2020-08-11 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
August 11, 2020
Robert Zeigler called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler,
Katie Blume, Patty Beckenbaugh and Beth Cowher. Also, in attendance Mayor Lauralee Snyder, Solicitor John Miller and Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer Secretary. Absent Steve Myers.
Citizens present: none
Code Enforcement Report/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 has completed roof replacement on the water and sewer buildings. The dry press test has been rescheduled for the end of August and the new grinder pump will be installed the next time one of the pumps clogs if the grinder pump solves the clogging issue Roy would like to request we budget for a second grinder pump and repurpose the existing pumps.
Justin Kerstetter reported that they continue to pry loose the existing grates and will schedule Gutelius Excavating to clean drains based on his availability.
New Action Items:
COVID-19 Related updates (if any):
Robert Zeigler reported that we have not heard anything on COVID funding from the county. Mutual Aid flyers have been distributed at various businesses and the library has placed rent assistance forms in the lobby.
Buy TV/DVD for Historical Room:
Jimmy Brown has requested a TV/DVD player for clients/resident to be able to view historical documents, pictures etc. Robert Zeigler has a TV/DVD player available and is willing to sell to the Borough for $25.00. Katie Blume made a motion to purchase the TV/DVD from Robert Zeigler for $25.00, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried with Robert Zeigler abstaining.
Fire Tax Expenditure:
The Borough has received a statement from the Fire Company. Questions have been raised as to what the fire tax can be used for based on the statement received. Further discussions will be held as to what can be done to utilize fire tax funds effectively.
Discussion of EDU’s and Rentals:
Discussion was held on the feasibility of instituting guidelines and inspections of rental properties within the borough. Information on how neighboring municipalities handle will be gathered.
Solar Project Update/Solar Development Update:
Construction of the solar array is almost complete SRE is looking to make the switch by the end of the week provided West Penn has completed wiring.
A draft agreement has been presented for the development of the Borough’s water plant property as a solar field. The agreement is being reviewed by our solicitor.
Park Road/Small Bridge Resolution:
Uni-Tec is still refining the bid documents for the Park Road Bridge.
Uni-Tec will be designing a grant request from the Multimodal Transportation fund for $700,000.00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for replacement of the bridges on Elk Street, Mill Street and Plum Street. Beth Cowher made a motion to sign Resolution 2020-17 authorizing this request and designating Robert Zeigler and Steve Myers to execute all documents and agreement between Borough of Millheim and the Commonwealth Financing Agency to facilitate and assist in obtaining said grant, seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.
2021 Financial Requirement and MMO:
Katie Blume made a motion authorizing Robert Zeigler to sign the Financial Requirement and Minimum Municipal Obligation Budget for 2021 as presented by Thomas J. Anderson & Associates, Inc., seconded by Patty Beckenbaugh. Motion carried.
Old Action Items:
Budget Dates:
Council members to check calendars and work schedules. Further discussion to be held at next meeting.
Welcome Packet Info/Update:
Only one response has been received.
Master Plan for the Town:
Suggestions that have been: community center, skate park and widen alleys to qualify for additional liquid fuels funding.
Committee Position needs filled: Emergency Management Position
A resident has requested more information before he will commit.
Census Update:
The Borough will again send out reminder letters to encourage all residents to complete the survey. Representatives from the Census Bureau will be in front of The Green Drake on Saturday, August 15th, 2020 to gather census information. Currently the Borough is at 56.7% participation.
NIMS: mandatory for all council members
Committee and Mayor’s Report:
Patty Beckenbaugh has been working at Fountain Park and has been visited by our family of ducks. She would like to purchase two coin operated feeders for the park. Beth Cowher made a motion to purchase two coin operated feeders to be placed at Fountain Park using funds from the Beautification account, seconded by Katie Blume. Motion carried. Research will also be done on the feasibility of placing bat boxes around town.
A motion was made by Patty Beckenbaugh to purchase one year iCloud coverage for our radar speed signs in the amount of $800.00, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.
Discussion was held on the poor condition of some sidewalks with in the Borough, including lack of weed control. No decision was made on any action.
Katie Blume made a motion to approve the July 11th and July 24th, 2020 minutes with one spelling correction to the July 11th meeting, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.
Katie Blume made a motion to approve the July financial reports as presented, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.
Secretary’s Report:
Katie Blume made a motion to pay the :Uni-Tec Invoice of $2,500.00 for services related to continued work on Park Road bridge repairs design, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.
Denise Immel reported that the fire hydrant on Oak Street was replaced due to a landscaping company hitting said fire hydrant with their utility trailer. The bill for all repairs has been given to the company and will be turned into their insurance company for reimbursement.
Research is being done on replacing landlines with cell phones. A proposal was presented from Verizon, no response have been received from AT&T or T-Mobile and further proposals will be requested.
Patty Beckenbaugh made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM.
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Denise Immel Secretary/ Assistance Treasurer