BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON  The Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety and Human/Community Services Committee Workshop Meetings were held on August 21,2023, in Council Room, 125 South Walnut Street, Slatington, PA 18080. The meeting was called to order by President Bartholomew. at 6:30 PM with the following in attendance:  PRESENT Thomas Bartholomew Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Zachari Halkias PUBLIC COMMENT:  ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT  VISITORS Jeffrey Hausman, Zoel Moyer Ron Hausman, Josh Packer Krystall Borman, Robert Reph Kevin Borman, Rebecca Edwards  Mayor Schoch Greg Winokur Daniel Stevens  Krystall Borman - 2228 Skyline Drive. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Krystall is here on behalf oft the fire company. Krystall cited a letter from the surrounding fire chiefs that stated how inadequate the fire fighters training and is here to dispute that claim. Krystall provided a list of all her certifications. Krystall added that at this time there are over 16 members that are taking the Fire 1 Class, which is a 200- Kevin Borman - 2228 Skyline Drive. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Kevin is at the meeting on behalf of the fire department. Kevin is chief engineer and the training officer for the fire company. Kevin provided his certifications. Kevin also stated he was offended by the letter which stated the fire company is not properly trained. Kevin stated the department is actively seeking new members, and currently have 5 applications for review. Kevin stated that any fire department in Lehigh County is hard pressed from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM due to volunteers' regular jobs. A borough/town will see a lot more mutual aide during that  hour class over a 10-week period.  time.  A.F FINANCE/PLANNINGIZONING  Ronald Kratz- - Chairman; Members: Kevin Steckel, Zachari Halkias 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics:  a. The committee interviewed Rebeccas Edwards for the vacant position on the Zoning Hearing Rebecca Edwards - 123 Sunset Circle. Rebecca would like to start contributing, but does not know too much about the Zoning Hearing Board. Rebecca has been in touch with Tony Lopsonzski and Duane Dellecker over the past few years. Rebecca was informed oft the vacancy and attended a Zoning Hearing Board meeting recently. This meeting interested her and she would be willing to learn and volunteer. President Bartholomew stated that when he was on the Zoning Hearing Board, it was rubber-stamping variances that have a very negative impact on the neighborhood, borough, and police department. Councilor Kratz added that an applicants' finances are not a reason to change what is in place already. Councilor Kratz added that being on the Zoning Hearing Board, one must be objective concerning relations in a decision. Manager Stevens explained how the Zoning Hearing Board functions and added that they are paid for each hearing. Mayor Schoch thanked Rebecca for her interest. President Bartholomew b. Further discussion on logistics of Economic Development and Beautification of Town committees. Councilor Kratz would like to construct these committees, i.e., how many people on the committees, how often it should be held, etc. Mayor Schoch has agreed to chair the  Board.  would like this placed on the next regular council agenda.  1    committees. Councilor Kratz would like 2 people for each committee. Mayor Schoch feels it should be open to more people. Manager Stevens would like to see what kind ofinterest there is inthe committees. Manager Stevens suggested placing an article in the newspaper or Channel 13 Discussion on feasibility of adding an additional part-time code enforcement position and realistic estimate on timing of budget. Councilor Kratz understands that due to variable budget items, it will not be done until November. However, Councilor Kratz feels it is necessary to have a discussion on personnel and equipment inj preparation for future budgets. Councilor Kratz added that in 2 years they will have to face the digital communications for fire and police. Chief Winokur stated that he is pursuing a LSA grant. Manager Stevens informed the committee that  advertising these new committees.  he is waiting on answers from Senator Coleman's office for the road grants.  There were: no questions from the committee members; the Finance Committee Meeting was adjourned.  B. PUBLICSAFETY  Kevin Steckel - Chairman; Members: Ronald Kratz, Zachari Halkias 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics:  a. Fire company requests permission to participate on August 30, 2023, in Palmer Twp L.V. Fire ChiefHausman stated this is a great opportunity for the company to get involved. The b. Clarification on use of new police vehicle. Councilor Reed did not attend, but he questioned about this. However, Councilor Hausman is trying to understand what exactly the vehicle will be used for. Itisnot going to be outfitted a normal patrol car sO it would just be stationary until needed. Chief Winokur informed him that the vehicle would be assigned to him. Councilor Hausman asked if ChiefWinokur would bet taking this home, which would run upa a great deal of mileage and cost for gas and maintenance. Chief Winokur said that would be up to council. As far as maintenance, the road crew checks the police vehicles weekly. Chief Winokur added that vehicles will be assigned to specific police officers and make them more responsible for the Fire company update from fire chief. Chief Hausman has spoken with all his line officers with positive results. ChiefHausman stated that the members are younger, which is a good thing. He feels the fire department is going in the right direction. Chief Hausman has suggested having a gear room made for the fire house. Chief Hausman stated he will finish his term till the end of the year, and that Austin Berger has been al big help tol him. Communication is the key to a good relationship. Manager Stevens suggested contacting Mike for help in obtaining grants.  Rescue Training.  committee agreed to have the fire company participate.  condition.  There were no questions from the committee members; the Public Safety Committee meeting was adjourned.  CIUMANCOMMUNITY SERVICES  Zachari Halkias- - Chairman; Members: Kevin Steckel, Ronald Kratz 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics:  a. Review request from Lindsay Taylor, NLRA, for their 7th Annual Candy Cane Hunt on Saturday, December gth from 10:00. AM to 11:00 AM, at Victory Park. President Bartholomew  would like this placed on the next regular agenda.  2    b. Review request from Lindsay Taylor, NLRA, to temporarily place a portable signboard at the corner of Grove St. and PA Rte. 873, within the boundaries of Victory Park. President Review request from Caring Hearts Inc to conduct Kick OffDay, Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, from 12:00 to 4:30 PM - runs through mid to end of January. Manager Stevens will contact Lindsay Taylor on the coordination with NLRA. President Bartholomew would like this placed d. Review letter from Slatington Public Library requesting that Beverly Benfer replace David Hauser on the Board of Directors term concluding 12/31/26. President Bartholomew would like e. Review request from Northern Lehigh School District to conduct the Homecoming Parade on Saturday, September 29, 2023, from 5:15 PM1 to 6:30 PM President Bartholomew would like this Mayor Schoch said there is a request for barricades for a fund raiser on Friday, September gt,  Bartholomew would like this placed on the next regular agenda.  on the next regular agenda.  this placed on the next regular agenda. placed on the next regular agenda.  2023, for the Halloween Parade at Victory Park.  There were no questions from the committee members; the Human/Community Services Committee meeting  was adjourned.  D. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None E. COURTESY1 TOTHE FLOOR:  Kevin Borman stated that LV Rescue Training Group meets once per month.  Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Halkias, to adjourn. Being no further  business, President Bartholomew declared the meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.  Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary  3