2026-03-10 Townhall 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
TOWN HALL MEETING
March 10, 2026
Nickelaus Engle called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Council members in attendance, Nickelaus Engle, Cecilia Gallup, Marissa Evankovich and Robert Zeigler. Also, in attendance Denise Immel Borough Secretary.
Citizens present: Cathy Bryson, Jason Tickner, Alan Auman, Mark Engle, Richard Gallup and Amber May
Amber May asked for a lay of the land
Robert Zeigler – Katie Blume, as council president, has been the point person for our issues, Robert Zeigler has reached out to Domer Smeltzer with Centre County Emergency Services as well as Scott Long our EMS contact. Both are confident that the water situation is being handled correctly and there is no danger to the community.
Nickelaus Engle – We have had some staff changes that took place and ARRO was contacted for an estimate to run the water and sewer plants. Prior to us being presented with a contract an inspection of both plants was performed by ARRO. Issues were flagged that led to the boil water advisory.
MarK Engle – understood that both water and sewer have a new operator and they have been on both sites
Nickelaus Engle – Yes ARRO is the new facilities operator with Jodi Muthler as our contact. They will be operating both the water plant and the sewer plant and have done inspection on both plants.
Robert Zeigler – One of the advantages of a third-party supplier is that going forward the liability will fall on the company.
Nickelaus Engle – Jodi Muthler is our contact with ARRo, Roy Rupert is subcontracting with ARRO to assist Jodi.
Cathy Bryson expressed concerns on the lack of communication and explanation of what a boil water advisory entails.
Robert Zeigler- Information was sent via email, webpage, and posted in post office, we are looking at additional ways to communicate information. We may not have any additional information to disperses
Cecilia Gallup asked if tenants be able to set up robo calls as well
Denise Immel – Information is requested from landlord on an annual basis, part of the requested information includes obtaining email address if none is given and a phone number is available, I reach out to the tenant and request their email address
Nickelaus Engle – Maybe look for an intermediary who can serve citizens, council and borough employees. Another contact person to go to for information and direction.
Cecilia Gallup – Can we put up flyers to alert residents to check email or explain what t boil water advisory is.
Denise Immel – There is a poster in the post office
Nickelaus Engle – That board is always full could we maybe place poster in window or door. Maybe have the post office dedicate a corner for Borough news.
Alan Auman – The rumor in town is that there is fecal matter in the water that was being drank prior to boil water advisory. He has also noticed his water compared to distilled water is different ph. Effects only his water.
Rich Gallup explained the consistency of water can change with what is inside the pipes any time you change the water pressure inside your house the ph will change
Robert Zeigler – I believe this rumor is unfounded, testing that was done and is being done would have detected any fecal matter, also the distance from the water and sewer plants would make this highly unlikely as gravity would prevent a backwash from the sewer plant. Borough will check for leaks on Frazier Street.
Nickelaus Engle – There is a lot of things in town that the Borough is responsible for, but a number one priority should be safe drinking water.
Marissa Evankovich – Are we able to post water test results
Marc Engle – Is the Borough going to continue using a contractor or switch back to an individual to operate the plants
Cecilia Gallup – Our options are open
Nickelaus Engle – My understanding is when the plants are running properly 2 parttime employees could operate both plants with a manager to schedule and take the load off other people.
Alan Auman – Is the waste being hauled from the sewer plant considered hazardous waste material?
All trucks hauling for the plant are properly licensed.
Alan Auman – Mill Street clean up never done last year
Rober Zeigler – We have reduced the amount of material being laid down on our roads, but we have had to treat road more often this year due to weather. Clean up should start in the next few weeks, depending on rainfall. If any streets are missed, please contact the Borough office
Rich Gallup – Can the Borough contact PennDOT and request better clean up on Penn Street, trucks have damaged roadside. There are no storm drains on Penn Steet which leads to flooding and drainage issues.
Robert Zeigler – We can try but would ask residents to file complaint online with PennDOT, the more complaints they receive the better chance of something getting down. It our understanding the work performed on Race Aly has helped with the drainage on Penn Street.
Nickelaus Engle – Adam and Michael did a great job on Race Aly. Could we do a petition for Penn Street residents to sign?
Alan Auman – What about the Mill Street bridge? Wood falling down/off bridge
Robert Zeigler – This is already on our radar, grant application has been submitted to add a multi-use lane, address the drainage issue and work on bridge. Waiting to see if it will be approved. Will have Adam and Michael remove any loose boards or wood.
Rich Gallup – What can be done about a neighbor that does not maintain his property?
Robert Zeigler – A formal complaint can be filed at the code enforcement office. If it has been vacant for years and poses a safety hazard it could be condemned. Refer question to John Miller during formal council meeting.
_________________________________
Denise Immel, Borough Secretary