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 

REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

January 05, 2024

Notary Denise Immel administered the Oath of Office to the Borough’s newly elected Mayor, Nickelaus Engle.

Mayor Nickelaus Engle called the meeting to order with the pledging of allegiance at 7:00 PM. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler, Beth Cottrell, also in attendance Secretary Denise Immel, and Treasurer Cim Besecker. Absent Solicitor John Miller.

Citizens Present: Tess Weigard, Angel Weigard, Frank Weigard and Amber May

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

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the December 09, 2025 minutes as presented, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Beth Cottrell to approve the December financials as presented, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments.  The fines and letters email listing various ordinances code enforcement feels would benefit to add various fines for infraction was reviewed.

A motion was made by Robert Ziegler to proceed with this process and instruct Solicitor Miller to draft the ordinance for council to review, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

No reports from HARB or the Planning Commission. 

Employee Reports:

After Thanksgiving an order was placed for a 9 foot artificial tree, it arrived on December 8^th and was installed at Fountain Park, decorated and was ready for Merry Millheim. Heritage Electric was contacted to help with electrical problems, they came on December 12th and fixed the problem outlets for the Christmas decorations, they also fixed the dusk to dawn light on the side of the Borough building. Through the month of December time was spent prepping roads for small storms and storm clean up. An order was placed and received for the two replacement street brooms from Hoover Tractor.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve Justin Kerstetter’s request for one (1) week vacation payout as written in the employee handbook, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to pay invoice #25-273-W2 in the amount of $$174,250.00 to Kappa Associates for the second installment of the equalizer tank (aqustore tank model 4215-SSTT), seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Council Committee Appointments:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to accept the following appointments, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Building & Insurance Committee – Cecilia Gallup

Personnel Committee: Katie Blume

Sewer Committee: Beth Cottrell

Streets & Alleys: Robert Zeigler

Water Committee: Marissa Evankovich

Review Board/commission appointments:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adopt Resolution 2026-01 appointing Curt Desousa to a three (3) year term on the Millheim Borough Zoning Committee, seconded Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Auditor engagement letter:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve Katie Blume signing the engagement letter as presented by Baker Tilly for the 2025 financial audit, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

All other appointments:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to appoint the following:

Solicitor: John Miller III, Engineer: Buchart Horn, Open Records Officer: Nickelaus Engle, President Pro-Tem: Cecilia Gallup, Zoning Officer: Michael Lesniak, Chief Administrative Officer: Cim Besecker, Vacancy Board: Richard Gallup, Local Emergency Management: Scott Long, Regional Planning; Robert Zeigler, Fire Tax Committee: Cecilia Gallup, Beautification Committee: (Fountain Park) Amber May , seconded by Cecilia Gallup, Penns Valley Code Enforcement: Robert Zeigler, Penns Valley EMS: Gary Stine seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Beth Cottrell to appoint Justin Dashem and John Howell (Penns Valley Code Enforcement) as the Millheim Borough sewer enforcement officers and: Laron Horner as the Millheim Borough alternate Sewer Enforcement officer, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Account signers:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to remove Steve Myer as a signer on all financial accounts associated with the Borough tax identification number and add Nickelaus Engle, along with Denise Immel, Katie Blume and Cim Besecker as signers on all financial accounts associated with the Borough tax identification number, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

EDU review

Process establishment:

Katie Blume, Beth Cottrell and Denise Immel met to review the existing EDU structure. Based on information obtained from surveys obtained from local business and landlords it was discovered that there is inaccuracies and inconstancies in the number of EDU’s assigned to various properties within the Borough. Solicitor Miller will be asked to amend the current EDU guidelines for restaurants to increase the seating from 20 to 30 per EDU based on fire code occupancy. A motion was made by Beth Cottrell to send a certified letter to all properties that will see a change in their EDU structure, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Reduction and increase:

Simon Leach has closed the pottery business at 105 Dana’s Drive. He is requesting a reduction in EDU charges, from 1.5 EDU to 1 EDU, to reflect this changes. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to reduce the EDU’s from 1.5 to 1 with the understanding if he or a new owner decide to rent or reopen the additional unit at 105 Dana’s Drive a new tap on fee will be required and additional EDUs added to the account, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Sid Allen has discontinued the rental of the second unit in his property located at 101 Walter Street. He is requesting a reduction in EDU charges, from 2 EDU to 1 EDU, to reflect this change. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to reduce the EDU’s from 2 to 1, with the understanding if he or a new owner decide to rent the additional unit at 101 Walter Street, a new tap on fee will be required and additional EDUs added to the account, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure Updates:

DCED Multimodal Grant Bridge:

The Geotechnical report was received on 12/31/2026. It has been forwarded to the structural engineer at Buchart Horn so that he can complete his design work on the plans and specifications.

WWTP Project- equalization tank:

Mid Atlantic Storage Systems and Kappe has sent Buchart Horn a final submittal to approve. They are looking at mobilizing next week to begin the foundation work. Buchart Horn has discussed the issues and changes to try to get a better price proposal for the civil work. The permit application is in the works and will be submitted once completed.

Commonwealth Financing Authority – 2024 LSA Grants:

CFA met and made decisions on the 2024 LSA Grants and the Borough was not selected in that round. We still have a few more applications in the queue.

DEP Dam Inspection:

DEP completed the annual inspection of the dam on Philips Run. There were items that they felt were critical to address. Buchart Horn has reached out to the inspector to talk through the items he noted. Here are the items listed: 1. Remove the debris that has accumulated along the weir (ongoing maintenance) 2. Repair the draw down system of the dam. The existing drawdown system is not operational but there is a system that can complete that function. If he is not satisfied with the operation we can easily install a valve at the dam since the raw water line was replaced 3. Concrete repair of the spillway and abutments. This item is the one that is most concerning. Once Buchart Horn understands that scope of repair he is suggesting we can understand the issue more clearly.

Accept County liquid Fuels:

Centre County has awarded the Borough funds to improve High Street, Hillcrest Avenue and Cherry Street. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to accept the funding and authorize Katie Blume to sign the MS-339 form, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Secretary’s Report:

Statement of Financial interest were disbursed, completed and returned by members present.

A motion was made by Marissa Evankovich to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 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

December 09, 2025

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

Citizens present:   none

Citizens input: none

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the October 29, 2025 budget council minutes, the November 11, 2025 council minutes and the November 21, 2025 council minutes as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the November 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.  Michael Lesniak was present to discuss the ordinance violation enforcement policy. This would outline a clear process that would handle code violations within the borough. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to move forward with the ordinance, with code enforcement listing the ordinance that will be affected, seconded by Cecilia Gallup Motion passed.  

No reports from HARB or Planning Commission.

New Action Items

Invoices: none

Approve 2026 Budget:

The 2026 Millheim Borough Budgets was advertised as required. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adopt the 2026 budgets as presented, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Approve meeting dates:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to continue scheduling council meetings for the second Tuesday of every month with the exception of the reorganizational meeting which will be held on Monday January 05, 2026, all beginning at 7:00 PM, a second council meeting to be held if needed on the second Friday following the regularly scheduled meeting beginning at 8:30 AM. Planning meetings to continue on the 4^th Tuesday of every month beginning at 7:00 PM and HARB to be held on the first Tuesday of every month beginning at 7:00 PM, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Ms. Immel will advertise meeting as required.

Town Halls:

Discussion was held on how beneficial the town hall meetings have been and is it necessary for these to continue. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to continue holding Town Hall meetings prior to the first council meeting of every month, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM., seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Ms. Immel will advertise as required.

Reichard Cemetery Resolution:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adopt Resolution 2025-13 recognizing the need to memorialize Reichard Cemetery, a location that is on private property and has over twenty buried individuals including, but not limited to the founder of Millheim Borough, Johann Josepf Reichard, members of his family, veterans of the Revolutionary War and other conflict and other individuals, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Tax Resolution:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engel to adopt Resolution 2025-14, levying the tax rate for the year 2026 at the same rate of 5.00 mills on the assessed value of real property located within the Borough of Millheim as was levied for the year 2025, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Equipment purchase:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to authorize the purchase of a Kioti skid steer, with trade in of our existing skid steer, and purchase of brushes for equipment, from Hoover Tractor, total package $44,357.20, purchase price split equally between liquid fuels and general, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure updates:

DCED Multimodal grant bridge project:

Buchart Horn has been working with their structural engineer sub consultant Chilton Designs to finalize drawings and specifications for bidding. Awaiting final drawings. Hillis Carnes had an issue with their drill rig and moved drilling to the week of December 8^th.

WWTP project – equalization tank

 Kappe Associates and Mid Atlantic Storage are still working through. Discussion has been held on the issues and changes to try to get a better price proposal for the civil work. The permit application is in the works and will be submitted once completed.

Grant application for waster sewer upgrades:

The grant application was submitted prior to the November 30, 2025 deadline. As a refresher this application was to make improvements to the water treatment plant to add a backup power source and to do electrical upgrades to be able to add aeration to the Equalization Tank.

Lions Club offer to Millheim for park and pool:

Memorandum of understanding:

Council reviewed the memorandum of understanding as presented by Solicitor Miller, there are no additions or corrections. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to accept the memorandum of understanding with an effective date of January 31, 2026, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Update on property transfer:

The deed has been signed by Shane Royer, Lions Club president. Solicitor Miller explained the benefit of keeping the property in clean and green, in regards to transfer taxes. A motion was made by NIckelaus Engle to accept the signed deed and keep the property in clean and green, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

VCBA updater:

Discussion is being held on forming a business authority

Clock Tower:

Small donation are coming in. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to send thank you notes to contributor, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Holiday items for review:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to give $100.00 to each employee who have been with the borough since January 2024 as a token of appreciation, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 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

November 21, 2025

Katie Blume called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM with the pledge of allegiance. Council members in attendance: Robert Zeigler and Nickelaus Engle. Also in attendanceDenise Immel, Borough Secretary Absent: Mayor Steve Myers, Cecilia Gallup, Beth Cottrell, Cim Besecker, Borough Treasurer and Solicitor John Miller.

Citizens present:   none

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to amend the agenda by adding the appointment an engineer seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to pay invoice #129383 in the amount of $3,400.00 to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered on raw water main replacement thru October 25, 2025, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to pay Nittany Office Equipment $375.00 for the maintenance contract on Sharp MX-C303WH copier, Sharp MX-CS14N copier cassette and Sharp MX-DS23N copier stand, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

LSA Grant:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adopt Resolution 2025-12 requesting a Statewide Local Share Assessment grant of $960.000.00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for water and wastewater facilities upgrades, designating Katie Blume, Council President and Robert Zeigler, Council Vice President as the officials to execute all documents and agreements between Millheim Borough and the Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to appoint Buchart Horn as the engineer for the water and wastewater facilities upgrades, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Appoint Engineer:

As Uni Tec now Buchart Horn has been the engineer for the Borough since 2015. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to reappoint Uni-Tec now known as Buchart Horn as the borough engineer retroactive back to January of 2015, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adjourn, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed Meeting adjourned at 8:15 AM

_____________________________________

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

November 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 attendanceCim Besecker, Borough Treasurer, Denise Immel, Borough Secretary and Solicitor John Miller. Absent: Mayor Steve Myers and Beth Cottrell.

Citizens present:   John Segursky, Buchart Horn

Citizens input: none

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the October 14, 2025 council minutes, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the October 2025 financials as presented, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. 

Code Enforcement/HARB/Planning Commission reports:

The Code Enforcement report was reviewed with no questions or comments.  An ordinance violation enforcement policy has been received, outlining a clear process that would handle code violations within the borough. No decision was made on which ordinances this would cover. Solicitor Miller is reviewing Borough Code to see if this would require each ordinance be revised or if we can adopt this as an ordinance to cover individual violation.  No reports from HARB or Planning Commission.

Employee Report:

Michael Confer and Adam DeGarmo have completed their 3 year flagger training recertification.  A meeting was held with the Penns Valley School District to go over procedures for delays and cancellations. This is a beneficial meeting as all the townships and boroughs learn bus schedules including pick up and drop off points. This helps employees delegate how routes are established for winter maintenance. The last week of October started brush clean up. We got two full loads of chips. With the new chipper box we built last year we can fit 11.85 cubic yards of material. That triples the amount we could fit before and makes clean up and delivery a much easier process. November will start leaf collection and we will pick up every week until snow

becomes more frequent.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to pay invoice #72985 in the amount of $9,391.82 and invoice to Miller, Kistler & Campbell for the 2025 retainer and costs advanced by solicitor, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Budget approval and advertisement:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the 2026 proposed budget for advertisement, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Secretary Immel will notify Lock Haven Express to advertise.

Fire payments:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to adopt Resolution 2025-09 authorizing the expenditure of $2,511.15 from the funds collected by the Millheim Borough from the fire tax to the Millheim Fire Company for fire truck loan payments, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adopt Resolution 2025-10authorizing the expenditure of $2,818.81 from the funds collected by the Millheim Borough from the fire tax to the Millheim Fire Company for workers’ compensation insurance, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

EMS Resolution:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adopt Resolution 2025-11 authorizing the expenditure of $7,708.00 to the Penns Valley EMS for the Borough’s contribution for 2025 coming from the Local Service Tax (LST) funds, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Library donation:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to authorize the budgeted 2025 donation to the East Penns Valley Library in the amount of $500.00, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Park and Rec account and funding:

Park and Rec account has been established with Central Penn Bank, opening balance $1,985.95 as per motion from the October 29, 2025 budget meeting.

Solvency fee:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to waive the 2026 solvency fee of $363.12, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Surge protection on traffic light:

Kuharchik Construction presented a proposal in the mount of $1,650.00 for labor, material and equipment necessary to install a new surge protection device in the controller cabinet for the traffic light, a voltage line and service light will all be installed in the controller cabinet, a motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the proposal and pay from the liquid fuels account, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Laundry Joe’s EDU reduction:

Mr. and Mrs. Steffen have closed the laundry mat on West Main Street. They will be maintaining the current apartment and renovating the second apartment for use they are requesting a reduction in charges to reflect the changes. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to reduce the EDU’s from 5 to 2 with no tapping fee, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

LSA grant:

John Segursky advised council of another LSA grant that is available November 2025. This is a grant that requires no matching dollars from the borough. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to authorize Buchart Horn to a grant that would cover a generator for the water plant and an aeration system for the equalization tank, also to have Mr. Segursky speak to Mr. Kerstetter for any additional need that could be added to grant, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure updates

Equalization tank:

Buchart Horn is trying to meet with operator to modify the project scope on the civil site side, they have spoken with the low bidder and that company feels with the proposed changes we could see a project between $80 – $100k. The permit application is in the works and will be submitted once completed.

Multimodal bridge grant:

Buchart Horn is working with Chilton Design to finalize drawings and specifications for bidding, awaiting final drawings. Hillis Carnes has been contacted on the status of the Geotech report. They indicated they are waiting on an executed agreement to proceed. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to execute the Hillis Carnes agreement, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed Katie Blume signed the agreement and returned to Buchart Horn for delivery to Hillis Carnes.

Raw water main replacement:

Change order NO 2 for the adjustment of actual installed quantities in the amount of $844.70 was presented for approval. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the change order for $844.70, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed

The contractor has completed the installation of the project and have submitted their as-built drawing. Application number 2 for payment in the amount of $99,463.17 was presented for approval. A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to authorize payment to Hogans Heroes dba J5 Construction in the amount of $99,463.17, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Hodson Energy agreement:

Solicitor Miller has found some minor items that need corrected. He will update agreement and forward to borough for signature. Robert Zeigler made a motion to sign the agreement with changes and provided tenant agrees to provide tenant insurance on the improvements on infrastructure and panels, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Centre County liquid fuels application:

We have received an email from Centre County in regard to our application, question if we would be able to increase our contribution to the project. Per email other municipalities are willing to contribute 20 – 25%.  It appears the application would be looked at more favorably if we contributed additional funds. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to increase our matching funds from 10% to 25%, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Mr. Zeigler will notify Centre County of decision.

Claren Court:

Documentation has been received confirming that Claren Court has been added to the liquid fuels listing.

VCBA:

Merry Millheim will be happening on Friday, December 12^th, from 5 pm – 8pm with Santa coming to town, and ornaments being handed out and Saturday, December 13th, from 11 am – 6 pm with a live nativity and choir. It is confirmed that the Millheim Hotel will do music at 1PM and have vendors in their back area. The Olde Village Mercantile will be doing an event known as “Merry Memories” with children and pets on the 14th during their business hours of 10 am – 3 pm at their location in Aaronsburg.

Approve First Responder policy:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adopt the revised First Responders Policy changing the wording from Penns Valley to Penns Valley Area School District, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

End of year purchases:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to approve the purchase of computers equipment and configuration as presented by Digital Media Productions in the amount of $4,124.91, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion

passed.

Lions Club offer to Millheim for the park and pool

Memorandum of Understanding:

Solicitor Miller will prepare a memorandum of understanding and a deed to transfer the property.

Citizens input – on behalf of Russ Burkholder – Solicitor Miller will investigate and clarify PUC policy for serving water clients outside of the municipality.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adjourn, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:28 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

BUDGET MEETING

October 29, 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 Beth Cottrell. Also in attendanceCim Besecker, Borough Treasurer. Absent Nickelaus Engle, Mayor Steve Myers, Denise Immel, Borough Secretary and Solicitor John Miller.

Citizens Input – none

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to pay invoice #129109 in the amount of $4,400.00 to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered on raw water main replacement thru 09/27/2025, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Water Account 2026 budget:

Because this budget is affected by salaries it was noted that the salary increases would need to be addressed before the proposed budgets for water, sewer and general could be approved. Several scenarios were presented. All 2026 budgets are based on a 5% COLA.

The proposed 2026 water budget was reviewed. A truck purchase was approved 2 years ago and is still showing in capital purchases, half was from water and half was from sewer. Katie Blume to discuss the delay in purchase with Mr. Kerstetter.

Mr. Kerstetter has verbally mentioned the purchase of a generator to be used during power outages at the water plant, as no estimates were received this item cannot be placed in the 2026 budget. The ability to rent a generator as needed is still an option. Grant options will also be pursued.

Robert Zeigler reminded council that the solar array at the sewer plant will be up for purchase in 2027. Purchase price $260,000 to $270,000. This would eliminate paying the middle man but will require maintenance contract. Expense could be divided between accounts and should be addressed in future budgets.

It has been brought to councils attention that a local business is interested in tying into our water supply or assisting in running lines so fire hydrants may be installed closer to the place of business. Tying this business in would increase water income and give other residents and businesses the opportunity to connect as well. If council would decide to move forward legalities would need to be addressed, are we able to supply water outside of the borough and discussions would need to be held with Penn Township.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the proposed water budget to be presented to council, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Sewer Account 2026 Budget:

Because this budget is affected by salaries it was noted that the salary increases would need to be addressed before the proposed budgets for water, sewer and general could be approved. Several scenarios were presented. All budgets are run on a 5% COLA.

A truck purchase was approved 2 years ago and is still showing in capital purchases, half was from water and half was from sewer. Katie Blume to discuss the delay in purchase with Mr. Kerstetter.

No new purchase request have been received

Robert Zeigler mentioned the West Penn credit of $6,636.65 which will be used to help defray the electric bill at the plant for the remainder of the year and part of 2026.

A motion was made by Beth Cottrell to approve the proposed sewer budget to be presented to council, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Liquid Fuels Account 2026 budget:

Two requests, with estimates, have been received from our maintenance crew. As the existing skid steer was damaged during the Race Aly project and now has limited use they would like the ability to have it replaced along with the tooth bucket. They are also requesting the replacement of the brushes used for street sweeping be replaced. Both of the requests fall under the liquid fuels program. Total expenditure for the requests approximately $53,251.06.

Two options were discussed. One – taking all expenses from the liquid fuels account and the second splitting the costs 50- 50 between general and liquid fuels.

A reminder was given that the Borough has grant applications out for various road improvements that will require matching funds from the liquid fuels account. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the second option for liquid fuels budget which would split the purchase between liquid fuels and general, to be presented to council, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Fire Tax Account 2026 budget:

A motion was made by Beth Cottrell to approve the proposed fire tax budget to be presented to council, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

General Account 2026 budget:

Two options were presented for the general budget, one with all costs of skid steer, bucket and brushes being paid from general account and the second with only half being paid and balance from liquid fuels. As council has already approved the liquid fuels proposed budget with these half of the purchase the second option for general will be presented to council.

Cecilia Gallup questioned the balance in the capital expenditure ledger, this is carry over for the approved chipper that was requested for 2025. Robert Zeigler would like the maintenance crew to get updated estimates as there is to be a recycling grant available late 2025 or early 2026 that could be used to purchase or help purchase the chipper.

Katie Blume discussed extra funds in the Race Aly account, because this was not contracted out we avoided paying prevailing wages on the project, she feels it appropriate that we compensate our road crew appropriately. A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to award an additional 60 hours pay to each full time maintenance employee, Robert amended the motion to add 2 additional day of PTO for the year 2025, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.  This still leaves additional funds. Cecilia Gallup made a motion to establish a separate account for Park and Rec and use the balance of funds as the initial deposit, also to add a line item in the 2026 general budget for Park and Rec, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. Cim Besecker will take appropriate steps to establish account with Central Penn.

An Employee Wellness line item has been established for 2026, Katie Blume requested that $100.00 be moved from the capital purchase line item to the employee wellness account.

As Penns Valley Emergency Medical Services is now requesting the municipality’s contribution be .5 mill of the current tax assessment it is recommended to increase Penns Valley EMS to $8,000.00 by moving $500.00 from small tools and maintenance to EMS.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve a 5% COLA to all employees, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the second option of the proposed general budget, with above changes, to be presented to council, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

No budget meeting needed for November 30, 2025.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adjourn, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

_____________________________________________

CIm Besecker, Borough Treasurer