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

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

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