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

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