Millerstown Borough Council

Meeting Minutes for May 2, 2011

Those in attendance: President Bill Roush, Council members Jackie Minium, Bill Ritzman, Bruce Hengst, Mayor John Kerns, Secretary Karen Knellinger, Rodney Gish, Bob Reisinger 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. 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. Rodney needs to order a Maple Street sign.

Sewer Committee Report

A joint work session with the Municipal Authority is scheduled for Thursday, May 5th to discuss the sewer project impact on future fees. Bob Reisinger presented a schedule of suggestions from Glace. He would like to have the bids ready for the project at the July meeting to be opened at a special meeting on July 15th.

Water Committee Report

Kevin is not present to advise if applying for waivers on testing would be beneficial. The electric is still on at the Locust Street well but the charges have been stopped. It can take up to 30 days for the meters to be removed.

Finance Committee Report

Chair Shipp is not in attendance. The quarterly figures have been distributed.

Solid Waste Report

Councilmember Sweger suggested using voucher systems for a fall clean up in October that can be purchased for larger items to be removed. This would need to be monitored closely. 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

The reimbursement application for the Act 537 Plan should be ready for the next meeting.

Solicitor’s Report

A court date for the council reduction request is set for June 1st @ 8:30 am.

Mayor’s Report

The Perry Historians book is almost done and they would like to do a PowerPoint presentation for the council. They are asking for permission to publish the pictures of some of the grave markers found. Mayor Kerns made sure the description is listed as in the Millerstown area.

Old Business

Councilmember Sweger advises there are several encroachments on the borough owned land at Iron Mountain, including tree stands, some timbering and junk piles. The land is posted and will need to be monitored more closely.

New Business

Emergency management has requested council list the top 10 responders, in order of preference, the council would like to respond for ALS emergencies. Councilmember Minium will work with the ambulance and fire to establish a list. The borough has a signed contract with West Shore. The borough truck will be at the square for the MCSI clean up. Councilmember Sweger will drive it to the square on Sunday.

Zoning Permits

Jim Klinger from 205 Greenwood Street appeared before council for permission to remove a metal fence and erect a deck with a wood fence in the backyard. The deck would be built behind the existing retaining wall off the street. A stipulation is the fence height must be less than 6' and will need to be checked by the zoning officer and then apply for the proper permits through the county. Councilmember Ritzman made a motion to approve the permit. Councilmember Sweger seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.

Adjournment

Councilmember Ritzman made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session. Councilmember Sweger seconded the motion.

Councilmember Ritzman made a motion to return to the regular meeting and adjourn from Executive Session. Councilmember Hengst seconded the motion.

A decision was made to have residents along N. Market Street from 43 to Adams Street, put their trash out front instead of down the back because it is difficult for the trash truck to make the tight turns without damaging adjoining property. Secretary Knellinger will send out letters to the residents to be effective May 12th. Councilmember Minium will verify the addresses effected.

A motion was made by Councilmember Ritzman to place a bid on the adjoining property and barn to the borough office building currently for sale. Councilmember Hengst seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous. This would allow equipment stored outside at the sewer plant to be indoors and an investment on the property. These funds are currently in the general fund from other investments and would not impact the sewer or water funds.

Councilmember Sweger made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Hengst seconded the motion.

The next meeting will be held Monday, June 6th at 7:00 PM at the borough building.