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

January 14, 2025

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Cecilia Gallup, Beth Cottrell and Nickelaus Engle. Also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary, Cim Besecker, Borough Treasurer and John Segursky representing Buchart Horn. Absent: Katie Blume, Mayor Steve Myers and Solicitor John Miller.

Citizens present:  Kathy Highbaugh, Amber May and Amanda Snyder

Citizens input:

Amanda Snyder requested the Borough evaluate East Poplar Street by placing DO NOT ENTER signs at the intersections of Sugar Aly, Maple Aly and Church Street allies where they intersect with East Poplar Street. Also signage signifying East Poplar as a one way street headed east to prevent people leaving the fire hall parking lot from entering and head west.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the December 10, 2024 minutes, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the December 2024 financials, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

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

Employee Report:

December was spent time keeping up with maintenance on equipment and odds and ends in the shop. A few snow storms passed through that were handled well. Aside from snow storms and snow cleanup the Borough building had some lighting replaced. The Fountain Park gazebo getting stuck by a car damaging the east side. Insurance companies have been notified, it will be decided whether to repair or replace. Maintenance crew believes it would cost more to fix the current one compared to getting a new one.

New Action Items

Centre County Long-Range Planning:

Greg Kausch, Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization, was present at the meeting to seek council input on areas of long term needs within the Borough. Items mentioned included the replacement of the Mill Street Bridge, the drainage issues Faced by resident on Penn Street and the drainage issues the borough has experienced on East Main Street. The borough is also looking at sidewalks, both repair and installation and the possibility of designated bike paths or ATV designated streets or allies.

Invoices: None

Hook up charge appeal:

The Borough received a letter of appeal on the decision from the meeting in December. The letter stated various reasons for asking for an exception. Council held discussion on the letter and agreed to uphold the original decision. Nickelaus Engle made a motion to deny the appeal, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

SEO appointment:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to reappoint Laron Horner as our Sewer Enforcement Officer and accept the fee schedule for 2025, also reappoint Justin Dashem, Penns valley Code Enforcement as our Alternate Sewer Enforcement Officer, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Old Christmas Decorations:

A resident has expressed interest in purchasing our old Christmas wreaths. Questions were raised that could not be answered by council members and the resident was not present to take questions. Cecilia Gallup will follow up with said resident.

Planning Commission report ideas:

Nickelaus Engle questioned not having an active planning commission. Suggested a couple of ways to engage  the planning  commission – by forwarding emails from Centre County Planning for review and possible attendance at the Penns Valley Regional Planning meetings. Robert Zeigler to contact planning commission and arrange a meeting.

Zoning Hearing Board appointment:

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-01 reappointing William Wolfe for a term of three years, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion carried.

Town Hall meetings:

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to assign the topic of Community Engagement to the town hall meeting scheduled to be held from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on February 11, 2025, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion carried.

Maple Aly and Race Street safety:

With the accident taking place at the East Main Street intersection and Maple Aly, Nickelaus Engle requested a review of streets and allies within the borough to determine if  visibility adequate to safely enter roads. Cim Besecker will work with road crew in assessing.

Property lease on Park Road:

Lease was reviewed. No changes were suggested to the lease. Council questioned if there would be any other use than the grazing of cattle.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure update:

DCED Multimodal Grant – Bridge Project:

The plan is to have bidding documents completed and ready for winter bidding with construction starting in early spring.

WWTP Project – Equalization Tank:

 No bids were received. Mr. Segursky spoke with the supplier of the tank and they are now certified through COSTARS. He received a proposal from them for review. There is additional site work that would need to be done but it would be a smaller project if the tank is separated. Mr. Segursky will contact grant administrator to check if they will be agreeable to the purchase of tank thru Co-Stars

Raw Water Main Replacement:

Base mapping is completed, Buchart Horn is moving forward with design documents. This project is approximately 70% complete and will be ready for spring construction.

Tax collector fee:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to approve the tax collectors request to increase the tax certification fee to $20.00 and the duplicate bill fee to $4.00 unifying the Penns Valley Area School District tax collector fees, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried. Denise Immel will notify Solicitor Miller for an amended ordinance.

Kathy Highbaugh reported that the books for 2024 are officially closed, only 8 properties were turned over to the county for collection totaling $921.33.

VCBA updates: none

Laundromat engineering request:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to authorize Robert Zeigler to sign a letter stating that the Millheim Borough water and sewer has the capacity to sustain the proposed laundromat, seconded by Beth Cottrell.

Water Street Property:

It is understood that the residents surrounding the Center Street property are not in favor of a dog park. Nickelaus Engle suggested we look at other uses, possible something similar to Fountain Park.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to adjourn, Seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.

_________________________

Denise Immel, Secretary

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

225 EAST MAIN STREET

P.O.  BOX 421

MILLHEIM, PA 16854

(CENTRE COUNTY)

PHONE (814)-349-5350       FAX (814)-349-5733

REGULAR MEETING

December 10, 2024

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Cecilia Gallup and Nickelaus Engle. Also in attendance Mayor Steve Myers, Denise Immel Borough Secretary, Cim Besecker, Borough Treasurer, Solicitor, John Miller and John Segursky representing Buchart Horn. Absent: Katie Blume and Beth Cottrell.

Citizens present:  Kathy Highbaugh, Amber May and Rusty Long

Citizens input:

Rusty Long expressed his concerns and displeasure at the prospects of a dog park being constructed on the Borough lot on Center Street. His number one concern is residents not properly cleaning up after their animal both within and outside of the designated area and the additional noise levels that will be created by having more than one animal in the same area. He feels that there are better uses for the property and the funds.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the November 12, 2024 minutes, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the November 2024 financials, 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 Planning.

Employee Report:

November is busy time of the year. Leaves were collected for 4 weeks. Snow fence becomes a priority, and has been installed along Long Lane. This was the first year for the new Christmas decorations they went up as planned and look nice. Penns Valley School District called a meeting for all of the surrounding Boroughs and Townships, contact information was exchanged allowing both municipalities and the school district to stay in touch on the conditions of the roads. This will give the school district a good understanding of local road condition when considering delayed opening or cancellation. A plan was established for winter storms in regards to delays and cancellations.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to pay invoice #125975 in the amount of $1,300.00 and invoice #126111 in the amount of $1,600.00 both to Buchart Horn for services rendered on the raw water main replacement project, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Amend Ordinance 145:

Solicitor John Miller is to review ordinance 145 and adjust from secretary treasurer position to one secretary and one treasurer.

Approve Ordinance 280:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adopt Ordinance #280 establishing the tax rate for the year 2025 at the rate of 5.00 mills on the value of the real property located within the borough, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Approve Resolution 2024-11

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to adopt Resolution 2024-11, increasing the monthly water service fee from $22.00 per month to $25.00 per month, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Approve FY 2025 Budget:

The 2025 Millheim Borough Budgets was advertised as required. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adopt the 2025 budgets as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Approve 2025 calendar:

A motion was made to approve the meeting dates as presented and to add town hall meetings to be held on the seconded Tuesday of every month from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried. Secretary will advertise Town Hall meetings, Council meetings, HARB meetings and Planning meetings

Tax certification fee:

Kathy Highbaugh reported that the Centre County tax collectors are discussing the unification of certain fees charged by the tax collectors. Ms. Highbaugh will advise council of new fees when final decisions are made. Council will need to amend the current ordinance #254.

Direct Deposit fee:

QuickBooks is raising the direct deposit fee from $4.00 to $5.00 per employee per payroll. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to accept the increase and continue with direct deposit, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Sewer fee:

An exemption request has been received asking Council to waive a sewer fee for adding a use to the property that is not related to using the property as a primary residence. Said use will be not for profit. Council reviewed documentation as presented, Centre County Planning granted a conditional approval for minor land development. The property will be used for something other than a residence. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to deny the request, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Holiday items for review:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to give $100.00 to each employee who have been with the borough since January 2024 as a token of appreciation, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

Residential water leak:
A large water consumption has been noted at a residence, (208,000 gallons in November) the meter has been checked and is continually running indicating a water leak. The resident has received emails in the past asking them to address the issue with nothing being done. We received a response to the email sent in December explain a toilet leak had been repaired, but the amount of water going thru the meter is greater than a leaking toilet. The Borough cannot afford to lose this amount of water. A motion was make by Cecilia Gallup to deliver a 3 day notice, advising the resident if action is not taken to repair the leak the water to the property would be shut off, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Secretary Immel will prepare the notice and deliver on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure update:

DCED Multimodal Grant Bridge Project:

The plan is to have bidding documents completed and ready for winter bidding with construction starting in early spring. Mr. Segursky spoke with the grant Specialist about what needs to be done to receive a one year extension of the grant beyond its June 2025 date. He will work with borough secretary to get this submitted.

WWTP Project – Equalization Tank:

Project is currently out for bids. The bid opening is scheduled for 12/13/2024.

Raw Water Main Replacement:

Base mapping is completed, Buchart Horn is moving forward with design documents. This project is approximately 70% complete and will be ready for spring construction.

DEP LT2 Permit Application:

The permit has been issued. Some conditions of the permit require some additional discussions with Mr. Kerstetter.

VCBA updates:

Merry Millheim was held December 6^th and 7^th with missed attendance.

Town Clock update:

A donation of $500.00 has been received for the clock tower repairs. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to use the Town Clock checking account for donations, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Article: Living Legacy:

The above article has been presented by Ed Carter for publication on the Borough webpage. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to deny the request, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Secretary’s Report:

The streetlight at 115 East Main Street was reported out. Kuharchik will repair.

The streetlight for 136 West Main Street should be in by the end of January, Kuharchik will install as soon as received.

Official notice was sent to Centre County, as required, listing 2 council member, 1 mayor and 1 tax collector as open positions for election year 2025.

County Liquid Fuels grant for paving for North High Street, Hillcrest Avenue and Cherry Street has been declined.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adjourn, seconded Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

____________________________________

Denise Immel, Borough 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

November 12, 2024

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

Citizens present:  Kathy Highbaugh

Citizens input: none

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the October 08, 2024 minutes with the correction of Penns Valley code lease from a percentage to $400.00, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

As the Borough’s CD/money markets with Mifflinburg Bank are maturing on November 24, 2024, a motion was made by Robert Zeigler for Treasurer, Cim Besecker to use her discretion to obtain the highest rate of return on the Borough funds, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the October 2024 financials, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

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

Employee Reports:

October is the start of our brush and leaf cleanup for town. This year the Borough kept to the traditional 1 week of brush collection, but we will be picking leaves up on a weekly basis until it is necessary to install salt spreaders or no more leaves are out.  Cold patch has been placed at some additional spots as well as along some berms to prepare for winter. Mr. Matt Kenepp is getting a bid packet together for a large section of road that needs attention. This includes North High St, Hillcrest Ave, and North Cherry St. This is the first step needed for grant applications. 

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to pay from ARPA funds the invoice to A3 USA in the amount of $15,000.00 for the purchase of two U70 membrane modules to be held in rolling stock as required by DEP, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

FY 25 Budget:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve the tentative sewer budget for 2025, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Beth Cottrell made a motion to approve the tentative liquid fuels budget for 2025, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve the tentative fire budget for 2025, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Beth Cottrell made a motion to increase the water flat fee from $22.00 a month to $25.00 a month to eliminate the 2025 budget deficit and approve the tentative water budget with said increase for 2025, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Cecelia Gallup made a motion to have solicitor John Miller prepare a resolution reflecting the monthly flat rate fee to $25.00, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve increasing the tax millage from 4 mills to 5 mills to eliminate the general budget deficit for 2025 and to approve the tentative general budget with said increase for 2025, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Beth Cottrell made a motion to have solicitor John Miller prepare and advertise an ordinance reflecting the tax increase, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Beth Cottrell made a motion to have Secretary Denise Immel place the advertisement required for public review of the 2025 tentative budgets, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Solvency Fee:

Beth Cottrell made a motion to waive the solvency fee for the year 2025, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure update:

DCED Multimodal Grant Bridge Project:

The plan is to have bidding documents completed and ready for winter bidding with construction starting in early spring.

WWTP Project– Equalization Tank:

 Project is currently out for bids.

Raw Water Main Replacement:

Base mapping is completed, Buchart Horn is moving forward with design documents. This project is approximately 70% complete and will be ready for spring construction

CFA LSA Statewide Grant:

CFA did meet and awarded the LSA project. Millheim was not selected.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to adopt resolution 2024-10 to reapply for the North Main Street Water Main Replacement and include the purchase of a pickup truck and snowplow for water and sewer use, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

DEP LT2 Permit Application:

The permit has been issued. Some conditions of the permit require some additional discussions with Justin Kerstetter.

Fire Escrow Ordinance:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Ordinance 279, regulating the payment of fire insurance proceeds for fire damage to structures located within the Borough of Millheim and establishing penalties for violations of the ordinance, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

EADS report update:

Report was reviewed. Mr. Parkes was not present to offer explanations.

ARPA final obligations:
All remaining funds must be spent or obligated by December 31, 2024.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to replace the compressor pump at the water plant if it is deemed to be beyond repair, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Lease Renewals:

Beth Cottrell made a motion to terminate and rewrite the Penns Valley Code lease to include increasing the monthly rent to $400.00 2025 and a 5% yearly increase for 2026 and 2027 with a term of 3 years, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. A termination letter will be given to Penns Valley Code prior to December 01, 2024.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to renew the East Penns Valley Library lease for an additional 2 years with no changes, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Secretary’s Report

Jersey Shore loan payment:

The bi annual loan payment to Jersey Shore will be due in November. Beth Cottrell made a motion to transfer funds as need to cover the payment, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Cecelia Gallup to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.

_____________________________________________

Denise Immel, Borough 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

BUDGET MEETING

October 30, 2024

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Nickelaus Engle, Robert Zeigler and Cecilia Gallup. Also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary, Cim Besecker, Borough Treasurer. Absent Mayor Steve Myers and Beth Cottrell.

Citizens present:  none

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to pay invoice 17249 in the amount of $9,429.55 to Miller, Kistler & Campbell for legal services rendered, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

New Action Items:

Fire Tax Account:

This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

Liquid Fuels Account:

This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

Sewer Account:

This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

Water Account:

The water budget was reviewed with discussion taking place on how to compensate for the 2025 proposed budget deficit. Various budget expenses have been minimized, a deficit still remains. Council again reviewed neighboring municipality’s water fees and agreed that an increase from a $22.00 flat fee to a $25.00 flat fee would still keep us in line with neighboring municipalities and cover any deficit. The water flat fee has not been increased since 2012. With an increase to the flat fee the water budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 meeting.

General Operating Account:

The general operating budget was reviewed with discussion taking place on how to compensate for the 2025 proposed budget deficit. Various budget expenses have been minimized, a deficit still remains.  Council reviewed neighboring municipal tax rates and agreed to increase the municipal millage from 4.00 to 5.00. This increase will cover the deficit and allow for improvements to the borough. With an increase to the municipal millage the general budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 meeting. A tax increase has not been implemented since 2012.

Katie Blume reminded council members of the deadline on our ARPA funds, all funds must be under contract or obligated by December 31, 2024.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adjourn, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

_________________________________________

Denise Immel, Borough 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

BUDGET MEETING

October 23, 2024

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Beth Cottrell and Nickelaus Engle. Also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary, Cim Besecker, Borough Treasurer. Absent Mayor Steve Myers, Robert Zeigler and Cecilia Gallup.

Citizens present:  none

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to pay invoice 125614 in the amount of $1,100.00 to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered on the Raw Water Main Replacement, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to pay invoice 382 in the amount of $228.00 to PA State Association of Boroughs for borough membership and borough council association dues, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

New Action Items:

Fire Tax Account:

This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

Liquid Fuels Account:

This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

General Operating Account:

The general operating budget was reviewed with discussion taking place on how to compensate for the 2025 proposed budget deficit $9,119.42. Based on current (2024) it is anticipated that the borough will see an increase in both real estate tax and earned income tax, both account have been increased, as this still leaves a deficit discussion was held on increasing taxes. This would allow for continued improvements to the borough. Finalization has been postponed to the next budget meeting on October 30, 2024.

Water Account:

The water budget was reviewed with discussion taking place on how to compensate for the 2025 proposed budget deficit of $5,748.81. The cost of testing and chemicals as well as equipment and repairs is steadily increasing. As few new properties are being built in the borough to compensate for the increase a discussion was held on increasing the flat water monthly fee to assist in covering expenses. A review of neighboring municipalities was done, an increase would still keep us in line with our neighboring municipalities. Finalization has been postponed to the next budget meeting on October 30, 2024.

Sewer Account:

The sewer account was reviewed, based on the current sewer customer base it appears the sewer budget is balanced and ready to be presented to borough council at the November 12, 2024 meeting.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

______________________________________

Denise Immel, Borough Secretary