Millerstown Borough Council Meeting Minutes

August 1, 2011

Those in attendance: President Bill Roush, Vice President Rob Shipp, Council members Bruce Hengst, Mike Sweger, Bill Ritzman and Jackie Minium. Mayor John Kerns, Secretary Karen Knellinger, Rod Gish, Dave Stroup, Kevin Jacobs and Bob Reisinger from Glace Associates.

The minutes were not recorded due to an electrical outage.

President Roush presided, pledge of allegiance and meeting called to order.

Public and Private Concerns

Resident Kirk Allison complained a house that was torn down on Poplar Street has exposed nails and is a hazard to neighborhood children. Mike Sweger owns the property and will take care of cleaning up the site.

Resident Joe Smith appeared before council to complain the rain washes out the end of Locust Street and most of the stones are gone and the blacktop is torn up and roots are coming to the surface. President Roush advised there is no excavation planned and asked the street committee to review. Chair Hengst advised he would be up to look at the issue tomorrow.

Guest Speaker, Jennifer Caron from Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott law firm to present the authority lease rental agreement guaranteeing the debt for the Municipal Authority loan from Penn Vest for 41,807,500 and a repayment agreement and guarantee until 2034. Councilmember Ritzman made a motion to accept the debt guarantee as presented by Ms. Caron. Council member Hengst seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.

The minutes from the last meeting were previously emailed and reviewed. Councilmember Ritzman made the motion to approve the minutes as read. Vice President Shipp seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.

The bills/receipts/expenditures were reviewed. Councilmember Ritzman made a motion to approve the bills and expenditures. Councilmember Hengst seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.

Street Committee Report

There are many potholes that need to be addressed; a list will need to be done. A bid is being prepared for Hemlock Street.

Sewer Committee Report

The bids were opened for the treatment plant upgrade; the winning bids are as follows:

Contract #1 WWTP Upgrade: Jay Fulkroad

Contract #2 WWTP Electrical: Hickes

Contract #3 Pumping Station Upgrade: Jay Fulkroad

Contract #4 Pumping Station Electrical: Lobar, Inc.

Contract #5 Line Replacement: Jay Fulkroad

Contract #6 Line Televising: Video Pipe Systems

The current estimates are 3% over the estimated costs however; they are still within the budget of the full project. This increase will impact the amount of the increase per EDU that will need to be charged tot he residents. Vice President Shipp asked if the operational costs will be decreased when the new plant is up and running. Kevin advises

There are some operational things the plant workers can do to improve the cost efficiency. For example, using chemicals wisely. The date for a notice to proceed with construction should be issued 9/6/11, which would leave 300 days for construction. All costs must be incurred by then to expend the grant. If this would go over, there is a liquidated damage cost for over due that would go back tot eh contractor and would need to be fought through the legal system.

Water Committee Report

The slow leak on Sunbury Street will still need to be found with a camera from rural water. Rodney advises it is leaking about 3,000 gallons per day. Rural water has not been available to help. No meters were changed.

Finance Committee Report

There is a teleconference set up with Penn Vest to talk about the papers needed for the loan. 2010 audit should be ready for the next meeting.

Solid Waste Report

Councilmember Sweger suggests selling recycle bags at the October 15th bulk drop off day. Secretary Knellinger will call CCD for a supply.

Engineer's Report

The glycol spill is almost all cleaned up; the frac tank was removed on Tuesday. A lump sum bill will then be presented. Kevin is still working on the waivers for annual testing for the water

Solicitor's Report

None

Mayor's Report

Mayor Kerns will be working on the abandoned vehicles with the State Police.

Old Business

More research on a leaf vacuum is needed.

New Business

Vice President Shipp made a motion to have the emergency lights in the building fixed that are not working. Councilmember Minium seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous. Rodney advises the lawn mower is almost 4 years old and a new one will be needed for next year. A lease or a zero turn was suggested but research will need to be done. A hydro geologist will need to look at the property behind the barn to determine if it would be suitable for a well site and possibly drill a test well. Kevin suggests he could set that up.

Zoning Permits

The house at 208 Poplar Street has been torn down and a utility shed will be put up in its place. Councilmember Sweger needs to contact the zoning officer for a permit.

Adjournment

Councilmember Ritzman made a motion to return to the regular meeting and adjourn. Councilmember Sweger seconded the motion.

The next meeting will be held Monday, September 12th at 7:00 PM at the borough building.