2025-04-08 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
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.
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Denise Immel, Secretary