FOUNTAIN HILL BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES November 17,2021 7:00 P.M The Council Meeting was. held in-person at Borough Hall. Council members present were: Ms. Jordan, Mr. Blatt, Mr, Rufe, Mr. Trabel, Ms. Johnson and Ms. Halleman. Mayor Gifford attended via phone. Also, in attendance were. Eric Gratz (Borough Manager), Cordula Voges (Finance Director), Ed Bachert (Police Chief), and guests. Council President Blatt called thei meeting to order and asked for everyone toi rise for the Pledge to thel Flag MINUTES Council President Blatt asked for a motion to approve the Minutes of the November 1, 2021 Council Meeting, as amended for corrections Motion X 2nd Yes X X X X X X No Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt) Jr. Mayor Gifford X X toa approve the Minutes oft the November 3, 2021 Committee oft the Whole, as amended for corrections Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip Trabel Helen Halleman Motion 2nd X Yes X X X x X No Abstain Absent X X Norman E. Blatt] Jr. Mayor Gifford X PRESENTATIONS) - none PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR/ PRE-SCHEDULED I none RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2021-18 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF FOUNTAIN HILL, LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BETHLEHEM AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF' TRUSTEES TO FILL THE VACANCY FROM THE RETIREMENT OF MRS. ANNAMARIE. JORDAN. Motion X 2nd Yes X X X X X X No Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip' Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt) Jr. Mayor Gifford X X Mr. Rufe is the newly appointed representative. Mayor Gifford and Council President Blatt thanked Ms. Jordan for her longstanding dedicated service as ai representative toi the Bethlehem Area Public Library Board. ORDINANCES- -none MOTIONS On behalf of the Borough Manager, Council President Blatt asked for a motion to advertise the Proposed Budget for 10 days. Motion X 2nd X Yes X X No Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Helen. Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford X x X X x Inl light oft the outstanding decision on the wagei increase for the administrative staff for 2022, Mr. Gratz recommended to either ask for ai motion to approve a wage increase for all administrative staffi members or to go into an executive session ifonly select staff members will receive a wage increase. Council President Blatt asked to: interrupt the public meeting and Council to conyene for Following the Executive Session, thej public wasi invited back tot the Council Chamber and Council President Blatt announced a five (5) % wage increase for the office clerks, the Finance Director, Council President Blatt asked for a motion to advertise the budget as amended for the wage an Executive Session. the Zoning Officer, the Police Chiefand the Police Secretary. increase. Motion x 2nd x Yes X X X X X X No Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt] Jr. Mayor Gifford x Council President Blatt asked for a motion to approve the salary change for the Public Works Supervisor retroactively as ofNovember 1, 2021. Motion X 2nd Yes X X X x X X No Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip' Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford X X OLD BUSINESS School Traffic Based on the Borough Manager's reporting, Council President Blatt stated that the temporary traffic plan, including a one-way street designation was approved by all parties and will begin on December 1, 2021. DISCUSSION ITEMS (NEW BUSINESS) Public Works Candidate Interviews Ms. Jordan reported that three candidates were interviewed and an offer was extended to one candidate. His acceptance is still outstanding, Int the meantime, ai fourth candidate applied, but has not been interviewed yet. Christmas Decorating Door Contest. Ini response to popular demand, Council President Blatt, Mayor Gifford and Council as a whole favored this community activity. Mr. Gratz assured that mall prizes could bej paid out the General Fund. Ms. Johnson announced that the New Bethany Ministries ofBethlehem will hold the 24th annual Luminaria Night on December 11,2021. Through the sale ofkits, several different charities benefit from Luminaria Night. Different options to purchase Luminaria kits are available (New Bethany Ministries website). She encouraged Chief Bachert announced that the Police will be raising funds for "Helping Hands" residents toj participate. again throughout the Christmas season. PRIVILEGE OF THE. FLOOR. -1 Discussion on Non - Agenda Items Council President mentioned that the: recent incident on Clewell Street was well handled by the police and the EMS and Voluntary Fire Department provided a great response. Council President concluded the meeting by wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. ADJOURNMENT At 7:30 PM Council President Blatt asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Trabel made the motion, seconded by Ms. Johnson and unanimously approved. BOROUGH OF FOUNTAIN HILL LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA By: Norman E Blatt-F President of Council SUBMITTED: BY: Cordula Voges, Finance Director ATTEST: By: Eric Gratz, Borough Manager Next Ordinance- - 865 Next Resolution - 2021-1 19