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

August 10, 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 and Katie Blume also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer and Sherry Corman Treasurer/Assistant Secretary, Mayor Lauralee Snyder and Solicitor John Miller

Citizens present: none

Citizens Input: none

Consent Agenda

Water /Sewer Report

Both damaged fire hydrants have been replaced, North Street went smoothly, Penn Street was a bit different as a breakage occurred causing residents to be without water for a short period of time.

The approved grinder pump has been ordered and will be installed when the existing pump clogs again.  PSI is being contacted to set up a maintenance agreement for the spring of every year. Unless there would be catastrophic failure this will be the only time our pumps would need pulled.

Testing for the water treatment license has been completed, and am awaiting for the application to submit to DEP. Wendy Malehorn will be conducting the same type of class for sewer in January 2022, if everything goes as scheduled I will take the wastewater exam no later than April, 2022.

Maintenance Report

We have contacted several tree removal companies to get estimates on the seven trees we are looking to have removed. Bartlett came in at $12,000.00, Mosier $11,000.00, Ben Haupt $5,000.00.

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

New Action Items

Finding request from EPVCBA – not yet received

Possible donation to collaborate with Walkfest

Katie Blume made a motion to make a donation of $250.00 to Penns Valley EMS for their time spent at Walkfest and a contribution of $250.00 to the Millheim Fire Police honoring Kevin Lingle, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Route 45 Getaway Recap

The Getaway has been well received, local businesses saw increase in foot traffic and sales. The goal of the committee is to get additional towns involved.

Support for Solar Co Op

Additional information is needed before any decisions will be made.

Jersey Shore State Bank

Michael Musto has informed us that Jersey Shore Bank will sometime, in the near future, discontinue using the Libor index as a base for setting rates. As an alternative they will offer the Borough a rate of Wall Street Journal Prime minus 1%. The current Wall Street Journal Prime is 3.25%, so our loan would have a starting rate of 2.25% or .25% below our current rate. There would be no fees to accomplish this. Council has requested additional information be obtained so an informed decision can be made.

902 Grant Round

A pre application meeting will be August 18, 2021 at 10:30 AM. This grant may be a way to get some funding for the tractor and bucket.

Tree Removal

We received three quotes to have seven trees removed:

Bartlett Tree Service $12,000.00

Mosier Tree Service   $11,500.00

Ben Haupt                    $ 5,000.00

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to award the project to Ben Haupt for $5,000.00, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Utility Reimbursement Agreement/Resolution 2021-10

We have received the Utility Reimbursement Agreement from the Department of Transportation for the required work on the SR2011 (Penn Street Bridge) and the resolution granting the Borough president the ability to sign said agreement. Katie Blume made a motion to pass Resolution 2021-10 granting the borough president permission to sign the Utility Reimbursement Agreement, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried. Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to accept the Utility Reimbursement Agreement as presented, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Use Uni-Tec for DCED grant- deadline has passed.

Roy’s concerns about water shed grounds

Roy has concerns that if the solar array is installed and the current road used the quality of the watershed may be affected also that DEP would not allow, He has requested we ask BAI to find an alternative route.

Justin passed his test

Justin Kerstetter has passed his water treatment certifications and is awaiting the licensing application.

Katie Blume made a motion to split the allocation of Justin Kerstetter’s payroll 50/50 between the water and sewer accounts. Adam Degarmo’s and Michael Confer’s payroll allocations will be 34% general account 33% each to water and sewer account, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

New Hire

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to accept Michael Confer as our new maintenance employee effective 07/30/2021, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

2022 Financial Requirement and Minimal Municipal Obligation for Pension

Katie Blume made a motion to accept the Minimal Municipal Obligation of $11,600.00 as presented by T.A. Anderson and Associates and authorizing Robert Zeigler to sign said document, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Baker Tilly Audit

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to accept the 2020 audit as presented by Baker Tilly, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Traffic Logix iCloud

Katie Blume made a motion to renew the iCloud subscription in the amount of $800.00, to allow the borough to continue to monitor traffic patterns, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Dutch Fall Festival

Haines Township has requested the services of the Millheim Fire Police for traffic control and pedestrian control on Route 45 during the Dutch Fall Festival being held on Saturday October 02 from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Sunday October 03 from 10 AM to 3 PM. Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to approve the request as presented, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion Carried.

Centre County Suicide Prevention Resolution 2021-11

Katie Blume made a motion to accept Resolution 2021-11 designating the month of September as Millheim Borough Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and designating September 10, 2021 as Millheim Borough Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month-October

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to honor Centre Safe’s request to string purple light on the Fountain Park gazebo during the month of October to raise awareness of domestic violence and to let victim who live in our community know that the Borough is working to break the isolation of abuse, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Review of HR Policies – tabled for the September meeting

Dates for Budget Meetings

Katie Blume made a motion to establish Wednesday, September 22, Wednesday, September 29, Wednesday, October 06 and if needed Wednesday, October 13 as dates to discuss the 2022 Borough budget, all meetings will begin at 7:00 PM in the council room, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Uni-Tec

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to pay invoice #1000046502 in the amount of $1,010.00, seconded

by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Old Action Items

Water/Dam grant update- currently waiting on DEP

Rebid update on Park Road – no update

Human Relations Commission

A productive discussion was held with the Solicitors from State College, Bellefonte, and Ferguson Township. The commission is being put on a temporary hold while some of the issues raised by the attorneys are reviewed and addressed. 

Pollinator Update – still trying to coordinate volunteers

Flood mitigation/addressing erosion update

Centre County Conservation District has ordered 25 plants to be placed from 102 Race Street to the Elk Street Bridge. There is no cost to the Borough for the plants and the District will assist in the planting process.

Secretary’s Report

Act 65

Act 65 of 2021 amends the Sunshine Law to create a new requirement. Effective August 29, 2021 all local government boards and commissions must post meeting agendas for all advertised public meetings

at least 24 hours before each meeting. New items may added to the agenda by a majority vote after first stating the reason, a revised agenda must be posted on the webpage on the first business day following that meeting.

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:51 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

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