2025-03-11 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
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.
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Denise Immel, Borough Secretary