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

April 11, 2023

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

Citizens present: none

Citizens Input: none

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the March 14, 2023 minutes as presented, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the March 2023 financials as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

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.

Penns Valley Regional Planning would like to make an arrangement with all municipalities in the Penns Valley area for regional grant applications, allowing municipalities to file one application to cover numerous projects within the municipalities to obtain larger pools of money.

Employee Report:

We have switched out all our winter equipment and have fine tuned everything to run for summer. The maintenance crew has been able to clear almost all of the reservoir road for access with just few small stretch to complete. The park benches are in early it would not be a bad idea to start looking for new park benches to replace our current ones. With the price of materials and time put into them every year it would be much more cost effective to replace them with all-weather material benches. The fountain will be put in when all the freezing weather is clear. A project that did not get completed last year was mulching the playground, with the good weather this project has been completed. The salt spreaders have been removed and all winter equipment stored away. Street sweeping will be completed as fast as possible, a lot of this is weather permitting, rain is a major factor on helping sweep streets, from keeping the dust away to being a factor in how clean the streets will get. On a side note, this will most likely be the last year we can use the large sweeper broom before needing a new one. Hoover, actually has another broom like the one we are getting with the tractor. We have looked into possibly trading our current broom for a second open broom, this will then allow us to have two 72” brooms instead of a 84” that is used on the skid steer and a 54” that is used on our old Steiner, This will be more cost effective in the long run for time fuel, and equipment parts.

A conversation was held with the salesman at Hoover, and he estimated the order completion will be the second or third week of April.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to trade the existing 84“ sweeper for a newer 72” sweeper maximum cost $2,000.00, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Heritage Electric submitted an estimate for lowering the electrical outlets on our lamp poles. Cost per pole $1,995.00. Council will pursue other avenues in regards to Christmas wreaths.

Notification has been received from DEP of a violation from November 2021 on a high crypto count, a very easy solution, additional treatment for Elk Creek, if it is ever used. If Elk Creek is used the NTU units will be lowered for a 0.300 to a 0.150.

The sewer plant had a loose hose causing a high C.BOD and fecal count, this was fixed immediately. Sewer is now running on point.

New Action Items

Invoices:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to authorize PSAB-MRT to initiate payment in the amount of $1,450.00 from the Non-Uniformed Defined Contribution Pension Plan to Thomas J. Anderson, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to continue the service contract with Nittany Office Equipment cost for the 2023/2024 year is $375.00, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Fire Company Parade:

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 15, 16, and 17, 2023, holding the parade on June 15 with a rain date of June 16. This request also included permission to close the alleys on both sides of the carnival grounds starting on Sunday June 14^th to allow for set up. Cecilia Gallup made a motion to approve holding the carnival on the dates stated and to approve closing the alleys as of June 12^th, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Workers Memorial Day Resolution 2023-04:

Cecilia Gallup make a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-04 declaring April 28, 2023 as Worker’s Memorial Day seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Centre County MPO: tabled to next month

Review newsletter: tabled

Waive Little League fees:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to waive maintenance fees of $800.00 for the 2023 season, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Valley Community Business Alliance:

VCBA formerly known as East Penns Valley Business Association is filing for non-profit status and is scheduling Millheim Summer Fest formerly Millheim Walkfest for July 29^th and 30^th, 2023.

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-05 authorizing VCBA to submit a Tourism Grant application to the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau in collaboration with the Millheim Borough, other local businesses, nonprofits and individual contributors to further community events, to further tourism and collaboration within the community, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Old Action Items

Update on Infrastructure:

SCREEN REPLACEMENT PROJECT:

 This project is prepared for bidding. After much waiting and discussion with DEP on the permitting for this item it has been determined that relocating the valve/screen will not require a permit.

DCED MULTIMODAL GRANT BRIDGE PROJECT:

 A site meeting has been scheduled on April 25, 2023 with a bridging company. Their bridging solution appears to grant us the ability to possibly complete both Elk Street and Plum Street Bridges.

WWTP PROJECT – EQUILIZATION TANK:

 Buchart Horn is underway designing the tank and the control mechanism for the EQ Tank. A preliminary design meeting will be held with Justin in the next month to finalize layout and controls.

2022 Chapter 94 – Waste Load Management Report:

 This annual report was completed and submitted prior to the March 31 deadline. The report showed that the plant is not currently overloaded and not projected to be overloaded in the next 5-years.

LSA Grant Application:

Millheim Borough was selected to receive $400,000 from the Local Share Account program. This grant is to replace the raw water line from the dam to the new main along SR 0445 and a section further down toward town. This program does not have a match component.

COVID-19 ARPA Small Water and Sewer Grant:

 DCED has required that the Borough withdraw the submitted application from consideration due to receiving the LSA Grant for the same project. Notification has been submitted to DCED.

NPDES Renewal:

The wastewater treatment plant is due to renew the discharge permit. The permit expires in December, but PADEP requires the renewal applications be submitted 6-months prior to expiration. Millheim will need some support and usually some additional testing at the plant. A lump sum proposal for services in the amount of $3,500. During the 2019 Renewal the fee was $4,500.00.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to have Buchart Horn complete the NPDES renewal for the fee of $3,500.00, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried. Document signed by Katie Blume and will be sent to Mr. Segursky.

Update of Sewer Projects:

PennDot requires BAI to apply for a highway occupancy permit for the small solar farm at the treatment plant. The HOP will allow BAI to legally access the property for construction purposes. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to authorize Katie Blume to sign the authorization form, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Floodplain Follow up:

Still waiting on PEMA assessment, our floodplain ordinance will need to be replaced.

Reichard Cemetery:

George Reichard continues to pursue the purchasing of his family cemetery and has contracted with attorneys and engineers to finalize the acquisition. Ground sonar will be brought in to locate grave sites.

Secretary’s Report:

North Street:

The Borough needs to locate a water shutoff for a property on North Street. Justin will contact PA Rural Water for Assistance. Council has requested that Mr. Kerstetter also get an estimate from Gutelius to assist in adding shut offs to any property deemed necessary.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 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

March 14, 2023

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

Citizens present: none

Citizens Input: none

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the February 14, 2023 minutes as presented, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the February 2023 financials as presented, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission Reports:

 No reports from Code, HARB or the Planning Commission.

Employee Reports:

During this month we were able to start crossing some things off our spring to do list. We have been working at putting up the desired stop signs that need to be replaced or just put up at certain intersections. We also have had the chance to slim down the water meter and MXU problems working with residents and Denise. Throughout the Borough there are 50 fire hydrants, we have completed making sure everyone is accessible and operational. This included working them on and off and putting anti-seize on all the ports for water access. Mr. Haupt Sr., from the Millheim Fire Company has requested that we also color code hydrants by painting certain colors on the top for water flow indication. For example, a hydrant with a flow greater than 500 gallon per minute is painted green. The fire company also will have a map of coordinated hydrant colors for different flow indication. Out of 50 hydrants there are approximately 10 that would need paint. Paint is around $9.00 a can. We would need around 4 cans of 3 colors, 12 cans total of paint to complete this.

 The water plant has been performing great thru the winter months. There have been no issues with water quality or equipment this month.  The borough did receive a violation about some cryptosporidium sampling that should have been taken care of on November 23rd 2021. I’m reaching out to our old operator and our DEP sanitarian to follow this issue up. I will keep everyone posted as I make progress.

Recently revisions have been made to the Lead and Copper Rule regulations these revisions have been set to come out in stages.

The new Lead and Copper regulations are now requiring that all connections in community water systems be inventoried to determine the service line material. The evaluation of the service line is to include the water system owned portion of the service line and the customer owned portion of the service line. There are various classifications that the service line can fall into based on its material. Some of these classifications would require replacement, specifically if the service line is lead or it is composed of galvanized pipe that had lead upstream of the service line. The completion due date for this inventory is October 2024. Training on the requirements will be held on April 5^th, 2023 in the council room hosted by PA Rural Water.

 The sewer is running great and has no issues running its permit, and test results have been coming back on point. Nothing to report at this time for the sewer plant.

New Action Items

Invoices: none to approve

Floodplain review:

PEMA will conduct a community assistance visit on March 22^nd and March 23^rd.

FNB checking:

The FNB checking account is earning minimal interest. In the interest of maintaining a banking relationship with FNB Robert Zeigler made a motion to transfer the funds from the checking account to a 9 month certificate of deposit at the rate of 4.57%, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Emergency medical resolution:

As our emergency service provider should not be burdened with the collection of unpaid services from patients who are receiving direct payments from their insurance company or managed care plan,  Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-03, encouraging our state representatives and senators to amend the Pennsylvania Quality Health Care Accountability and Protection Act to allow the emergency service providers to seek and receive reimbursement for medical services provided to patients directly for the patient’s insurance company or managed care plan, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Joint municipal agreement:

Millheim Borough has received a joint municipal agreement asking us to donate the equivalent of one-half mill on the taxable basis of all properties located in the borough. This agreement is also being presented to Gregg Township, Potter Township, Centre Hall Borough, Miles Township and Haines Township. As Millheim Borough already makes a yearly donation to PVEMS, questions were raised by council members, Cecilia Gallup made a motion to table any decision until answers were obtained, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Newsletter ideas, need to be out the first week of April:

Include spring brush and leaf pick up dates also include information on flood management on the home owner level.

Old Action Items

Update on infrastructure – if needed: no report received

Update on Solar:

Large Scale Solar

The project team has continued to firm up terms with Mr. Zimmerman for the utility right of way required to tie in the solar to the West Penn Power lines in the Narrows. BAI is still waiting for the backlog to clear up with the grid operator, PJM. BAI should have more information by the middle of the year.

Small Scale Solar

The phase 2 project at the treatment plant is moving along nicely. BAI has gone through the West Penn Power grid study and received favorable results. BAI is completing permitting efforts now and expect to be ready to break ground by September of this year. They will try to firm that up by the end of next week so that Mr. Omar is aware of the schedule and can plan accordingly. Once they have permit sets complete, a copy will be sent for Council’s information.

Justin training/testing:

Mr. Kerstetter has completed additional instruction on activated sludge, this is the only test still need for him to obtain his sewer license. He is scheduled to test on March 31, 2023.

Christmas decorations:

Due to deteriorations and bulb replacement, Council is looking to replace the existing wreaths with LED snowflakes. As we no longer have a bucket truck to borrow the electric outlets need to be lowered by approximately 15 feet to permit the use of a ladder to install decorations.  A quote will be requested to explore the cost of lowering the outlet.

Rental and Parking:

Much discussion was held on the feasibility of implementing a rental/parking ordinance. Suggestions were made to hold a work session with landlords and/or tenants being invited, also possibly a public meeting to hear ideas from residents.

Signage lights:

The lights approved at the February meeting have been installed.

Board and other appointments:

Council was reminded that appointments will need to be made for positions on HARB, Planning and Zoning committees.

Secretary’s Report

Water Sewer updates:
New construction on Claren Court:

Contact has been made with the listing agent to have the water meter installed and occupancy permit obtained, property has sold and is set to close in April.

Mensch Street:

Robert Zeigler made a motion for council signed a formal complaint to code to pursue action against property at intersection of East Main and Mensch Streets seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Liquid fuels allocation:

A report of fuel allocations was presented to council. This report also included road mileage and population for each borough or township in Centre County.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 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
February 14, 2023
Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Beth Cowher and Nickelaus Engle also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer and Sherry Corman Borough Treasurer/Assistant Secretary. Absent Cecilia Gallup and Mayor Steve Myers and Solicitor John Miller
Citizens present: none
Citizens Input:
The borough unexpectedly lost a former employee this past week, leaving behind a small family who is struggling to cover funeral expenses, a motion was made by Robert Zeigler to send a card to the family and a donation of $50.00 to the funeral home to help differ cost, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Beth Cowher to approve the January 10, 2023 minutes as presented, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.
A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the January 2023 financials as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.
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.
Regional Planning Report:
Robert Zeigler attended the Penns Valley Regional Planning meeting on January 24, 2023. Officers were elected with Ben Haupt as Chairman, Robert Zeigler as Vice Chair. Topics of discussion included better medical care access for the Penns Valley region and roadway flooding issues.
Employee Report:
With a few small snow storms the winter has been good, it has allowed our crew to focus on equipment up keep. There have been some nasty wind storms and those storms took a toll on the reservoir road. There are many trees down in many different spots. Come spring the road will have to be cleared to allow access to the reservoir. The storms also pushed over trees on Park Rd, nothing major just some road cleanup.
Gutelius completed the replacement of the shut off valve to 108 Penn Street.
Christmas decoration suggestions:
Keeping our current decorations. Repairing them every year. Approximate yearly cost. (lift rent $360) (yearly maintenance $250) (employee pay $260)

• Purchasing all new decorations and replacing everything over time. (same as what we currently have) Approximately $1,000/year, per two wreaths, if this happens we have to worry about a power source. Currently to plug our wreaths in the plug is about 3 feet above where the wreaths hang Approx. (25ft) on the pole. That might affect the placement or overall position of new decorations.
• Not putting wreaths up but lowering our banners to reach on a ladder. We would then be able to reach them, that being said we could do all seasons and special events for town. Approximately $1,000 for new banners and brackets (new brackets and winter time banners.) then roughly $600 a year for new seasonal banners. Another option would be to have someone take down our current banner brackets and we could see if they would work for new banners. That would save the cost of new banner brackets.
  -Purchasing a large artificial tree for the gazebo, decorating it. Approximately $2,700 for 13′ tree
  This year was a little more expensive for us to put the wreaths up because we had to rent a lift. Doing this we were only able to get 7/8 wreaths up, also we were not able to put up any banners with the lift we had. Eliminating the wreaths would take that cost away, putting banners up on all the poles by ladder. Later on down the road we could swap banners out all year for all seasons to brighten up town. Ultimately we are in the position where money will need to be spent no matter the option. We are also unsure about how our current setup will be put up next year whether it be us renting a lift and only being able to put up wreaths, or having someone with a bucket truck to put up wreaths and banners.
  New Action Items
  Invoices:
  A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve payment PennDot for water line replacement on SR 2011 in the amount of $49,781.02 to be drawn from the water account, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.
  A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to reimburse Kathy Highbaugh, Tax Collector expenses in the amount of amount of $28.10 for postage and printing, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.
  A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adopt Resolution 2023-2, authorizing the expenditure of $2,609.42 from funds collected by the Borough from the Fire Tax to the Millheim Fire Company No.1 for workers’ compensation insurance, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.
  Duck Murders:
  It has been brought to council’s attentions that a few of the local ducks have been the victims of a drive by shooting. The PA Game Commission has been notified and the offense is under investigation.
  Floodplain review:
  We have been notified by PEMA of a community assistance visit taking place on March 22 and 23. We will be supported by East Penns Valley Code and Centre County Planning.
  Side street repairs and Dirt and Gravel:
  A resident has voiced concerns on the condition of South Street from Penn Street to West Street. This issue has been addressed with our road master, this section of South Street is in need of repaving as the road is humped in the middle and cannot be grated level or built up level. Council requested that a quote be received.
  The 2023 DGLVR applications are due by March 31, 2023 a motion was made by Beth Cowher to redo the application submitted in 2022 for Race Aly seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.
  Staff hours:
  Due to the need for Sherry Corman to be available to address the care of her son she will be reducing the hours she works from the office to one day a week. She will continue to monitor email and text messages from home.
  Triathlon request:
  The race committee for the annual Penns Valley Triathlon has requested approval for Millheim Fire Police to work the race event on August 05, 2023. Nick Engle made a motion to approve the request for Millheim Fire Police to be available to work the annual fundraiser on August 05, 2023, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.
  EPV Business Association:
  Robert Zeigler reported for the business association. The WalkFest will probably become a one day event, date to be determined. With the Millheim Pool and the Millheim Fire Company receiving donation from the proceeds.
  Disposition and Destruction of Records Resolution 2023-01:
  Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-01 authorizing the disposition and destruction of specific records that are beyond the set retention period, seconded Nick Engle. Motion carried.
  Excessive contribution request:
  The Millheim Borough has been notified of an overpayment of $2,936.06 into our pension plan. Beth Cowher made a motion to request an excess of $1,741.14 be returned to the borough’s general account and the balance of $1,193.92 be returned to the state, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.
  Signage lights:
  The East Penns Valley Library has approached the Millheim Borough about suppling lights to illuminate the signage in front of the Borough building. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve the request allotting $400.00 for purchase and installation to be drawn for the beautification fund, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.
  Street and Alley updates for mapping/911:
  The ordinances are being reviewed to identify correct locations of streets and alleys within the borough and the dates they were ordained. Several discrepancies have been located which will need addressed when review is complete.
  Research has confirmed that Bear Ally from Elk Street to Water Street was vacated on 06/23/1923 in Ordinance #34.
  Parking and Rentals:
  The borough is receiving inquiries into any ordinances or guidelines that are in place for properties within the borough that are being used as income properties. People have concerns about the safety of units and the issues of parking. The only requirement currently in place is that landlords must notify the Borough of the current tenant information. Suggestions received included a requirement that landlords must supply off street parking and that safety inspections should be completed. Research will be conducted as to how other boroughs handled income producing properties.
  Old Action Items
  Update on infrastructure:
  Screen Replacement Project:
  Buchart Horn is requesting that the Council authorize advertising the project. Bids can opened March 10, 2023 and make a recommendation to Council at the March meeting to
  award the contract. While Buchart Horn has not received the DEP permit to date they believe we should move the project forward as they don’t anticipate any changes from the proposed project.
  Robert Zeigler made a motion to move forward with the bid process, seconded by Nickelaus Engle, Motion carried.
  DCED Multimodal Grant Bridge Project:
  The design of this project it not yet underway. Buchart Horn will begin preparing drawings and specification to have this project ready for review in April. They will have to approach CFA about getting an amendment to the Grant Contract to extend our timeframe for completion.
  WWTP Project – Equalization Tank:
  Buchart Horn is designing the tank and the control mechanism for the EQ Tank. Preliminary design
  will be completed in 30 days and ready for review.
  Update on solar projects: no updates received
  Justin- training and test upcoming:
  Mr. Kerstetter is enrolled in sludge activation classes on February 14 and February 21, 2023. Sludge Activation testing is scheduled for March 31, 2023.
  Finalize comprehensive fee list via resolution:
  Concerns were raised on raising fees within the Borough. More information will be gathered and presented to council in March.
  Board and other appointments:
  A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to appoint Nickelaus Engle to the HARB committee, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried with Mr. Engle abstaining.
  A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to appoint Buddy Cowher to the open position on the Planning committee, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried with Beth Cowher abstaining.
  Secretary’s Report
  Cemetery update:
  Coordinates of the cemetery have been sent to Mr. Reichard, and a call made to the assessment office to find out the feasibility of the cemetery property being released for the property. Information has been given to property owner via a relative.
  Water/Sewer:
  A new shut off valve has been placed at 108 Penn Street and water has been shut off for nonpayment. Water remains shut off at 103 Center Street due to inside line breakage and 151 Penn Street for inside line breakage and nonpayment.
  Justin Kerstetter credit card increase:
  In order for the Borough to make credit card payments to venders it is required that payment be made at time of purchase, this allows the borough to earn credits from First National that can be used to pay down the credit card bill. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to increase the credit card limit on Justin’s card to $2,500.00, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.
  Cell phone reimbursement:
  A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to reimburse Sherry Corman $40.00 per month for cell phone reimbursement as her current work situation will require use of her personal cell phone, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.
  Beautification CD:
  A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to move the funds in the Beautification CD to the Beautification checking, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.
  Checking interest:
  Sherry Corman will speak with First National on obtaining interest on the checking account held by their institution.
  A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 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

January 10, 2023

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

Citizens present: none

Citizens Input: none

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the December 13, 2022 as presented, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

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

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

Winter is here and there have been a few small snow storms. As most people where made aware, the 2017 Chevy T-Tag plow truck ran into some major issues. In the beginning of December there were a couple days where the transmission wasn’t responding correctly. The truck was taken to Johnny Luse and he thought that the third gear was bad and wasn’t going to last long. Within the next week the transmission went out. Bill Schreffler, Milesburg was immediately contacted he is the transmission specialist that Mr. Luse recommended. Mr. Schreffler had the parts in stock and estimated two weeks for the truck to be completed Mr. Schreffler had completed the truck in 7 days. The 2017 truck is back and in action. Thanks to Valley Towing for hauling the truck to Schreffler’s for us.

During all the very cold weather we had, there were a few water meters that needed replaced from breaking, this was handled in a very timely manner and were all properly replaced. Code office had requested their floor to be fixed. It was assessed, insulated, and fixed.

On December 13 Mike and Adam had completed flagger training, they are now certified for flagging operations.

As some issues are occurring with the existing maintenance laptop and the metal detector staff has requested permission to replace both. Nickelaus Engle made the motion to approve the purchase of the laptop capping cost at $1,000.00 and the metal detector cost $800.00, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

As Mr. Kerstetter uses his personal vehicle to travel between the water and sewer plants and to various worksites a request was presented to purchase a pickup truck with plow for use by the water and sewer operator. Council has requested Mr. Kerstetter explore options and report back with cost estimate.

The water and sewer plants are both operating very efficiently, all testing has been completed as required. The water plant has received no violations and the sewer has only received one violation when the issues of the membrane breakdown occurred.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve payment of the Stanley C. Bierly invoice in the amount of $1,514.89 for repair of the geothermal system covering the period of November 04, 2022 thru December 11, 2022, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Fees:

Solicitor Miller has been asked to prepare a draft resolution with an updated all-inclusive fee schedule.

Secretary will supply fee information to Mr. Miller.

Streets and Alley updates:

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to table this discussion until the February council meeting to allow further time to review and have full council present, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Ordinance 273:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adopt Ordinance 273, amending Chapter 15, Part 3, Section 305 of the Millheim Borough code of ordinances by prohibiting the parking, standing or stopping of vehicles on the easterly and westerly side of the right-of-way of Mensch Street from East Main Street to Walter Street to protect the Elk Creek water way, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Insurance:

Insurance quotes were received from Doty and Hench ($17,197) and The Teeter Group ($22,369). Robert Zeigler made a motion to renew the insurance thru Doty and Hench, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.

Old Action Items:

SCREEN REPLACEMENT PROJECT:

 Buchart Horn is requesting Council authorizes advertising the project at the February meeting. They will open bids March 10, 2023 and make a recommendation to Council at the March meeting to award the contract.

DCED MULTIMODAL GRANT BRIDGE PROJECT

A site visit occurred to take measurements and photos of the Elk Creek Bridge. Buchart Horn is recommending that the Borough pursue a concrete box culvert as a replacement for the existing structure. This recommendation is based upon the shallow depth of the Race and the lack of cover. If the opening is kept similar in size, a more complex study will not be required.

 WWTP PROJECT – EQUILIZATION TANK

Buchart Horn is designing the tank and the control mechanism for the EQ Tank. Preliminary design will be completed in 30 days and ready for review.

COMMONWEALTH FINANCING AUTHORITY

The Grant Application was submitted by the December 21, 2022 deadline. A new item was included in this application and Buchart Horn will need to work with staff to get a new number for receiving funds. It is called a Unique Entity Identifier and System Award Management (SAM) Registration. This is necessary due to the inclusion of federal funds in this application cycle.

Update on solar projects: no report

Justin training:

Mr. Kerstetter will taking additional activated sludge training in February.

Finalize fee update: see above under fees

Board and other appointments:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to appoint Laron Horner the Borough’s 2023 Sewer enforcement officer, and accept his fee schedule, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion approved.

Secretary’s Report

Water/sewer:

The Borough has had to shut off water service to properties due to water pipes breaking. Another residence is slated for shut off but the shut off is located under Penn St, permission has been granted by PennDOT to access the shutoff. It was then discovered that the shutoff is badly rusted and cannot be turned, additional work will need to be performed in order to shut off water.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.

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Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer