2023-03-14 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
March 14, 2023
Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Beth Cowher and Nickelaus Engle, Cecilia Gallup and Mayor Steve Myers, also in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary/Assistant Treasurer and Sherry Corman Borough Treasurer/Assistant Secretary and Solicitor John Miller
Citizens present: none
Citizens Input: none
A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the February 14, 2023 minutes as presented, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.
A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the February 2023 financials as presented, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.
Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission Reports:
No reports from Code, HARB or the Planning Commission.
Employee Reports:
During this month we were able to start crossing some things off our spring to do list. We have been working at putting up the desired stop signs that need to be replaced or just put up at certain intersections. We also have had the chance to slim down the water meter and MXU problems working with residents and Denise. Throughout the Borough there are 50 fire hydrants, we have completed making sure everyone is accessible and operational. This included working them on and off and putting anti-seize on all the ports for water access. Mr. Haupt Sr., from the Millheim Fire Company has requested that we also color code hydrants by painting certain colors on the top for water flow indication. For example, a hydrant with a flow greater than 500 gallon per minute is painted green. The fire company also will have a map of coordinated hydrant colors for different flow indication. Out of 50 hydrants there are approximately 10 that would need paint. Paint is around $9.00 a can. We would need around 4 cans of 3 colors, 12 cans total of paint to complete this.
The water plant has been performing great thru the winter months. There have been no issues with water quality or equipment this month. The borough did receive a violation about some cryptosporidium sampling that should have been taken care of on November 23rd 2021. I’m reaching out to our old operator and our DEP sanitarian to follow this issue up. I will keep everyone posted as I make progress.
Recently revisions have been made to the Lead and Copper Rule regulations these revisions have been set to come out in stages.
The new Lead and Copper regulations are now requiring that all connections in community water systems be inventoried to determine the service line material. The evaluation of the service line is to include the water system owned portion of the service line and the customer owned portion of the service line. There are various classifications that the service line can fall into based on its material. Some of these classifications would require replacement, specifically if the service line is lead or it is composed of galvanized pipe that had lead upstream of the service line. The completion due date for this inventory is October 2024. Training on the requirements will be held on April 5th, 2023 in the council room hosted by PA Rural Water.
The sewer is running great and has no issues running its permit, and test results have been coming back on point. Nothing to report at this time for the sewer plant.
New Action Items
Invoices: none to approve
Floodplain review:
PEMA will conduct a community assistance visit on March 22nd and March 23rd.
FNB checking:
The FNB checking account is earning minimal interest. In the interest of maintaining a banking relationship with FNB Robert Zeigler made a motion to transfer the funds from the checking account to a 9 month certificate of deposit at the rate of 4.57%, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.
Emergency medical resolution:
As our emergency service provider should not be burdened with the collection of unpaid services from patients who are receiving direct payments from their insurance company or managed care plan, Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-03, encouraging our state representatives and senators to amend the Pennsylvania Quality Health Care Accountability and Protection Act to allow the emergency service providers to seek and receive reimbursement for medical services provided to patients directly for the patient’s insurance company or managed care plan, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.
Joint municipal agreement:
Millheim Borough has received a joint municipal agreement asking us to donate the equivalent of one-half mill on the taxable basis of all properties located in the borough. This agreement is also being presented to Gregg Township, Potter Township, Centre Hall Borough, Miles Township and Haines Township. As Millheim Borough already makes a yearly donation to PVEMS, questions were raised by council members, Cecilia Gallup made a motion to table any decision until answers were obtained, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.
Newsletter ideas, need to be out the first week of April:
Include spring brush and leaf pick up dates also include information on flood management on the home owner level.
Old Action Items
Update on infrastructure – if needed: no report received
Update on Solar:
Large Scale Solar
The project team has continued to firm up terms with Mr. Zimmerman for the utility right of way required to tie in the solar to the West Penn Power lines in the Narrows. BAI is still waiting for the backlog to clear up with the grid operator, PJM. BAI should have more information by the middle of the year.
Small Scale Solar
The phase 2 project at the treatment plant is moving along nicely. BAI has gone through the West Penn Power grid study and received favorable results. BAI is completing permitting efforts now and expect to be ready to break ground by September of this year. They will try to firm that up by the end of next week so that Mr. Omar is aware of the schedule and can plan accordingly. Once they have permit sets complete, a copy will be sent for Council’s information.
Justin training/testing:
Mr. Kerstetter has completed additional instruction on activated sludge, this is the only test still need for him to obtain his sewer license. He is scheduled to test on March 31, 2023.
Christmas decorations:
Due to deteriorations and bulb replacement, Council is looking to replace the existing wreaths with LED snowflakes. As we no longer have a bucket truck to borrow the electric outlets need to be lowered by approximately 15 feet to permit the use of a ladder to install decorations. A quote will be requested to explore the cost of lowering the outlet.
Rental and Parking:
Much discussion was held on the feasibility of implementing a rental/parking ordinance. Suggestions were made to hold a work session with landlords and/or tenants being invited, also possibly a public meeting to hear ideas from residents.
Signage lights:
The lights approved at the February meeting have been installed.
Board and other appointments:
Council was reminded that appointments will need to be made for positions on HARB, Planning and Zoning committees.
Secretary’s Report
Water Sewer updates:
New construction on Claren Court:
Contact has been made with the listing agent to have the water meter installed and occupancy permit obtained, property has sold and is set to close in April.
Mensch Street:
Robert Zeigler made a motion for council signed a formal complaint to code to pursue action against property at intersection of East Main and Mensch Streets seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion carried.
Liquid fuels allocation:
A report of fuel allocations was presented to council. This report also included road mileage and population for each borough or township in Centre County.
Robert Zeigler made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.
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Denise Immel Secretary/Assistant Treasurer