JIM THORPE BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING  July 11, 2024 MINUTES  Meeting called to order at 6:43 p.m. by President Strubinger with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence for the armed forces, first responders, and their families, as well as the service members who lost their The meeting was late starting due to changing oft the WIFI password at the high school where the meetings are currently taking place while Memorial Hall is being renovated. Because there was no WIFI to access the meeting information electronically, hard copies had to be quickly made by the Borough Manager and Borough  lives while serving our country.  Secretary. Roll Call of Members Police Chief Schatz-absent Borough Manager Sterner Borough Secretary Klotz Solicitor Nanovic Sydney Wernett-absent Mayor's Report  Mayor Cinicola-absent Mike Yeastedt Tom Chapman Joanne Klitsch  Sargent Bokeko Connor Rodgers Ted LaRizzio Greg Strubinger  Due to both Mayor Cinicola and Police Chief Schatz being absent, there is no Mayor's report. Sargent Bokeko was in attendance on behalf of the Police Department. He explained the Police Department was awarded a $1,200.00 Highway & Safety Network grant for aggressive driving campaign from July 8th through August 18th. Civil Service physical agility testing will be conducted next week. There are two candidates. There is a new  Police vehicle at Bonner Chevrolet. The Borough is waiting to secure financing for it.  Announcements  The Borough is accepting letters of interest for two (2) vacancies on the Shade Tree Committee, terms ending December 31, 2028 and December 31, 2025. Ifanyone is interested, please submit a letter of interest. There is a vacancy on the Planning Commission, term ending on December 31, 2027. If anyone is interested,  please submit al letter ofi interest.  There is a vacancy on the Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission. This is an annual term.  The Lead Line Survey/inventory is still ongoing within the Borough. The Borough is looking to get a greater response from residents. Connor Rodgers explained this is mandated by DEP. He asked that residents continue tot fill out the survey. The survey is due by October 16th, but the Borough is asking that the residents complete the survey by July 31st to give Borough staff to process all of the information that was submitted and gather any remaining information that is needed. As oft the beginning of the week, only 13% of residents completed the survey. Connor Rodgers asked if one of the informational electronic signs could be placed out at the S.R. 903 Bridge to inform residents about the survey and the urgency needed to complete it. Manager Sterner said office staff is actively looking for grant funding. Ifgrant funding can be obtained for residents, the  residents completing the surveys first will be at the top of the list for the funding. The Borough was awarded the 2024 Main Street grant ini the amount of $250.00.  Are reminder for residents: pertinent information for residents can be found and received through the Borough's All-Call, website, and Facebook page. Residents can sign up for the. All-Calls through the Borough's website. There were some flags donated to the Borough by residents. There are certain areas in the Borough were there are no flags hung on the poles and some residents requested additional flags be put up. Manager Sterner said the Borough is hopeful to get them up this year. The Streets Supervisor would need to inspect the  1    flags to verify they willi fiti into the holders on the poles. The Borough would also need to secure a bucket truck ino order toi install the flags. Greg Strubinger thanked each resident individually for donating the flags. Rocky Arner - He was in attendance on behalf of the Carbon County Commissioners. He explained there is grant funding for National Night Out, but it would need to coincide with opiate awareness. There is up to $5,000.00 in funding available. School Districts are eligible for up to $10,000.00. If the Borough and the School District work together, then together would be eligible for $15,000. The deadline to apply is July 24th. Trish Spillman - She was at the meeting to inquire about the High Street Steps. She said they have always been maintained by the Borough and asked that the steps be fixed and opened again toi the public. Greg Strubinger said he remembers his grandparents telling him many years ago the steps were owned by the apartment building next door. She asked Borough Council to ask the neighboring property owners to deed the steps over to the Borough to get them back open. She said she started a petition to have residents sign sO Borough Council sees the need for them to be opened again. Connor Rodgers asked if he could get a copy of Bill Malatak - He was in attendance to find out about the status of the sidewalk connecting the bridge to the train station. He said a handicap sidewalk was to be built from the train station to the bridge. He said he drove by Memorial Park on July 4th, and there is nothing available at the park for older people. He discussed Center Street being a mess and needing to be repaved, but Cemetery Road was just recently paved and beautiful. He spoke about removing the Silk Mill Run Dams being a mistake. Greg Strubinger said he's hopeful that once the projects are completed at Memorial Hall and Memorial Park, that the July 4th celebrations will be continued  Public Comment  the signatures on the petition.  and have activities for the older residents.  Public Hearing NONE Presentation  Mauch Chunk Lake Proclamation = Commissioners Mike Sofranko and Rocky Arner were in attendance, along with Dave Horvath, to accept the Proclamation. Greg Strubinger spoke about Mauch Chunk Lake being an asset to the community and all it offers. He then read the Proclamation out loud for everyone in attendance to hear. Dave Horvath thanked Borough Council and explained the primary reason for the park and dam being built was for flood protection. He thanked the Jim Thorpe community for their support. He thanked EMS and  local responders for all of their help too. Mike Sofranko thanked Dave's wife. SALDO (Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance)  MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to authorize the Solicitor to schedule and advertise the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) for a public hearing. The were no  comments. Motion carries 6-0.  Action  MOTION by Joanne Klitsch, second by Connor Rodgers to approve Council Meeting Minutes from June 6, MOTION by Joanne Klitsch, second by Connor Rodgers to approve Council Meeting Minutes from June 13, MOTION by Connor Rodgers, second by Mike Yeastedt to approve Expenditures from all Funds as MOTION by Joanne Klitsch, second by Connor Rodgers to approve the Treasurer's report. There were no  2024. There were no comments. Motion carries 6-0. 2024. There were no comments. Motion carries 6-0. presented. There were no comments. Motion carries 6-0.  comments. Motion carries 6-0.  2    MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Connor Rodgers to approve Resolution 2024-14 Readdressing to Comply with Carbon County 911 Public Safety System. The old Mertz Barn on High Street did not have a MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Connor Rodgers to approve Resolution 2024-15 Asa Packer Mansion Operations. This Resolution is to acknowledge the Lion's Club stepping away from the Mansion MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve CFI Joint Application Participation for EV Charging Stations. There was an organization that held a meeting less than a year ago to discuss the EV Charge at Work Program. This application is with multiple municipalities, with Scranton taking the lead. The application would not lock the Borough into anything at this point. The grant will cover 80% of the costs and Facilities Projects - Manager Sterner explained the process of Payment Applications, from start to finish and  proper address. Motion carries 6-0.  operations and turning over the Mansion operating funds. Motion carries 6-0.  the remaining 20% will be covered by the vendor. Motion carries 6-0.  the amount oft time that is spent reviewing them.  Public Works Building Motion carries 6-0.  MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Bracy Payment Application #4 totaling $146,314.80. This is for work completed and materials purchased from April 20, 2024 to May 20, 2024. MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Bracy Payment Application #5 totaling $31,385.16. This is for work completed and material purchased from May 20, 2024 to June 20, 2024. Motion MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Reading Payment Application #2 totaling $55,278.90. This is for work completed and materials purchased from May 20, 2024 to June 20, 2024. Motion MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Spillman Farmer Invoice 8121.22.16 totaling $6,977.88. This is for professional services from May1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. Motion carries 6-0. MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Requisition #6 - partial payment for work completed from May 20, 2024 to June 20, 2024. This requisition includes Bracy Payment Applications 4 and 5, Reading Mechanical Payment Application 2, and Spillman Farmer Invoice 8121.22.16. Motion carries 6-0. MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Bracy Change Order #3 for a $1,950.40 decrease in contract price. This is deleting an extra flagpole from the plans. Motion carries 6-0.  carries 6-0.  carries 6-0.  Bracy Change Ordert #4 - This was not discussed and no action was taken.  MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Ted LaRizzio to approve Bracy Change Order #4. Mike Yeastedt explained this change order addresses the surface water at the site. This would cover the costs and fees of the chimney drain/interceptor drain to be installed, three additional days to completed the work and payment  for their time. Additional time items will be addressed separately. Motion carries 6-0.  MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Bracy Change Order #5. Mike Yeastedt explained this is because the water main was not included in the survey, the swale drain had to be relocated so itwould not be directly above the Borough's 10-inch water main. They submitted an estimate for the pipe, stone for backfill, manholes, and labor. The piping needs to be reduced as per the Engineer. The engineer also did not believe it would take 3 days toi install; it should only take a day and a half. The amounts for the  3    stormwater revisions are reduced to $36,590.00., with their add-ons of $3,659.00, for ai total of $40,249.00. MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to table Reading Mechanical Change Order #1 for a $17,256.00 decrease in contract price. Additional information is needed for the change in the type of water  Motion carries 6-0.  heater. Motion carries 6-0. Memorial Hall Renovations  MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve JBM Mechanical Payment Application #4 totaling $44,100.00. This is for work completed and materials purchased from May 20, 2024 to. June 20, 2024. Motion carries 5-0-1, with Tom Chapman abstaining due to being a subcontractor on the project. MOTION by Connor Rodgers, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve GR Noto Payment Application #5 totaling $57,391.88. This is for work completed and materials purchased from May 20, 2024 to June 20, 2024. Motion carries 5-0-1, with Tom Chapman abstaining due to being a subcontractor on the project. MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Bognet Payment Application #5 totaling $131,594.40. This is for work completed and materials purchased from May 20, 2024 to June 20, 2024. Motion carries 5-0-1, with Tom Chapman abstaining due to being a subcontractor on the project. MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Reading Mechanical Payment Application #3 totaling $17,550.00. This is for work completed and materials purchased from May 20, 2024 to June 20, 2024. Motion carries 5-0-1, with Tom Chapman abstaining due to being a subcontractor on the MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Spillman Farmer Invoice 8122.22.17 totaling $6,552.37. This is for professional services from May 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024. Motion carries MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Requisition #6 - partial payment for work completed from May 20, 2024 to June 20, 2024. This requisition includes JBM Mechanical Payment Application 4, GR Noto Payment Application 5, Bognet Payment Application 5, Reading Mechanical Payment Application 3, and Spillman Farmer Invoice 8122.22.17. Motion carries 5-0-1, with Tom Chapman abstaining MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve JBM Mechanical Change Order #4 fora $3,567.57 increase in contract price. This is to install new fiberglass ductboard ini the lobby area, as the current ductboard in place is in poor condition. Motion carries 5-0-1, with Tom Chapman abstaining due to MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Bognet Change Order #6 for a $8,748.04 increase in contract price. This is to replace some oft the concrete slab that was damaged the during trenching. Motion carries 5-0-1, with Tom Chapman abstaining due tol being a subcontractor on the MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Bognet Change Order #7 for a $8,322.74 increase in price and to remove the 3-day extension request. This is to install insulation. Motion carries 5- MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Reading Mechanical Change Order #2 for a$ $22,367.50 increase in price. This is for flowable fill to go under the concrete slab. The material that was removed during trenching could not be reused. Motion carries 5-0-1, with Tom Chapman abstaining due to  project.  5-0-1, with Tom Chapman abstaining due to being a subcontractor on the project.  due to being a subcontractor on the project.  being a subcontractor on the project.  on lower level  project.  0-1, with Tom Chapman abstaining due to being a subcontractor on the project.  being a subcontractor on the project.  4    MOTION by Ted LaRizzio, second by Mike Yeastedt to approve JTTA'S Design Option #1 for the Welcome Sign project. James Dougher from JTTAreached out toi the sign maker for additional designs as was requested by Borough Council previously. Greg Strubinger explained Borough Council is looking for something unique and different from current D&L signage. Borough Council agreed they like option 1, but would like the founded in 1818 removed and replaced with something else as Jim Thorpe was founded in 1954 when Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk merged. Borough Council also liked the blue background color. MOTION by Connor Rodgers, second by Tom Chapman to approve the lowest bid of $13,900.00 by Motolas Paving for the 10th Street Paving Project. A small portion of 10th Street will be repaved from Oak MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Connor Rodgers to approve the updated Jim Thorpe Borough Organizational Chart Update. The change includes the staff of the Asa Packer Mansion and who they report to (Borough Secretary). Connor Rodgers asked if this will be temporary. Manager Sterner explained she's MOTION by Joanne Klitsch, second by Connor Rodgers to approve the Police Department Bicycle Policy. The Police Department established a Bicycle Patrol Unit that will enhance patrol efforts int the community. This MOTION by Joanne Klitsch, second by Mike Yeastedt to accept, with regret and appreciation, Robert Sikorsky's resignation as a part-time Meter Attendant. There were no comments. Motion carries 6-0. MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Connor Rodgers to accept, with regret and appreciation, Andrew Robert's resignation from the Zoning Hearing Board. Manager Sterner asked Borough Council if they would like to ask the Zoning Hearing Board Alternates if one of them would be interested in the newly vacated seat. Borough Council agreed they would like the vacant seat to be offered to one oft the alternates. Motion MOTION by Connor Rodgers, second by Joanne Klitsch to offer the vacant Regular Zoning Hearing Board seat to the two (2) Alternate Zoning Hearing Board members. There were no comments. Motion carries 6- MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Ted LaRizzio to appoint Doug Makofka to the Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission. Doug has been attending the Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission meetings and MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve the Carbon County Parks and Recreation's event request for the Heritage Festival taking place on September 21, 2024. The event will consist of food, craft, and music vendors. No police services are needed. Motion carries 6-0. MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Connor Rodgers to approve the Lenape Nation's event request for the Return to Mauch Chunk Pow' Wow taking place September 7 through September 8, 2024. This event will consist of food, craft, and music vendors. No police services are needed. Motion carries 6-0. MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Lutheran Church of St. John in the Heights event request for the Switchback Scamper taking place on September 29, 2024. Summit Hill will be providing the traffic control and Lehighton Ambulance will be on hand for emergency medical services. Jim  Motion carries 6-0.  Street to North Street. Motion carries 6-0.  hopeful that it will evolve once staffing is in place. Motion carries 6-0.  policy provides guidelines for the use oft the bicycles. Motion carries 6-0.  carries 6-0.  0.  volunteering for the Commission since 2009. Motion carries 6-0.  Thorpe Police are not needed for this event. Motion carries 6-0.  5    MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Connor Rodgers to approve Carbon County Fair's request for Fire Police help conditioned upon their availability. The fair will be taking place from. August 5, 2024 through MOTION by Connor Rodgers, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve Reinart's request for relocation of handicap spots for a power washing project conditioned upon appropriate relocation of handicaps spots, additional costs and fees, listing the Borough as additionally insured, and the fees for the spots themselves. The maintenance will be taking place at 5-7 Broadway. Sargent Bokeko said Chief Schatz recommended approving the request, but he wasn't sure who would be responsible for the fees. Darren Reinart, who has been contracted for this project, said the property owner is willing to pay the 30 days it will take to complete the project. He explained he has all of the equipment already needed for the project. He will ensure scaffolding and tarps are in place to protect pedestrians. The handicap parking in front of the building needs to be moved. Manager Sterner requested the Borough be added as additionally insured to Darrin Renart's policy. Tom Chapman requested Bureau Veritas come out to inspect the area to ensure its safety. MOTION by Connor Rodgers, second by Tom Chapman to approve the Lesisko family's request to return Mr. Lesisko's portrait conditioned upon not hanging the portrait back up in Memorial Hall once MOTION by Connor Rodgers, second by Mike Yeastedt to approve Account #5910 Sewer Credit Request MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve three (3) new Utility Liens to file. Connor Rodgers asked if the garage property had an official address. It does not, but it is something that should be Discussion regarding 204 Center. Avenue - Solicitor Nanovic explained the Borough filed a petition. The hearing is scheduled for September. He reached out to the LLC's attorney to try to move things along quicker MOTION by Connor Rodgers, second by Mike Yeastedt to approve the Asa Packer Mansion Internal Control Functions - funds. This puts a policy in place on how the funds from the. Asa Packer Mansion are  August 10, 2024. Motion carries 6-0.  Motion carries 6-0.  renovations are completed. There were no comments. Motion carries 6-0.  for $118.58. A hose burst while the property owner was on vacation. Motion carries 6-0.  looked into. Motion carries 6-0. than wait for the hearing.  handled. Motion carries 6-0. Exonerations  MOTION by Joanne Klitsch, second by Connor Rodgers to approve the monthly Exoneration Report. There  were no comments. Motion carries 5-0-1, with Mike Yeastedt abstaining.  Committees Administration NONE Public Service  2024 Streets Projects Update = Mike Yeastedt gave an update on the streets projects being recommended to be completed in the future- the shoulders along 5th Street for stormwater, Reservoir Road needs adjusting due tot the pooling of stormwater along the edges of the road, and extend the swale by the Mausoleum to help prevent water runoff and icing, replace galvanized stormwater pipe along North Avenue, regrade shoulder swale along 13th Street, cut back brush and debris along Mauch Chunk Lane that cause water issues, erosion repairs to the swales and drains along Flagstaff Road, and patching West 10th Street, Manager Sterner explained there were additional items needing to be included- retaining walls and a stormwater project on  School Alley.  6    Police NONE Buildings/Parks NONE Emergency Services NONE Old Business NONE Executive Session  MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to adjourn into Executive Session for Personnel, Real Estate, and Litigation. There were no comments. Motion carries 6-0. The meeting paused at 8:54 p.m. MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to resume the meeting. There were no comments. MOTION by Connor Rodgers, second by Mike Yeastedt to approve the Asa Packer Mansion Tour Guide Job Description and Procedures Manual. The rate of pay would need to be removed within the Manual. MOTION by Mike Yeastedt, second by Joanne Klitsch to approve ratifying employment for Employee 435 and 433 with an hourly rate of $13.50 effective July 1, 2024. There were no comments. Motion carries 6-0. MOTION by. Joanne Klitsch, second by Mike Yeastedt to approve ratifying employment for Employee 434 and 437 with an hourly rate of $13.00 effective July 1, 2024. There were no comments. Motion carries 6-0. MOTION by Joanne Klitsch, second by Mike Yeastedt to approve ratifying employment for Employee 436 with an hourly rate of $12.50 effective July 5, 2024. There were no comments. Motion carries 6-0. MOTION by Joanne Klitsch, second by Mike Yeastedt to offer part-time employment to Applicants 930, 273, 228, and 613 at an hourly rate of $12.50. There were no comments. Motion carries 6-0. MOTION by Joanne Klitsch, second by Connor Rodgers to deny Jeff Thomas's uniform allowance request. MOTION by Joanne Klitsch, second by Mike Yeastedt to adjourn the meeting. There were no comments.  Motion carries 6-0. The meeting resumed at 9:47 p.m.  Motion carries 6-0.  There were no comments. Motion carries 6-0.  Adjourn  Motion carries 6-0. The meeting ended at 9:50 p.m.  Respectfully Submitted,  Brooke Klotz Borough Secretary  7