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

BUDGET MEETING

October 30, 2024

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

Citizens present:  none

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to pay invoice 17249 in the amount of $9,429.55 to Miller, Kistler & Campbell for legal services rendered, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

New Action Items:

Fire Tax Account:

This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

Liquid Fuels Account:

This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

Sewer Account:

This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

Water Account:

The water budget was reviewed with discussion taking place on how to compensate for the 2025 proposed budget deficit. Various budget expenses have been minimized, a deficit still remains. Council again reviewed neighboring municipality’s water fees and agreed that an increase from a $22.00 flat fee to a $25.00 flat fee would still keep us in line with neighboring municipalities and cover any deficit. The water flat fee has not been increased since 2012. With an increase to the flat fee the water budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 meeting.

General Operating Account:

The general operating budget was reviewed with discussion taking place on how to compensate for the 2025 proposed budget deficit. Various budget expenses have been minimized, a deficit still remains.  Council reviewed neighboring municipal tax rates and agreed to increase the municipal millage from 4.00 to 5.00. This increase will cover the deficit and allow for improvements to the borough. With an increase to the municipal millage the general budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 meeting. A tax increase has not been implemented since 2012.

Katie Blume reminded council members of the deadline on our ARPA funds, all funds must be under contract or obligated by December 31, 2024.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to adjourn, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

_________________________________________

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 23, 2024

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

Citizens present:  none

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to pay invoice 125614 in the amount of $1,100.00 to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered on the Raw Water Main Replacement, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to pay invoice 382 in the amount of $228.00 to PA State Association of Boroughs for borough membership and borough council association dues, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

New Action Items:

Fire Tax Account:

This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

Liquid Fuels Account:

This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

General Operating Account:

The general operating budget was reviewed with discussion taking place on how to compensate for the 2025 proposed budget deficit $9,119.42. Based on current (2024) it is anticipated that the borough will see an increase in both real estate tax and earned income tax, both account have been increased, as this still leaves a deficit discussion was held on increasing taxes. This would allow for continued improvements to the borough. Finalization has been postponed to the next budget meeting on October 30, 2024.

Water Account:

The water budget was reviewed with discussion taking place on how to compensate for the 2025 proposed budget deficit of $5,748.81. The cost of testing and chemicals as well as equipment and repairs is steadily increasing. As few new properties are being built in the borough to compensate for the increase a discussion was held on increasing the flat water monthly fee to assist in covering expenses. A review of neighboring municipalities was done, an increase would still keep us in line with our neighboring municipalities. Finalization has been postponed to the next budget meeting on October 30, 2024.

Sewer Account:

The sewer account was reviewed, based on the current sewer customer base it appears the sewer budget is balanced and ready to be presented to borough council at the November 12, 2024 meeting.

A motion was made by Nickelaus Engle to adjourn, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 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 16, 2024

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

Citizens present:  none

New Action Items

Invoices:  none

Fire Tax Account:

The fire tax budget for 2025 was reviewed with no questions or comments. This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

Liquid Fuels Account:

The liquid fuels budget for 2025 was reviewed with no questions or comments. This budget is ready to present at the November 12, 2024 council meeting.

General Operating Account:

Council member reviewed current salary structures and did a comparison to the neighboring townships and boroughs. Based on this information it was decided a salary increase was in order to be competitive with the surrounding areas. Robert Zeigler made a motion to increase all salaries by 5% based on solid work performance of all employees and to bring us in line with neighboring municipalities, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

New salaries will be entered and proposed general budget will be presented at the budget meeting on October 23, 2024.

Water Account:

New salaries will be entered and proposed water budget will be presented at the budget meeting on October 23, 2024.

Sewer Account:

New salaries will be entered and proposed sewer budget will be presented at the budget meeting on October 23, 2024.

Beth Cottrell made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 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

October 08, 2024

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

Citizens present:  Amber May, John Segursky, Buchart Horn and Seth Gordon

Citizens input: Mr. Gordon expressed concerns on the proposed dog park, he believes these funds should be used to enrich the community. Suggested collaborating with Millheim Lions Club on projects,

possible skate park or tool library. Also would like to see funding for more cross walks on Main Street, improved storm drainage on Penn Street, having the Borough pay trash removal so burn barrels would be eliminated.

A dog park is minimal cost to the Borough and funding from grants is being explored, this is one item that was requested on the 2021 survey that is currently feasible and rather inexpensive.

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup to approve the September 10, 2024 minutes, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the September 2024 financials, 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 Reports:

The first two weeks of the month were spent helping residents clean up from the storm in late August. The Borough collected 11 loads of chippings, 2.5 loads of logs with 42.5 hours of labor. Along with brush cleanup sections of Park Road needed to be re-stoned. Once brush and damaged roads were cleaned and repaired, time was spent cleaning out drains and culverts. Over the past few years, we have wanted a chipper box for the truck to be used for cleanup. After this past storm time was taken to build one for the truck. This will save time and hassle during fall and spring cleaning up.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Cecilia Gallup  to pay invoice 125397 in the amount of $3,045.00, invoice 125398 in the amount of $1,100.00, invoice 125399 in the amount of $1,250.00and invoice 125405 in the amount of $2,013.75 all to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Codification Approval:

American Legal Publishing submitted a draft of the S-3 Supplement to the Code of Ordinances for review. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the S-3 Supplement, seconded by Nickelaus Engle Motion passed.

Town Hall follow up:

Based on citizen’s concerns and lack of attendance a survey will be distributed to residents to obtain opinions on the creation of a dog park on the lot on Center Street. Grant funding will be investigated, based on previous cost inquires approximately $25,000.00 would be needed.

Grant possibilities:

LSA

Main Street:

Grant could be used for sidewalks in the business district, it does have match attached, and application deadline is November 15, 2024

Liquid Fuels:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to submit to submit a grant to Centre County for the paving of parts of Hillcrest Avenue, Cherry Street and North High Street, approximate grant request $98,000.00, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion carried.

PennDot Multimodal:

Grant can be used for streetscapes, deadline for application is November 04, 2024.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure updates:

DCED Multimodal Grant Bridge Project:

The plan is to have bidding documents completed and ready for winter bidding with construction starting in early spring

 WWTP Project – Equalization Tank:

 Buchart Horn is prepared to place this project out for bid. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve Buchart Horn placing this project out for bids, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. 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.

CFA LSA Statewide Grant: There has been no movement from CFA the last grant cycle to date. Their next meeting is on November 19, 2024.

A new cycle of this grant was opened on September 1. Application will be received until November 30, 2024. A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to add the purchase of a truck and plow, for water/sewer operator use to the existing LSA grant application and resubmit, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

DEP LT2 Permit Application:

The permit application was submitted, Buchart Horn is responding to DEP comments and working with Mr. Kerstetter.

DEP NPDES Permit Letter:

The office received a letter from DEP telling the Borough it must renew the NPDES Permit prior to February 2025. Buchart Horn reached out to DEP to confirm that they have the current renewal application that was submitted in June of 2023. It was indicated that the Borough could ignore the letter. Buchart Horn has received a confirmation email to this effect.

Lease renewals:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to renew both the EPVCE and the EPVL leases, no change to the amount of rent for the library and increasing the code office to $400.00 per month for 2025, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Fire Escrow review:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to advertise the Fire Escrow Ordinance as presented, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed. Solicitor Miller will publish as required.

Mixed Use Ordinance:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Ordinance #278, amending the Millheim Borough Code of Ordinance Chapter 27, Millheim Borough Zoning Ordinance, Part 2, Section 201, by adding the definition of a laundromat as a permitted use in the village (mixed use) district, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Budget dates:

A reminder that budget meeting dates are October, 16, October 23 and October 30.

Solar ordinance update:

Still being researched.

EADS Report:

Some of the field investigations have been completed. The EADS Group is working to quantify results and prepare an evaluation report for Council’s review.

Cecilia Gallup made a motion for Katie Blume to sign the Professional Service Agreement, Roadway Infrastructure Evaluation agreement as presented by the EADS Group, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Secretary’s Report:

Mifflinburg Bancorp, Inc. and Northumberland Bancorp have announced a merger forming Steel Bancorp, Inc.

It is unknown what if any impact this will have on the accounts held at Mifflinburg Bank.

We have received notice from Centre County Planning of the conditional approval of a minor land development request, proposed home occupation grief counseling services to be conducted in an 8’ by 24’ room located at 161 East Main Street. An invoice will be prepared for $2,500.00 for additional connection and EDU to 1.5.

ARPA Funds:

Recipients of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) have two options: obligate funds into contracts by Dec. 31, 2024 or return funds to the U.S. Department of Treasury. 

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 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

September 10, 2024

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

Citizens present:  Amber May

Citizens input: none

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the August 13, 2024 minutes with spelling corrections, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Robert Zeigler to approve the August 2024 financials, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed. Robert Zeigler made a motion to allow the FNB general account CD to automatically roll over for an additional 9 months at the rate in effect on date of maturity, 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.

Employees Report:

Representatives of the Borough met with the EADS group to help us itemize and prioritize the order of operations for road work in the future, from adding possible drainage to the roadway its self to pitching the water to different areas on the roadway in different areas. A meeting was also held with different groups collectively to help address the drainage issues Main Street. Jeff Tate Paving met with us for paving quotes for Poplar St. from Dana’s Drive to Locust St, and from Locust St. to Plum St. This will improve water flow and reduce debris traveling to the storm drains.

Borough employees had the privilege of Community Works from Rockview here for two days. They were able to freshen up all of the curb side parking stalls and no parking curbs through town. Debris along the curbs and most of the weeds in the downtown area where removed. New landscape barriers around the edge of the large ramp and fresh river rock were placed around the ramp leading to the building entrance. Both decks and ramps were then stained and sealed to help with upkeep. Lastly our goal was to clean out the race, large debris and overhanging branches were removed from the Race from the gateway to Mill Street opening up the waterway and allowing better flow. There was over 10 loads of debris hauled out of the project area.

August 29 brought a major storm. Two weeks have been scheduled to do storm pickup for Borough residents.

New Action Items

Invoices:

A motion was made by Beth Cottrell to pay invoice 125013 in the amount of $247.50, to Buchart Horn for professional services rendered on 2023 NPDES renewal seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Howard Punkin Chunkin request:

Howard Fire Company’s Punkin Chunkin Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Robert Zeigler made a motion to approve Howard Fire Company’s request for Millheim Borough Fire Police to assist with traffic and crowd control on October 19, 2024, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Trick or Treat dates:

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to hold Trick or Treat night in the Borough on October 31, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, rain or shine, seconded by Beth Cottrell, Motion passed.

Millheim Fire Company resolutions:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-07 authorizing the expenditure of $3,196.10 from the funds collected by the Borough of Millheim from the fire tax to the Millheim Fire Company No. 1 for fire truck loan payments, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-08 authorizing the expenditure of $2,623.19 from the funds collected by the Borough of Millheim from the fire tax to the Millheim Fire Company No. 1 for workers compensation insurance, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

Donations:

Beth Cottrell made a motion to donate $1,000.00 to the Millheim Pool and $500.00 to the East Penns Valley Public Library, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Motion passed.

LST Disbursement resolution:

Nickelaus Engle made a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-08 authorizing the expenditure of $7,500.00 to the Penns Valley EMS for the borough’s contribution for 2024 with $5,943.64 coming from the Local Service Tax account and $1,556.36 from the general account seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Lease renewals:

East Penns Valley Library’s lease will expire December 2024.

Budget dates:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to hold budget meeting on October 16, October 23 and October 30 (if needed). Meeting to begin at 7:00 PM at the Millheim Borough building, seconded by Beth Cottrell. Motion passed.

Old Action Items

Infrastructure updates: none

Fire escrow:

A fire ordinance from a local municipality was reviewed. Council members agree this would deter blighted properties from fire damage. Solicitor Miller will draft an ordinance and research the maximum that can be held in escrow, to be presented at the October meeting.

Planning commission vacancies:

Cecilia Gallup made a motion to appoint Catherine Bryson to fill a vacancy on the Borough’s planning commission, seconded by Robert Zeigler. Motion passed.

Short term rentals:

It has been brought to the Borough’s attention that numerous residence in the Borough are being used as short term “transient” rentals, commonly known as VRBO or Airbnb’s. These residence may be in violation of borough ordinances and or the International Building Code. Mr. Zeigler will contact Penns Valley code for assistance in drafting or amending an ordinance to insure the safety of everyone.

Open forum updates:

Open forums will be reduced to once a month on the Friday morning of a scheduled council meeting.

An open forum meeting will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024. The most brought up topic remains lack of code enforcement.

EADS Group update: none

Centre County, PennDot flood mitigation update:

Borough employees and council members met with representatives from Centre County Government and PennDot. In approximately 2 years it is the intention of PennDot to do maintenance paving on Route 45 from Centre Hall to Millheim. They plan on adjusting the paving to allow the water to flow better to the curbs and drains. Upon inspection our drains the realized that they may not be the issue as the drains are in better shape than anticipated, PennDot is planning on utilizing cameras to check drains to see if there may be a problem elsewhere.

Community works update:

See Employee report for work performed by these individuals. Council would like to continue to work with this program to have additional projects done in 2025.

Residential mixed use ordinance:

Robert Zeigler made a motion to amend the Residential Mixed Use ordinance by adding laundromat as an approved use for property located in the Residential Mixed Use Zone, seconded by Nickelaus Engle. Motion passed. Solicitor Miller will prepare and advertise the amended ordinance.

Solar site ordinance:

Penns Valley code has received inquiries on what if any guidelines are in place in regards to building solar sites within the Borough limits. An example of guidelines was presented for review. Discussion was held and it is believed that the example could be greatly reduced. Further discussion will be held.

Town clock update: none

Dog Park:

As deadlines for advertising the public meeting for the discussion of a dog park were missed, the public meeting date was moved to October 08, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Secretary’s Report:

Cim Besecker reported that the final reimbursement of the 902 Grant has been received.

Reichard Cemetery update:

Mr. Reichard has been supplied with estimates to pave West Poplar Street from Plum Street to Dana’s Drive. This is to grant easy access to the memorial Mr. Reichard is trying to get installed.

Robert Zeigler made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Cecilia Gallup. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.

_______________________________________

Denise Immel, Secretary