2021-09-14 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
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 24th at 9:30 am
Centre County Conservation will be streamside on the 24th 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.
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Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer