MINUTES BOROUGH COUNCIL August5,2024 7P.M.  The Council Meeting was held in person at Borough Hall. Council members present were Ms. Johnson, Mr. Rufe, Mr. Trotter, Mr. McCandless, Mr. Blatt, Mr. Trabel, andl Mayor. Johnson. Amy Burkhart (Borough Manager), Jill Fessler (Finance Director), Mr. Berger (Solicitor), and guests Council President McCandless called the meeting to order and annourçed that we had an Executive Meeting before the Council Meeting this evening to discuss the Litigation with the  were also in attendance.  Burke Lawsuit and Personnel for the Code Enforcement Position.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Council President McCandless asked everyone to rise for the Pledge to the Flag.  MINUTES  Council President McCandless asked the Council to approve the minutes as amended from. July 17,2024. Mr. Trabel made the motion, seconded by Ms. Johnson, and unanimously approved.  Motion 2nd  Yes X X X X X X  No  Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Stewart McCandless Norman E BlattJr. Mayor Johnson  X  X  X  Mr. Berger mentioned that we need a motion to amend the agenda.  Council President McCandless announced that we: need a motion to amend the agenda. Borough Manager Burkhart announced that the reason for the amendment is that the school district submitted an application to use the park and isi requesting a date before our: next council meeting. She explained that we just received the application today. We need to addi it to the agenda sO we can make that motion and have it accepted tonight. Ms. Johnson made the motion, seconded by  Mr. Trotter, and unanimously approved it.    Motion 2nd X  Yes X X X X X X  No  Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Stewart McCandless Norman E. Blatt. Jr. Mayor Johnson  X  X  Si  PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR/PRE-SCHEDULED-NONE  MAYOR'S REPORT -NONE BOROUGH MANAGER'S REPORT  B  Park/Pool Updates - Borough Manager Burkhart announced that thej park and pool will remain open as long as staffing allows, with the pool potentially closing on. August 18. Mr. Blatt asked about how residents would bei notified, and Ms. Burkhart explained that they will post the exact dates on Facebook, website, and Nixle. Rufe also asked about posting something at thej pool and park, and the council agreed to do sO. South Side Stride Event Borough Manager Burkhart received an application from the school district for a South Side Stride Event, an introduction for kindergarteners. The event will tour the town,meet teachers, and then have aj park event with backpacks and games for incoming students. The event is scheduled for August 16, 2024. Mr. Blatt inquired about potential issues with the last hour oft the morning session, but the Borough Manager believes it will be beneficial as it allows kids to see thej playground  program. NEW: BUSINESS  Lining ofManholes Council President McCandless announced ai request from Public Works to line several manholes in the Borough in collaboration with the Stormwater Authority. Public Works believes this process is better and more affordable than rebuilding the manholes. Mr. Blatt asked about the lining. Mr. Quarry, the Public Works Supervisor, explained that the process involves spraying chemicals inside the manholes, which restructures the facility. Mr. Trabel asked about the existing brick. Mr. Quarry explained that existing bricks stay inj place, and the liner is applied. Mr. Quarry will Library Budget Consideration- - Council PresidentMcCandessshasamoumcedt: al request for an increase in thel Borough's per capita contribution. Mr. Rufe explained that the  place thej paperwork in the Council's mailboxes.    Bethlehem PublicL Library Board had previously requested a small increase, but the City of Bethlehem changed its budget submission practice, resulting ini no increased fees for thel Library. The Board is working diligently toi implement the rate increase in time for the City ofBethlehem budget, but the fee remains nominal and therel hasn't been a significant increase for quite some time. Mr. Rufe explained that he is on the Bethlehem Public Library Board and that many employees haven't received raises and even with this budget increase we wouldn'te expect there to be al hugejump in these anyway. Mr. Trabel inquired about the date of the increase. Mr. Rufe explained that the increase is Yard Waste Increase in Contract Price- Council President McCandless announced that the Bethlehem Recycling Bureau is requesting an increase in the Borough's fee for using their yard waste facility. Borough Manager. Burkhart stated that the feei is nominal and will bei reviewed during the budget time. The current feei is $1,500.00, but for 2025, ,it will be $60.00: more for $1,560.00. Mr. Trabel asked ifyard waste could still bej put out for garbage. Mr. Blatt explained that there are special bags that you should use. Mr. Rufe agreed, he also stated that our contributions allow for the residents to use the Recycling Center and that the cost is $20.00/year toj purchase a compost ID card. Conflict Council Appointment- Borough Manager Burkhàrt explained that we will have something for the council toi review for our September meeting. She explained that ifour Solicitor had a conflict ofinterest, typically, a community would have this council appointed before the çonflict/Mr. Blatt expressed concern about using the same attorney for each case. Ms. Burkhart explained that we can have conversations about this, see what the council recommendation: would be, and get your opinion on that.  expected to go: into effect in January 2025 for the next budget.  OLD BUSINESS  Garbage and Recycling Hauler Contractor- - Borough Manager Burkharti tinformed the council that the garbage and recycling hauler must be: submitted for bid. We anticipate having that out on PENN: Bid. by the end oft the week to review pricing. Mr. Blatt inquired about the due date. Ms. Burkhart explained that they will be due back by September, Mr. Blatt asked ift this was enough time for the budget. Borough Manager Burkhart explained that she could: make the due date earlier. Ms. Johnson explained that she felt we would have enough time. Mr. Berger explained that the contract will take effect in January. Ultimately, the last time we bid this out, we: received responses in September and awarded the bids at those meetings. Mr. Blatt remembered that we received two, and Mr. Berger agreed. Mr. Rufe asked if we thought that the short-term affected ouri numberofbids. Mr. Blatt didn't believe sO and explained that hauling trash Handicapped Ordinance- - Borough Manager Burkhart explained that a House and Ordinance committee meeting to: review thel handicapped ordinance and some ofits  ise expensive.  updates is scheduled for August 7,2024, at 6P.M.    Fee Schedule Review- Borough Manager Burkhart announced that we continue working on the fee schedule revision. Mr. Blatt asked: ifthis would be retroactive, and Ms.  Burkhart explained that it would be effective on 1/1/2025.  RESOLUTIONS FOR: FINAL PASSAGE-NONE ORDINANCES, FOR: FINAL PASSAGE - NONE  MOTIONS  Request that Council authorize the award ofac contract to Advanced. Rehabilitation Technology for thej purchase andi installation of OBIC Multi-Layer: Manhole Lining System for eight (8) sanitary sewer: manholes located within the Borough for aj price not to exceed $20,000.00, subject to any revisions deemed to bej in thel best interest of the Borough by the Borough Solicitor, and to authorize the Borough Manager or Borough Director ofPublic Works to execute said contract on behalfofthe Borough Council President McCandless asked the Council authorize the award of a contract to Advanced Rehabilitation Technology for the purchâse and installation of OBIC Multi- Layer Manhole! Lining System foreight (8) sanitary sewer manholes located within the Borough fora aj price not to exceed $20,000.00, subject to any revisions deemed to bei ini the best interest ofthe Borough by the Borough Solicitor, and to authorize the Borough Manager or Borough Director of Public Works to exècute said contract on behalfofthe Borough. Ms. Johnson made the motion, seconded by Mr. Trotter, and unanimously  approved. Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson, Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Stewart McCandless Norman E.. Blattr. Mayor Johnson  Motion 2nd  Yès X X X X X X  No  Abstain Absent  X  X  Request Council to accept and approve the requested time extension for 940 Cherokee, LLC: from MPC guidelines. The deadline for review will be extended to November 1, Council President McCandless asked Council to accept and approve thei requested time extension for 940 Cherokee, LLC from MPC guidelines. The deadline for review will be extended tol November 1, 2024. Mr. Blatt made the motion, seconded by Mr. Trabel, and  2024.  unanimously approved.    Mr. Berger, our Solicitor, discussed thel Land Development plan submitted by 940 Cherokee LLC, which was recommended by the Planning Commission. However, Mr. Berger highlighted several items that the applicant needs to address. He stated that the plans are: not ready for Council review and that no compliance has been made. Mr. Berger explained that we, granted an extension untill November 1, 2024, and Mr. Berger is seeking Mr. Rufe inquired about thej property owner's submission of plans for Land Development. Mr. Berger explained that the developer submitted aj preliminary final plan, which was reviewed by the Planning Commission before being recommended to the Council. However, the developer must comply with conditions and comments from the Borough Engineer and Borough Solicitor before approving the plan. Mr. Berger stated that the Mr. Rufe inquired about the timeline for the Planning Commission sending conditions to the developer. Mr. Berger believes they submitted plans at the May meeting. Mr. Berger explained that he believes there is a 90-day period under the Municipality Planning Code from a Land Development application being submitted before the Council to approve or deny the plan. Tonight's meeting would havebeen the meeting unless we. had this extension request from the developer. Mr. Rufe àsked ift they had requested the extension,  Council approval to avoid denying the plan.  updated plans have not been received.  and Mr. Berger confirmed. they had rèquested it.  Motion 2nd  Yes X X X X X X  No  Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie. Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter PhilipTrabel Stewart McCandless Norman E, BlattJr., Mayor. Johnson  X   X X  Updated: 8/5/24- - Request Council approve the Bethlehem Area School District use of the Stanley Avenue Park on August 161 for a South Side Stride Event. Rental fees to be  waived for the event.  Council President McCandless Request Council approve the Bethlehem Area School District use oft the Stanley Avenue Park on August 16: for a South Side Stride Event. Rental fees tol be waived for the event. Mr. Blatt made the motion subject to the usual insurance certificate requirement, seconded by Ms. Johnson, and unanimously approved.    Motion 2nd  Yes X X X X X X  No  Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip Trabel Stewart McCandless Norman E. Blatt. Jr. Mayor Johnson  X  X  X  COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT - Council President McCandless announced that we will have an End of Season Soak Session at the park on Friday, August 16th, in conjunction with the Fire Department and the Park Program from 6P.M. to 8P.MIty will be,t the last one for the season. Council President McCandless asked Mr. Quarry to let us know if anything is needed for the grounds. He also requested the same from the Police. Mr, Bachert confirmed that they would be  there. We want a: nice night for all the kids and families.  SOLICITOR'S REPORT  Comcast Agreement Review J Mr. Berger announced that Comcast reached out tou us regarding the contract status, Hei reminded the Council that at thel last meeting, he explained that he circulated themost rèvised contract with some comments. Iam following up with the Council to see: ift they haye any requests, revisions, or questions. Thei final review and approyal will be at the September meeting. Elementary School Project Mr Berger announced that thel Elementary School plans will return beforethe Planning Commission meeting in August. They received. Zoning approval for multiple request variances, providing a better understanding of their final plan, The Borough Engincer is reviewing the new plans, and the Planning Commission will make recommendations. The plans are expected to be presented to the Council in September or 3 Zoning Hearing Board August 19, 2024, 913 Seneca Mr. Berger announced a Zoning Hearing Board meeting this month, focusing on a variance request for 913 Seneca St. The property, a two-story, two-unit, and side one-story commercial property, suffered a firel loss and: is now being rebuilt. The current owner wants to build a one-unit residential apartment on a one-story structure, making the one-story apartment a 17x21-foot: studio dwelling. The variance is needed to meet the minimum dwelling size of fivel hundred square feet, resulting in a variance ofr roughly 300 square feet. The Zoning Officer also noted the need for sufficient off-street parking for six  October for final review and approval.  vehicles.    Collections Update- Mr. Berger announced that there will be a Finance Committee meeting on Wednesday at 4:30. August 7, 2024. Mr. Berger willl be there to review the  status ofs several collections.  COMMITTEE REPORTS  A. Finance  (Trotter, Blatt, Jordan)  Mr. Trotter asked for a motion to pay the bills as presented. Mr. Trotter motioned  and seconded by Ms. Johnson, and unanimously approyed.  Motion 2nd  Yes  X X % X  X3 X  .  No Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip Trabel Stewart McCandless Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Johnson  X  X  B. Public Works  (Jordan, Trotter, Rufe)  Mr. Quarry reported that two road projects are starting over the next few weeks. They will occur on Lechauweki and Brighton St. Keep an eye out for signage and  parking. C.P Police  (Blatt, Trotter, Johnson)  Mr. Blatt announced that the Police report was: in your mailbox. He believes there were seyen part-one offenses and seventeen part-two offenses in the Borough. Chief Bachert reported a DUI checkpoint at the Bottom Dollar on August 2nd, resulting in three DUIS and several violations as part of the Lehigh County Grant. Fountain Hill Police has received the grant for aggressive driver and pedestrian safety. The officers are currently out enforcing, and they will continue until the funds are gone. Game Time officially closed on July 31st, and ai new business will open in. July. A DUI arrest occurred on Jeter Ave, with multiple mailboxes struck, Mr. Blatt inquired about a Facebook post about the line ofs sight on Delaware and Clewell. There was a bad accident. Mr. Bachert explained that a car struck two vehicles. We had two other claims, but we couldn't find anything linking the  and the individual was arrested within 40 minutes.    damage to those vehicles. Dave Wood was called out, and he did an investigation. We do notl know ifit was al line-of-sight issue. Itl looked like a speed issue. Mr. Rufe explained that he was happy that Game Time would be switching to a different business. Itl has been nothing but problematic. He wishes luck to the next  business. D. House & Ordinances  (McCandless, Rufe, Jordan)  Council President! McCandless: reported that wel have à meeting this month. We are still working on completing thel handicapi parking ordinance, fees schedule, and other  items. E. Fire  (Trabel, Rufe, McCandless)  Mr. Trabel announced that we had twenty calls inJuly, and the Fire Department  has training every Monday night.s  F. Recreation G. Health & Sanitation  (Johnson, Rufe, Trabel) - NONE (Rufe, Johnson, Trabel)  Mr. Rufe read the, July Sewer/Garbage collection reports.  H. Personnel I. ITC Committee  (Trotter, Blatt, Jordan) -NONE  (Johnson, Rufe, Jordan) - Ms. Johnson announced  that there was. a phishing attempt today. She explained that she sent an email out just as a reminder.to double-check the email addresses that come through.Ireceived anemail that looked like it was coming from the Mayor. It was not an email address belonging to the Mayor or a link. Make sure you hover over your links and verify where they go. She reported this tol Keystone Technology, and this email has been  blocked. Just be vigilant.  SPECIAL ORSLIKCICOMDMITES:  LIBRARY- Mr. Rufe announced that we do not have ai meeting during the month of August due to Musikfest. In July, we discussed the budget. We will have a meeting in September. We are  seeing an increase in participation in activities. Thank you forj participating. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -I Discussion on Non Agenda Items NONE  ADJOURNMENT  At 7:37 pm Council President McCandless asked to adjourn the Council meeting. Ms. Johnson  made the motion, seconded by Mr. Trabel, and unanimously approved.    Motion 2nd X  Yes X X X X X X  No Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip Trabel Stewart McCandless Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Johnson  X  BOROUGHOF FOUNTAINI HILL, LEHIGH COUNTY,PENNSYLVANIA  ATTESTED BY:  By:  Amy Burkhart, Borough Managét  Stewart McCandlèss - President ofCouncil  SUBMITTED BY:  Jill Fessler, Finance Director  Next Ordinance 883 Next Resolution- 2024-14  a