BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 6/12/23 The Regular Meeting of Council was held on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 7:00 PM, to be. held in the Council Room, 125 S. Walnut Street, First Floor, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: Thomas Bartholomew: President of Council Recording Secretary: Daniel Stevens, Borough Manager/Secretary The meeting was called to order by President Bartholomew at 7:00 PM with the following in attendance: ROLLCALL: PRESENT Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler-via phone Ronald Kratz Zachari Halkias Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT Mayor Schoch Lisa Young Greg Winokur Justin Gross Daniel Stevens VISITORS Jim Loge T/N, Ryan Mayberry Ron Hausman, Susan Smith Robert Herzog, David Schnaars Aaron Schoch, Nichole Frable, Justin Frable, Zoe Moyer Robert Reph, Kris Burek Susan Smith EXECUTIVE SESSION: None NOTIFICATION: President Bartholomew announced that all public sessions ofBorough Council are electronically recorded and such recordings are maintained as part of the meeting record until the minutes are transcribed and MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING - Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve the following: Council Meeting - May 8, 2023; Committee Meetings - May 15, 2023 & May 22, 2023; Special Meeting May 22, 2023. President Bartholomew declared the approved by the Board, at which time the recordings shall be erased. motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. SPECIAL RESENIATION: Chief Winokur stated that on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at about 8:30 AM the Slatington Police Department and fire department were dispatched to 105 5th Street in Slatington Borough for a report of a dwelling fire. Officer Anthony Ballerini, who is also trained as a volunteer fire fighter, arrived on location to find smoke coming from the second level of the home. Officer Ballerini was informed by a neighbor that they believed people to still be inside. Officer Ballerini, without hesitation, or regard for his own safety, forced entry into the home through the front door, and during his search located a single resident sleeping in the second-floor bedroom adjacent to the room that was on fire. Officer Ballerini was able to wake that resident and safely get him out of the home without injury. Because of Officer Ballerini's actions the resident is alive and well today. Police Chief Winokur awarded Officer Ballerini recognition PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Agenda and Non-Agenda items) You will have three minutes to address Council from the podium. The three minutes applies to your time at thej podium. Ifyou exit the podium, Kris Burek - 1235 Fourth Street. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Kris Burek asked when resolution R-05-23 was advertised for review from the public. Manager Stevens stated that resolutions do for outstanding achievements. you have yielded the floor, and any time you have remaining. 1 not have to be advertised. Solicitor Young confirmed that resolutions do not have to be advertised and Susan Smith - 1062 Pine Tree Drive. Signed in and was recognized tos speak. Susan shared her concerns about the condition of the roads. Susan stated that 16 years ago the road was excavated for sewer line replacement and she asked ifthey were going to repave it. Susan was told no because the water lines and storm water needed to be done. It has been patched and blacktopped since then, but storms have done damage to it. Susan added that neighbors have had damage to their basements, even ifthey had a sump PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Executive session was held on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 8:32 PM personnel issues were Executive session was held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 6:30 PM personnel issues were everything is in order to vote on the resolution. pump. She asked ift the borough is liable for this personal damage? President Bartholomew announced the following: discussed. discussed. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TRANSIER Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to approve payment of the bills and transfers as presented by the Treasurer. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following al Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias NAYS ABSTAIN REPORTS The reports of various committees, officials and officers were provided to Council and are on file in Borough Hall and are available for public inspection. MAYORS/POLICE REMARKS working with him. Mayor Jeralyn Schoch Mayor Schoch thanked Chief Winokur for all he is doing for the community and said it is a great pleasure Chief Winokur Chief Winokur thanked Mayor Schoch for her kind words. Chief Winokur provided totals for May 2022 to May 2023; Reports filed May 2022 - 234; May 2023 -253; Incidents May 2022 - 348; May 2023 - 355; Criminal arrests 2022-4 4, 2023. -9 9; traffic citations 2022-29, 2023-35; parking tickets 2022-41; 2023-42. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway CouncilorJeffrey Hausman 2 1. Notification from Senator Coleman that the borough was awarded an LSA grant for $56,000.00 for storm water improvements in northern Slatington ($60,000.00 application amount) 2. The Council discussed the 2 bids for the South Street CDBG projects from: S&G Asphalt Services LLC in the amount of $212,340.00 and Semmel Excavating for $500,785.13. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to accept bids for 2 South Street CDBG projects. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All 3. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to award the bid for 2 South Street CDBG projects to S&G Asphalt Services LLC in the amount of $212,340.00, contingent upon Lehigh County's approval of the project. President Bartholomew declared the in Favor. motion passed following al Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLLCALL AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias NAYS ABSTAIN B. Public Safety Councilor Kevin Steckel 1. The Council accepting Resolution R-05-23, a resolution designating additional fire department policies regarding youth attendance and conduct at a fire house and conduct on calls and training sessions. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to accept Resolution R-05-23. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following al Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLLCALL AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias NAYS ABSTAIN 2. Discussion and possible motion to appoint council advisor for fire company (after executive session) C. Human/Community Services Councilor Zachari Halkias 1. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve payment application #1 to Bruce George Paving for Slate Heritage Trail project for $106,999.30. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLLCALL AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler NAYS ABSTAIN 3 Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 2. Thank You from Springside Sportsmen Club Inc. for allowing them to conduct their 3rd Annual Kid's fishing contest. (informational only) D. mancellamming/.oning Councilor Ronald Kratz 1. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to authorize use of COVID19 LFRF funds to pay for Northern Lehigh Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan Intermunicipal Cooperative Implementation Agreement. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLLCALL AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias NAYS ABSTAIN 2. The Council discussed contracts for roofing at borough hall. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to award the roofing contract to AJ Kerekes Roofing in the amount of $16,500.00 using COVID19 LFRF funds. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following al Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLLO CALL AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias NAYS ABSTAIN 3. Councilor Kratz, made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to appoint delegate and alternate delegate for Lehigh Tax Collection Committee. (Dan Stevens, delegate; Ron Kratz alternate delegate) President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in) Favor. E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Joseph Wechsler 1. Update on draft NPDES permit. Manager Stevens stated it was given to the attorney, but the 2. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to transfer funds to pay the following Authority bills: June 12, 2023, Meeting Sewer Authority bills: Lisa Young $2,058.00; Tad Miller $125.00; Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits LLC authority audit fee - $5,200.00; Petty Cash - $54.88; Stamps $63.00; Times News $155.65; Total $7,656.53. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: draft permit has not been advertised yet. 4 ROLLCALL AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias NAYS ABSTAIN 3. Councilor Wechsler, made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to pay Assistant Treasurer's Time and Travel Report for the period of March 13, 2023 through June 12, 2023 1 travel time - 23 miles @ 65.5 cents = $15.07 Total mileage reimbursement $15.07; March 13, 2023, to June 12, 2023, 13.5 hrs. @ $30.00 = $405.00; Total - $420.07 President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following al Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLLCALL AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias NAYS ABSTAIN F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Bryon Reed 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 2. Update and possible action on. AutoCon panel upgrades willl be taken up after executive session. Councilor Reed informed the Council this past month the filtration plant processed an average of 378,000 gallons daily. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None NEW BUSINESS: None COUNCIL: PRESIDENT'S, REPORT: None Council from the podium on Agenda Items Only.) Thomas Bartholomew COURTESY OF THE FLOOR - (Agenda Items Only - You will have two (2) minutes to address EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Bartholomew recessed to executive session at 7:35 PM. At9:40 PM President Bartholomew reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel, real estate, and legal matters were discussed in executive session. B2 Councilor Steckel made ai motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to appoint Ron Hausman as fire department advisor with responsibilities as follows: 1) Provide wide spread guidance and advice to the fire chief, 2) Act as a liaison between Borough Council and the fire department, 3) Make recommendations to Borough Council concerning fire department personnel, operations 5 and equipment, make recommendations to improve fire department operations on behalf of fire chief, 4) Issue a monthly report to Borough Council regarding activities, calls, training, and all aspects of the fire department operations. This report will include potential problems or issues which should be addressed on behalf oft the fire chief, 5) President Bartholomew added: Further activities may be added to this list of responsibilities President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote: 6yay;lnay ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Hausman, made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to adjourn the meeting. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Bartholomew declared the meeting adjourned at 9:41 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 6