Millerstown Borough Council

Meeting Minutes

November 7, 2011

 

 

Those in attendance:  President Bill Roush, Vice President Rob Shipp, Council members Mike Sweger, Bruce Hengst, Bill Ritzman and Jackie Minium. Mayor John Kerns, Secretary Karen Knellinger, 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

 

A resident moved into the Miller house and on the borough's billing system; the address is 1 Apple Alley. The resident would like for the address to be changed to 1 Adams Street. The council approved the request.

 

The minutes from the last meeting were previously emailed and reviewed. Councilmember Minium made the motion to approve the minutes as read. Councilmember Ritzman 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

 

The paving project for the year has been completed. The patch on Sunbury Street will need to be done and the potholes repaired as needed.  

 

Sewer Committee Report

 

There was an issue with the televising of the lines for the sewer upgrade project. Several homes had pressure backwash sewage into their commodes and bathrooms.  Glace was notified of the problem and was on site the day it happened to contact the contractor and the resident. The Penn Vest loan has settled. Kevin is working on a draft to the school to have the drains permanently closed so a spill will not occur again. Secretary Knellinger will gather all the invoices and paperwork and send along with the letter for reimbursement of expenses.

 

Water Committee Report

 

The slow leak on Sunbury Street was dug up and a valve was repaired. No water meters were replaced. One hydrant was replaced earlier in the year; Rodney does not think we anymore will be done with cold weather approaching.

 

 

Finance Committee Report

 

The preliminary budget was presented. Councilmember Ritzman made a motion to adopt the preliminary budget as presented. Councilmember Sweger seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.

 

 

Solid Waste Report

 

Chair Sweger advised the fall clean up went very well. It was well organized and resident Mike Harp volunteered and helped a lot through the day. The cost would have been $1,200 but with the scrap metal separated, the total bill was $850. Mr. Miller contacted CCD to clean up his trash at his home after he moved and he will be advised there will be a charge. set for 10/15. A new ordinance and contract still needs to be done. The property behind the firehouse is a mess again; the landlord will need to be notified again to have it cleaned up.

 

Engineer’s Report

 

Kevin will check with Bob Reisinger from Glace on the status of the Act 537 reimbursement application. The emergency response plan for DEP needs to be updated; Kevin will be helping Rodney with this and forward a copy to the office.

 

Solicitor’s Report

 

Upon Mr. Bunt's recommendation, a motion is need to consolidate the deeds for the barn and the current borough building property. A motion was made by Councilmember Hengst for the consolidation of deeds. Councilmember Ritzman seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.

 

Mayor’s Report

 

The VFW parade was a success. It was approximately 90 minutes long with many different groups participating.

 

Old Business

 

Charlie Smith advises the leaf shredder from Smith's are: 6" Honda is $3,500, a 10" Briggs/Stratton is $3,700 and a 12" Kohler is $6,700.  After more research, a decision will need to be made based on pricing and possible purchase for next year.

 

New Business

 

Authority Chair Tim Reilly presented a request from Dave Briner to be reinstated as Authority Secretary. Councilmember Ritzman made the motion to accept the request. Councilmember Sweger seconded the motion. Approval was unanimous.

An idea of purchase of a used truck for $1,000 was presented. This would prevent the wear and tear on the dump truck and allow the employees to be at two locations simultaneously. Tabled for further discussion. Vice President Shipp mentioned having the borough building painted and papered. Maintenance manager Reilly will have a bid to present to the council for review for 2012.  

 

Zoning Permits

 

Nothing at this time

 

Adjournment

 

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

 

The next meeting will be held Monday, December 5th at 7:00 PM at the borough building.