Author: Secretary

2022-06-14 Council Agenda

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. CITIZENS INPUT (for items not included on the agenda, comments limited to five(5) minutes)
  4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  5. FINANCIAL REPORTS
  6. CODE ENFORCEMENT/HARB/PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS
  7. EMPLOYEE REPORTS
  8. NEW ACTION ITEMS
    1. 2022 Pride Month Recognition Resolution 2022-07
    2. Solar update and new proposal from Sel/BAI
    3. Discussion of recommendation from Codes re construction noise
    4. Invoices
    5. Temporary water line
    6. Skate ramp offer
  9. OLD ACTION ITEMS
    1. Updates on infrastructure projects (Penn, Park, grants) – BuchartHorn attending
    2. Updates on community events if needed (WalkFest, Carnival, Farmer’s Market)
    3. Membrane replacement
  10. COMMITTEE & MAYOR REPORTS
  11. SECRETARY’S REPORT
    1. Lift chair
    2. Pool vandalism
    3. Donations
    4. PAHAF Program
  12. CITIZENS INPUT (comments limited to five(5) minutes)
  13. CALENDAR ITEMS
    1. Next Council Meeting  – June 24, 2022 – 8:30 AM (if needed) July 12, 2022- 7:00 PM
    2. Regional Planning Meeting June 28, 2022 7 PM
    3. Millheim Planning Commission June 28, 2022 – 7:00 PM – council room (if needed)
    4. HARB July 05, 2022  7:00 PM – council room (if needed)
  1. ADJOURNMENT

2022-04-12 Council Minutes

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 12, 2022

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

Citizens present: Leslie Warriner

Citizens Input: none

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the March 2022 minutes as presented, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the March 2022 financials as presented, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

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:

The water and sewer plants have been running on point. The new membranes are completed and should be installed the beginning of May, provided nothing is delayed in shipping.

It’s that time of year again, putting winter equipment away, servicing it, and preparing our spring equipment. We have gotten the park benches and fountain out. Every year is different for the work that needs done to them sometimes nothing needs done. This year just a few parts of the benches needed work. And the fountain was in great shape. We will try to install these the first week of April. We are preparing our skid steer and one of our Steiners to begin street sweeping.

A section of Long Lane had a drain that was starting to collapse down by Frazier St. This was repaired and has been handling the weather very well. Penn Township had a very large water leak and asked us to help pin point it. In return we have received number 3 stone from them to repair the drain. Pa One Calls have been very popular for West Penn Power as they are replacing poles and putting temporary posts in for the Penn Street bridge project.

New Action Items

Approve fire company tax resolution:

As per discussion at the March meeting Mr. Miller prepared Resolution 2022-06 establishing a volunteer service credit program; enacting tax credits for volunteer members of the Millheim Fire Company and establishing administrative procedures and appeals. Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2022-06, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Baseball Field resolution update:

Beth Cowher made a motion to waive mowing fees for the 2022 season, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Walkfest &Route 45 approval on letterhead:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2022-04 to begin collaboration for the Millheim Walkfest, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2202-05 supporting Ferguson Township manager submitting a tourism grant application to the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau collaborating with Millheim Borough for an agritourism event, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Playground Mulch:

The playground at the Borough building is in need of being mulched this year. Our work crew has spoken to Breezy Acres and received an estimate of $400.00 for the purchase of mulch with our crew being responsible for pick up and placement. Nickelaus Engle made a motion to proceed with purchase and placement of playground mulch, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Approval of carnival dates:

Millheim Borough has received a letter from the Millheim Fire Company requesting permission to hold the annual Millheim Fire Company Carnival on the fire company  grounds on June 16, 17, and 18, 2022, holding the parade on June 16 with a rain date of June 17. This request also included permission to close the alleys on both sides of the carnival grounds starting on Sunday June 12th to allow for set up. Beth Cowher made a motion to approve to hold the carnival on the dates stated and to approve closing the alleys as of June 12th, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Engineering invoice:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve the Buchart Horn invoice # 115776 in the amount of $435.00 for Park Road Bridge repair, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Triathlon approval:

Millheim Borough has received a request from the Penns Valley Triathlon group requesting approval to hold the 12th annual triathlon on August 07, 2022 utilizing Rt. 45/West Main Street, Rt. 2011/ Penn Street, T512 T502 Long Lane in the Borough of Millheim. Event is set to start at 8:00 AM. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve the triathlon committee request, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Recommendation to approve CD/Money Market renewal:

The general fund, sewer fund and water fund cd/money markets will all mature in May, Robert Zeigler made a motion to allow all three accounts to roll over at market rate and maintain accessibility on all accounts, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Old Action Items

Absolute last call for newsletter suggestions:

The spring newsletter was presented to council for review. Cecilia Gallup made a motion to approve the newsletter for publication upon adding information about the per capita tax being repealed, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Review of Audit:

The audit has been completed with no significate findings. As always a concern was expressed about proper controls but like all small municipalities staffing to handle complete segregation of duties is not financially feasible. Baker Tilly is aware that this is a problem in all small municipalities.

Duck Feeder:

A duck feeder will be cemented in place at Fountain Park.

Committee and Mayor Report

Sewer Grant update:

A site meeting was held that was attended by Justin and Robert on March 11, 2022. We are modelling the required tank size and will be getting quotes before moving into final design.

Penn St and Park Rd update:

We will be holding the Preconstruction Conference on April 14 at 10:00am for the Park Rd/Bridge project. Notice to Proceed will be issued on April 18, 2022. This starts the contracts 75-day completion period.

Buchart Horn is just providing support to the borough as needed. The engineering was done by the PennDOT consultant on the Bridge Replacement. Preliminary work should start early May.

Dam weir and waterline update:

Currently progressing through DEP review. We are still within the normal review period.

This project adds a basket strainer at the water treatment plant along with providing a measuring and recording device at the dam to meet DEP’s requirement for the pass-by flow. We are adding the replacement of the water main from SR0445 to the dam to the design drawings and the permit application. Anticipate Summer/Fall 2022 Construction.

4H volunteer work:

The local 4H goat club has contacted the Borough in regard to helping with planting and mulching of Fountain Park and any additional areas in need of planting or mulching. The club has its own mulch they will be using for the project. Nickelaus Engle made a motion to have the 4H group plant and mulch specified areas for the Borough, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Third Friday meetings/work sessions:

As council has not had to hold a second monthly meeting and this meeting has already been advertised council will use this time for work sessions.

Secretary’s Report

Line Painting:

The parking stalls and curbs are in need of painting, this has not been done since 2017.  Secretary will get quotes for the project as well as pricing for machinery and paint to have our work crew complete the project.

Flower baskets and planters:

The hanging baskets may need replaced. Beth Cowher made motion to replace baskets if necessary and purchase planters for display at the Borough building, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to amend the agenda to include the Nittany Office service contract invoice, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried. Cecilia Gallup made a motion to approve the service agreement with Nittany Office and pay invoice of $990.00, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Citizens Input

Cecilia Gallup has been approached by the St Johns Daycare to have a Slow Children sign installed on Race Aly. Secretary will ask road crew if we have a sign in storage.

Leslie Warriner informed council that she is resigning from the position for grant writing for the Millheim Borough, but will be available for questions.

Beth Cowher made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.

________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary Assistant Treasurer

Spring Newsletter 2022

Millheim Borough Newsletter – April 2022

Introduction

This is the Spring newsletter for 2022. Borough Council meetings are open to the public and are held at 7:00 PM on the second Tuesday of each month. This year the Council has also scheduled additional meetings on the third Friday of each month at 8:30 AM.  The Friday meetings will only be held if business on the Tuesday evening agenda cannot be completed.  Although meetings are open to the public, only Borough residents and Borough property owners are able to make comments, unless prior approval is obtained. The meetings are held at the Borough Building, which is located at 225 East Main Street.  The meeting dates are listed on the recently updated Borough website at www.millheimborough.net. A copy of the minutes can be seen on the Borough website or at the Borough Secretary’s office.

Community Events

There are so many upcoming events in our community! At the most recent meeting, Council approved the following:

Triathlon benefitting the pool

Fireman’s parade

Route 45 Getaways

Millheim Walkfest

Keep an eye out for what our local businesses are also sponsoring throughout the upcoming spring and summer months – we’ll do our best to also share their events on our Facebook page. Council is also considering a community picnic for Millheim residents. Over the last several years the Borough has invested in much needed infrastructure improvements that are vital to the community, but the people who live here are just as important as roads and bridges. Council will be exploring various options and logistics to have a picnic of some variety for residents along the lines of old celebrations from years past.

Want updates on what’s happening? Email us at millheim@verizon.net to get added to our email list!

Tax News

Millheim Borough council repealed the Per Capita Tax  with the passing of Ordinance 270 at the November 9, 2021 council meeting. 

Kathy Highbaugh,our Millheim Borough Tax Collector, will hold spring hours in the Millheim Borough Office at 225 E. Main Street. The hours are as follows:

April 19, 20, and 21st 6 to 8pm

April 26, 27, and 28th 6 to 8pm

Also Saturday, April 30th 10am to 12 noon. 

Borough Improvements and Grants

After administrative delays from the state along with high bids pushing back our Park Road project, we are pleased to let the community know that it will start moving forward this month with completion before or by mid-July. Also, PennDOT expects to begin work on Penn Street around the race this spring or early summer. We will keep the community informed as we get more details from the state.

Earlier this year, the Borough received a grant for $404,000 from the Department of Community and Economic Development to add an equalizer tank and replace filter membranes at the sewer plant. The Borough is working with the engineer on quotes and we feel confident that the grant funding should fully cover project costs.

Council has approved the use of American Rescue Plan Funds to replace the dam weir and filter plant screen on our water system in the summer or fall of this year. A grant application was also made for a competitive state program to finance the replacement of the raw water line that runs from the dam to Rt. 445 that was originally installed in 1905 – a decision should be made by the state in the fall of this year.

Spring Cleanup Collection Dates

Brush Cleanup will be April 18th to the 22nd.

Leaf Cleanup will be April 25th to April 29th. 

Please refer to the enclosed notices: 

Please note brush pickup is only for small branches and limbs. Branches must be less than 4 inches in diameter. Brush and limbs should be neatly stacked beside a named road for easy access for the Borough employees. If a Borough resident cut down a tree simply to remove the tree, Borough employees will not pick up the branches, limbs, or trunk. 

Collected brush must be available for pick up on Monday, April 18th by 7am.

Collected leaves must be available for pick up on Monday, April 25th by 7:00 AM. Throughout each week the Borough’s friendly maintenance team will be making one single pass on each street for brush and the next week one single pass on each street for leaves. Once your brush and leaves have been picked up on a street or alley the crew will not be back to pick up anymore on the same street or alley.  Brush and leaves are not picked up simultaneously. The first week is strictly brush, the second week is strictly leaves. Clean up will be held weather permitting.

Please check our web page www.millheimborough.net or our Facebook page for any updates or changes due to weather.

Borough Maintenance and Clean up

If residents happened to notice this winter, our maintenance staff tried a new snow removal schedule. Due to complaints in prior years about middle-of-the-night parking area clean up after more major snow events, they switched to a two shift system to clean spaces beginning in the evening. The Borough has saved substantial overtime costs with the new schedule, and Main Street residents are not being kept awake. Now that our newest maintenance employee has received appropriate training on plow routes and procedures, we hope this next winter will be even more efficient and we are looking at extra signage to help to better alert drivers coming into town.

Along with winter maintenance, the Borough staff is looking at projects for some spring clean up and beautification. We are happy to take suggestions from residents about Borough-owned properties. We will be working with a local 4H group and other regular community volunteers to spruce up plantings and the playground by the Borough building. Additionally, a portion of the Borough beautification fund was allocated in 2021 towards purchasing some duck feeders with appropriate feed near areas where our duck population typically congregates. Council is also looking into places where bike racks and benches could also be placed while we continue work with the Centre County Conservation District on plantings near the race to help with erosion. We hope the community joins us as folks are able in our spring clean up and beautification efforts – even pulling a few weeds here and there can make the Borough a little more welcoming as we get ready for all sorts of events in the coming months!

Borough Ordinances

Have any code enforcement or permit concerns, issues, or questions? Contact Code Enforcement at 814-349-8177.  The Code Enforcement Officer only responds to complaints received. Residents must be willing to sign a written complaint if necessary. Their office is at 225 East Main Street. Ordinances that commonly lead to complaints are as follows:

  • Ordinance 263, Chapter 21, Part 2, Section 106 – Grass, Weeds, and Other Vegetation a Nuisance under Certain Conditions.
  • The sections of the sewer ordinance regulating sump pumps, Ordinance Chapter 18 Sewer: Section J. Prohibited Wastes, Paragraph 299.1; Section L. Violations and Enforcement; Section M. Miscellaneous, Paragraph 299.32 Right of Access.  It is illegal to have your sump pump discharge into the Borough sewer system.  Borough employees will be monitoring households with sump pumps and violators will be prosecuted.  The Borough code permits Borough employees the right to inspect household sump pumps without notification to the homeowner.  We appreciate your cooperation.
  • Ordinance Chapter 21, Part 2, section 202 – Snow, sleet and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of the precipitation.  Vehicles must be moved from all streets, alleys and the municipal parking lot at Fountain Park, on which Borough employees remove snow. 
  • Ordinance Chapter 7 – This applies to outdoor burning.  Only paper, cardboard, and wood are allowed to be burned outside.  Burning must be done in an approved container.
  • Ordinance Chapter 21- All signs require a permit and must be approved by Borough Council before the sign is erected.  If the sign is within the historic district of the Borough it must also be approved by the Historic Board. 
  • Ordinance Chapter 2, Part 1, section 103 – This refers to animal droppings and proper clean up and disposal of them. Citizens are required to clean up after their animals. Please be respectful of our neighbors and guests.

To review our Borough Ordinances, they are available at www.millheimborough.net

Parking Reminder

Residents need to be mindful of the parking signs posted on Borough streets. There is a two hour restriction, between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM on parts of East and West Main Street as well as no parking as marked by signage, parking in the no parking areas creates safety and travel issues within the borough. A reminder that much of Penn Street is ‘No Parking’ on both the east and west sides of the street. The Borough has approved, and will hold a final vote in May, the addition of a 15 minute parking spot directly in front of the Post Office. After consulting with Post Office staff, we hope this will provide additional accessibility to the Post Office on busier days.

Water and Wastewater News

Water Plant:

Please notify the Borough office of any loss of water pressure. Keeping our water use under control helps keep the operating costs down.  The Borough continues the planning process to replace the water line from the reservoir on Philips Creek to the water treatment plant, then along North Street to Main Street.

Sewer Plant:

Millheim Borough provides sewage collection and treatment to the residents and businesses within the Borough. It is important that any sewage from the Borough is of such a nature that will not harm or hinder the treatment process.  The Borough’s wastewater plant continues to discharge an exceptional effluent to Elk Creek. Even as the treatment plant operates well, please remember that water from sump pumps and downspouts is prohibited. Additional water from these sources increases operating costs at all aspects of the treatment process. 

What can you do to help?

  • Minimizing or eliminating the use of garbage disposals will significantly reduce the amount of grease, solids, and organic material in the sewage.  Though a household convenience, a garbage disposal sends highly organic food scraps, vegetable peelings, cuttings, bones, and other food wastes into the sewer system, where this increases operational costs and is easily minimized.  We ask that you place food waste into garbage cans or utilize a compost pile if possible.
  • Never pour oil or grease down the drain.  Allow cooked fats, oil, or grease to cool and pour them into a container that can be tossed into a garbage can.
  • Scrape plates, pots, and pans into the trash to remove waste prior to rinsing.
  • Use sink strainers to catch food waste during dishwashing.
  • Do not allow any rags or debris to enter the collection system.  This has caused pumps to clog at the treatment plant.
  • Disposable items such as baby wipes should not be flushed into the sewer system.  These items do not disintegrate like toilet paper and can clog the system.

We know that we include the above reminders in every newsletter, but please be aware that when items are put into the sewer system that should not be there, it comes with an expense to the Borough and ultimately the ratepayers. For example, this winter the Borough had to spend over $2,000 to flush stuck items such as a gatorade bottle and toilet brush.

East Penns Valley Branch Library

The library has posted hours on Mondays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Tuesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Access to computers and the internet is one of the many resources available at the library.  Stop by the library or give them a call at (814) 349-5328.  The library is staffed by volunteers and occasionally there is no one available on a particular day.  You may want to call the library before you plan on going to make sure it is open.

Millheim Borough Representatives

Mayor – Steve Myers

814-933-6529 steve.myers@millheimborough.net

Council President – Katie Blume

570-713-8085 katie.blume@millheimborough.net  

Council Vice President – Nick Engle

814-933-6292 nickelaus.engle@millheimborough.net

Council Member – Cecelia Gallup

814-574-9697 cecilia.gallup@millheimborough.net

Council Member – Beth Cowher

814-349-4374 beth.cowher@millheimborough.net

Council Member – Robert Zeigler 

717-262-3530 robert.zeigler@millheimborough.net           

Borough Secretary – Denise Immel

814-349-5350 denise.immel@millheimborough.net

Borough Treasurer – Sherry Corman

814-349-5350 sherry.corman@millheimborough.net

Water and Sewer Plant Operator – Justin Kerstetter

814-360-0995 justin.kerstetter@milllheimborough.net 

Road Master/Maintenance Supervisor – Adam DeGarmo

814-325-1042 adam.degarmo@millheim.net

Full Time Maintenance Employee – Michael Confer

814-349-5350 michael.confer@millheimborough.net

Part Time Maintenance Employee – Lester Kerstetter, Jr.

814-349-5350

Code Enforcement Officers – Michael Lesniak, Chris Williams and

Ray Hankinson

814-349-8177 pvcode@outlook.com

Tax Collector – Kathy Highbaugh

814-349-8150 khighbaugh@gmail.com

Millheim Borough                                         PV Code Enforcement Office

225 East Main Street                                     225 East Main Street

P.O. Box 421                                                  P.O. Box 357

Millheim, PA 16854                                        Millheim, PA 16854

814-349-5350, Fax 814-349-5733                 814-349-8177, Fax 814-349-8017

Email: millheim@verizon.net                        Email: pvcode@outlook.com

Web: www.millheimborough.net                    Web: www.pennsvalleyvcode.com

Hours: Monday   7 AM – 1 PM,                      Hours: Monday   1 PM – 5 PM

         Tuesday   8 AM – 4 PM                                  Wednesday  2 PM – 6 PM

         Thursday 8 AM – 2 PM                                   Thursday     1 PM – 5 PM

2022-05-10 Council Agenda

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

Regular Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

7:00 PM

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. CITIZENS INPUT (for items not included on the agenda, comments limited to five(5) minutes)
  4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  5. FINANCIAL REPORTS
  6. CODE ENFORCEMENT/HARB/PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS
  7. EMPLOYEE REPORTS
  8. NEW ACTION ITEMS
    1. Town-wide Yard Sales and waive fee
    2. Ordinance #271 – parking
    3. Jersey Shore loan payment
    4. Line painting
    5. Vandalism
    6. Code enforcement officer
    7. Union cemetery snow removal reimbursement
    8. Letter regarding drainage
    9. Email regarding erosion near sidewalk
    10. Safe deposit box
    11. Vacation time
    12. Use of council room for Centre Safe training
  9. OLD ACTION ITEMS
    1. Recycling grant – tractor
    2. Sewer pump – replaced yesterday
    3. Fountain Park trees, flower baskets, 4H
    4. Road sign at St. Johns
  10. COMMITTEE & MAYOR REPORTS
    1. Duck feeders
    2. Sewer grant update
    3. Penn St
    4. Park Rd update – Additional paving
    5. Dam weir and waterline update
  11. SECRETARY’S REPORT
    1. Planning office request
    2. Invoices
    3. Community work assistance (Adam has a list)
    4. Equipment to sell
  12. CITIZENS INPUT (comments limited to five(5) minutes)
  13. CALENDAR ITEMS
    1. Next Council Meeting  – May 20, 2022 – 8:30 AM (if needed) June 14, 2022- 7:00 PM
    2. Regional Planning Meeting May 24, 2022 7 PM
    3. Millheim Planning Commission May 24, 2022 – 7:00 PM – council room (if needed)
    4. HARB June 07, 2022  7:00 PM – council room (if needed)
  1. ADJOURNMENT

2022-03-08 Council Minutes

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 08, 2022

Katie Blume called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Nickelaus Engle, Cecilia Gallup and Beth Cowher also in attendance Mayor Steve Myers, Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer and Solicitor John Miller.

Citizens present: Leslie Warriner

Citizens Input: Ms. Warriner expressed concerns on the times work crew is removing snow from Main Street. Ms. Warriner was almost rear ended as she came down the hill and had to hit brakes and swerve to go around a snow bank created by the removal process. Is it possible to move the start time to later at night when traffic may be lighter? Katie Blume thanked her for her concerns, unfortunately no time is an excellent time to remove the snow, as requested by our residents and business owners, if moved to later at night people complain about the noise keeping them awake or waking up children and we also then have to deal with more large trucks passing through town. We will continue to remove snow as we have but will have work area ahead, signs with blinking lights placed at both ends of Main Street to alert people of the snow removal in process.

A motion was made by Beth Cowher, seconded by Robert Zeigler to approve the minutes of the 

February 08, 2022 meeting as presented. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler, seconded by Nickelaus Engle to approve the financial reports as presented. Motion carried.

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:

The water plant has been operating well. We assisted Gregg Township in finding a water leak. There are working agreements with neighboring municipalities to assist when needed. This includes sharing use of equipment and services. These agreements save the tax payers money as well as saves the work crew time.

There is still a foaming issue at the sewer plant which is under control but can’t be ignored. It is believed to be caused by commercial/industrial cleaners being dumped into the system. Our test results remain good. The beginning of May we are going to try to begin installation of the new membranes. Hopefully this is a one day process.

Freezing rain, ice and snow kept the road crew busy, using up most of the antiskid we had in storage. Raw salt order has been placed thru Co-Stars and will be delivered when contracts have been awarded. The thawing and refreezing of bridges and roads caused a hole to appear in the Elk Street Bridge, we were able to repair with left over material. With the nicer weather patches have also been placed on some of the bigger holes in road surfaces again using left over material.

The old pump station on Park Road has been dismantled, with materials being salvaged to use in future projects.

Signs were ordered as requested and installation has begun.

Dirt and gravel training was completed by both Mr. DeGarmo and Mr. Confer.

New Action Items

Motion to move funds from DCED grant to ARPA account:

A motion was made by Beth Cowher to reimburse the ARPA (American Rescue Act) account $45,500.00 from the DCED sewer grant for the initial payment to purchase the needed membranes, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Borough building Geothermal:

The heat in both the archives room and the code office is not functioning, an estimate was received from Stanley C. Bierly in the amount of $1,375.81 for new motor, a zone damper for the archive room and zone damper motor replacement in code office plus sales tax and $300.00 to $325.00 in labor costs. The yearly preventive maintenance agreement on the geothermal unit was also presented. Robert Zeigler made a motion to have Stanley C. Bierly move forward with repairing the heat for both rooms and forgo signing any preventive maintenance agreement, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Approve spring collection dates:

Beth Cowher made a motion to hold the Borough brush and leaf collection the last 2 weeks of April, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Community work program:

Research will be conducted to see if this program is available for this year.

Parking/Parking Ordinance:

Per council request from our March meeting Solicitor Miller reviewed the parking ordinance currently in place for Main Street, if we wish to continue pursuing a 15 minute parking stall in front of 101 East Main Street (Millheim Post Office), Solicitor Miller recommended amending with a new ordinance limiting parking to 15 minutes. Cecilia Gallup made a motion to move forward with amending the ordinance limiting parking to 15 minutes at 101 East Main Street, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Solicitor Miller will proceed with the ordinance.

An email was received from a local business expressing concerns that clients do not realize there is free parking at the municipal lot, the sign is small and is easy to miss. Discussion was held on how the borough may be able to assist in this matter. Suggestions included seeing that the lot is available on google maps and also posting notifications in business establishments. Council member attending the next downtown business meeting will hold further discussion.

Local Shares Account (LSA) Grant:

Another grant opportunity was brought to council attention by Buchart Horn, where we could request $600,000.00 to replace the Raw Water Transmission Main. Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2022-03 requesting the grant and designating Katie Blume and Nickelaus Engle as the officials to execute all documents and agreements relating to the grant process and payment of $100.00 application fee, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve Katie Blume sign the letter of ownership, confirming that the Raw Water Transmission Replacement project and all facilities will be owned and maintained by the Millheim Borough, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Old Action Items

Sewer grant updates:

Justin Kerstetter, sewer operator, John Segursky, engineer and Robert Zeigler have set a meeting at the sewer plant to review what is needed.

Penn Street update:

Justin Kerstetter approved and signed off on the material list as presented. Construction will not begin until school is out, probably mid-June.

Park Road updates:

Contracts for the bridge repair and paving have been received and reviewed by council and solicitor. Beth Cowher made a motion authorizing Katie Blume to sign the contracts as presented, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried. Cecilia Gallup made a motion to approve payment of Buchart Horn’s invoice in the amount $1,565.00 for professional services on the road/bridge project, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Dam Weir Updates:

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to approve payment of Buchart Horn’s invoice in the amount $460.00 for professional services on the Plant Screen and Dam Weir project, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

DGLVR (Dirt Gravel Low Volume Road) update:
Ms. Warriner, Mr. DeGarmo, Mr. Confer and Mr. Engle will be meeting with Chris Myers from the Centre County Conservation District on March 11, 2022 to discuss options for Race Aly. Ms. Warriner will then prepare the grant application.

Fire Company Request:

Phone calls have been made to neighboring municipalities to obtain information on how they will be handling the request for reduction or elimination of municipal property tax or earned income tax for active volunteers. Municipalities have not made any decision, it appears that all are waiting to see what everyone else does.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to have Solicitor Miller prepare a resolution authorizing a 50% reduction in municipal property tax to all qualifying volunteers of the Millheim Fire Company, beginning in the tax year 2023 to be reevaluated every two (2) years, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried. Solicitor Miller will present the resolution at the April meeting.

Last call for newsletter suggestions:

Spring newsletter will be going out in April.

Secretary’s Report

Line painting:

Parking stall line painting and curb painting needs to be done. Yellow curbing designating no parking is barely visible as are the parking stalls.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.

_________________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer

2022-04-12 Amended Council Agenda

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

Regular Meeting Amended Agenda

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

7:00 PM

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. CITIZENS INPUT (for items not included on the agenda, comments limited to five(5) minutes)
  4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  5. FINANCIAL REPORTS
  6. CODE ENFORCEMENT/HARB/PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS
  7. EMPLOYEE REPORTS
  8. NEW ACTION ITEMS
    1. Approve fire company tax resolution
    2. Baseball field resolution update
    3. Walkfest & Rt 45 approval on letterhead
    4. Playground mulch
    5. Approve carnival dates
    6. Engineering invoice
    7. Triathlon approval
    8. Recommendation to approve CD/Money Market renewal
  1. OLD ACTION ITEMS
    1. Absolute last call for newsletter suggestions
    2. Review audit – Sherry’s report in council packet
    3. Duck feeders
  1. COMMITTEE & MAYOR REPORTS
    1. Sewer grant update
    2. Penn St & Park Rd update
    3. Dam weir and waterline update
    4. 4H volunteer work
    5. Third Friday meetings/work time
  1. SECRETARY’S REPORT
    1. Line painting update
    2. Flower baskets and planters
    3. Nittany Office invoice
  1. CITIZENS INPUT (comments limited to five(5) minutes)
  2. CALENDAR ITEMS
    1. Next Council Meeting  – April 22, 2022 – 8:30 AM (if needed) May 10, 2022- 7:00PM
    2. Regional Planning Meeting 03-22-2022 7pm
    3. Millheim Planning Commission 03-22-2022 – 7:00 PM – council room (if needed)
    4. HARB 04-05-2022  7:00 PM – council room (if needed)
  1. ADJOURNMENT

2022-04-12 Council Agenda

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

Regular Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

7:00 PM

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. CITIZENS INPUT (for items not included on the agenda, comments limited to five(5) minutes)
  4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  5. FINANCIAL REPORTS
  6. CODE ENFORCEMENT/HARB/PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS
  7. EMPLOYEE REPORTS
  8. NEW ACTION ITEMS
    1. Approve fire company tax resolution
    2. Baseball field resolution update
    3. Walkfest & Rt 45 approval on letterhead
    4. Playground mulch
    5. Approve carnival dates
    6. Engineering invoice
    7. Triathlon approval
    8. Recommendation to approve CD/Money Market renewal
  1. OLD ACTION ITEMS
    1. Absolute last call for newsletter suggestions
    2. Review audit – Sherry’s report in council packet
    3. Duck feeders
  1. COMMITTEE & MAYOR REPORTS
    1. Sewer grant update
    2. Penn St & Park Rd update
    3. Dam weir and waterline update
    4. 4H volunteer work
    5. Third Friday meetings/work time
  1. SECRETARY’S REPORT
    1. Line painting update
    2. Flower baskets and planters
  1. CITIZENS INPUT (comments limited to five(5) minutes)
  2. CALENDAR ITEMS
    1. Next Council Meeting  – April 22, 2022 – 8:30 AM (if needed) May 10, 2022- 7:00PM
    2. Regional Planning Meeting 03-22-2022 7pm
    3. Millheim Planning Commission 03-22-2022 – 7:00 PM – council room (if needed)
    4. HARB 04-05-2022  7:00 PM – council room (if needed)
  1. ADJOURNMENT

2020 Act 13

Please use the following link to access the 2020Act 13 Reporting. This report is required by the Public Utilities Commission for municipalities receiving impact fee monies as a result of the Act 13 of 2012 Marcellus Shale Well Fee.

22-02-08 Council Minutes

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 08, 2022

Katie Blume called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Nickelaus Engle, Cecilia Gallup and Beth Cowher also in attendance Mayor Steve Myers, Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, Sherry Corman Treasurer/Assistant Secretary, Solicitor John Miller and John Segursky representing Buchart Horn.

Citizens present: Leslie Warriner

Citizens Input: none

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler, seconded by Beth Cowher to approve the minutes of the 

January 3rd, 2022 meeting as presented. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Beth Cowher, seconded by Robert Zeigler to approve the financial reports as presented. Motion carried.

Engineer Report:

As Senator Corman has secured funding for a Waste Water Treatment Project and paperwork has been submitted to request the funds the borough need to determine the scope and schedule of the project.

The DCED Multimodal Grant Bridge Project needs to be kicked off to determine scope and schedule for the funds received for work on Elk Street Bridge, Plum Street Bridge or Mill Street Bridge.

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:

During the first full town plowing the plow on the 2015 truck ceased operation. One of the main power cables shorted out. Hostetler’s Truck and Bodies of Milroy is a Western plow dealer, which is the type of plow on both trucks. They were able to repair the cable within 48 hours.  A lot of time during and after snow storms was spent training Michael, as this is his first experience at plowing and salting.

The back hoe is in working order and can be used for small projects around the borough building and as a backup loading machine. As some of the main hydraulic cylinders leak it is not safe to take very far.

Christmas tree pick up was a success. The past few years the number of trees seemed to be dwindling, this year, with Facebook and email support we had twice the amount of trees as last year.

We have had to purchase two loads of antiskid and have placed an order for two ton of raw salt thru Co-Stars to be delivered late 2022.

The stop here on red sign at the intersection of Penn and Main was broken off sometime around the New Year. We have cut the sign post level with the sidewalk but will need to order signs. Recommendation to order 4 reflective signs to be placed at the 4 corners of intersection.

New Action Items

Snow and Ice Removal:

Much of January was used as a training period for Mr. Confer, both learning the proper usage of the plows and spreaders as well as the routes and best direction for them to be run.

Discussion was held on the lack of resident support in keeping their sidewalks cleared of ice and snow within the specified 24 hour time frame. Additional emails may be sent out should additional storms hit this year and during the 2022-2023 winter season. Council will be looking for additional ways to enforce this issue.

LIHWAP:

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary emergency program to help low-income families pay overdue water bills. LIHWAP is a grant and does not need to be repaid. The program does require a vendor application form to be submitted. Approved applicant grants would be paid directly to the borough to cover past due bills. A motion was made by Beth Cowher to submit the vendor application to become a participant of LIHWAP, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Park Road Authorization to Accept or Reject Bids:

John Segursky presented council with a report listing all bids for the road and bridge project. Robert Zeigler made a motion to accept the low bid for Park Road paving from Gutelius Excavating and the low bid from HRI Inc. to repair Park Road Bridge and crack repair, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion Carried.

Per recommendation by John Segursky, Robert Zeigler made a motion to authorize Nickelaus Engle and Adam DeGarmo to jointly approve change orders, not to exceed 10% per contract, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Nickelaus Engle will reach out to the Conservation District to seek assistance and advice on the back fill of scour holes and rip rap protection.

Authorize payment for DEP and dam project:

John Segursky updated council on Screen Replacement Project, the DEP permit for the work at the dam is being completed. The permit application was presented to council for signature and a request for the $500.00 submission fee. Beth Cowher made a motion to authorize Katie Blume to sign the application and to pay the submission fee, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Authorize Chapter 94 report work:

Our annual Waste load Management Report (Chapter 94) is due to PADEP by March 31, 2022. Beth Cowher made a motion to have Buchart Horn complete and submit the proper forms to DEP by March 31, 2022 with the fee not to exceed $2,000.00, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Parking Signs:

Per maintenance recommendation Beth Cowher made a motion to purchase necessary signage to include: 4 reflective no turn on red, 3 two hour parking and 1 15 minute parking price not to exceed $1,200.00, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried. Solicitor Miller will research what will be needed to place a 15 minute parking space in front of 101 West Main Street.

Quarterly Newsletter:

This is a semi-annual newsletter due to be sent in April of 2022, council members to submit ideas and articles to Katie Blume.

Motion to request excess municipal contribution from pension fund:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to request the excess contribution of $893.03 from our non-uniformed pension fund to be deposited into our general account, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Millheim Pool inquiry regarding fundraiser and discussion:

A thank you letter has been received for our donation, this letter also inquired as to the feasibility of the borough hosting a fishing derby as a fund raiser, said fund raiser would need to be completed by

Mid-April. Katie Blume will meet with Colleen Swetland before any decisions are made.

Exoneration on 2021 Per Capita taxes and approve collections:

Kathy Highbaugh, Borough Tax Collector presented council with the final close out reports for Personal Taxes for the year 2021. These reports include the Exoneration Report, including the reason for exoneration and the unpaid 2021 Personal Tax report. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to exonerate Kathy Highbaugh from collecting 2021 Personal taxes for peoples listed on the Exoneration Report for the specified reason, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to exonerate Kathy Highbaugh from collecting any unpaid 2021 personal taxes from persons listed on the Returns report and turn said report over to delinquent tax collector, JP Harris, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Constable assist Code Enforcement:

Solicitor Miller will research the feasibility of Constable Morrison being employed by East Penns Valley Code Enforcement as a code enforcement officer. Discussion tabled until March meeting.

Borough building Geothermal:

There has been limited heat in the Borough office since February 07, 2022. Repair service has been contacted and the dampers and TST unit need replaced, estimate for work is $1,100.00 to $1,200.00

Robert Zeigler made a motion to repair the unit using emergency repair funds not to exceed $1,500.00, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Bell Tower update:

Robert Zeigler reported that the Calvary Church has received estimates to repair the Bell Tower located at 117 Penn Street. Should the church decide to repair and make the tower safe, Millheim Borough council would then be able to proceed with fixing the clock with the funds in the clock tower bank account.  As tower is owned by the Calvary Church it is their responsibility to repair and the clock is owned by the borough which would be Borough responsibility.

Old Action Items

Appointments to Authorities/Boards/Commissions (ABCs) and CCMPO

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to reappoint Dick Decker, Potter Township Supervisor as the Region’s Coordinating Committee representative and Joel Myers as the Technical Committee representative seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to appoint Steve Myers as the borough Opens Record officer, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to appoint Beth Cowher to the HARB committee seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried with Beth Cowher abstaining.

Human Relations Commission:

Robert Zeigler reported that the Centre County Commissioners will assume the duties of the commission has reached 50% participation by Centre County Boroughs and Townships.

Project and Grant Update:

Nickelaus Engle to meet with John Segursky to discuss various option pertaining to the local bridges.

Fire Company request:

A discussion was held on how this lost revenue would affect borough finances. As the revenue is a small amount further research needs to be done and input received from the other municipalities.

NIMS training:

Information has been forwarded to council members.

Secretary’s Report

Propane for Maintenance Garage:

Bierly’s has been notified to pick up their propane tank, as Ingram’s Fuel has installed their tank and will continue to maintain.

Statement of Financial Interests:

Statements of Financial Interests were distributed to council members. This form is completed with 2021 information and should be returned at the March council meeting.

Liquid fuels, equalizer tank, pension, and annual reporting:

All available required reporting due by March 31, 2022 has been completed.

Simon Leach request:

Mr. Leach emailed a request asking for the Borough to reduce the EDUs attached to his property from 1.5 to 1 as he has scaled back his business due to Covid. After discussing the request it was decided that the business is still operational and clients still visit the business, much like many of the small businesses established in the borough in order to be fair to all our small businesses Beth Cowher made a motion to deny the request, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Gallup Swearing In:

Cecilia Gallup was sworn in by Mayor Steve Myers on January 18, 2022.

Beth Cowher made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM.

__________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer

22-03-08 Council Agenda

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

Regular Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, March 08, 2022

7:00 PM

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. CITIZENS INPUT (for items not included on the agenda, comments limited to five(5) minutes)
  4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  5. FINANCIAL REPORTS
  6. CODE ENFORCEMENT/HARB/PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS
  7. EMPLOYEE REPORTS
  8. NEW ACTION ITEMS
    1. Motion to move funds from DCED grant to the ARPA account
    2. Borough building Geothermal
    3. Approve spring collection dates
    4. Community work program with Centre County
    5. Parking/Parking Ordinance
    6. Local Shares Account (LSA) Grant
  1. OLD ACTION ITEMS
    1. Sewer grant updates
    2. Penn Street updates
    3. Park Road updates
    4. Dam weir updates
    5. DGLVR update
    6. Fire Company Request
    7. Last call for newsletter suggestions
  1. COMMITTEE & MAYOR REPORTS
  2. SECRETARY’S REPORT
    1. Line/Curb painting
  1. CITIZENS INPUT (comments limited to five(5) minutes)
  2. CALENDAR ITEMS
    1. Next Council Meeting 03-18-22 – 8:30 AM (if needed) March 8, 2022- 7:00PM
    2. Regional Planning Meeting 03-22-2022 7pm
    3. Millheim Planning Commission 03-22-2022 – 7:00 PM – council room (if needed)
    4. HARB 04-05-2022  7:00 PM – council room (if needed)
  3. ADJOURNMENT