Millerstown Borough Council Meeting Minutes January 3, 2011
Those in attendance: President Bill Roush, Vice President Rob Shipp, Councilmembers Mike Sweger, Bruce Hengst. Secretary Karen Knellinger, Mayor John Kerns, Rodney Gish, Dave Stroup and Kevin Jacobs from Glace Associates.
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 Sweger seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
The bills/receipts/expenditures were reviewed. President Roush reminded council there are some bills that need to be paid in advance of the meeting and the Council has authorized Secretary Knellinger to pay these as needed. Secretary Knellinger pointed out the bill from Modern Pump for $6,500. Rodney tried to get a warranty since this pump needs to be fixed every year but was told it is because the seat is not right. This will be fixed with the upgrade project. Councilmember Sweger made a motion to approve the bills and expenditures. Councilmember Ritzman seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
Street Committee Report
Chair Hengst is still reviewing the renumbering of Sunbury Street. The drain on Poplar Street will need to wait until spring. The hole on Market Street by Showers was packed with stone but it will need to be black topped in the spring. Rodney and Dave will attend the mandatory Penn Dot flagger class on the 19th in Enola.
Sewer Committee Report
Skipped until Kevin returns from the Authority meeting.
Water Committee Report
A water lateral leak at Market Street was repaired. The sampling tap is awaiting
approval from DEP. 45 North Market Street was recently sold.
Kevin advises after
the building is torn down at the Locust Street well, a bid will be needed from Modern
Pump to close the well. If the bid is less than $4,000 it can be accepted, if not,
it will need to be advertised. DEP will not need to check it after it is done. Kevin
will check with Modern Pump and see if the building will need to be torn down first
and solicit a bid for the job.
Finance Committee Report
The budget for 2011 was approved at the special December meeting. A copy of the ordinance review from Keystate Publishing was presented. A meeting will be scheduled with them to review suggestions and additions. A meeting with DEP and Penn Vest is scheduled for 1/11/11 at 2pm at their office to discuss the funding needed to continue with the sewer project. Three council members and two Authority members along with Glace representatives will attend. At the request of President Roush, Secretary Knellinger will have demographic facts and figures for current users of the system to support the need for additional funding.
Sewer Committee Report
Kevin reminded council of the meeting with DEP and Penn Vest on 1/11/11 at 2pm.
Pete Flezar from Glace is attending the Greenwood Township Planning Commission meeting tonight and will be presenting sketch plans for the project. He may be able to attend our meeting and give an update before it adjourns. Glace will ask the commissioners for some waivers since the plant is already in existence now.
Solid Waste Report
Councilmember Sweger did not have an opportunity to contact Wendy at CCD about a monthly or quarterly day for one big item disposal. Depending upon the price, it should be on the same day as trash day to may eliminate the out of town trash. He will have the information for the next meeting.
Engineer’s Report
Discussed earlier.
Solicitor’s Report
Nothing
Mayor’s Report
John is working on the second page of the signatures needed for the council reduction petition. Secretary Knellinger advises in a letter from Mr. Bunt, 5% of the registered voters is needed but he suggests to get significantly more than that. The boy scouts contacted John and advised they are willing to clean up the camping area and post signs for a merit badge project sometime this year.
Old Business
Secretary Knellinger looked into the crosswalk painter and there is tape available that may be a better option. She has sent for samples and a decision will need to be made after all the other options are explored. Councilmember Sweger advises there are new regulations coming out. Rodney has talked to Penn Dot and it may become mandatory to use paint alternatives. There are some concerns about vinyl or tape in heavily traveled areas not adhering. Kevin advises there is also one made out of asphalt that will melt into black top. More research will be needed before making a decision. The electronic bill pay is still on hold until more information is received.
Engineer's report cont.
Pete Flezar from Glace returned from the Greenwood Township Planning Commission to advise he presented the land development plans for the project. He has copies of the plans. For the formal submission, they will need the sewage planning exception request and a copy sent to Tri County planning in the next few weeks before their meeting next month. He will request tow additional waivers.
New Business
Tim Reilly presented a prototype for a borough seal. This can be used as logo for use on stationary, letterhead, envelopes or a flag. Currently, the borough does not have its own seal as many surrounding townships and borough do. to cost anything. He is open for any suggestions. Vice President Shipp made a motion to reappoint Glace Associates as the borough engineer. Councilmember Ritzman seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous. Vice President Shipp made a motion to reappoint William Bunt of New Bloomfield as the borough solicitor. Councilmember Ritzman seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous. Chair Reilly from the Municipal Authority advised in their reorganization meeting, all the current officers will remain the same.
Zoning Permits
None
Adjournment
Councilmember Ritzman made the motion to adjourn. Councilmember Sweger seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.
The next meeting will be held Monday, February 7th at 7:00 PM at the borough building.