Millerstown Borough Council Meeting Minutes

October 5, 2009

Those in attendance: President Bill Roush, Vice President Ken Druckenmiller, Councilmen Jim Russell, Rob Sweger, Mike Sweger, Rodney Gish, Dave Stroup, Secretary Karen Knellinger and Kevin Jacobs.

Meeting called to order.

Public and Private Concerns 

Resident Dave Suarez suggested the need for a neighborhood watch in town for some of the youth roaming the streets at night. There have been several issues with 31 & 35 South Market Street. Councilman Mike Sweger has made contact with the property owner because three to five families are in 35 South Market, including one in the attic. Mr. Suarez will be running for state constable in November and hopes to be able to offer some assistance if he is elected. Several instances were discussed concerning people carrying pistols and inhabiting houses and apartments that are supposed to be closed. In addition, several vehicles have been stored and driven at night, which are unregistered and uninspected. Bark of the Town was also recently burglarized. Mayor Ritzman will contact the state police, advise them of the issues, and ask about the neighborhood watch program.

The minutes of the last meeting were previously emailed and reviewed. Councilman Rob Sweger made the motion to approve the minutes as read. Vice President Ken Druckenmiller seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.

The bills/receipts/expenditures were reviewed. Secretary Knellinger commented the Workers Compensation reimbursement was received for a third each from Greenwood and Tuscarora Township. President Roush asked if a bill from the fire company treasurer was received for the tax millage. The bill has not yet been received and Secretary Knellinger will follow up. Councilman Mike Sweger made a motion to approve the bills and expenditures. Vice President Ken Druckenmiller seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.

Street Committee Report

Chair Russell advised the repairs were made to North Market with some temporary patches to be fixed after settling. Behind the cemetery was dug out and 30 foot of pipe was replaced. It will need to be filled and black topped yet. Several tractors options were discussed and loan percentages from Bobcat were distributed. President Roush was in contact with Red Hill Supply, a 21x26 shed could be installed for less than $4,000. The walls would need to be finished off and Juniata concrete would provide stackable retaining walls to be anchored down and bring the height to 13.5 feet. This could take 4-6 weeks to be ordered. Councilman Russell questioned if poured walls for the foundation would be better. President Roush said Councilman Mike Sweger would allow the building to be temporarily erected on his property and it can be moved easier if the retaining walls are used. He also suggested adding a wing to store the loader. Pennsy Supply sells premix and there are several truckers that may deliver. The delivery price is almost as much as the premix. Councilman Jim Russell made a motion to purchase a 21x26 shed installed by Red Hill Supply for storing the salt and loader for an estimate of $3,200. The floor would be ground and the Borough would close it in after the building is up. Councilman Rob Sweger seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.

Street Committee Report cont.

The purchase of a loader is on hold for now. The Council wanted to make sure the employees know to turn around 200 feet beyond the Borough line on Iron Mt. Road. Rodney will look into a sign for end Borough maintenance.

Sewer Committee Report

The impeller on the pump snapped and was sent out to be rebuilt.  

Water Committee Report

The fire hydrants still need to be exercised and assessed for repairs. Some meters have been replaced.

Finance Committee Report

A preliminary budget meeting of committees will need to be set up possibly for next week. The Liquid Fuels Audit was conducted for the 2007-08. No issues were found.

Solid Waste Report

No updates to report.

Engineer’s Report

Kevin has the revisions to the Floodplain Ordinance ready for Councilman Shipp’s review. He will send via email to him since he is not in attendance and have it ready for the next meeting.  

Solicitor’s Report

Secretary Knellinger has sent multiple emails on surveillance cameras and subdivision ordinance and no word from Mr. Bunt. MCSI is waiting on the answer for the cameras. Council feels this is for the individual business owner not for the Council or for MCSI. Mayor Ritzman will try to find out some information. President Roush will follow up with MR. Bunt.  

Mayor’s Report

The Mayor wants to know the status on the removal of the goats. A letter was sent citing the ordinance for them to be removed within 30 days, which is October 16th.  The barn owner (Pisani) will need to get a letter and the animals’ owners (Grimm) will also need to get a registered letter from the Borough solicitor.

Mayor Ritzman will call and let the Secretary know the date and time for trick or treat.

Old Business

The truck tires have been purchased and put on the truck. Councilman Jim Russell can purchase the generator and sump pump at any time. Pastor Bob of the United Methodist Church will have the graffiti painted over in the tunnels. The Borough will need to furnish the paint and supplies and the tentative date is October 24th. Councilman Rob Sweger will work on a letter in response to House Bill #1500.

New Business

Rodney does not know the usable email at the plant to notify the Council of any water outages or other issues. Councilman Shipp will have to look into getting the email running. The tentative dates for the Borough Meetings are:

Reorganization Meeting January 4, February 1st, March 1st, April 5th, May 3rd, June 7th, July 5th, August 9th (2nd Monday), September 13th (2nd Monday), October 4th, November 1st and December 6th.

Zoning Permits

Zoning Officer R Savercool asked if the same setbacks for buildings should apply for sheds. Council thinks the 25, 25 & 15 from the back should apply.

Zoning permits and building permits are different and based on the size for inspection.

The COG will impose fines on any builder that do not adhere to the zoning and building permitting from the Council.

Adjournment

Councilman Rob Sweger made the motion to adjourn. Councilman Jim Russell seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.

The next meeting will be held Monday, November 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the borough building.