayor Steve Myers.

Citizens present: Bradley Musser from Penns Valley Little League

Citizens input: none

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the February 13, 2024 minutes as presented, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the February 2024 financials as presented, 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 the Planning Commission.

Council discussed safety concerns with some of the sidewalks located within the Borough. Will bring this matter to the attention of code enforcement.

Employee Report:

The few snow storms that happened this month were handled very well and in a timely manner, aside from one snow storm the town was cleaned out. The exception was the day residents and businesses were notified 7 hours in advance, cars were not removed as requested. Mr. Rich Gallup was out to review the GEO Thermal unit. He will decide if he wants to take over the maintenance. He also stated that the “stairway” unit in the building wound not be big enough to heat the gym for the Little League, an alternate heat source would need to be installed.

New Christmas decorations have arrived. No parking signs on Center Street have been placed.

A list of roads in need or pavement or fixing has been submitted for consideration.

To park 15 cars in our empty lot on Center Street, roughly 120′ in length 15′ wide and 3″ thick for the stone lot, would require about 24 ton of 2A stone at $11.00 a ton.  Two truck load, plus hauling would be approximately $458.00, borough road crew can lay and level stone to create a small parking lot.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the purchase of material necessary to complete a small stoned parking area on the Center Street lot, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to pay invoice 123560 in the amount of $2,835.00 to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered on plant screen and dam weir, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Traffic signal maintenance agreement:

Tel-Power has been purchased by Kuharick Construction. Kuharick has presented the Borough with a maintenance agreement outlining costs for regular inspections including documenting signal structure inspections in PennDot’s traffic signal asset management system. A motion was by Beth Cottrell to authorize Katie Blume to sign proposal accepting terms and pricing, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Valley Community Business Association update:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to adopt resolution 2024-01, which expresses support for the community and authorizes the use of local matching dollars or in-kind services in conjunction with local businesses, nonprofits, and other contributors in an amount not to exceed $10,000 to supplement a grant application to the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau Tourism Grant program, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

EMS Legislative breakfast update:

Penns Valley EMS currently has one of the lowest membership fees in the county. They are so doing better financially than most. Central PA Institute is considering adding an EMS certification class to its programs.

Article for website:

Ed Carter has requested we publish his article entitled Caring in Action: How to Champion Local Caused Close to Your Heart. Robert Zeigler made a motion to authorize publication, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Town Wi-Fi options:

Options have been tabled until grant results have been received.

Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDU) inspection letter review:

It has been brought to the Borough’s attention that the EDU charges to local businesses may not be accurate. A letter and survey were reviewed but further revisions need to be made prior to distribution.

YMCA food distribution:

A request has been received to allow the borough building to be used in a summer food distribution. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve the request, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

90 day evaluation:

Katie Blume made a motion to remove Cim Besecker from probationary status to permanent employee, granting her cell phone reimbursement, pay increase and credit card with $2,500.00 limit, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure Updates:

   Solar field at sewer:

   All solar panels are installed, and all inverters have been hung. The transformer is on-site and will be                  

   set up the week of March 11, 2024. The remaining major equipment will be on-site this month, with  

   mechanical completion by the end of March.

   Screen replacement project:

   Buchart Horn has been on site and reviewed the work they have no issues for the contractor to repair        

   or complete. They need to prepare final paperwork before the borough can complete final payment.

   DCED multimodal grant bridge project:

   Buchart Horn is working with Chilton Design to finalize the plans for bidding.

  WWTP Project – equalization tank.

   After some back and forth with Justin Buchart Horn has the final information needed to complete their   

   work. Buchart Horn is looking at finalizing the design in the next month and preparing bidding

   documents.  They are preparing the DEP Permit Application to have this treatment added to the plant.

Raw Water Main Replacement:

   The LSA Grant for this work is in the amount of $400,000.00 to be used as follow:

     • Water Main Replacement $360,000.00

     • Engineering $40,000.00

    Beth Cottrell made a motion authorizing Katie Blume to sign the Water Main Replacement      

    Agreement, as presented by Buchart Horn, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Central PA Community Action (CPCA) update:

CPCA is still looking at using our building for appointments and Calvary Church for food distribution.

Little League:

Solicitor Miller presented a prepared lease for approximately 6000 square feet of space located in the building’s basement. Mr. Musser will take the lease back for their board to review.

Pool updates:

Research has been completed, if property is no longer maintained by Millheim Lions Club it will default back to the American Legion Post 444. Grant funding has been approved by the board for a new heater and repairs. The Penns Valley swim team has committed additional funding.

Secretary’s Report:

Representative Kerry Benninghoff will be designating a portion of Route 445, from the intersection of PA Route 45 to the intersection with PA Route 192 in Millheim Borough and Penn Township as the

Lieutenant General Robert D. Springer Memorial Highway. The dedication ceremony will be held on April 02, 2024 beginning at 10:00 AM outside of the Millheim Fire hall.

Lieutenant General Robert D. Springer was born in 1933 in Millheim, PA. He enlisted in the Unites States Air Force in October of 1952. His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with service star, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Long, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with six oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Bronze Star.

Lieutenant General Robert D. Springer died August 19, 2021 in Palmyra, PA. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:23 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

February 13, 2024

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

Citizens present: Mike Hanson from Penns Valley Little League

Citizens input: none

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the January 02, 2024 minutes as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the December 2023 and January 2024 financials as presented, 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 the Planning Commission.

Projects for future consideration: in order for the Borough to equally charge landlords and businesses for EDU’s inspections of units to verify required EDU or a survey requesting various information.

Regional planning has had discussion on arranging Penns Valley regional trash pickup, this could include trash, recycling, brush and leaf as well as a riff raff collection. Discussion has also been held on a federal grant to repair/replace various bridges within Penns Valley.

Employee Report:

Water and sewer plants are running smoothly. Yearend reporting has been started for both the water and sewer plants, all reports are due by March 31, 2024.

This winter has been manageable, town clean out has been done twice thus far. Both times went really well and was completed in a timely manner. There has been multiple water leaks on resident homes and even our main lines, the leaks were pin pointed shortly after noticing and all have been repaired. The borough water leak was on the water main at the intersection of Hillcrest Ave. and Cherry St. It is recommended that the borough looks into getting some price quotes to repair and pave a stretch of road in that area, this area consisting of North High St. into West Stover, continuing onto Hill Crest Ave., to Cherry St., ending on the line with Gramley Ave. Price checking will be done with multiple companies. 

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to pay the remaining municipal obligation on our pension fund in the amount of $623.28, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to pay invoice number BT2666083 to Baker Tilly in the amount of $1,050.00, for the first interim billing for the 12/31/2023 financial statement audit, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to pay invoice 123026 in the amount of $495.00, and invoice 123237 to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered on plant screen and dam weir also invoice 123024 in the amount of $839.70 to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered on WWTP equalization tank project, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Resolution 2024-01:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to adopt Resolution 2024-01, authorizing the disposition and destruction of specific records, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Fire company carnival request:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the Millheim Fire Company’s request to hold their annual carnival on June 13^th, 14^th & 15^th, 2024 and to close East Poplar and Second Street on either side of the fire company starting on Sunday the 9^th of June, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

PV Triathlon request:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the Penns Valley Triathlon committee’s request for the Millheim Fire Police to work the annual fundraiser on August 03, 2024, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Appointments:

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to appoint Robert Zeigler as our representative to the CCMPO technical committee, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to appoint Penns Valley Code Enforcement as our alternate sewer enforcement officer, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to appoint Chris MacNeal as the architect representative on the HARB committee, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Mobile office hours – Central Pennsylvania Community Action (CPCA):

The food bank that was at the community action building in Aaronsburg will be moving to the Calvary Church on Penns Street. Discussion has been held with CPCA on holding office hours at the Borough building in order for them to continue assisting residents with financial hardship and or/housing.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure update:

Screen replacement project:

 Buchart Horn has been on site and reviewed the work and has no issues for the contractor to repair or complete. They are preparing final paperwork before we can complete final payment.

DCED Multimodal gran bridge project:

To complete the final design Buchart Horne needs to have a structural engineer sign off of the final design. They have not been able to find someone internal to do this. Buchart Horn would like to have the borough authorize the use Chilton Designs. Chilton designs would be paid directly by the Borough and his fee would be deducted from the Buchart Horn fee. This is the quickest way to get this to bidding.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to approve the use of Chilton Designs as needed by Buchart Horn, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

WWTP Project – equalization tank:

Buchart Horn is looking at finalizing the design in the next month and preparing bidding documents, they are also preparing the DEP Permit Application to have this treatment added to the plant.

Raw Water Main Replacement:

The LSA Grant for this work is in the amount of $400,000.00. In the original application Buchart Horn requested $600,000.00 to be used as follows:

    Water Main Replacement $500,000.00

    Demo Chlorine Building $ 40,000.00

    Engineering $ 60,000.00

Since the project was underfunded they would propose that we dedicate $360,000.00 to Construction and $40,000 to Engineering. Nickelaus Engle made a motion to approve the revised budget as requested, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Ordinance 277 – streets and alleys

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to adopt Ordinance #277, providing for the ordaining and reaffirming the prior ordaining of all the streets and alley located in the Borough of Millheim, amending the name of some and codifying in one ordinance all of the public street and alleys in the Borough of Millheim, and providing for the posting of signs identifying the same where necessary, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Little League:

A revised building proposal was received, Katie Blume will review and speak with Solicitor Miller about the structure of a lease.

Pool Updates:

The email from the Penguins swim team to PVPRA was reviewed. It does appear that the pool will be open for the 2024 swim season.

Parking:

Many residents have complained about the parking on Penn Street from Mill Street to the borough line.

Resident have stated that they are unable to see past cars when pulling out from the allies, residents of Penn Street tend to be parking in front of other residents homes or parking on sidewalks. Discussion tabled.

Secretary’s Report:

Tax Collection:

Centre County Tax Claim & Collections will migrate to a new database platform in 2024 for the 2025 Real Estate Tax collections. An outline of the costs that will occur during this time was sent to the Borough, for budget purposes for 2025 year. Further details will be provided it appears the Borough may see a $50.00 monthly charge and credit cards could be accepted with the fees assessed to the taxpayer.

Funding opportunities:

Senator Dush will be hosting an introduction to funding opportunities On March 28, 2024 at C3 Sports, 200 Ellis Place, State College, PA.

Christmas lighting:

New Christmas lights (cascading snowflakes) for the lamp post have been ordered.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 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

REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

January 02, 2024

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

Citizens Present: none

Mayor Myers asked the newly elected council members to stand and administered the Oath of Office to Robert Zeigler, Katie Blume and Beth Cottrell. After the swearing in ceremony Mayor Myers called for nominations for council president. Robert Zeigler nominated Katie Blume seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Mayor Myers asked for additional nominations, with no other nominations or objections all voted for Katie Blume for council president. President Blume asked for nominations for council vice president. Katie Blume nominated Robert Zeigler seconded by Cecilia Gallup, with no other nominations or objections all voted for Robert Zeigler for council vice president.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to accept the following appointments, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Building & Insurance Committee – Cecilia Gallup

Personnel Committee: Katie Blume

Sewer Committee: Beth Cottrell

Streets & Alleys: Robert Zeigler

Water Committee: Nickelaus Engle

Open Records Officer: Stephen Myers

President Pro-Tem: Stephen Myers

Fire Tax Committee: Cecilia Gallup

Beautification Committee: (Fountain Park) Patty Beckenbaugh

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to approve the December 12, 2023 minutes as presented, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

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

Employee Reports: none

New Action Items

Invoices: none

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to appoint Laron Horner as the Borough Sewer Enforcement Officer, seconded Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to appoint Richard Gallup, Vacancy Officer for the Borough, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to appoint Kate Tosto, Real Estate Broker to the HARB committee, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to appoint Robert Zeigler, to represent Millheim Borough on the Regional Planning committee, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Beth Cottrell made a motion to appoint Robert Zeigler to represent the Millheim Borough on the Penns Valley Code Enforcement Agency board, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion Passed.

Beth Cottrell made a motion to reappoint Dick Decker as our representative on the CCMPO coordinating committee, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to inform CCMPO that Millheim Borough would like to consider Robert Zeigler, as a possible regional representative on the CCMPO technical committee, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to approve Katie Blume signing the engagement letter as presented by Baker Tilly, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to appoint John R. Miller, III, Esquire as Borough Solicitor, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to appoint Cim Besecker, Chief Administrative Officer for the Borough, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to remove Sherry Corman as a signer on all financial accounts associated with the Borough tax identification number and add Cim Besecker, along with Denise Immel, Katie Blume and Stephen Myers on all financial accounts associated with the Borough tax identification number, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure updates: none

Streets and parking/ordinance:

Beth Cottrell made a motion to advertise Ordinance 277, providing for the ordaining and reaffirming the prior ordaining of all of the streets and alleys located in the Borough of Millheim, amending the names of some and codifying in one ordinance all of the public street and alleys in the Borough of Millheim and providing for the positing of signs identifying the same where necessary, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Little League: no report

Secretary’s Report:

Statement of Financial Interest:

Statement of Financial Interests forms were distributed, please return by 02/13/2024.

Insurance contract:

Insurance contract for 2024 has been signed. Premium is over budget by $7,000.00. Our agent has provided us with a contract that they would like us to use when we contract work to companies. Council requested a conversation with solicitor before making any decisions.

Amending Agenda:

A recent court case –Coleman v. Parkland School Dist., — A.3d —, 2023 WL 7371857 (Pa. Cmwlth. Nov. 8, 2023) – has changed the understanding of how an agenda can be amended under the Sunshine Act. n this case the Commonwealth Court held that there are only three reasons listed in the Act that permit an agency to amend its agenda during a meeting.

Advertised agendas cannot be amended during a meeting except under the following circumstances:

          To handle an emergency

          To conduct business considered de minimis arising within 24 hours of the meeting and not            involving a contract or expenditure of funds.

          To handle de minimis business brought be a resident/taxpayer during the meeting that doesn’t require a contract or expenditure of funds.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at

_____________________________________

Denise Immel, Secretary