2026-04-14 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

April 14, 2026

Nickelaus Engle called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Council members in attendance, Nickelaus Engle, Cecilia Gallup and Marissa Evankovich . Also, in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary.    

Citizens present:  Mark Engle, Nick Hettinger, Kathy Highbaugh, Seth Gordon, Ang Smith, Greta Haney, Susan Haney, Lew Bryson, Shara Tritsch and Tammy Myers.

Nickelaus Engle opened the meeting by explaining that our sewer system is old and Jodi is still on a learning curve, we will refer to her reports for updates. We are looking for questions and comments from the residents that are present.

Will the old system be retrofitted?

As of now we will be retrofitting, but will need to review and do a cost analysis.

Susan Haney – Are grants available?

Cecilia Gallup – there are emergency grants available again refer to Jodi.

                            Always looking for available grants – the state is aware of all the red flags and we are                       

                            under their watch.

 Nickelaus Engle- The system is unique, this is a learning curve, at the last meeting Jodi was optimistic     

                                that we will be operational. The borough trusts ARRO’s opinion on what is best.

                                It is understood that this has been annoying, lets fix the issues than analysis why and

                                what to do in the future.

Are we using the reservoir?

                   Yes. The water used is supplied by surface water it is treated and stored for consumption.

Greta Haney – DEP flagged violations is that why the BWA  

                     BAW was initiated on 02/21/2026 by ARRO after their initial inspection and the signing of

                     the contract on 02/20/2026, the date when to current operator was relieved of his duties.       

                     DEP inspection occurred on 02/23 and 04224/2026.

Tammy Myers – Does ARRO service other municipalities in the area?

                              Yes, at least Gregg Township and Aaronsburg, they have a lot of experience

Greta Haney – Roy was good, Justin took Roy’s post about 4 years ago

Nickelaus Engle – Roy also had a year’s contract with the Borough to keep his license at the Borough

                       while finalizing training of Justin.  Justin was invested in the Borough, just got in over his

                      head. BWAs are very common, we have been lucky that this is our first in a while.

What happens in the future?

                        Arro has various employees with a regional supervisor.

Seth Gordon- What happened, was it over sight, neglect, no checks and balances? Would like to see

                         more consistent emails, one at the beginning of week and one at end of week

                          Snow ball effect, neglect and oversight, lack of proper maintenance no double checking

                          Continue with ARRO as they have multiple employees checking on plants

Where there over 100 tankers of stuff removed?

                            Don’t know how much

How are expenses being covered?

                            For now, pulling on reserves, that are available because the borough has been facially

                             responsible.

Lewis Bryson – Was there maintenance budget that was it not spent?

Marissa Evankovich – looking to the future, knowing the age of the plants and upgrades that will be                            

                                          needed

Rettew – the plants need care and funding. Arro has reached out to us to assist Jodi in the emergency

                 Issues and help move forward at both plants. They are based out of State College with a lead            

                 team that handles water and waste water. They will be the engineers of record for the

                 borough. As such they will act as an advisor, fulfill legal requirements, bidding grants and look

                 ahead for future needs.

____________________________

Denise Immel, Borough Secretary

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