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

BUDGET MEETING

October 16, 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. Absent Mayor, Steve Myers and Nickelaus Engle.

Citizens present:  none

New Action Items

Invoices:  none

Fire Tax Account:

The fire tax budget for 2025 was reviewed with no questions or comments. This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

Liquid Fuels Account:

The liquid fuels budget for 2025 was reviewed with no questions or comments. This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

General Operating Account:

Council member reviewed current salary structures and did a comparison to the neighboring townships and boroughs. Based on this information it was decided a salary increase was in order to be competitive with the surrounding areas. Robert Zeigler made a motion to increase all salaries by 5% based on solid work performance of all employees and to bring us in line with neighboring municipalities, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

New salaries will be entered and proposed general budget will be presented at the budget meeting on October 23, 2024.

Water Account:

New salaries will be entered and proposed water budget will be presented at the budget meeting on October 23, 2024.

Sewer Account:

New salaries will be entered and proposed sewer budget will be presented at the budget meeting on October 23, 2024.

Beth Cottrell made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 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

October 08, 2024

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

Citizens present:  Amber May, John Segursky, Buchart Horn and Seth Gordon

Citizens input: Mr. Gordon expressed concerns on the proposed dog park, he believes these funds should be used to enrich the community. Suggested collaborating with Millheim Lions Club on projects,

possible skate park or tool library. Also would like to see funding for more cross walks on Main Street, improved storm drainage on Penn Street, having the Borough pay trash removal so burn barrels would be eliminated.

A dog park is minimal cost to the Borough and funding from grants is being explored, this is one item that was requested on the 2021 survey that is currently feasible and rather inexpensive.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the September 10, 2024 minutes, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the September 2024 financials, 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 Planning.

Employee Reports:

The first two weeks of the month were spent helping residents clean up from the storm in late August. The Borough collected 11 loads of chippings, 2.5 loads of logs with 42.5 hours of labor. Along with brush cleanup sections of Park Road needed to be re-stoned. Once brush and damaged roads were cleaned and repaired, time was spent cleaning out drains and culverts. Over the past few years, we have wanted a chipper box for the truck to be used for cleanup. After this past storm time was taken to build one for the truck. This will save time and hassle during fall and spring cleaning up.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup  to pay invoice 125397 in the amount of $3,045.00, invoice 125398 in the amount of $1,100.00, invoice 125399 in the amount of $1,250.00and invoice 125405 in the amount of $2,013.75 all to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Codification Approval:

American Legal Publishing submitted a draft of the S-3 Supplement to the Code of Ordinances for review. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the S-3 Supplement, seconded by Nickelaus Engle Motion passed.

Town Hall follow up:

Based on citizen’s concerns and lack of attendance a survey will be distributed to residents to obtain opinions on the creation of a dog park on the lot on Center Street. Grant funding will be investigated, based on previous cost inquires approximately $25,000.00 would be needed.

Grant possibilities:

LSA

Main Street:

Grant could be used for sidewalks in the business district, it does have match attached, and application deadline is November 15, 2024

Liquid Fuels:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to submit to submit a grant to Centre County for the paving of parts of Hillcrest Avenue, Cherry Street and North High Street, approximate grant request $98,000.00, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

PennDot Multimodal:

Grant can be used for streetscapes, deadline for application is November 04, 2024.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure updates:

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:

 Buchart Horn is prepared to place this project out for bid. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve Buchart Horn placing this project out for bids, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

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: There has been no movement from CFA the last grant cycle to date. Their next meeting is on November 19, 2024.

A new cycle of this grant was opened on September 1. Application will be received until November 30, 2024. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to add the purchase of a truck and plow, for water/sewer operator use to the existing LSA grant application and resubmit, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

DEP LT2 Permit Application:

The permit application was submitted, Buchart Horn is responding to DEP comments and working with Mr. Kerstetter.

DEP NPDES Permit Letter:

The office received a letter from DEP telling the Borough it must renew the NPDES Permit prior to February 2025. Buchart Horn reached out to DEP to confirm that they have the current renewal application that was submitted in June of 2023. It was indicated that the Borough could ignore the letter. Buchart Horn has received a confirmation email to this effect.

Lease renewals:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to renew both the EPVCE and the EPVL leases, no change to the amount of rent for the library and increasing the code office to $400.00 per month for 2025, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Fire Escrow review:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to advertise the Fire Escrow Ordinance as presented, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed. Solicitor Miller will publish as required.

Mixed Use Ordinance:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Ordinance #278, amending the Millheim Borough Code of Ordinance Chapter 27, Millheim Borough Zoning Ordinance, Part 2, Section 201, by adding the definition of a laundromat as a permitted use in the village (mixed use) district, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Budget dates:

A reminder that budget meeting dates are October, 16, October 23 and October 30.

Solar ordinance update:

Still being researched.

EADS Report:

Some of the field investigations have been completed. The EADS Group is working to quantify results and prepare an evaluation report for Council’s review.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion for Katie Blume to sign the Professional Service Agreement, Roadway Infrastructure Evaluation agreement as presented by the EADS Group, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Secretary’s Report:

Mifflinburg Bancorp, Inc. and Northumberland Bancorp have announced a merger forming Steel Bancorp, Inc.

It is unknown what if any impact this will have on the accounts held at Mifflinburg Bank.

We have received notice from Centre County Planning of the conditional approval of a minor land development request, proposed home occupation grief counseling services to be conducted in an 8’ by 24’ room located at 161 East Main Street. An invoice will be prepared for $2,500.00 for additional connection and EDU to 1.5.

ARPA Funds:

Recipients of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) have two options: obligate funds into contracts by Dec. 31, 2024 or return funds to the U.S. Department of Treasury. 

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. 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

REGULAR MEETING

September 10, 2024

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Nickelaus Engle, 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.

Citizens present:  Amber May

Citizens input: none

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the August 13, 2024 minutes with spelling corrections, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the August 2024 financials, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed. Robert Zeigler made a motion to allow the FNB general account CD to automatically roll over for an additional 9 months at the rate in effect on date of maturity, 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 Planning.

Employees Report:

Representatives of the Borough met with the EADS group to help us itemize and prioritize the order of operations for road work in the future, from adding possible drainage to the roadway its self to pitching the water to different areas on the roadway in different areas. A meeting was also held with different groups collectively to help address the drainage issues Main Street. Jeff Tate Paving met with us for paving quotes for Poplar St. from Dana’s Drive to Locust St, and from Locust St. to Plum St. This will improve water flow and reduce debris traveling to the storm drains.

Borough employees had the privilege of Community Works from Rockview here for two days. They were able to freshen up all of the curb side parking stalls and no parking curbs through town. Debris along the curbs and most of the weeds in the downtown area where removed. New landscape barriers around the edge of the large ramp and fresh river rock were placed around the ramp leading to the building entrance. Both decks and ramps were then stained and sealed to help with upkeep. Lastly our goal was to clean out the race, large debris and overhanging branches were removed from the Race from the gateway to Mill Street opening up the waterway and allowing better flow. There was over 10 loads of debris hauled out of the project area.

August 29 brought a major storm. Two weeks have been scheduled to do storm pickup for Borough residents.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Beth Cottrell to pay invoice 125013 in the amount of $247.50, to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered on 2023 NPDES renewal seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Howard Punkin Chunkin request:

Howard Fire Company’s Punkin Chunkin Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve Howard Fire Company’s request for Millheim Borough Fire Police to assist with traffic and crowd control on October 19, 2024, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Trick or Treat dates:

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to hold Trick or Treat night in the Borough on October 31, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, rain or shine, seconded by Beth Cottrell, Motion passed.

Millheim Fire Company resolutions:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-07 authorizing the expenditure of $3,196.10 from the funds collected by the Borough of Millheim from the fire tax to the Millheim Fire Company No. 1 for fire truck loan payments, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-08 authorizing the expenditure of $2,623.19 from the funds collected by the Borough of Millheim from the fire tax to the Millheim Fire Company No. 1 for workers compensation insurance, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Donations:

Beth Cottrell made a motion to donate $1,000.00 to the Millheim Pool and $500.00 to the East Penns Valley Public Library, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

LST Disbursement resolution:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-08 authorizing the expenditure of $7,500.00 to the Penns Valley EMS for the borough’s contribution for 2024 with $5,943.64 coming from the Local Service Tax account and $1,556.36 from the general account seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Lease renewals:

East Penns Valley Library’s lease will expire December 2024.

Budget dates:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to hold budget meeting on October 16, October 23 and October 30 (if needed). Meeting to begin at 7:00 PM at the Millheim Borough building, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure updates: none

Fire escrow:

A fire ordinance from a local municipality was reviewed. Council members agree this would deter blighted properties from fire damage. Solicitor Miller will draft an ordinance and research the maximum that can be held in escrow, to be presented at the October meeting.

Planning commission vacancies:

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to appoint Catherine Bryson to fill a vacancy on the Borough’s planning commission, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Short term rentals:

It has been brought to the Borough’s attention that numerous residence in the Borough are being used as short term “transient” rentals, commonly known as VRBO or Airbnb’s. These residence may be in violation of borough ordinances and or the International Building Code. Mr. Zeigler will contact Penns Valley code for assistance in drafting or amending an ordinance to insure the safety of everyone.

Open forum updates:

Open forums will be reduced to once a month on the Friday morning of a scheduled council meeting.

An open forum meeting will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024. The most brought up topic remains lack of code enforcement.

EADS Group update: none

Centre County, PennDot flood mitigation update:

Borough employees and council members met with representatives from Centre County Government and PennDot. In approximately 2 years it is the intention of PennDot to do maintenance paving on Route 45 from Centre Hall to Millheim. They plan on adjusting the paving to allow the water to flow better to the curbs and drains. Upon inspection our drains the realized that they may not be the issue as the drains are in better shape than anticipated, PennDot is planning on utilizing cameras to check drains to see if there may be a problem elsewhere.

Community works update:

See Employee report for work performed by these individuals. Council would like to continue to work with this program to have additional projects done in 2025.

Residential mixed use ordinance:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to amend the Residential Mixed Use ordinance by adding laundromat as an approved use for property located in the Residential Mixed Use Zone, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Solicitor Miller will prepare and advertise the amended ordinance.

Solar site ordinance:

Penns Valley code has received inquiries on what if any guidelines are in place in regards to building solar sites within the Borough limits. An example of guidelines was presented for review. Discussion was held and it is believed that the example could be greatly reduced. Further discussion will be held.

Town clock update: none

Dog Park:

As deadlines for advertising the public meeting for the discussion of a dog park were missed, the public meeting date was moved to October 08, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Secretary’s Report:

Cim Besecker reported that the final reimbursement of the 902 Grant has been received.

Reichard Cemetery update:

Mr. Reichard has been supplied with estimates to pave West Poplar Street from Plum Street to Dana’s Drive. This is to grant easy access to the memorial Mr. Reichard is trying to get installed.

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

August 13, 2024

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Nickelaus Engle, Cecilia Gallup and Robert Zeigler. Also in attendance, Mayor Steve Myers,

Denise Immel Borough Secretary, Cim Besecker Borough Treasurer and Solicitor John Miller.  Absent Beth Cottrell.

Citizens present: Kathy Highbaugh, Amber May, Jimmy Hake and Zachary Hake

Citizens input: none

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the July 09, 2024 minutes with spelling corrections, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the July 2024 financials, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. Treasurer Cim Besecker to monitor interest rates to assure we are getting the best return on our funds.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments.

Planning Commission:

Planning Commission met on July 23, 2024 for the purpose of review a requested ordinance amendment.

It is the recommendation of the Borough Planning to move forward with the necessary steps to add “laundromat” as an approved use for property within the Residential Mixed Use Zone.

 The Borough Planning Commission also recommends that the Borough require the property owner to supply written documentation from DEP that the abandoned underground fuels tanks meet all of DEP Underground Storage Tank regulation and requirements before any land development plan is submitted for the property located on the corner of Pine Street and West Main Street.

No reports from HARB or the Planning Commission.

Employee Reports

July brought a mix of projects. The severe storms that traveled created some drainage issues.  Drain in-lets and discharge pipes are being checked with some of the pipes on Main Street being cleaned out to insure adequate drainage. There was some storm damage on our roads and some resident’s property. Cleanup has been completed. The entrance to Pine St has been rebuilt with cold patch. Jeff Tate Paving finished up Sugar Aly and South St. Their estimator coming back August 21^st to give a quote for the section of Poplar Street between Plum Aly and Locust Street. Gregg Twp. delivered cold patch. Inspections are being done on roads, paying attention to water problems, patching problems, and overall road conditions to prioritize and budget for these projects.

Flower Pots:

With the acquisition of the new baskets for Main Street, maintenance time has been reduced. With less time spent on maintenance Patty Beckenbaugh has been contacted to address the purchase of 4 additional baskets, this will put a basket on each lamp post. Ms. Beckenbaugh is a proponent of the purchase. Robert Zeigler made a motion to purchase 4 additional H2O Labor Saver 23 inch basket using beautification funds, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

New Action Items

Invoices: none

Planning Commission vacancies:

David Sprowls has tendered his resignation with the Millheim Borough Planning Commission effective August 31, 2024. Cecilia Gallup made a motion to accept Mr. Sprowls resignation, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Gonzalo Rubio submitted a letter of interest to fill the vacancy on the Millheim Borough Planning Commission. Robert Zeigler made a motion to appoint Mr. Rubio to the Millheim Borough Planning Commission seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

CC Recycling rules and regulations:

The 2024 modified Centre County Recycling Rules and Regulations were reviewed with no questions or comments.

Regional Planning Comprehensive Plan Resolution 2024-06:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-06 establishing joint efforts to develop and update a multi-municipal comprehensive plan and subsequent plan updates in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Fire Escrow Account:

Discussion was held in regards to adopting an ordinance establishing a fire escrow account. A fire escrow ordinance would require certain funds be held by the Borough to insure fire damaged structures are not abandoned. Solicitor Miller will supply a copy of the Fire Escrow Ordinance adopted by Penn Township for council to review.

Oktoberfest:

Millheim Fire Company submitted a request to approve their annual Oktoberfest to be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and to close Second Street from North Street to Church Street. Cecilia Gallup made a motion to approve both of Fire Company’s requests, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Sugar Aly request:
Rebecca Laron and Jimmy Hake, owners of Super Duper Café and Rad Wheels Skates submitted a request to close Sugar Aly and a small portion of East Poplar Street, on Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, to host artists, venders and live music behind the building located at 110 East Main Street. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve their request, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Borough maintenance crew will deliver barricades to Rad Wheels Skates for event coordinators to place.

Minimum municipal obligations:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve the signing of the Financial Requirement and Minimum Municipal Obligation Budget for 2025 in the amount of $12,000.00, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Breezeline:

The contract with Breezeline for the internet service at the Sewer plant will expire August 2024. Breezeline has sent in a new 36 month proposal to continue the service. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve extending the contract with Breezeline and authorizes Denise Immel to sign, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure update:

DCED Multimodal Bridge Project. Buchart Horn has been in contact with Brian Chilton and he will be completing the design work. This should be completed and ready for bid at the September meeting.

Equalization Tank:

Permit submission was delayed due to a hydraulic issue that needed to be resolved. Buchart Horn has finalized the permit and will be submitting at the end of this week

Raw Water Main Replacement:

Base mapping is completed, Buchart Horn is moving forward with the design documents. There is no change since the July meeting as we are focusing on EQ Tank and Bridge projects.

CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant (DCED Mill Street):

The grant application was submitted on behalf of the Borough prior to the July 31 deadline. Buchart Horn will answer any comments that may come from DCED as they do their review of the application.

Constellation update;

Mr. Zeigler reported that Constellation submitted the post conference report to the Pa Mediator explaining that a settlement has been reached for $2,000.00, pending the final approval of Borough council. The resolution letter was reviewed by both council and solicitor Miller. Mr. Miller advised against signing the letter as written, he will draft a revision to ensure Millheim Borough is in no way absolving First Energy of responsibility and all to pursue this avenue. Nickelaus Engle made a motion to approve the signing of the letter upon Solicitor Miller revisions and acceptance of the revision by Constellation, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Government Software Solutions (GSS):

Kathy Highbaugh reported that RBA is requiring a decision be made on the printing of tax statements by October 1, 2024. If the Borough stays with RBA we will be responsible for the full printing charges and mailing expense. Robert Zeigler made a motion to use Government Software Solutions as the Borough’s tax statement printing, mailing and processing system, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Zoning amendment hearing:

Upon reviewing the recommendations from Centre County Planning and Millheim Borough Planning Robert Zeigler made a motion to hold an ordinance amendment hearing on the addition of laundromat as an approved use in a residential mixed use zone, hearing to be held at 8:30 AM on August 30, 2024 in council chambers. seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Town Clock update:

Calvary is still waiting on estimates for repair work on tower. A short discussion was held on the possibility of buying or leasing the parking area from Calvary Church.

Water mitigation update:

Anne Messner and other county officials, PennDOT representatives and borough representatives are scheduled to meet on August 22, 2024 to view and discuss drainage issues on PennDot roads within the Borough.

Dog Park:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to hold a public meeting on September 10, 2024 commencing at 6:00 PM in Borough council chambers for the purpose of discussing the proposed dog park to be constructed at 100 Center Street, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Forum update:

Nickelaus Engle reported the one concern that residents keep discussing is lack of code enforcement, i.e.: property owners not taking care of weed and grass and excessive vehicles (junk) being stored on properties.

Secretary’s report

EDU follow up:

Katie Blume, Beth Cottrell and myself will get together to review the returned property reports. Owners not returning requested documentation will be contacted and an inspection will be scheduled.

Triathlon 2025:

The race committee would like to move the 2025 Triathlon to a weekend in June. What events are currently on the calendar for June 2025? Council is only aware of the Fireman’s Carnival normally held the second weekend in June.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.

_________________________________________

Denise Immel, Borough Secretary