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 06, 2021

Steve Myers called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Patty Beckenbaugh, Steve Myers and Katie Blume also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer and Sherry Corman Treasurer/Assistant Secretary, Absent Beth Cowher, Robert Zeigler and Lauralee Snyder.

Citizens present: none

Citizens input – none

New Action Items

Review General, Water and Sewer Budgets as necessary

Two version of the budgets were presented to council, one including vision and dental for employees and one without. Members present felt thought that offering vision and dental to employees was feasible. This option will be presented at the regular council meeting on October 12, 2021 for further review.

Per Capita Tax

Tax Collector Kathy Highbaugh presented council with an income and expense summery for collecting the per capita tax. This is a tax that is very time consuming and difficult to collect as it is collected from each resident of the borough who is over the age of 18. Much time and effort is spent keeping track of who has moved in and who has moved out. Council discussed the pros and cons of the tax. Katie Blume made a motion to have Solicitor Miller draw up and advertise an ordinance repealing the per capita tax, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Katie Blume made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:40 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

Budget Meeting, September 29, 2021 7:00PM

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 7:22PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler,

Patty Beckenbaugh, and Katie Blume. Also, in attendance was Sherry Corman, Millheim Borough Treasurer/ Assistant Secretary and Mayor Lauralee Snyder who arrived at 8:00PM. Not in attendance were Council Members Beth Cowher and Steve Myers also Denise Immel, Secretary/Assistant Treasurer.

Citizens present: none

New Action Items:

The Water Fund Budget was discussed and suggestions were made for updating the figures. The numbers will be keyed in and a proposed Water Fund Budget will be reviewed at a later budget meeting.

The Sewer Fund Budget was discussed and suggestions were made for updating the figures. The numbers will be keyed in and a proposed Sewer Fund Budget will be reviewed at a later budget meeting.

The discussion was held on providing employees with a dental and vision plan benefit. The treasurer will calculate the costs based on estimates that were provided to the borough and do a second budget with those figures added to the General, Water & Sewer Funds broken down at the same percentages as payroll from each account depending on the employee. She will provide us with two proposed budgets for each account to be reviewed with and without the dental and vision at the next budget meeting.

The Liquid Fuel and Fire tax proposed budgets look good where they are at.

The treasurer will email the borough solicitor in regards to the necessary steps needed to remove the Per Capita Tax if and when council makes a motion to move ahead with removing that tax from the borough residents.

Katie Blume made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:20PM and Robert Zeigler seconded the motion.

______________________________________

Sherry S. Corman, Treasurer/Assistant 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, September 22, 2021 7:00PM

Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler,

Patty Beckenbaugh, and Steve Meyers.  Katie Blume joined at 7:15PM. Also, in attendance was Sherry Corman, Millheim Borough Treasurer/ Assistant Secretary and Mayor Lauralee Snyder. Not in attendance was Council Member Beth Cowher and Denise Immel, Secretary/Assistant Treasurer.

Citizens present: none

New Action Items:

The General Fund Budget was discussed and updates figures were suggested. President Zeigler called for and executive session at 7:40PM to discuss employee wages. Regular session was called back into order by President Zeigler at 8:00PM. After looking at income and expense items for the general budget it was decided to have Treasurer, Sherry Corman key in the new numbers for the employee wages and then re-visit the budget at a later budget meeting due to the different splits for wages between the General, Water & Sewer Funds.  

The Liquid Fuels Budget was discussed and suggestions were made for updating the figures. The numbers will be keyed in and a proposed Liquid Fuel Budget will be reviewed at a later budget meeting.

The Fire Tax Fund Budget was discussed and suggestions were made for updating the figures. The numbers will be keyed in and a proposed Fire Tax Fund Budget will be reviewed at a later budget meeting.

Katie Blume made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40PM and Steve Meyers seconded the motion.

______________________________________

Sherry S. Corman, Treasurer/Assistant 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 14, 2021

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

Citizens present: Kristen and Douglas Kalmbach, Nick Engle, Kathy Highbaugh

Citizens Input: The Kalmbachs complimented our crew members on the great job all are doing to keep the borough running safely and smoothly.

Consent Agenda

Water/Sewer Report

The water plant is operating very well, a leak has been detected at 118 Penn Street. The leak will be repaired by Gutelius at the borough’s expense as the leak is before the residence shutoff. Lot 14 of Frazier Street Development has been sold and we will be required to run waterlines to the property line.

Beginning of September we received 4.8 inches of rain that did affect the water plant performance, the issues were taken care of without having to contact DEP.

The sewer plant experienced a membrane failure on August 30, 2021, this rail of membranes was shut down and we are now running on 12 membranes instead of 14. We have placed a rush order on two membranes and would like to request purchasing the additional 12 to replace the remaining as needed. Since the new membranes are 980 square feet instead of 740 there is no need to expand to the 16 membranes as discussed earlier.

Maintenance

Mowing continues to keep us busy as well as cleaning up debris and fallen branches/trees from the high winds. All usable firewood has been neatly stacked for our residents to pick up. Several concrete projects have been completed including, sidewalk repair on West Main Street from when the water line was repaired, the light pole has been replaced in Fountain Park as well as the hitching post. Poormans Welding feels if the hitching post is damaged again it will not be repairable due to weakened metal. A concrete platform has been installed on the Borough building steps and the library statue is in its new home as approved by council. An inventory has been taken on road signage and stop signs. A number of signs are faded and will need replaced.

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

New Action Items

Capping estimate for roof

Major leaking has been happening in the code along the interior chimney, causing safety concerns and possible mold issues. Marcon has inspected the roof on several occasions, and believe the water is coming in thru the chimney and on each occasion has recommended a cap be placed on the chimney to prevent water from entering. The estimate for replacement is $1,235.00. Steve Myers made a motion to accept the estimate as presented and have Marcon install the chimney cap, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried. Robert Zeigler signed accepting the proposal which will be forwarded to Marcon.

JSSB updated offer for loan (2.5) fixed for rest of loan)

John Miller to contact Jens Damgaard to discuss any fees for switching to fixed rate and to confirm that this is allowed under the contract.

Approval of article for website by Ed Carter

Ed Carter has written an article entitled Moving House With Your Special Needs Kid: How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety and would like us to publish on the Borough website. Katie Blume made a motion to allow the article to be placed on the Borough webpage, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Purchase of new membrane filters for sewer

As the existing membranes are showing signs of wear and one has failed a recommendation has been received from the sewer operator to purchase 12 membranes at a cost of $6,500.00 per membrane, with a delayed delivery. Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to follow our operator’s suggestion and purchase the 12 membranes, using $45,500.00 received from the American Rescue Funds to cover the down payment seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Recycling grant for new equipment

DEP is offering grant funds for equipment which covers 90% of purchase and a 10% contribution by the borough. We can apply for these funds to purchase a tractor for the borough and recycling bins for residents. Steve Myers made a motion to pursue the grant, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Dogwood planting on September 24^th at 9:30 am

Centre County Conservation will be streamside on the 24^th to assist in planting dogwood bushes to help control erosion along the bank of the Race on the municipal side. Centre County Conservation is supplying the bushes at no cost to the Borough.

Uni-Tec

Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to pay invoice #1000046630 and #1000046631 in the amount of $1,345.00, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Per Capita Tax

A short discussion was held on the elimination of the per capita tax. Concerns were expressed on how the income would be replaced. Additional information has been requested from Tax Collector Kathy Highbaugh. Table until the information can be reviewed.

Howard Fire Company request

Howard Fire Company would like the assistance of the Millheim Fire Police on October 16, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM to assist at the Howard Fire Company Punkin Chunkin Fall Festival. Steve Myers made a motion to approve the request, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Frazier Street house numbers

With the construction of the new house on Lot #14 Frazier Street it has been discover by Centre County that a numbering error has occurred. Suggestion were given by both the 911 coordinator and code enforcement. Katie Blume made a motion to accept code enforcements proposal, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Liquid Fuels application

Centre County Government is accepting Liquid Fuels grant applications, deadline is October 22, 2021. Application will be referred to Leslie Warriner for completion requesting funding for road signs.

Newsletter

Steve Myers made a motion to mail the newsletter as presented, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried.

Trick or Treat night

Katie Blume made a motion to hold Trick or Treat night, within the Millheim Borough, on October 30, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, suggesting participants follow CDC guidelines, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Old Action Items

Support for Solar Co-Op work

Henry McKay presented the borough with an opportunity to support solar co-ops thru Solar United Neighbors. Although the Borough does support the use of solar power a motion was made by Robert Zeigler to not sign up with Solar United Neighbors, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Water/Dam grant update – no updates

Park Rd/Bridge update – no update

Penn St. Bridge (SR2011) – no update

Human Relations Commission – still delayed

Pollinator update – still trying to coordinate volunteers

Review HR Policies – no update

Secretary’s report

Availability of Financials

A request has been received to have the Borough’s financials available to view on our web page. Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to post a notice on the webpage that financials are available upon request, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Liquid Fuels Audit

The Liquid Fuels audit was completed on September 07, 2021 with no findings.

Time sheets –  no report

Steve Myers made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.

______________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer

MILLHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL

Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.

1. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING CALL TO ORDER

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

1. CITIZENS INPUT (For items not included on the agenda, comments limited to five (5) minutes.)

1. CONSENT AGENDA
   1. CODE ENFORCEMENT/ HARB / PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS       
   1. EMPLOYEE REPORTS
   1. APPROVAL of MINUTES – Sept 14^th, Sept 22^nd, Sept 29^th, Oct 06^th
   1. APPROVAL of SEPTEMBER FINACIALS
   1. COMMITTEE and MAYOR’S REPORTS

             1. Regional Planning Meeting – brought up regionalizing trash pickup similar to COG due to issues of   

                  riff raff, recycling, and other issues. Mild interest in that and mental health services.

• NEW ACTION ITEMS

1. Resolution 2021-12 – EMS contribution
2. Uni-Tec Invoice
3. PSAB Membership
4. East Penns Valley Code Lease
5. Solar Array/West Penn Credits
6. Budget discussion (per capita tax, dental/vision, wrap up)
7. Approval of article for website by Ed Carter – Get Michelle Grove to make it so we can add it
8. Park Rd/Bridge update – getting estimates for repairing it due to flood level storm
9. Penn St. Bridge/update – last needed permit turned in
10. Grant related topics
    1. Recycling grant info turned in – Leslie to determine billing
    1. Liquid fuels grant (needs in) – use for some road signs, painting arrows for borough roads one-way (Beth to discuss), and rest of equipment costs relating to recycling grant
    1. Happy Valley Adventure Bureau grant report (Walkfest Grant) turned in
    1. Potential funding from DCED for Small Water and Sewer – Corman’s office brought up our Sewer expansion/membrane project
    1. PennDot Multimodal grant – pursue with Park Rd., 3 small bridges?
    1. Low Volume-Pavement and Gravel grants (pursue with Park Rd., 3 small bridges?)
11. Dogwoods got mowed down?
12. Commissioner Mike Pipe to visit to get tour (November 10^th), other commissioners invited. Will check out bridges, solar array and other things we want to highlight).

• OLD ACTION ITEMS

1. JSSB loan (commit to fixed rate?)
2. Frazier Street Address
3. Support for Solar Co-Op work – Henry McKay (become a partner?)
4. Water/Dam grant update (currently still waiting on DEP)
5. Human Relations Commission – delayed
6. Pollinator update – trying to coordinate volunteers (same as before)
7. Review of HR Policies

• SECRETARY’S/TREASURER’S REPORT

         1.     Donations – Pool, Library

         2.     Town Clock CD Maturity 11-02-2021

         3.     Pension Obligation

         4.     Volunteer Fire Relief Association

          4. Water Funds – transfer loans payments

          5. Gutelius Services

          6. E-mail List

          7. Code Agreement

• CITIZENS INPUT (Comments limited to five (5) minutes)

1. MISC. COMMENTS AND CALENDAR ITEMS
2. Millheim Planning Commission Meeting – October 26, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. – Council Room (if needed).
3. HARB Meeting – November 2, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. – Council Room (if needed).
4. Next Council Meetings – October 22nd, 2021 – 8:30 a.m. (if needed); November 9^th, 2021 – 7:00 p.m.
5. Regional Planning Meeting – November 23, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. – Old Gregg School Room 106

• ADJOURNMENT