2025-07-08 Town Hall 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
TOWN HALL MEETING
July 08, 2025
Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Council members in attendance, Nickelaus Engle and Robert Zeigler. Also in attendance Cim Besecker Borough Treasurer.
Citizens present: Michelle Johnson, PVPRA, Jacob Michael, CDT, Tracy and Greg Leitzel, John and Tammy Myers, Amber May, Jo Battaglia and Jerome Abbott,
Michelle Johnson reported that a recommendation has been made to patch the pool, (similar to a concrete paint) this will need to be done in sections and volunteers are welcome. This will allow the pool to open. The patching does not replace the need for the liner but will enable the pool to open for at least a day to honor the agreement for the Wise Endowment.
Tammy Myers – Patching will allow the pool to open for a few weeks, a day, will this allow for funds to be received?
The patching does not replace the need for the liner but will enable the pool to open for at least a day to honor the agreement for the Wise Endowment.
Municipalities interested in participating in a municipal recreation authority – Miles and Haines
Jerome Abbott – What are the fees to enter/use the pool?
Daily charge $7.00, family membership approximately $240.00, twilight hour (5-9) discounted rate and a 10 day punch card for $50.00. The majority of the memberships come from members of the swim team, which has approximately 150 members.
Tracy Leitzel – Expressed support for the pool purchasing property from Lions Club. Questioned on financial responsibility and staffing.
The first step is to purchase the pool. The next step would be to form a Municipal Recreation Authority, per Lions Club proposal the PVPORA would maintain responsibility of pool management. The Authority would be able to apply for various grants for pool operation and recreational expansion. An authority cannot tax, they can charge fees, and they can hold fundraisers.
Jerome Abbott – Will Millheim residents’ taxes pay to refurbish the pool?
The goal is for the financial responsibility fall on the MRA not on the authority members. It would be the responsibility of the Authority to hold fundraisers, set fees, and apply for grants to fund the pool operations.
Jo Battaglia – How has this all come about? Who has been asked to join the Municipal Recreation Authority?
The Lions club sent a proposal to the Millheim Borough offering to sell Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park to the Millheim Borough, there are some stipulations written into the offer,
Jerome Abbott – How far away is Poe Valley State Park?
30- 45 minutes, Poe Valley is not always open due to bacteria levels.
Tammy Myers – Has council seen the budget for last couple of years?
PVPRA has a new treasurer, she is in the process of putting reports together for council to review.
Tracy Leitzel – Be sure this is worthwhile, if opening, improvements will need to be made, equipment updated, making it more attractive for people to use. Last time she was there things appeared rundown.
Even if the pool never opens the Borough will still have a huge amount of land to be used for recreational purposes.
The good news is there is a sound foundation to the pool the biggest need is to obtain a pool liner cost of $100,000 to $150,000. There is piping located under the pool that needs to be repaired and at some point in the future the pumps and filters will need replaced.
These repairs should buy another 5 – 10 years of time for pool usage.
Tammy Myers – Sharing of information is important.
Being an Authority they are subject to all public records the borough is (Sunshine Law).
Tammy Myers – Explain number #5 other assets
All materials belong to the PVPRA, concession stand, contents of stand, pavilions, playground equipment, etc.
There are a lot of trucks parked on park property, causing deep ruts and possible damage to the old court area
The property need a lot of work.
Jo Battaglia – has anyone contacted Gregg Township about the Authority?
Not yet because of their financial position.
Only about 33 – 35% of pool usage is Millheim Borough, other municipalities have an ownership in this resource.
Tracy Leitzel – Passion for reopening the pool. For anyone with health issues Poe Valley is not an option.
Update handicap equipment and baby pool.
Jerome Abbott – Would the other municipalities be giving funds to the Borough?
Funds would be funneled through the Authority. Municipalities would be able to receive funding for the authority to use or make donations to the Authority,
Amber May – Clarification the funds for the Joint Authority would be coming from grants and fundraising, not from municipality taxes?
Municipalities would not be required to contribute, but would be able to make contributions.
Joe Battaglia – How many swim team members are now going to Lewiston to practice and compete?
Last year the team consisted of approximately 170 member about half of them have chosen to continue at the Lewiston Pool.
Jerome Abbott – Has Representative Benninghoff has any input into this project?
Numerous conversation have taken place with Reprehensive Benninghoff, he has supplied resources for DCNR and DCED grants and information on Joint Authorities. He has been incredibly helpful. Will also be reaching out to Glenn Thompson’s office for addition guidance.
Will there be any other meeting?
There will be an Open Forum held in council chambers on July 18th from 8:30 – 9:30 AM.

Denise Immel, Borough Secretary
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