Millerstown Borough Council
Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2011
Those in attendance: President Bill Roush, Vice President Shipp, Council members Jackie Minium, Bill Ritzman, Bruce Hengst, Mayor John Kerns, Secretary Karen Knellinger, Rodney Gish, Bob Reisinger from Glace Associates and Tom O'Connell from Juniata Valley Bank.
President Roush presided, pledge of allegiance and meeting called to order.
Public and Private Concerns
None
The minutes from the last meeting were previously emailed and reviewed. Councilmember Ritzman made the motion to approve the minutes as read. Councilmember Hengst seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
The bills/receipts/expenditures were reviewed. Councilmember Ritzman made a motion to approve the bills and expenditures. Councilmember Minium seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
Street Committee Report
Chair Hengst advised the renumbering is finished and the residents and post office will need to be notified. A new street was created off Sunbury called Maple Street by the water products building. Many potholes will need to be addressed. Rodney needs to order reflective signs, leggings and vest for the new rules on flagging. The old needs to be replaced because they are not reflective. A motion to purchase needed items as long as they are under $1,000 was made by Councilmember Sweger. Seconded by Councilmember Hengst. Approval was unanimous.
Sewer Committee Report
Awaiting the outcome of the Penn Vest application this month.
Water Committee Report
The new yard hydrant is finished. A bid was received from Harrisburg's Kohl Brothers to close the Locust Street well for $10,800. An estimate was received from Modern Pump for $1,838, not a bid, it could be a little more or less according to Rodney. Kevin advises DEP has authorized instead of permanently closing well #8, rescind the operating permit and it could remain as is to be used in an emergency. The borough had asked for this before and at that time was advised to permanently close the well. A considerable amount of money and work would be needed to open the well for an emergency because the pump is now inoperable and the well only yields 25 gallons per minute. A secured locking cap will need to be installed and plans to tear down the building will continue. Currently, waivers for testing will need to be explored to see if they would be financially feasible. The current testing cost $1,100 and to apply for a waiver may be $1,000 but Kevin advises the requirements may be quarterly then a waiver would save money. He will let us know after he reviews the requirements. Several residents have received letters from Dominion for water line replacement insurance. Secretary Knellinger called the company and many exclusions exist for the program to be advisable. She has informed several residents the letters do not originate from the borough.
Finance Committee Report
Tom O'Connell, manager of the Juniata Valley Bank was in attendance to present an option for a purchasing account. A credit card is needed for internet transactions. A purchasing account will be established with a $0 balance. Once a transaction is approved by Council, a check with two signatures will be deposited into the purchasing account and then a purchase can be made with the card. A purchasing limit and a cash
amount will be established and these can change on a as needed basis. Vice President Shipp made the motion to authorize the opening of a purchasing account with the given guidelines. Councilmember Ritzman seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
Solid Waste Report
The trash contract is up for bid at the end of 2011. A new contract will need to be decided and put out for bid in September or October of 2011 for 2012.
Engineer’s Report
See above.
Solicitor’s Report
Awaiting a court date for the council reduction request.
Mayor’s Report
The boy scouts contacted John and they are willing to post signs and take care of maintenance at the boat dock area.
Old Business
None
New Business
Bob Pieffer, republican candidate for county commissioner, introduced himself and fielded questions from council. Doctor Buriak's request for a separate meter for his apartment would cost a tapping fee of $1,467 plus connection fees and the repairs to Market Street in a Penn Dot roadway which would require a permit. Rodney estimates 6 to 8 thousand dollars and maybe more. Secretary Knellinger will advise him of the costs.
Zoning Permits
Melville - wood shed, 12 S Mkt St
Adjournment
Councilmember Ritzman made a motion to adjourn. Vice President Shipp seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
The next meeting will be held Monday, May 2nd at 7:00 PM at the borough building.