2020-07-14 Council Minutes

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

July 14, 2020

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

Citizens Present:  none

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:

Roy Rupert reported that Stormy Ridge Construction will be starting roof replacement projects within the next two weeks.  He will also speak with Uni-Tec to received information on purchasing a hoist to be used for pulling pumps.

Justin Kerstetter presented a request to hire Gutelius Excavating to vacuum the storm drains. Cost is $250.00 per hour and there are approximately 30 drains to be cleaned, time to clean each.  Beth Cowher made a motion to hire Gutelius Excavating for 4 days, cost not to exceed $7,600.00 with Patty Beckenbaugh having authorization to exceed if project is near completion, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried. Maintenance crew is to have all grates loosened prior to Gutelius Excavating starting the project.

Sherry Corman asked the council about the maturing CD with Mifflinburg Bank for Act 13 Funds, balance 747.86. Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to close the CD and move the funds to the general account labeling them Act 13 funds, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

New Action Items:

COVID-19 Related Updates (if any)

Robert Zeigler reported that we have not received any updates on COVID funding from the county. Denise Immel reported that a touchless soap dispenser has been ordered to be placed in the public bathroom and a hand sanitizing station has been order to be placed in the main entrance.

EMS Meeting:

Robert Zeigler reported that PVEMS is doing much better financially as they have received grants which allowed them to pay all outstanding debt. They will be looking for grants which will all them to purchase needed safety equipment.

Fire Hall Meeting:

Robert Zeigler and Steve Myers attended the Fire Hall meeting on March 13, 2020 for the purpose of making them aware of an observation by a borough resident that was brought to Mr. Zeigler’s attention involving what the resident considered to be inappropriate conduct and language by a very intoxicated fireman at the Fireman’s Club. Discussion was also held on how to handle situations involving firemen who have legal charges filed against them. As these are voluntary positions and the Fire Hall does not oversee volunteers there is little they can do.

Update Zettle Property:

Regarding the bridge over the Race, discussion was held as to the liability, question will be presented to Solicitor Miller, with a possibility of a letter being written exonerating the Borough of any responsibility.

Discussion on EDU’s and rental: tabled till next meeting

Discussion of previously timbered land – update

Katie Blume and Robert Zeigler met with Barry Kuppel and Larry Shreckengast to advise them of the Boroughs intentions to use the property for a solar field. The information was well received and Mr. Kuppel and Mr. Shreckengast advised that in order to use the existing road it would require 7 – 8 right-of-ways. Other options would be to use Tollhouse Road, ask for right of way on another private unnamed road or cross the creek and accessing the property from Smullton. Mr. Edor is exploring these and other options.

Agility Agreement (PennDot)

The Agility Agreement was reviewed by council members, due to the discrepancies on dates and dollar figures within the agreement council requested Denise Immel to speak with PennDot’s representative to resolve the discrepancies. Ms. Immel was also asked to formally complain about the condition of the sidewalks and road surface of the bridge over Elk Creek.

Vacuum System Rental – see employee reports

Harris Computer Invoice (UBPro Annual Support)

Beth Cowher made a motion to pay Harris Computer $992.16 for support services covering 09-01-2020 to 08-31-2021, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

Discussion of Resolutions:

Council reviewed the request from PennEnviroment requesting we send a letter to the General Assembly asking that they oppose preempting local governments from using fees or local bans as a tool to address local pollution letters. After much discussion and many unanswered questions I was decide not to send any letter at this time.

Council reviewed the resolution signed by Centre County Commissioners regarding the wearing of masks. Council requested Mr. Zeigler to draft a similar, condensed resolution that follows CDC guidelines to protect borough residents.

Set up budgeting date/times:

Robert Zeigler requested council members to review their calendars for available dates and times.

Old Action Items:

Update on Mr. King Agreement – signed

Mr. King signed the agreement as presented.

Welcome packet info/update:

No businesses have responded or shown interest.

Master Plan for town as a whole: no update, more discussion to take place during budgeting sessions

Committee Position needs filled: Emergency Management

To date no one has expressed interest in the position. Position will be posted on our Facebook page and our web page.

Census Update:

Millheim Borough has a 55.5% self-response rate with the state at 65.2%

NIMS: mandatory for all council members.

Denise Immel will resend the training link.

Committee and Mayor Reports:

Historian Report:

Jimmy Brown presented a short list of requests to improve and preserves the documents within the Historical room. As the curator of this room Mr. Brown has the authority to make necessary decisions that improve and preserves these documents.

Beautification Report:

Patty Beckenbaugh reported an increase in littering especially used masks around the borough, also residents are not taking proper care of sidewalks and mowing. Residents are responsible for the care and maintenance of the sidewalks and grass between sidewalks and streets, including weed removal and mowing.

Steve Myers made a motion to approve the June 19, 2020 minutes as presented, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Steve Myers made a motion to approve the June 2020 financials as presented, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Secretary’s Report:

Denise Immel reported that council has received a request to support suicide prevention and awareness from the Centre County Suicide Prevention Task Force. Beth Cowher made a motion to adopt Resolution 2020-14 designating the month of September 2020 as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and designating September 10, 2020 as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day in Millheim Borough, seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

An email has been received to renew the Cloud subscription for the radar feedback signs in the amount of $400.00. A motion was made by Beth Cowher to renew the subscription seconded by Steve Myers. Motion carried.

An invoice has been received from Uni-Tec for engineering services related to initial work on Park Road Bridge. The invoice has been typed up incorrectly per email from Andrew Elder I have hand written in the proper amounts.  Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to pay the Uni-Tec invoice for $840.00, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Steve Myers made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 PM.

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Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer

Attachments