Author: Secretary

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

April 08, 2025

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler and Nickelaus Engle. Also in attendance Denise Immel, Borough Secretary, Cim Besecker, Borough Treasurer and Solicitor John Miller. Absent: Beth Cottrell, Cecilia Gallup and Mayor Steve Myers

Citizens present:  Patty Beckenbaugh, Amber May, Tammy Myers, Tawny Holm and Gonzalo Rubio

Citizens input:

PennDot handouts were shared by Gonzalo Rubio, showing the grit to salt mixture the Borough is to use, Mr. Rubio has concerns that the amount being used is too much as he feels it does not stay on the road surface and damages pavement, causing additional expenses in road repair. Millheim Borough is working with representatives of Centre County and PennDot to ensure all guidelines are being followed to keep our roads safe during the winter months.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the March 11, 2025 council minutes and the March 11, 2025 town hall minutes as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the March 11, 2025 financials as presented seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments. No reports from HARB.

 Planning Commission met on March 25, 2025 topics of discussion included:

Future areas of development are limited due to lack of open space. The future of the pool located at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park, what can be done to keep it open and usable. Concerns of the conditions of some of the homes in the borough, junk and disrepair, enforcement of borough codes. The use of gravel on road ways during winter months. Various traffic issues such as speeding and it can be addressed. Main Street programs that the Borough may be able to take advantage of.

Penns Valley Regional Planning:

Robert Zeigler reported that PVRP is looking at making Route 45 a scenic by way, this would allow no new billboards to be erected but also open up additional funding opportunities for tourism dollars. PVRP is also discussing the possibility of regional trach pick as a way to reduce costs to all residents.

Employees Report:

Damaged signs from winter storms and accidents have been fixed and or replaced. The damaged gazebo has been safely taken down with any usable lumber salvaged and stored. Replacement of the gazebo will present a challenge, as a frost free hydrant is in the way of backing the truck directly in. A park bench, possibly a tree and lamp post will need to be removed to allow the roll back truck access to the site. Once the gazebo is in place everything will be replaced.  Snow fencing has been removed from Long Street to allow farming of the field. Street sweepers will be installed on the tractor and skid steer. Street sweeping will begin as we get rain to help with dust control and lesson the amount of mud pushed around on the roads. All roads will be completed.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to pay invoice #127179 in the amount of $1,500.00 to Buchart Horn for services rendered on the raw water main replacement project, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to sign the authorization form permitting PSAB-MRT to initiate payment from the Non-Uniformed Defined Contribution Pension Plan to Thomas J. Anderson & Associates for preparation of the January 01, 2025 Actuarial Valuation report invoice number 2021-12 in the amount of $1,550.00, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Brush and Leaf Collection approval:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to set brush collection for the week of April 14, 2025 and leaf collection for the week of April 21, 2025, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

America250PA Resolution:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to adopt Resolution 2025-02 supporting the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA), seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Town Wide Yard Sales:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to authorize Millheim Borough’s town wide yard sales on June 11, 12 and 13 and waive any permitting fees, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Conservatorship of abandoned/condemned properties:

Robert Zeigler explained how a conservatorship could help the Borough manage blighted properties. The property owner retains ownership, the borough would manage the property in regards to repairs, and the property is than sold with the borough being reimbursed for funds put into the property and the remaining balance being turnover to the property owner. The property needs to be vacant and condemned at least one year prior to the Borough filing for conservatorship.

Benner Township:

Benner Township has been given notice that they would no longer be a part of Spring-Benner-Walker Joint Authority and are looking for support to provide support to provide water to its 267 customer. Discussion held, does Mr. Kerstetter have the capacity to assist and proper licenses to provide this support. Millheim water system will[Ma1]  always be his main focus. Discussion will be held with Mr. Kerstetter. If we would move forward it would be presented as one year deal and reviewed at end of term.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure updates

DCED Multimodal Bridge project:

At this time, Buchart Horn would like to hold off bidding this project for another month while allowing time to bid two other projects.

WWTP Project – Equalization Tank:

The tank supplier is working through the COSTARS process. Buchart Horn should be hearing shortly when the first payment is due. We are in position to bid the civil work for the tank project that includes the valves, vault, site piping and conduit. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to authorize the advertisement and bidding of this project, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. Millheim Borough will request publication when notice is received from Buchart Horn.

Raw Water Main Replacement:

This project is ready to be bid. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to authorize the advertisement and bidding of this project, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Millheim Borough will request publication when notice is received from Buchart Horn. Motion passed.

Annual Waste Load Management Report (CH 94):

The annual Chapter 94 Report was due by March 31, 2025. Working with Justin the report was submitted, and the confirmation email was forwarded to the office

PA Small Water and Sewer Grant:

CFA has reopened this grant program. This is an 85% Grant and 15% matching program with an application fee of $100. The maximum project cost is $500,000. Buchart Horn has had a discussion with Justin Kerstetter about projects needing done at either the water or sewer plant. He indicated that he would like to do an electrical and control upgrade at the wastewater plant. Buchart Horn has contacted Nittany Controls and has been given an estimated project budget of $400,000. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to authorize the signing of the required resolution granting the request for funding, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Grant extension for equalizer tank:

The grant for this project is set to expire June of this year, a motion was made by Robert Zeigler to apply for a grant extension with Katie Blume and Robert Zeigler as signers, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

LSA grant:

After a deeper review of the application submitted, two separate projects are presented under one application. We have been requested to choose between the Water Main replacement project and the pickup truck. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to remove the pickup truck and pursue the water main replacement, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Claren Court

Accept and approve publication:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to accept the deed of dedication as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to ordain Claren Court, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. Solicitor Miller will prepare and advertise ordinance.

Billing:

At the March meeting a motion was passed to bill Brookside Homes for road maintenance. After discussion with the Borough road crew they recommended $1,200.00 to cover materials and labor. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to bill $1200.00 to Brookside Homes, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Clock Tower update:

Millheim Borough has received a request from Calvary Church for the Borough to hold all funds raised for the clock and tower repair. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to use the existing clock tower account with  separate spreadsheet to track funds raised, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Treasurer Besecker will reach out to Calvary Church.

Ordinance amendment:

Tabled to next meeting to allow time for a discussion with code enforcement.

DGLVR:

Seth Narehood has advised the Borough that the Hillcrest Avenue project is too far from water sources to get funding from this year’s grant. Recommendation is to wait until next year to apply.

Secretary’s Report:

Tenant information enforcement:

The Borough still has a few landlords that have not submitted the required information. Landlords have received 2 emails, a mailing and phone message left. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to send a certified letter with a copy of the ordinance explaining consequences, if information is not obtained they will be turned over to District Magistrate, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Gutelius Billing:

An email request was sent on March 17, 2025 requesting information on who would be responsible for covering the expenses incurred from Gutelius for emergency repairs on our water line at 259 East Main Street caused by resident pulling up waterline on the property. No response has been received. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to add the bill amount to the resident’s water bill, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Correction of February Minutes:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to amend the motion made approving the February minutes, correcting the minutes date to January 14, 2025 council minutes and the financials date to January 2025, seconded Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Tax office hours:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to have Borough secretary email the tax collector’s office hours to property owners, seconded by Robert Zeigler, Motion passed.

Clarification needed:

Secretary Immel has requested clarification on duties, and responsibilities as Borough Secretary.  Questions have arisen as to who sees what emails. Secretary Immel was instructed to be sure all complaints are sent to code and council. Emails pertaining to specific areas to be sent to council member assigned. Council does not need to see every email conversation and have been satisfied with Ms. Immel’s abilities to perform as borough secretary.  Katie Blume will meet with Ms. Immel and review job description.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adjourn, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 9:09 PM.

__________________________________________

Denise Immel, Secretary

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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 11, 2025

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Beth Cottrell and Nickelaus Engle. Also in attendance Denise Immel, Borough Secretary, Cim Besecker, Borough Treasurer and Solicitor John Miller. Absent: Cecilia Gallup and Mayor Steve Myers

Citizens present:  Mark Engle, Alan Auman, Jason Ticknor, Kara Benner, Marissa Evankovich, Judy Shawver, Andy Pisano, Kristen and Doug Kalmbach, Phil Kennett, Susan Haney, Patty Beckenbaugh, Henry Beiler, Jason Bierly, Joe Ebeling, Andrew Pisano, Nick Klaue, Lindsey and Bill Spicher, Kathy Highbaugh, Amber May, Tammy and John Myers, and David (can’t make out last name).

Citizens input: none (see Landlord Ordinance)

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to amend the agenda to include 168 Nathan Lane, and tax collector credit card information, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the February 11, 2025 council minutes and the January 14, 2025 town hall minutes as presented, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the February 11, 2025 financials as presented seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments. No reports from HARB or Planning.

Employee Report

There were some small storms that were dealt with. A few water meter breaks and repairs needed done due to the extremely low temperatures. Good weather days were spent maintaining the winter equipment, hopefully for the last time. Time was also spent looking at the Race Ally project, planning the best way to approach the task at hand. Road assessment is being done to figure out projects like cold patch and road cleanup projects. Adam and Michael are also looking around for a roller and chipper, keeping options available.

New Business

Invoices: none

Approve Secretary-Treasurer Ordinance 282:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adopt Ordinance #282, amending Chapter 1, Sections 101, 102 and 103 (previously Ordinance #145) of the Millheim Borough Code of Ordinances by appointing a Secretary and a Treasurer as separate offices of the Borough of Millheim, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Millheim Fireman’s Carnival:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to approve the Fire Company’s request to hold the annual Fire Company Carnival on June 12, 13, 14, 2025 on fire company grounds with the parade being held on June 12, 2025, with a rain date of June 13, 2025 and to close Poplar Street and Second Street on both side of carnival grounds to allow for set up beginning June 08, 2025, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Ordinance violation penalties:

It was brought to the attention of council that Penns Valley Code Enforcement does not have the ability to assess any type of financial penalties on certain ordinances such as, grass and weeds, unregistered vehicles, trash etc. They only have the ability to issue written warnings. Research will be conducted on current ordinances and a report provided at next meeting.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure update: no report

2025 DGLVR grant:

Robert Zeigler has been speaking with Seth Narehood, Mr. Narehood is to meet with Robert and Adam to review the scope of the project for eligibility. He will proceed with grant once it is determined what if anything is covered.

Rental ordinance feedback:

Numerous landlords attended the meeting and expressed their concerns. They were advised that the document they reviewed was a very rough draft of any ordinance we could adopt and that it is being considered for the safety and health of both tenants and residents.

Concerns expressed:

Who would be doing the inspections

Who all is the ordinance going to cover i.e.: out of town owner with family living in house

Will there be an online form

What will the fee be and how often and when will inspection be required, at change of ownership, yearly, when tenants change

Definition of landlord – family living in residence, not on deed, owner not living in residence

Why just rentals

How this will effect low income rentals

Type of heating is not fair for borough to establish

Could we start with a small ordinance and build on needs as indicated

Fire alarms, smoke detectors and safe and reliable exit

In lieu of an ordinance could there be a checklist for both the landlord and tenant to review during a walk thru and signed acknowledging safety features are in place and working

Insurance companies do inspection why would we require our own

Have tenants seen this document

Katie Blume thanked all in attendance for their input and assured landlords that this original document would be whittled down, that a town hall would be held to gather citizens input and discussions with code would take place to see what could be eliminated based on landlord feedback. She assured everyone this is not about control but safety and that is why we have requested landlord input. She requested written feedback be sent to the Borough prior to July 31, 2025.

Solar updates/Constellation:

First Energy attorney, Timothy McHugh stated Constellation did receive the funds from First Energy for the Borough’s solar credits and per our agreement with Constellation they have no obligation to forward any funds to the Borough. This agreement was verified by Mr. McHugh.

VCBA:

Robert Zeigler reported that the grant for SummerFest and other VCBA events has been applied for with Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and will be a pass thru grant as before.

Clock fundraiser update:

Calvary Church has applied for two grants with a fund raiser set for March 16, 2025 to help raise matching funds.

Pool update:

The Park and Rec association has gone public on Facebook, announcing the closure of the pool for the 2025 season. The Millheim Pool at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park announced on social media that they will not reopen its pool this year after an early closure in 2024. The Penns Valley Park and Recreation Association states the pool closed early last season due to a significant leak, causing multiple problems, like the inability to fill and keep full the pool with water. In an effort to make sure repairs are done accurately, the park has decided to not open the pool this year. The park will use this time to find solutions and secure enough funding for repairs.

Gazebo update and decision:

The Millheim Borough has received the check from the insurance company to cover the repairs of the gazebo. Discussion was held on the condition of the current gazebo once it is repaired.

Patty Beckenbaugh reported that the existing structure will need painted and a new roof in the near future and recommends council consider taking the insurance funds and use toward the purchase of a new gazebo. A motion was made Nickeluas Engle to replace the existing structure allotting up to $12,500.00 for replacement from builder in Madisonburg, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Town Hall Topics:

The next town hall topic will be Millheim Parks.

Credit card for tax payment:

Kathy Highbaugh reported that GSS will offer a credit card or e-check payment as a form of payment, cost of the transaction, 2.65% for credit card and 1.25% for e-check, will be tacked on to the tax payer bill. The Borough would be assessed a $99.00 yearly fee and the contract requires a three year commitment. Ms. Highbaugh will speak with taxpayers to find out if this is something they would utilize and council will make a decision based on her findings for future taxing periods.

Secretary’s Report

Claren Court;

The Borough has yet to receive any legal description for Mr. Miller to use to prepare the deed of dedication, this process was started August 2023. Robert Zeigler made a motion to assess charges for road maintenance to Brookkside, seconded by Beth Cottrell.

Lamp post on W. Main:

Last conversation with Kuharich to be installed around the end of March.

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM.

________________________________________

Denise Immel, Borough Secretary

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

February 11, 2025

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Cecilia Gallup and Nickelaus Engle. Also in attendance Mayor Steve Myers, Denise Immel Borough Secretary and Solicitor John Miller Absent: Beth Cottrell and Cim Besecker, Borough Treasurer

Citizens present:  Kathy Highbaugh, Amber May, Tammy and John Myers, Beth and Buddy Cowher, Henry Beiler and David Beiler

Citizens input: none

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the December 10, 2024 minutes as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the December 2024 financials as presented seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments. No reports from HARB or Planning.

Employee Report:

January had a handful of snow storms they were all managed well. A major cold snap that ended up freezing some water lines in resident homes, Borough employees helped out where they could to get pipes open and water running. January 10^th the Gazebo was hit by a car. Attempts were made to contact contractor, only one contractor, Home health Construction stopped buy and gave a very reasonable quote to fix up the Gazebo.

During the snow and ice storm on 2/9/25, the borough snow plow damaged the rear corner of 110 East Main Street, tearing off some siding and downspout. The owners and renters were contacted, everyone was very understanding. This is a project that borough staff can repair.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to pay invoice #126644 in the amount of $800.00 and invoice #126643 in the amount of $2,000.00 and invoice #126869 in the amount of $1,600both to Buchart Horn for services rendered on the raw water main replacement project and equalization tank, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to pay invoice #737634-0 in the amount of $392.70 to Nittany Office for yearly service agreement, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Review Secretary-Treasurer Ordinance:

Solicitor Miller presented an amendment to Ordinance 145 appointing a secretary and a treasurer as separate offices of the borough. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to have solicitor Miller advertise the ordinance as presented, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Rental/Short-term Rental discussion:

Penns Valley Code presented a draft ordinance that is compiled from neighboring municipalities’ rental ordinances. The purpose of the ordinance is to insure the safety of the tenants but also the safety of all our residence. Landlords present at the meeting requested a copy of said proposed ordinance be sent for review. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to have Secretary Immel email a copy of the proposed ordinance to all landlords on file, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. Further discussion will take place at the March meeting.

Approve Tax Collector Fees Ordinance 281:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adopt Ordinance 281, amending Ordinance 254 by increasing the fee for tax certification issued from $15.00 to $20.00 and increasing the fee for duplicate bills from $2.00 to $4.00, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

2025 DGLVR grant:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to have Robert Zeigler prepare the application requesting funds to address proper drainage of roads in the Hillcrest Avenue, Cherry Street, and Gramley Avenue areas seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure updates:

DCED Multimodal Grant Bridge Project:

Per our discussion at the January meeting Buchart Horn is on track to have design completed for March bidding.

WWTP Project – Equalization Tank.

After the January meeting John Segursky reached out to the Funding Agency about whether the COSTARS purchase would be allowed under their funding. Our Specialist indicated that it would be acceptable. He has requested a revised proposal from the supplier as his initial one did not have a Performance and Payment Bonds as part of the package. Mr. Segursky believes those were critical items to be included. He has forwarded the new proposal to the Solicitor for his review. He believe we can complete the tank through COSTARS and modify the bid package to only include general work (trenching, valves, controls, etc.)  A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the presented contract Kappe Associates for the Equalization Tank in the amount of $348,500.00, seconded by Cecilia Galllup.  Motion passed.

Raw Water Main Replacement:

 Base mapping is completed, Buchart Horn is moving forward with design documents. This project is approximately 70% complete and will be ready for spring construction. This will also be ready for approval at the March meeting.

DEP LT2 PERMIT APPLICATION:

 Buchart Horn confirmed with Justin that the modifications requested by DEP have been completed.

Annual Waste Load Management Report:

The annual Chapter 94 Report is due by March 31, 2025. Buchart Horn will work with Justin to complete this task. Since we have so many active projects this work will be completed again without a fee. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve Buchart Horns preparing the Chapter 94 report at no charge, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

VCBA update:

Happy Valley check has been received and turned over to business association.

Clock fundraiser:

A fundraiser to help Calvary Church repair the clock tower will be held on March 16, 2025 at the Millheim American Legion beginning at 1 PM.

Pool updates:

Robert Zeigler and Katie Blume have been contacted to facilitate meeting with the Pool board, Swim team, Lions Club and any additional involved organizations. Robert Zeigler made a motion for himself and Katie Blume to continue to facilitate meetings with involved parties, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Robert Zeigler: yes, Katie Blume: yes, Cecilia Gallup: yes, Nickelaus Engle: abstained.

It has been reiterated that the Borough is not responsible for the pool but is interested in helping interested parties. Robert and Katie have been requested to ask if the meeting could be open to the public.

Planning Commission;

Planning Commission met to discuss their role within the Borough. Next meeting to be held March, 25, 2025.

Gazebo:

Estimate for repairs has been received from Home Health Construction in the amount of $3,853.57. This estimate has been forwarded to insurance company. Awaiting their response.

Town Hall Topics:

Nickelaus Engle presented suggested town hall meeting topics for remaining calendar year 2025. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve topics as presented, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Secretary’s Report

Article from Mr. Carter:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to follow our solicitor’s advice and decline this and any additional request for publication on the Borough web page, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Annual statements of financial interests are due from council member. All presented completed at meeting.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adjourn, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.

_______________________________________

Denise Immel Borough Secretary