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

December 08, 2020

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order with the pledging of allegiance at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Katie Blume, Patty Beckenbaugh and Beth Cowher. Steve Myers arrived at 7:13. Also, in attendance Mayor Lauralee Snyder, Solicitor John Miller and Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant. Beth Cowher left the meeting at 8:40.

Citizens Present: Nickelaus Engle

Consent Agenda:

In addition to water/sewer reports, Roy Rupert informed council that West Penn’s fee for the temporary connection need to test the well behind borough building would be $850.00. Mr. Rupert will continue to research what is needed to get the well and running. Mr. Rupert requested to have a second back up meter for the water plant as it now takes 4 – 6 weeks to have one delivered. Katie Blume made a motion to not approve the purchase at this time and to accept the consent agenda as presented, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

New Business:

Streets (unnamed alley, Park Rd., Poplar St., parking):

Research was done as to the ownership of the unnamed alley between High Street and Cherry Street, no evidence has been located that lists this alley as an ordained street/alley. Solicitor John Miller recommended that a letter be sent to those questioning the ownership stating we can find no evidence of this alley street being ordained.

Park Road:

Justin Kerstetter has met with Mr. Segursky to discuss the best options to fix the drainage issues.

Poplar Street Parking:

It has been brought to councils’ attention some residents and business owners are concerned about the parking on West Poplar Street. They feel that these cars are a potential safety issue, especially with the snow removal in the future. Per code office the cars are legally parked. Council member Katie Blume will communicate with business owner to try to resolve.

USDA Grant:

Council has received an email on a USDA Grant for up to $50,000.00. This grant is based on median income and population. Leslie Warriner is to investigate the grant guidelines and its usage. Ms. Warriner will also supply a contract for her services for council to review.

Merry Millheim:

Local businesses will be hosting Merry Millheim December 11^th thru the 13^th.

List of Appointed Committee Spots:

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to reappoint Pam Winter as our Sewer Enforcement officer and Laron Horner as our Alternate Sewer Enforcement officer and to accept their fee schedule as presented, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Curative COVID-19 Testing:

A conference call was held with Curative representative Joshua Mironov. Mr. Mironov discussed various options that would be available to the borough to set up testing sights for the Covid-19 virus. Options that would include Curative employees observing self-testing or administrating the test would be a drive thru testing sight, kiosk or a mobile trailer. Self-testing sights could also be set up that would include volunteers to observe the self-testing and to help register people. Turnaround time on testing is approximately 24 hours after Curative receives the test. After much discussion and per our Solicitor, the borough sponsoring any of these events opens us up to liability claims. It was decided not to pursue at this time but to refer Curative to Centre County government.

Debt Management:

Financial reports from Treasurer Sherry Corman were reviewed, the borough has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic well. Our financials show that we will have the funds available to cover the upcoming projects without raising taxes.

Approval of Meeting Dates for 2021:

Katie Blume made a motion to approve the meeting dates for Millheim Borough Council, HARB and Planning Commission as presented, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Approval of Tax Resolution 2020-20:

Katie Blume made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-20, levying the tax rate for the year 2021 at the same rate of 4.00mills on the value of real property located in the Borough of Millheim as was levied for the year 2020, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Approval of Records Destruction Resolution 2020-21:

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to approve Resolution 2020-21, authorizing the disposition and destruction of specific records, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Penn Township Request:

Penn Township Board of Supervisors voted to give their code representative authorization to vote that the Penns Valley Code office be viewed as an essential business. They would like the Borough to consider doing the same. A motion was made by Beth Cowher to have our code representative to vote Penns Valley Code as an essential business at the next code meeting, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried with Robert Zeigler abstaining as he sits on the code board.

Riff Raff Pickup:

Penn Township has expressed concerns that borough residents are taking advantage of the Riff Raff collection offered to Penn Township residents on the Tuesday after Labor Day. Penn Township Board of Supervisors would like each municipality in Penns Valley to conduct a Riff Raff collection the same time each year to help residents dispose of unwanted items.

Old Action Items:

NIMS: no update

COVID-19 Related Updates:

The Borough office stills has a small supply of white cotton masks available to businesses.

Update of Solar at Sewer Plant:

Millheim Borough has been awarded the Lodestar Award, Millheim Borough Council can now publicly display its dedication to solar energy by using their branding materials. The logo indicates that Council is luminary in solar energy stewardship – all without violating certain legal rules surrounding the claiming of environmental attributes. Robert Zeigler made a motion to have Katie Blume accept the award via zoon, Steve Myers seconded. Motion carried.

Penn Street Bridge update:

Documents were presented for Robert Zeigler’s signature for the utility relocation as required by PennDot.

Master Plan Update: no report

Dam Weir/Water Screen Building Update: no report

Atlantic Broadband Update:

Due to shipping issues access to Atlantic Broadband service has been moved back to spring of 2021.

Secretary’s Report:

Council Room Tables:

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to purchase new tables for the council room that will allow for social distancing during council meetings and meetings held by outside parties, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Patty Beckenbaugh to allocate $500.00 to purchase used desks for the borough office, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Employee Weekly Pay:

Katie Blume made a motion to honor the request of one employee to be paid weekly, with additional cost to be absorbed by the Borough, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Cleaning:

With the winter months approaching Borough staff would like to request a set cleaning schedule for the office and hallways. Council will look at possible individuals for the position.

Traffic Logic:

Training has been completed on the reports and settings for the radar signs.

Katie Blume made a motion to present each employee with a gift of $100.00 to express appreciation for their dedication to the Borough with the additional duties and adjustments that were needed to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Katie Blume made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 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

November 10, 2020

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order with the pledging of allegiance at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Katie Blume and Patty Beckenbaugh. Absent Steve Myers and Beth Cowher. Also, in attendance Mayor Lauralee Snyder, Solicitor John Miller and Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant and Sherry Corman Borough Treasurer/Assistant Secretary.

Citizens Present: Nickelaus Engle, Michael Slack and Pam Winter

Citizens Input:

Ms. Winter and Mr. Slack voiced concerns about the increased traffic on what they believed to be an unnamed alley running from Cherry Street to North High Street, between their properties on Hillcrest Avenue and Cherry Street. They stated that this area has never been maintained by the borough and that the residents have mowed the area for many years. They believe this area was or is used as a utility right of way. Both Mr. Slack and Ms. Winter expressed interest in absorbing the property bordering their land and are willing to pay any necessary survey costs. Solicitor Miller and Borough administration will check records to verify if this area has ever been ordained.

Consent Agenda:

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

New Action Items:

Adam Update:

Adam DeGarmo has been quarantined from November 02, 2020 to November 10, 2020. He tested negative for Covid-19 on November 02, but since the test was done immediately after his exposure it was agreed he should be quarantined for 10 days. He returned to work on November 11, 2020. The Borough will submit the quarantine hours to Centre County for reimbursement from our Covid-19 allotment.

Chris GIbbons Update:

Mr. Gibbons has reviewed our current debt load and has reported that at this time it would not be beneficial to refinance any of our existing debt.

Approve 2021 Budget:

The legal notice for review of the 2021 proposed budget was placed in the Centre Daily Times on October 18, 2020 and is now ready for adoption. Katie Blume made a motion to approve the 2021 budget as presented, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Articles being written by Ed Carter:

Mr. Carter sent at article on How to Campaign with Disabilities which has been posted on our Face Book page and on the webpage. He is interested in having additional articles published. After discussion it was decided that any and all articles will need to be reviewed prior to publication and all articles will be on a case by case basis.

Grant Writing:

Solicitor Miller recommended Ms. Warriner be viewed as an independent contractor with set specifications as to reimbursement. Discussion will be held with Ms. Warriner for her preferences. If she agrees to acting as an independent contractor a consulting agreement will be needed.

Transfer PennVest Funds:

A motion was made by Patty Beckenbaugh to transfer $13,237.20 from the Water Fund account to the Water Construction account to cover the PennVest payment of $1,103.10 per month for the year 2021, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Transfer Sewer Loan Payment:

The sewer loan payment for Jersey Shore is due December 01, 2020. No transfer was made from sewer checking to sewer money market the end of October. This will leave ample funds to cover payment.

Solvency Fee:

The Borough has received our annual Solvency Fee Notification, as council foresees no issues that would require or allow staff filing for unemployment during 2021 Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to decline payment, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Uni-Tec Invoice:

Katie Blume made a motion to pay the Uni-Tec invoice as presented, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Centre Communication Proposal:

Millheim Borough has received a proposal for the purchase of mobile radios for use by the maintenance crew. The proposal was reviewed. Council agrees that the radios are needed but would like to other proposals. Administration will research other companies.

Master Plan Development:

A work session will be established after January 01, 2021 to start developing a master plan for the borough.

Old Action Items:

Covid-19 Update:

The Borough has received our first reimbursement check for Centre County Government. Scheduling the installation of the air filtration and lighting sensors as well as deep cleaning of office and hallway will be done by November 30, 2020.

Update on Solar at Sewer Plant:

Constellation has corrected the billing for the sewer plant and is working on the water and general accounts.

Penn Street Bridge Update: no report

Park Road Update:

Justin Kerstetter has met on site with Mr. Segursky. Recommendations were given, with road right of way being 33 feet.

Dam Weir/Water Screen/Building Update:

Roy Rupert met with Mr. Segursky various options were discussed.

NIMS: no update

Secretary Report:

Leaf Collection:

Residents have been contacting the borough office requesting an additional leaf collection date. An additional week has been established. Brush and leaves will be collection the week of November 23^rd.

Unnamed Alley:

See Citizens input

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adjourn, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:22 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

October 23, 2020

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

Citizens Present: Leslie Warriner

Citizens Input:

Ms. Warriner addressed council concerning the Centre County Liquid Fuels application due Friday, October 23, 2020.  Original plan was to request assistance on bridge repairs/replacement on Elk Street, Plum Street, and Mill Street, because of the deadline there is not enough time to gather necessary data to be able to present a complete package for the application. The second option is to pursue assistance in purchasing a utility cab tractor with multiple attachments to replace the aged out back hoe. Katie Blume made a motion to pursue the purchase of the utility cab, asking for full funding but noting that we would be willing to contribute funds, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried. Sherry Corman to put application together and submit to county by deadline.

Consent Agenda:

Steve Myers made a motion to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

New Action Items:

Leslie Warriner has been approached about helping with grant writing for the borough. Ms. Warriner has expressed interest in fulfilling this request pending clarification in insurance. Tabled until further information is received on what if any insurance is needed.

Penn Street Bridge update:

Replacement of bridge is on schedule for some time in 2022. The Borough’s portion of the cost is 25% of the cost plus the cost to upgrade to an 8 inch water line. Approximate expenditure $40,000.00.

Park Road update:

John Segursky is to meet with Justin Kerstetter to discuss best options for proper drainage.

Expansion of Sick Time for Part Time Employees:

Robert Zeigler presented an amended Benefits Policy for council to review. The new policy is written to include earned sick leave of 4 hours per month accrued up to 160 hours. Beth Cowher made a motion to adopt the new Benefits Policy effective January 2021, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Multi-Modal Grant update:

Uni-Tec has submitted the grant which would assist in the repair/replacement of bridges on Elk Street, Mill Street and Plum Street.

Tree Assessment:

Borough residents are expressing concerns about the safety of trees located on Borough property, fears exist that these trees may come down and damage personal property. Our maintenance crew will be requested to inspect borough property and compile a list of trees that may pose danger of being blown over or breakage due to heavy snow or ice accumulation. The list will then be reviewed and further action determined.

Old Action Items:

Covid-19 Related update:

Council reviewed the list of items that the borough is requesting to have reimbursed from the County Covid-19 grant of $15,920.00. Katie Blume made a motion to approve as presented adding the sanitizing of the Borough office, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried. Katie Blume made a motion to add an air purification system for the Borough building to the proposal if labor reimbursement is declined, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Update on Solar at sewer plant: none

Dam weir/water screen building update:

John Segursky to meet with Justin Kerstetter and Roy Rupert to assess the specific need and desires of said projects.

Atlantic Broadband update:

Atlantic Broadband has received approval from DCNR.

NIMS: no updates

Alert businesses of PPE that we can give out, they must come to pick up and the borough must document.

Secretaries Report:

Information for Code:

Code employees may copy documentation from any code files in borough office, no files are to leave the office and copies must be made only when a borough employee is present.

HAMA Water Restrictions:

HAMA has requested each member resident of HAMA reduce water usage by 15 to 20%.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:05 AM.

_____________________________________________

 Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer