2022/01/03 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

REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

January 03, 2022

Mayor Steve Myers called the meeting to order with the pledging of allegiance at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Nickelaus Engle, Beth Cowher, Katie Blume and Mayor Steve Myers also in attendance Secretary/Assistant Treasurer Denise Immel. Absent Cecilia Gallup (illness).

Citizens Present: Melanie Morrison, Josh Portney, Dennis Heggenstaller, Kathy Highbaugh

Mayor Myers asked the newly elected council members and tax collector to stand and administered the Oath of Office to Nickelaus Engle and Kathy Highbaugh. After the swearing in ceremony Mayor Myers called for nominations for council president. Robert Zeigler nominated Katie Blume seconded by Nick Engle. Mayor Myers asked for additional nominations, with no other nominations or objections all voted for Katie Blume for council president. President Blume asked for nominations for council vice president. Robert Zeigler nominated Nickelaus Engle seconded by Beth Cowher, with no other nominations or objections all voted for Nickelaus Engle for council vice president.

Appointments:

Building & Insurance Committee – Beth Cowher

Personnel Committee – Katie Blume

Sewer Committee – Robert Zeigler

Streets & Alleys – Nickelaus Engle

Water Committee – Cecilia Gallup

Beautification Committee (Fountain Park) – Patty Beckenbaugh

Penns Valley Code Enforcement Agency – Robert Zeigler

Penns Valley Regional Planning Commission – Steve Myers

Beth Cowher made a motion to amend the agenda to include Change of Signers on financial accounts, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Beth Cowher made a motion to remove Robert Zeigler and Lauralee Snyder as signers on all financial accounts associated with the Borough tax identification number and add Katie Blume and Steve Myers as signers along with Denise Immel and Sherry Corman on all financial accounts associated with the Borough tax identification number, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler, seconded by Beth Cowher to approve the financial reports as presented. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler, seconded by Nick Engle to approve the minutes for December 14, 2021. Motioned carried.

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

Mr. Kerstetter’s report stated that the water and sewer plants are both running efficiently.  DEP has also issued his water license.

Mr. DeGarmo reports that a lot of odds and ends have been completed including PA One Calls, truck repairs and helping Justin with chemicals and some projects at the water and sewer plants. The backhoe is going to need around $233.00 in parts to get it to move.

New Action Items

Review appointments to Authorities

Council members will check with other appointees to see if they are willing to remain in current positions.

Backhoe Repairs

Robert Zeigler made a motion authorizing the maintenance crew to have the back hoe restored to running condition, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried.

Fire Company Request

Dennis Heggenstaller presented council with additional information on their request to consider a waiver or reduction in municipal property tax or earned income tax for active fire company volunteers.

There are currently 21 volunteers, not all are considered active as they have not reached the 30 point threshold. Borough administration will work with our tax collector to discover the financial impact to borough income. Tabled to February meeting.

National Emergency Management certification

Council members are required to take IS-200 and IS-700. Instructions to access training was provided.

Old Action Items

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Beth Cowher made a motion to increase Lester Kerstetter’s hourly wage to $15.00 and reinstate his cell phone reimbursement of $40.00 per month, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

Human Relations Commission

Due to additional changes tabled to February meeting

Project and Grant Updates

Park Road Park Road Bridge – will be going out for bids this month

Recycling Grant – should hear status in February

Liquid Fuels Grant – Centre County declined our request, most funding went for bridge repairs

Dirt and Gravel Grant – program will open in February

Secretary’s Report

Borough office is receiving complaints on parking on Main Street.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cowher. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

_________________________________________________

Denise Immel Secretary/ Assistant Treasurer

Attachments