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

May 12, 2020

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

Citizens Present:  none

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments. No reports from HARB or the Planning Commission.

Employee Reports:

Membrane Plant:

A letter has been submitted to DEP explaining the situation which required the Borough bypass a portion of the flow at the Sewer Plant. A typical daily flow is 50,000 gallons on April 30 the daily flow was 144,460 gallons due to receiving 3.4 inches of rain. The influent pumps also clogged and Wyland’s Pump Service was called in to pull the pumps for cleaning.

Filtration Plant:

The excessive rainfall also caused issues at the filtration plant. Not only trying to treat the water but there was also a mechanical issue. A new Soda Ash chemical feed pump has been order and Guitilias, Inc. has replaced the chemical injection pipe. With this done we can move forward with the catwalk project and replacing the lab cabinets.

The storm also cased the loss of more shingles from the water plant roof. Roy Rupert to get a current replacement quote for both treatment plants using asphalt shingles.

A list of water and wastewater projects was submitted.

Maintenance Report:

Fountain Park is all together and looking great. PennDot came thru and started sweeping the streets we had no prior notification hence parking on Main Street was not shut down.

Stone alleys are being repaired and cold patching will begin as soon as weather gets a little warmer.

The solar project will begin soon. Justin suggested an aqua truck be used to dig holes, It is safer the equipment digging.

New Action Items:

How to support local businesses to recover during reopening:

DCED has been contacted, there are no grants available at this time, DCED will possibly open the grant process in August. A representative is looking for other options or business loans to help the Borough businesses reopen. Katie Blume made a motion to purchase liter bottles of hand sanitizer for distribution to businesses cost not to exceed $500.00, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Benefits for employees:

Quotes have been received for medical coverage, also for short and long term disability. Quotes will be taken into consideration during our budget process. Other option will also be explored.

Discussion on possible resolution:

Council reviewed the presented Anti-Corruption resolution. As this document addressed groups on both the federal and state level it was decided to look at revising to focus on the stare level.

Discussion on a master plan:

Robert Zeigler requested council members submit ideas on ways to improve the Borough or projects that would benefit our residents. Patty Beckenbaugh encouraged members to look at infrastructure projects first.

Discuss possible expansion of Memorial Park:

Various ideas were given for use if 100 Center Street, including using as a dog park, council members will explore additional ideas. Also discussed was using Memorial Park for basketball courts or skate park. Due to Covid-19 the pool will not opening this year. As council recognizes the value that the pool brings to the Borough, discussion was held on how we could assist the pool, Katie Blume made a motion to expunge the existing debt for water and sewer and to now only charges for any actual water used seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Regional Participation regarding: maintenance equipment agreements,

A revised inventory list has been received from Mr. Kerstetter. Mayor Snyder reported that during a regional meeting the possibility of having a regional maintenance agreement.  Participants at the meeting stated that municipalities have individual agreements and a regional was not necessary.

Street Signs:

A request was received for “Watch Children” signage on Park Road beyond the pool entrance. Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to purchase the two signs and have maintenance install, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

CD’s:

Katie Blume made a motion to accept the renewal rate of 1% for twelve months on the maturing CD’s

(money market) at Mifflinburg Bank, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Adding new treasurer/removing Ms. Farwell on bank accounts:

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to remove Lisa Farwell as a signor on all bank accounts and to replace her signature with Sherry Corman, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Katie Blume made a motion to have Sherry Corman bonded, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Old Action Items:

Update on topics relating to COVID-19:

No issues or requests for assistance have been received from Borough residents.

Solar Project Update:

There are some potential snags with the USDA Grant. SRE is willing to cover some of the costs if we wait to find out about the grant. SRE has requested the start date be moved back to around July 13. The only panel delivery would be on 5/29 or 6/1 the remaining solar panels will be scheduled for when the job continues.  The Borough has been asked to assist in the storage of the solar panels. MVE is able to delay WPP’s power outage until mid-July. As a result, MVE is going to delay on-site work until the job is deemed to be resuming again. Katie Blume made a motion to move the estimated start date back to July 13, 2020 seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.  Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to allow SRE to store the first delivery of solar panels on the sewer treatment grounds, with the Borough assuming no liability, with the Borough suppling a fork lift and assisting in unloading the panels, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Mr. King Agreement:

A motion was made by Patty Beckenbaugh to draw up a licensing agreement for one year on the Tattletown Road property at sewer facility, for $65.00 an acre, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Penn Street Bridge Update:

Katie Blume made a motion to accept the proposal from Uni-Tec to review the designs presented by PennDot for waterline relocation and bridge reconstruction on SR2011, cost not to exceed $1,500.00, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Penn Street Discussion: none

Committee Position: Council is still looking for someone to fill the Emergency Management position

Other Bridges:

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to accept the proposal from Uni-Tec for the inspections of the bridges locate on Mill Street, Plum Street and Elk Street for a lump sum fee of $3,000.00, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Census Update:

Upon reading the Census Bureau webpage it was discovered that the cards encouraging participation in the 2020 census were only sent to physical addresses not to PO Boxes. The office staff of the Borough prepared a flyer that was then mailed to all residents of the 16854 zip code encouraging resident participation.

NIMS training: required by all council members

Park Road update:

Katie Blume made a motion to accept the proposal from Uni-Tec to design and permit the repairs of the Park Road Bridge as well managing the bidding and awards phase, the construction phase and the post-construction phase for a lump sum of $27,000.00, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Committee and Mayor Reports: none

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to approve the April 14, 2020 minutes as presented, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Katie Blume made a motion to approve the April financial reports as presented, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Secretary’s Report:

The East Penns Valley Library would like to start to reopen the library. They will follow all DOH and CDC guidelines

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to have Ms. Corman establish a Facebook page for the Borough, for informational purposes only, no comments permitted, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Katie Blume made a motion to transfer the funds necessary to cover the Jersey Shore loan payment due on June 01, 2020 and approve the payment to be determined at the time the bill is received, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Katie Blume made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.

_____________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer

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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 14, 2020

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order. Due to COVID-19 guidelines and for the safety of council members this meeting was held in the Borough maintenance shed. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Steve Myers, Patty Beckenbaugh and Katie Blume. Also in attendance Mayor Lauralee Snyder and Secretary/Assistant Treasurer Denise Immel.  Absent Beth Cowher.

Citizens Present: none

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission Reports: none

Employee Reports:

Mr. Kerstetter reported to Mr. Zeigler that they commenced bush and leaf pickup, upon starting on the route the chipper failed and maintenance was done to repair. They are now working on the collection of brush and leaves.

No report on water/sewer.

New Action Items:

Update on Emergency Meeting topics relating to COVID-19:

Council members and staff all reported a positive response from the residents who were contacted, all seemed to appreciate the concern and offer of assistance. Ten (10) respirator masks have been authorized for purchase for delivery to Millheim Fire Company to assist in the safety of the volunteers, four (4) have been delivered, we are awaiting notification on the remaining six (6).

Ordinance repeal/replace (Weed):

Steve Myers made a motion to repeal Ordinance 263 amending Chapter 10, Part 1, Section 106, and adopt Ordinance 268 again amending Chapter 10, Part 1, and Section 106, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Solar Project Update (Build beginning in May, payment of lowered rate coming up):

Mr. Edor submitted the grant application. The application has been returned for further information. SHPO is saying is that both Archaeological and Historic Resources are present at the site, more research will be required which may delay the projected start date.

Mr. King Agreement:

Mr. King responded to our letter explaining the ability to farm the land not being used for the solar field. Mr. King appears interested in doing so and requested that he be able to walk the new boundary lines Mr. Zeigler is having the maintenance crew mark the land and has contacted Mr. King.

Discussion/Resolution on delaying tax payment penalty dates as recommended by county:

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to adopt resolution 2020-07, delaying penalties for late tax payments beyond the Face Date of June 30, 2020 for a period of 3 months or until September 30, 2020, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Penn Street Bridge Update:

PennDot has given us three (3) options on the required relocation of the water line,

1. PennDot will design and construct the relocation.
2. The Borough will have the design done and PennDot will do the construction.
3. The Borough will design and construct.

After discussion on the pros and cons of each option Katie Blume made a motion to have PennDot design and construct the relocation allowing the Borough to have input in the design, seconded by Steve Myers.

Steve Myers made a motion approving Robert Zeigler signing the Request for Incorporation letter, the Cost Sharing Request Letter Incorporated Design and Construction Municipality and Municipal Authority and the necessary Resolution (2020-08), seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Penn Street discussion:

Penn Street is a state highway, all repairs and upgrades must be done by PennDot. Borough residents are and should continue to be told to contact PennDot with issues and complaints about the drainage issue and needed repairs.

Other Bridges (Mill Street, Elk Street and Plum Street):

Borough council will request Uni-Tec evaluate these bridges and make recommendation on the best and most cost effective way to proceed.

Address Changes:

The Borough has received a request from the Centre County 911 Address Coordinator to update local address to comply with USPS guidelines, discontinuing the use of fractions and alphabet assignments for apartments and suites. Address affected and recommendations are 169 ½ North Street to 169 #1 North Street, 115 ½ East Main Street to 115 East Main Street Suite 3, 156 ½ West Main Street to 156 #1 West Main Street. The property at 252 ½ East Main Street cannot be reassigned, resident or the Borough will be permitted to rename the driveway. A motion was made by Katie Blume to accept the recommendations from the Centre County 911 Address Coordinator to delete the fractions and reassign numbers, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried. A motion was made by Katie Blume to have the driveway to property 252 ½ renamed and to have the resident select the name, seconded by Steve Myers.  Motion carried. Letters will be sent to the residents affected.

Old Action Items:

Committee Position Needs Filled:

We are still searching for some on to fill the Emergency Management Position

Dry Press Testing Postponed for now:

Due to Covid-19 guidelines the dry press test has had to be postponed.

Small Water & Sewer Grants update (expected in July): no other updates

Census Update:

Mr. Zeigler reported that all filed staff have temporally been pulled. We will probably need to change the training dates assigned for the council room.

NIMS Training: This is mandatory for all council members.

Park Road:

Steve Myers made a motion to proceed with the bridge repair and paving of Park Road, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Part-Time Secretary-Treasurer Position:

A discussion has been held with Ms. Corman, she understands the situation with COVID-19 guidelines and is agreeable with a to be determined start date.

Committee and Mayor’s Report:

Patty Beckenbaugh expressed concerns on the condition of some sidewalks in the Borough as well as the Route 45, East Main Street Bridge. Research will be done to find any grants available for sidewalk repair. PennDot will be contacted about the potholes and deterioration of the Route 45 Bridge.

PVPRA was discussed, as donations and memberships may be down and as this is an asset to the community what might the Borough be able to do to assist to insure the continuation of this valuable resource.

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to approve the March 10, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes and March 27, 2020 Emergency Meeting Minutes, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Katie Blume made a motion to approve the March financial reports, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Secretary’s Report:

We have received the service contract from Nittany Office for the copier in the amount of $990.00. Steve Myers made a motion to have Mr. Zeigler sign the contract and approve payment of $990.00, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh.

A phone call has been received from a Borough resident disputing the amount of water usage and installation/connection of the water meter.

Quotes have been received for the shredding of old documents, as more documents will need to be destroyed it is suggested to store the current boxes and have shredding done once all documents have been gather and resolutions in place.

A reminder of the PSAB convention June 7-10, 2020 at the Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA.

A motion was made by Katie Blume to adjourn, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM.

_______________________________________

Denise Immel, Secretary/Assistant Treasurer