BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 4/10/23  The Regular Meeting of Council was held on Monday, April 10, 2023, at 7:00 PM, to be held in the The meeting was called to order by President Bartholomew at 7:001 PM with the following in attendance:  Council Room, 125 S. Walnut Street, First Floor, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: Thomas Bartholomew: President ofCouncil Recording Secretary: Daniel Stevens, Borough Manager/Secretary  ROLL CALL: PRESENT Bryon Reed Ronald Kratz Zachari Halkias Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman  ABSENT  OTHERS PRESENT Lisa Young Justin Gross Daniel Stevens Greg Winokur  VISITORS Steve Waldon, Nancy Treskot Bob Treskot, Kris Burek Nicole Frable, Justin Frable Krystall Borman, Kevin Borman Austin Berger, Robert Herzog Ryan Mayberry, Ericl King Robert Reph, Kris Porter  Thomas Bartholomew Joseph Wechsler Mayor Schoch  EXECUTIVE SESSION: None NOTIFICATION:  President Bartholomew announced that all public sessions of Borough 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 Kratz made ai motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve the following minutes with the following corrections: Attorney Young made corrections to: Council minutes on 3/13/23, on page 2 words "there and "were" were transposed, should read "in response to, page 4, 2nd line carried out their service, and change "add" to "and", page 6 Section 14 and 34-14.B (14) should be 34 14.B, subsection (15), last line should read SBA - Slatington Borough Authority: Council Meeting March 13, 2023; Committee Meetings - March 20, 2023 & March 27, 2023. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 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 the podium. Ifyou exit the podium, Phil Armstrong - Lehigh County Executive - was recognized to speak. Phil provided an update on the County. The County will introduce an ordinance that will give a $150.00 tax rebate to any active volunteer firefighter. Phil stated there are 3 other counties that are doing this. The County would like to open a treatment center with the Opioid money in the northern region. Phil introduced Yorman De La Rosa as community liaison. Phil stated that the state, county, and chamber worked to keep the Iron Pigs President Bartholomew read a statement from the Diamond Fire Company regarding the February 13, Ith has been brought to my attention that the Diamond Fire Company was a recent topic at your February 13, 2023, Council meeting. Iaccessed a copy of the minutes on-line from said meeting, and discovered that on page 6, under "Courtesy of the Floor" there was some discussion about the Diamond Fire Company as it relates to NOVA EMS. Ifelt it was in the best interest of everyone to address a mistake  approved by the Board, at which time the recordings shall be erased.  you have yielded the floor, and any time you have remaining.  in the Valley at the new: stadium 2023, council meeting.  Dear Slatington Borough Council and Mayor,  1    that was made at that meeting and that it be corrected as it has been entered in to official Borough minutes and approved at your April meeting. We, the Diamond Fire Company of Walnutport, did not receive the sum of $600.00 a month for rent from NOVA EMS while they were stationed at our facility. For the record, NOVA EMS did make donations at various times during their occupation ofour building. We felt at the time NOVA EMS moved into our facility that there was a need for that service to be present in the Northern Lehigh area, and did not want to ask for anything in return. We felt then, as we do now, that the need for this service was a paramount to our communities. At this time, Is simply request that this letter be read at you next council meeting sO that the record and the official meeting minutes stand corrected and accurately reflect the facts in this situation. Iwant to thank you in advance for your time in this matter, ift there is anything else that you may need, please contact me at your convenience. Michael PUBLIC. ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Executive session was held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 7:00 PM personnel issues were discussed. Executive session was held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6:301 PM real estate issues were discussed. Chief Winokur expressed his appreciation to all the Slatington Police Department officers for their hard work, dedication, devotion, and resilience to the safety oft the community. Each officer was awarded a letter of recognition from the Slatington Police Department; Police Officers: A. Ballerini, W. Borst, M. Concilio, C. Pforter, and A. Segarra. Chief Winokur also awarded a  Wentz, Fire Chief, Diamond Fire Company  President Bartholomew announced the following:  letter of recognition to Sgt. Dorward for his work as acting police chief. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTSI PAYABLETRANSIER  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 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  Mayor Jeralyn Schoch  None  ChiefWinokur  Chief Winokur provided the totals for the month of March. Total incidents of 289; reports filed 186, 11 criminal arrests, 29 traffic citations and 42 parking citations, Councilor Kratz asked ift there is an increase. Chief Winokur stated yes. From March 2022 to March 2023 reports that have been filed are up 10%, criminal arrests are up 175%, traffic citations are up 814%, and parking citations are up 40%.  STANDING COMMITTEES  2    A. Highway  Councilor. Jeffrey Hausman  1. Request for comments bridge replacement project from Michael Baker. Manager Stevens stated the council has 30 days from the date of the letter to submit any comments. 2. Request for comments Walnut Street bridge requested from Kristina Thompson. 3. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to authorize borough manager to obtain estimates for repairs to Chestnut Alley and explore options to repair in- house. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in 4. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to authorize borough manager to obtain estimates for paving sunken sewer laterals in northern Slatington. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 5. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to authorize payment request No. 1 for $28,183.50 for LB Construction Enterprises. Request is conditional on approval by Lehigh County. Partial payment for 2021 CDBG E. Franklin Street and ADA improvements. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call,  Favor.  voting as follows: ROLL CALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias  NAYS  ABSTAIN  5. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve Resolution, R-03-23, a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for acceptance of transportation alternatives set aside funds (TASA). President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll  Call, voting as follows: ROLLCALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias  NAYS  ABSTAIN  B. Public Safety  Councilor Kevin Steckel  1. Councilor Steckel made motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize quote from Keystone Technology for 2 sonic wall firewalls - one for police, one for admin for $633.79 each, total $1,267.58. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll  Call, voting as follows: ROLLCALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew  NAYS  ABSTAIN  3    Bryon Reed Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias  2. Discussion on issues with children at fire house, in vehicles, and on calls (executive session 3. Discussion and possible action concerning air packs for fire company. Councilor Steckel  discussion concerning legal)  would like this placed on the committee agenda.  C. Human/Community Services  Councilor Zachari Halkias  1.1 12TH Annual "Keep Slatington Beautiful" town cleanup scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Steckel, Review application and motion to approve use of facilities from Venture Group for Thirsty Thursday, June 22, July 20, and August 17,2023. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following  2023, starting at 9 AM. (informational only)  aVoice Vote, All in Favor  D. manceramaing/onng  Councilor Ronald Kratz  1. Northern Lehigh Multimunicipal Comprehensive plan intermunicipal cooperative implementation agreement. (waiting for updated agreement) Manager Stevens informed the council that this will have to be tabled until next month due to changes  int the agreement.  E. Sewer/Solid Waste  Councilor Joseph Wechsler  1. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, for the digester lid removal project to authorize payment application request No. 2 in the amount of $54,000.00 from Brave Industrial Paint LLC. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed  following al Roll Call, voting as follows:  ROLL CALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed 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. Flushing of water lines will take place between April 16 to April 30, 2023. (informational  only)  4    3. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to authorize payment application No. 2 for $11,306.70 to Billitier Electric, Inc. for emergency generator project. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows:  ROLLCALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias  NAYS  ABSTAIN  4. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to authorize payment application No. 3RET for $2,633.15 to Billitier Electric, Inc. for emergency generator project. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows:  ROLL CALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias  NAYS  ABSTAIN  5. Update on AutoCon panel upgrades. Councilor Reed and Manager Stevens met with the subcontractor for LRM. We may be able to incorporate some things from the Roberts panel  and Autocon panel. We are waiting for more information.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONALITEMS: None NEW: BUSINESS: None  COUNCIL PRESIDENT'SI 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 Steve Walden 2230 High Point Lane. Was recognized to speak. Steve stated that through the winter discussion has been done concerning the roads at Maple Spring Acres. Steve inquired about the status of the grants that would be utilized for the road repairs. Currently, the borough has not received notice on EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Bartholomew recessed to executive session at 7:43 PM. At 9:14 PM President Bartholomew reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel, real estate, and legal matters Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to amend the agenda to have the solicitor draft an ordinance to be reviewed at the next committee meeting regarding the fire department background checks. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in  the grant awards.  were discussed in executive session.  Favor 5    Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize the solicitor to draft an ordinance to be reviewed at the next committee meeting regarding the fire department. President  Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows:  ROLLCALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias  NAYS  ABSTAIN  Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to amend the agenda to make a motion to authorize a full-time police officer position to be offered to a part-time officer. President Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to offer a full-time police officer position to an existing part-time officer pending meeting of civil service requirements, including physical and psychological evaluations. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call,  Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All inl Favor  voting as follows: ROLLCALL  AYES Ronald Kratz Zachari Halkias Kevin Steckel  NAYS Jeffrey Hausman  ABSTAIN  Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed  ADJOURNMENT  Being no further business, Councilor Kratz, made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Steckel, to adjourn the meeting. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in  Favor.  President Bartholomew declared the meeting adjourned at 9:17PM.  Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary  6