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 21, 2020

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler,

Steve Meyers and Patty Beckenbaugh Also, in attendance Mayor Lauralee Snyder and Denise Immel, Millheim Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer. Absent Beth Cowher and Katie Blume.

Citizens present: none

Consent Agenda:

Code Enforcement Report/HARB/Planning Commission Reports: no reports.

Employee Reports:

Roy Rupert reported to Robert Zeigler that the dry press test begins next week (08-24-2020). He has          rented a dumpster for $350.00 to handle waste and disposal. The analysis and report should be available   two weeks after the test is complete.

Approval of Minutes for August 11, 2020

Committee and Mayor’s Report:

Robert Zeigler signed the acknowledgement on behalf of the borough to get West Penn’s permission to get us on the grid.

Robert Zeigler will begin employee reviews in September, any input is welcomed.

Approval of Scott Long as the borough’s Emergency Management Coordinator.

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

New Action Items:

Covid-19 Related Updates: Covid-19 Funds from County:

The Borough has received notification from Centre County that we will be receiving $15,920.00 in relief funding. These dollars must be used for COVID-19 related expenses only. Guidelines have been established and must be adhered to.

Grant for Screen, Building and Dam:

The Borough has been notified that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved our Small Water Grant application to construct a crest water weir at the dam, demolish a building and install a new vault for a raw water screen in the Borough in the amount of $106,000.00. Further discussion on the best way to proceed will be held at the next meeting.

Land Lease Agreement for Solar:

We have received and forwarded to Solicitor John Miller a draft agreement from BAI Group for the land by water facility to be used as a solar field. Mr. Miller has responded with his recommendations.

Negotiations will continue.

Pollinator/Solar at sewer and payment:

The solar plant has passed all inspections, the solar array has been turned on and is generating power. We have received the final bill of $50,000.00. Steve Myers made a motion to pay said bill minus any pollinator reimbursement that might be negotiated within two weeks, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Input for Fall Newsletter:

Various topics were listed to be included in newsletter, we will continue to add and subtract to list as needed.

Potential Burn Ban:

Council discussed the possibility of instituting a burn band and water usage band. Final decision was tabled until the September meeting. Notifications will be put on the Facebook page and the webpage for residents to be mindful of the current conditions.

Old Action Items:

Budget Dates: no updates

Fire Tax: no updates

NIMS: no updates

Secretary’s Report:

The Beautification CD will mature on September 09, 2020. Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to allow the CD to renew at going rate, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Steve Myers made a motion to support the request from Centre Safe to designate October as Domestic Violence Awareness month and allow purple lights to be strung on the gazebo in Fountain Park and signage to be handed out to businesses, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

The Borough has received reimbursement from State Farm for damages done to the fire hydrant on Oak Street.

Steve Myers made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 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

August 11, 2020

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

Katie Blume, Patty Beckenbaugh and Beth Cowher. Also, in attendance Mayor Lauralee Snyder, Solicitor John Miller and Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer Secretary. Absent Steve Myers.

Citizens present: none

Code Enforcement Report/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:

Roy Rupert reported that Stormy Ridge Construction has completed roof replacement on the water and sewer buildings. The dry press test has been rescheduled for the end of August and the new grinder pump will be installed the next time one of the pumps clogs if the grinder pump solves the clogging issue Roy would like to request we budget for a second grinder pump and repurpose the existing pumps.

Justin Kerstetter reported that they continue to pry loose the existing grates and will schedule Gutelius Excavating to clean drains based on his availability.

New Action Items:

COVID-19 Related updates (if any):

Robert Zeigler reported that we have not heard anything on COVID funding from the county. Mutual Aid flyers have been distributed at various businesses and the library has placed rent assistance forms in the lobby.

Buy TV/DVD for Historical Room:

Jimmy Brown has requested a TV/DVD player for clients/resident to be able to view historical documents, pictures etc. Robert Zeigler has a TV/DVD player available and is willing to sell to the Borough for $25.00. Katie Blume made a motion to purchase the TV/DVD from Robert Zeigler for $25.00, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried with Robert Zeigler abstaining.

Fire Tax Expenditure:

The Borough has received a statement from the Fire Company. Questions have been raised as to what the fire tax can be used for based on the statement received.  Further discussions will be held as to what can be done to utilize fire tax funds effectively.

Discussion of EDU’s and Rentals:

Discussion was held on the feasibility of instituting guidelines and inspections of rental properties within the borough. Information on how neighboring municipalities handle will be gathered.

Solar Project Update/Solar Development Update:

Construction of the solar array is almost complete SRE is looking to make the switch by the end of the week provided West Penn has completed wiring.

A draft agreement has been presented for the development of the Borough’s water plant property as a solar field. The agreement is being reviewed by our solicitor.

Park Road/Small Bridge Resolution:

Uni-Tec is still refining the bid documents for the Park Road Bridge.

Uni-Tec will be designing a grant request from the Multimodal Transportation fund for $700,000.00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for replacement of the bridges on Elk Street, Mill Street and Plum Street. Beth Cowher made a motion to sign Resolution 2020-17 authorizing this request and designating Robert Zeigler and Steve Myers to execute all documents and agreement between Borough of Millheim and the Commonwealth Financing Agency to facilitate and assist in obtaining said grant, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

2021 Financial Requirement and MMO:

Katie Blume made a motion authorizing Robert Zeigler to sign the Financial Requirement and Minimum Municipal Obligation Budget for 2021 as presented by Thomas J. Anderson & Associates, Inc., seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Old Action Items:

Budget Dates:

Council members to check calendars and work schedules. Further discussion to be held at next meeting.

Welcome Packet Info/Update:

Only one response has been received.

Master Plan for the Town:

Suggestions that have been: community center, skate park and widen alleys to qualify for additional liquid fuels funding.

Committee Position needs filled: Emergency Management Position

A resident has requested more information before he will commit.

Census Update:

The Borough will again send out reminder letters to encourage all residents to complete the survey. Representatives from the Census Bureau will be in front of The Green Drake on Saturday, August 15^th, 2020 to gather census information. Currently the Borough is at 56.7% participation.

NIMS: mandatory for all council members

Committee and Mayor’s Report:

Patty Beckenbaugh has been working at Fountain Park and has been visited by our family of ducks. She would like to purchase two coin operated feeders for the park. Beth Cowher made a motion to purchase two coin operated feeders to be placed at Fountain Park using funds from the Beautification account, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried. Research will also be done on the feasibility of placing bat boxes around town.

A motion was made by Patty Beckenbaugh to purchase one year iCloud coverage for our radar speed signs in the amount of $800.00, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Discussion was held on the poor condition of some sidewalks with in the Borough, including lack of weed control. No decision was made on any action.

Katie Blume made a motion to approve the July 11^th and July 24^th, 2020 minutes with one spelling correction to the July 11^th meeting, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Katie Blume made a motion to approve the July financial reports as presented, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Secretary’s Report:

Katie Blume made a motion to pay the :Uni-Tec Invoice of $2,500.00 for services related to continued work on Park Road bridge repairs design, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Denise Immel reported that the fire hydrant on Oak Street was replaced due to a landscaping company hitting said fire hydrant with their utility trailer. The bill for all repairs has been given to the company and will be turned into their insurance company for reimbursement.

Research is being done on replacing landlines with cell phones. A proposal was presented from Verizon, no response have been received from AT&T or T-Mobile and further proposals will be requested.

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM.

_____________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/ Assistance 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 24, 2020

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 8:40 AM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler,

Katie Blume, and Steve Meyers Joined by phone.  Patty Beckenbaugh joined at 8:50 AM. Also, in attendance was Sherry Corman, Millheim Borough Treasurer/ Assistant Secretary. Absent Beth Cowher, Mayor Lauralee Snyder.

Citizens present: none

Code Enforcement Report/HARB/Planning Commission Reports: none to report

Employee Reports: Justin reported to Robert that they were doing a leak detect test today.

New Action Items:

Covid-19 Update:

Robert Zeigler reported that Spring Mills is up to 13 cases now. He also reports no news from the county yet regarding any covid relief payment.

Agility Agreement:

The Agility Agreement changes and discrepancies that were noted at the July 14, 2020 meeting were taken care of by Denise Immel with PennDot and changes accordingly. Steve Myers made a motion to approve the Agility agreement, Katie Blume seconded the motion. Motion carried.

TV/DVD Player for Historical Room:

Robert Zeigler presented that he had a TV/DVD player available for purchase in the amount of $25.00 for the history room. The discussion is tabled until the next regular meeting.

Fire Tax:

Robert Zeigler reports that he has a meeting next week with the other municipalities involved with the fire company. The discussion regarding the Millheim Fire Company request for payment is tabled until the next regular scheduled meeting when Robert has more information to share.

Solar Array Project:

Construction of the project at the sewer plant is to start next week.  Sel Edor is getting paperwork together for the Solar property.  He will put a clause in regarding things for tax breaks. Also, he asked, if possible, do we want to make the project bigger than originally planned if the ground is available? This discussion can be tabled for the future. 

Mask Resolution:

A motion was made by Katie Blume to pass the 2020-16 resolution that was discussed at the July 14, 2020 meeting and seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried. Robert Zeigler reported that he spoke to Rob Fox from Penn Township and he would like a copy of the resolution after it is passed saying maybe Penn Township would follow suit. Robert Zeigler requested the borough email the resolution to all the Penns Valley municipalities and copy him in the email so he can answer any questions they may have.

Old Action Items:

Budget Times:

Discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

Borough Welcome Packet:

Nothing to report since last regular meeting.

Master Plan for the Borough:

Discussion was tabled until the next regular meeting.

Committee reports:

Beautification/Streets

Patty Beckenbaugh reports that there is some issue with some trees on someone’s personal property near the Millheim Hotel. Beth Cowher had spoken to Patty Beckenbaugh. Trees are now dying and there are “bugworms” all over the road. Someone asked Justin what could be done about it?  It is personal property so the home owner would be responsible but Katie Blume said she will talk to our local forester about the issue to see what he recommends.

Robert Zeigler discussed the issue with the Traffic Logix cloud costs.  Patty Beckenbaugh is in charge of the roads committee. Robert Zeigler made a motion to let Patty resolve the discrepancy with the misquote and billing of the cloud info and Katie Blume seconded it.  Motion carried. Denise Immel needs to get in touch with Patty Beckenbaugh regarding the issue since Sherry Corman did not have a discussion with anyone from the company and Denise is not present to comment.  Sherry informed them that Denise told them our next regular meeting was not until August 11, 2020 at which point a decision can be made.

Census Update:

Robert Zeigler reported the borough is still behind but probably not as bad as some of the other municipalities. The Green Drake has agreed to allow Census people to stand in front of their building to promote the census.

NIMS:

Steve Myers and Robert Zeigler are the only council members who have done the course.

Last meeting minutes were not discussed or approved.

Treasurers report:

Sherry Corman presented the 2019 Baker Tilly audit reports in the council packets.  Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to approve the 2019 Baker Tilly Audit reports and Katie Blume seconded it. Motion carried.

No Secretaries report for this meeting.

Steve Myers wanted to re-visit the discussion regarding Centre Wisp using our buildings for antennas to help with whatever we can to get better internet service in place before school starts due to some parents choosing online learning. Robert Zeigler said he has talked to Dave Gibbons and we are still waiting on a franchise agreement from him.

Robert Zeigler discussed employee reviews. He has a form that he has used with his employee’s at Macys. He would like to do this once a year with the borough employees. The employees rate themselves regarding their jobs and turn it in and then they have a discussion about their answers.

Katie Blume made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Patty Beckenbaugh seconded it. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 AM.

_____________________________________

Sherry Corman, Treasurer/Assistant 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

July 14, 2020

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

Citizens Present:  none

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:

Roy Rupert reported that Stormy Ridge Construction will be starting roof replacement projects within the next two weeks.  He will also speak with Uni-Tec to received information on purchasing a hoist to be used for pulling pumps.

Justin Kerstetter presented a request to hire Gutelius Excavating to vacuum the storm drains. Cost is $250.00 per hour and there are approximately 30 drains to be cleaned, time to clean each.  Beth Cowher made a motion to hire Gutelius Excavating for 4 days, cost not to exceed $7,600.00 with Patty Beckenbaugh having authorization to exceed if project is near completion, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried. Maintenance crew is to have all grates loosened prior to Gutelius Excavating starting the project.

Sherry Corman asked the council about the maturing CD with Mifflinburg Bank for Act 13 Funds, balance 747.86. Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to close the CD and move the funds to the general account labeling them Act 13 funds, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

New Action Items:

COVID-19 Related Updates (if any)

Robert Zeigler reported that we have not received any updates on COVID funding from the county. Denise Immel reported that a touchless soap dispenser has been ordered to be placed in the public bathroom and a hand sanitizing station has been order to be placed in the main entrance.

EMS Meeting:

Robert Zeigler reported that PVEMS is doing much better financially as they have received grants which allowed them to pay all outstanding debt. They will be looking for grants which will all them to purchase needed safety equipment.

Fire Hall Meeting:

Robert Zeigler and Steve Myers attended the Fire Hall meeting on March 13, 2020 for the purpose of making them aware of an observation by a borough resident that was brought to Mr. Zeigler’s attention involving what the resident considered to be inappropriate conduct and language by a very intoxicated fireman at the Fireman’s Club. Discussion was also held on how to handle situations involving firemen who have legal charges filed against them. As these are voluntary positions and the Fire Hall does not oversee volunteers there is little they can do.

Update Zettle Property:

Regarding the bridge over the Race, discussion was held as to the liability, question will be presented to Solicitor Miller, with a possibility of a letter being written exonerating the Borough of any responsibility.

Discussion on EDU’s and rental: tabled till next meeting

Discussion of previously timbered land – update

Katie Blume and Robert Zeigler met with Barry Kuppel and Larry Shreckengast to advise them of the Boroughs intentions to use the property for a solar field. The information was well received and Mr. Kuppel and Mr. Shreckengast advised that in order to use the existing road it would require 7 – 8 right-of-ways. Other options would be to use Tollhouse Road, ask for right of way on another private unnamed road or cross the creek and accessing the property from Smullton. Mr. Edor is exploring these and other options.

Agility Agreement (PennDot)

The Agility Agreement was reviewed by council members, due to the discrepancies on dates and dollar figures within the agreement council requested Denise Immel to speak with PennDot’s representative to resolve the discrepancies. Ms. Immel was also asked to formally complain about the condition of the sidewalks and road surface of the bridge over Elk Creek.

Vacuum System Rental – see employee reports

Harris Computer Invoice (UBPro Annual Support)

Beth Cowher made a motion to pay Harris Computer $992.16 for support services covering 09-01-2020 to 08-31-2021, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Discussion of Resolutions:

Council reviewed the request from PennEnviroment requesting we send a letter to the General Assembly asking that they oppose preempting local governments from using fees or local bans as a tool to address local pollution letters. After much discussion and many unanswered questions I was decide not to send any letter at this time.

Council reviewed the resolution signed by Centre County Commissioners regarding the wearing of masks. Council requested Mr. Zeigler to draft a similar, condensed resolution that follows CDC guidelines to protect borough residents.

Set up budgeting date/times:

Robert Zeigler requested council members to review their calendars for available dates and times.

Old Action Items:

Update on Mr. King Agreement – signed

Mr. King signed the agreement as presented.

Welcome packet info/update:

No businesses have responded or shown interest.

Master Plan for town as a whole: no update, more discussion to take place during budgeting sessions

Committee Position needs filled: Emergency Management

To date no one has expressed interest in the position. Position will be posted on our Facebook page and our web page.

Census Update:

Millheim Borough has a 55.5% self-response rate with the state at 65.2%

NIMS: mandatory for all council members.

Denise Immel will resend the training link.

Committee and Mayor Reports:

Historian Report:

Jimmy Brown presented a short list of requests to improve and preserves the documents within the Historical room. As the curator of this room Mr. Brown has the authority to make necessary decisions that improve and preserves these documents.

Beautification Report:

Patty Beckenbaugh reported an increase in littering especially used masks around the borough, also residents are not taking proper care of sidewalks and mowing. Residents are responsible for the care and maintenance of the sidewalks and grass between sidewalks and streets, including weed removal and mowing.

Steve Myers made a motion to approve the June 19, 2020 minutes as presented, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Steve Myers made a motion to approve the June 2020 financials as presented, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Secretary’s Report:

Denise Immel reported that council has received a request to support suicide prevention and awareness from the Centre County Suicide Prevention Task Force. Beth Cowher made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-14 designating the month of September 2020 as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and designating September 10, 2020 as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day in Millheim Borough, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

An email has been received to renew the Cloud subscription for the radar feedback signs in the amount of $400.00. A motion was made by Beth Cowher to renew the subscription seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

An invoice has been received from Uni-Tec for engineering services related to initial work on Park Road Bridge. The invoice has been typed up incorrectly per email from Andrew Elder I have hand written in the proper amounts.  Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to pay the Uni-Tec invoice for $840.00, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 PM.

__________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer