Millerstown Borough Council Meeting Minutes
August 10, 2009
Those in attendance: President Bill Roush, Vice President Ken Druckenmiller, Councilmen Jim Russell, Rob Shipp, Secretary Karen Knellinger and Kevin Jacobs.
Meeting called to order, President Roush started the meeting without a quorum present. No votes will be cast until another councilman arrives.
Councilman Mike Sweger arrived at 7:15 pm.
Public and Private Concerns
Dave Briner mentioned several properties in town have high grass and weeds and questioned who is responsible for notifying the council. President Roush advised without an enforcement officer, the council relies on the residents to notify them and the secretary will send letters to the property owners for any ordinance violations. Also, he has seen several youths in town at late hours and several break ins have occurred. President Roush stated there is a curfew ordinance, however, without a local officer; the State Police would need to be notified. Councilman Shipp has noticed more State Police patrolling in town. Curt Black mentioned a residence with the sidewalk blocked from overgrown weeds. Secretary Knellinger has tried to contact the bank since the home is in foreclosure but they are still unknown at this time. She will check with the solicitor and ask if the employees can cut the grass and weeds and then the borough can be reimbursed when the property is sold.
MCSI- Square Plan Update
Chair Curt Black showed the previous plan for the improvements to the main square. He would like the council’s input on proceeding to the next project since the islands are finished. The plan calls for new sidewalks, trees, kiosks, removal of overhead wires, a meeting place with benches and new light posts. Mr. Black realizes this is a multimillion dollar project and money is currently not available, but maybe a smaller project could be accomplished. President Roush does not want any digging projects done because the road will be resurfaced in the future and the sewer plant project is coming up. Kevin suggested researching the Transportation Enhancement Program through Penn Dot. Councilman Shipp suggested lower intensity street lights on smaller decorative poles. Mr. Black asked about attaching banners and flags to the PPL poles like the Newport. Secretary Knellinger advised the borough currently has an agreement and PPL charges for all attachments on their poles. Kevin stated there are standards for any attachments to their poles. The street light would also need to be approved by Penn Dot since this is in their right of way and underground electric would need to be installed and sidewalks should be done at the same time. Kevin advised Newport received money to enhance storefronts and suggested checking with Rep. Keller and there may also be some money available to improve crossings for the handicapped. Mr. Black will investigate further. Mr. Black suggested MCSI would be willing to purchase surveillance security cameras and he has a business willing to have them installed at their premises. The council does not have an issue but enforcement would be through the State Police and Secretary Knellinger would need to check with the solicitor. MCSI member Wendy Sweger commented signs would need to be posted if cameras were installed. He thinks the cameras would cut down on some vandalism, they have recently had some around the square such as butt containers smashed and the signs are continually changed. The electric for the islands should be done soon and most of all the work was donated.
The minutes of the last meeting were previously emailed and reviewed. Councilman Mike Sweger made the motion to approve the minutes as read. Councilman Jim Russell seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
The bills/receipts/expenditures were reviewed. Councilman Rob Shipp questioned the charge from Rob Morris, which is the audit, and the Bank of NY, which is the extra principal amount paid to Penn Vest for the water tower loan. Councilman Rob Shipp made a motion to approve the bills and expenditures. Vice President Ken Druckenmiller seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
Street Committee Report
Chair Russell advises the paving High Street is complete. Premix salt and cinders is available from Pennsy Supply for the winter but we would need someone to haul it. A loader and a building with at least 18 feet clearance is still needed to store the supply. Chair Russell and President Roush still have options to research.
Sewer Committee Report
Kevin advises Detralia will try this week to complete the Cocolamus Creek project if it stays dry. The Act 537 Plan is on hold for now until a site survey is completed. This is 50% reimbursed by DEP with Burgett as the lowest bidder and will be necessary for the sewer plant project. Councilman Jim Russell made the motion to approve the survey to be done. Councilman Mike Sweger seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
Water Committee Report
A letter was received by DEP for instructions on well abandonment for the well that was previously closed. The well was drilled in the 60’s and does not have enough yield. Rodney had asked DEP during their annual inspection the procedure and Kevin feels no answer is required. A DEP sent a letter with the results from the water inspection. The findings were a source back up power is needed at the reservoir. Councilman Russell is currently researching the purchase. Also, respiratory equipment must be at the reservoir instead of borrowing the fire companies’. Kevin feels a generator is not needed since the installation of the automatic shut off valve. He will contact DEP on this and advise Council. There was damage to several pieces of equipment from a lightening strike last week and an insurance claim has been filed. The progress of storm drains, valves and meter replacement is unknown at this time since the employees are not in attendance.
Finance Committee Report
The H2O grant request for 66% or $3,615,000 for the upgrades to the sewer system has been approved. The Authority will pursue Penn Vest for the remaining 33%. President Roush wants the existing 5% loan, with a balance of approximately $175,000, to be refinanced since the Borough could not afford two payments. Councilman Shipp questioned if solar resources could be used in the upgrade since there are many grants available. Kevin stated the size of equipment would not allow solar to efficiently power any components. The Authority has signed and mailed the paper work accepting the grant monies. The second quarter budget reports were distributed. A speaker from the Energy Consortium will give a presentation at the next meeting.
Solid Waste Report
Councilman Shipp states there were 5 workers including the driver this past week. Chair Russell will monitor again this week and report to Wendy from CCD.
Solid Waste Report cont.
Councilman Mike Sweger questioned if they could pick up during the day to closely monitor the employees. President Roush feels as if this would not be a benefit because of traffic in the mornings.
Engineer’s Report
Previously covered.
Solicitor’s Report
None
Mayor’s Report
Not in attendance.
Old Business
Councilman Russell does not know the status on the truck tire purchase; he will have to check with Rodney. Councilman Mike Sweger made a motion to make a donation of $100 to the FFA for the weeding and mulching of the Borough building. Vice President Druckenmiller seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous. Councilman Shipp asked Kevin for help rewriting the zoning ordinance to fit the new floodplain ordinance. Secretary Knellinger made copies of Ordinance #67 to be reworked. Councilman Russell is still researching the purchase of a generator somewhere local to avoid the delivery fee.
New Business
SWIF sent information on a doctors panel for all workers compensation injuries for the Borough employees, fireman and ambulance workers. Council declined since there are no local providers. Steve Dowell, owner of 22 South Market, wants to make the Council aware he will be repairing a retaining wall behind his house. The zoning officer and employees have been notified and marked any pipes. Councilman Russell will research the purchase of a portable sump pump for the employees to use for jobs. The tunnels need to be painted under the overpass to cover up graffiti. Norm Shea mentioned the community church is looking for projects or a youth may need to do community service. President Roush will research the possibilities.
A motion was made by Councilman Jim Russell to authorize that only one signature is needed to access the safety deposit box at Juniata Valley Bank. Councilman Mike Sweger seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous. Only one signature is now required from the approved signature list.
Building/Zoning Permits
Hess 13 School St- deck, Grant 14 S Market St – fence
Councilman Mike Sweger thinks a permit should not be required for a fence. The zoning ordinance states all fences must have a permit for a nominal fee of $10 in order for the setbacks and boundaries to be checked prior to installation.
Dave Briner asked if he would need a permit to replace his porch. Kevin Jacobs stated he would because the footers must be checked and it adjoins a public right of way and falls under the Uniform Construction Code.
Adjournment
Councilman Mike Sweger made the motion to adjourn to Executive Session. Councilman Jim Russell seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
Councilman Rob Shipp made the motion to adjourn from Executive Session. Councilman Jim Russell made the motion to adjourn. Councilman Mike Sweger seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
The next meeting will be held on a special day, Monday, September 14, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the borough building.