BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 8/14/23  The Regular Meeting of Council was held on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM, to be held in the The meeting was called to order by President Bartholomew at 7:00 PM with the following in attendance:  Council Room, 125 S. Walnut Street, First Floor, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: Thomas Bartholomew: President of Council Recording Secretary: Daniel Stevens, Borough Manager/Secretary  ROLLCALL: PRESENT Bryon Reed Jeffrey Hausman Ronald Kratz Zachari Halkias Kevin Steckel  ABSENT  OTHERS PRESENT Lisa Young Greg Winokur Justin Gross Daniel Stevens  VISITORS Ryan Mayberry, Ron Hausman Robert Herzog, Vicki? Dominic ?, Bekki Baumann Jeremy Henry, Cheryl McCormick John McCormick, Austin Berger Ashley King, Eric King, Zoe Moyer Krystall Borman, Joshua Packer Jason Nicholas, Hunter Henritzy Kevin Borman, Robert Reph David Schnaars, Alexi Schleicher Kristie Wentling, Ron Hill Paige Reph  Thomas Bartholomew Joseph Wechsler Mayor Schoch  EXECUTIVE SESSION: None NOTIICATION:  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 Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve the following: Council Meeting - July 10, 2023; Committee Meetings - July 17, 2023 & W-S-H meeting cancelled July 24, 2023 due to lack of quorum. President Bartholomew  approved by the Board, at which time the recordings shall be erased.  declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor.  SPECIALPRESENTATION:  Interview with Rebecca Edwards potential candidate for Zoning Hearing Board. Ms Edwards was 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,  unable to attend.  youl have yielded the floor, and any time you have remaining.  David Schnaars - 223 Walnut Street. Signed in and was recognized to speak. David Schnaars is encouraging the Council to try to get the budget done early. David feels there are some very significant economic challenges over the next year or two. David recalled in a previous budget funding to hire an assistant for Code Enforcement. Manager Stevens informed him that item (floater) was removed from last year's budget. He asked about a person that would be working between the sewer plant and the  1    borough crew. Manager Stevens informed David there is an ad running at this time for the extra person Bekki Baumann -3 314 Kern Street. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Bekki spoke about the water drainage that affects her property during heavy storms. Bekki provided photos for review and a report from the borough engineers. Manager Stevens will have the crew check the catch basins and drainage Eric King - 336 1st Street. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Eric noted that on the agenda COVID19 LFRF money is being used to repair Chestnut Alley. He stated that he thought he had been told previously that COVID19 LFRF money could not be used for road repair. Manager Stevens stated that it was CDBG money that could not be used, and not COVID19 LFRF. Vice President Reed confirmed this fact. Manager Stevens informed Eric the proposal will be to totally redo Chestnut Alley from Church Street to Center Avenue and about a 65' section above that, because we can only go up to the bid threshold. Eric is complaining about the alley from Franklin Street to Center Avenue. Manager Stevens stated that area will be temporarily patched and worked on next year. Eric asked Solicitor Young if the borough is responsible for vehicle maintenance if tires are flat due to poor road conditions and documented for 3 months. Solicitor Young is not sure, but Eric will search for the document again. Kristie Wentling - NOVA - Signed in and was recognized to speak. Kristie informed the Council that they did hire a Director of Operations. Kristie added the Round Table invitations have been sent out for September 14th, 2023, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. They have hired a full-time nightshift paramedic and Ron Hill - Signed in and was recognized to speak. Ron discussed the road condition of the Oak Alley next to 431 W. Church Street. There are big ruts, erosion, damage to his retaining wall and water issues. Cold or hot patch was dumped about 150' long to form aj polished curb, but this has eroded. The Borough did some recent repairs to the curb. Ron provided photos and stated Oak Alley is a disaster. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Executive session on Monday, July 17,2023, 7:171 PM, discussed matters of personnel Executive session on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, 6:001 PM, discussed matters of personnel  for the sewer plant and borough crew.  grate.  several part-time paramedics.  APPROVALOF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TRANSFER  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  MayorJeralyn Schoch  2    Mayor Schoch and ChiefWinokur worked on a National Night Out for the community. This was the first year and it seems to have been a success. Mayor Schoch thanked everyone who volunteered, and all the  First Responders.  ChiefWinokur  Chief Winokur thanked Mayor Schoch and Lisa Fisher for their hard work and dedication for their hours for National Night Out. Chief Winokur thanked the community for a great showing. Chief Winokur provided totals for. July 2022 to July 2023; July- 2022- 305 incidents; July 2023 - 346; reports filed - 2022 - 208, 2023 - 263; Criminal arrests 2022 - 9, 2023 - 17; traffic citations 2022 - 23, 2023 - 18; parking tickets 2022 -49, 2023 -32. Councilor Kratz asked Chief Winokur if the borough can cover all shifts, or have the state police assistance. Chief Winokur informed him that state police have had to cover one of their shifts. There are times that the Slatington Police Department will assist the state police in a high priority situation. Chief Winokur stated that they are waiting on the tasers and the body cam grant.  Hopefully the grant will be awarded in December. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway  Councilor. Jeffrey Hausman  1. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve Resolution, R- 09-23, a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for acceptance of transportation alternatives set aside funds (TASA) (State of PA changed reimbursement agreement number in original resolution). 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  2. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve payment Application #2 for Franklin Street CDBG. Payment of $68,401.10 to LB Construction Enterprises, Inc. 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  3. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to move forward on S&G Proposal No: 11271-07-17-2028-1-521,680.00 - Church Street, Chestnut Alley from Church to Center Ave and section behind Church property. Councilor Hausman revised his motion to include using COVID19 LFRF. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a  Roll Call, voting as follows:  ROLL CALL 3  AYES  NAYS  ABSTAIN    Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias  4. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to accept proposal from S&G for Oakhurst Drive Proposal No: 112191-07-17-2025-1 $22,450.00 (using sewer funds). President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following al Roll Call, voting as follows:  ROLLCALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias  NAYS  ABSTAIN  5. Proposed CDBG award from Lehigh County for $90,898.00 in CDBG funding for reconstruction ofl Fifth Street from West Church tol Franklin Street. (informational only) 6. Proposed CDBG award from Lehigh County for $87,399.00 in CDBG funding for the reconstruction of North Street from Willow Avenue to Second Street. (informational only) 7. Rejected 2023 CDBG application from Lehigh County = reconstruction of Walnut Street =  Church to Race Street (informational only)  B. Public Safety  Councilor Kevin Steckel  1. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to purchase a command police cruiser from Fred Bean's Ford for $41,051.00, the first payment to come from COVID19 LFRF. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as  follows: ROLLCALL  AYES Zachari Halkias Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel  NAYS Jeffrey Hausman  ABSTAIN  Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed  2. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to accept resignation of part-time Police Office Amanda Segarra, with regrets. President Bartholomew declared the 3. Proposed CDBG award from Lehigh County for 2023 CDBG funding-$72,522.00. Funding for air packs and cylinders from reallocated 2018 CDBG dollars. This application was submitted by Manager Stevens last year and was initially turned down. (informational only) 4. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to give Manager Stevens the ability to purchase air pack as he sees fit with the money provided from CDBG. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows:  motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor.  ROLLCALL 4  AYES  NAYS  ABSTAIN    Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Zachari Halkias Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman  5. Discussion and possible motions concerning personnel issues with Slatington Volunteer Fire Department. Councilor Steckel would like this tabled until after executive session.  .B uman/Community Services  Councilor Zachari Halkias  1. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve request from St. John's UCC to hold the Peach Festival, August 26th, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Park. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed 2. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to adopt Resolution R-06-23 Right of Way Agreement for Blue Ridge Cable Technologies. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows:  following a Voice Vote, All in Favor.  ROLLO CALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Zachari Halkias Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman  NAYS  ABSTAIN  3. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to adopt Resolution R-10-23, authorizing the submission of Northampton and Lehigh County LSA grant application for Slatington Public Library. President Bartholomew declared  the motion passed following al Roll Call, voting as follows:  ROLLCALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Zachari Halkias Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman  NAYS  ABSTAIN  D. mancermmming/oning  Councilor Ronald Kratz  1. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to authorize Borough Manager Stevens to approve Exemption Report from Statewide Tax Recovery Inc. for Delinquent Per Capita Tax for: Terry Williams- Closed bankruptcy -5x$ $5.50 total $27.50. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Review application from Rebecca Edwards for the vacant position on the Zoning Hearing Board. Possible motion to appoint new member to Zoning Hearing Board. This term will  5    expire on December 31, 2025. President Bartholomew suggested this be placed on the next  committee agenda for Ms. Edwards to be interviewed.  3. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to establish formation of Economic Development and Beautification of Town committees. President Bartholomew 4. Replacement of 2 roof sections on Borough Hall completed and installation of new police 5. Councilor Kratz stated that we wanted to get a jump on the budget and that it will be discussed in our committee meeting coming up. Discuss the inclusion of an additional code officer in budget. Manager Stevens informed the Council that he wouldn't have the regular insurance, Workers Compensation, and health insurance figures until November,  declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All inl Favor. department A/C unit completed (informational only)  which could greatly skew the numbers.  E. Sewer/Solid Waste  Councilor Joseph Wechsler  1. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to take $250,000.00 out oft the garbage fund, which is for solid waste and roll that into a CD. President Bartholomew  declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows:  ROLLCALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Zachari Halkias Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman  NAYS  ABSTAIN  2. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to take $500,000.00 out of the sewer and place it in CD's. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed  following a Roll Call, voting as follows:  ROLL CALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Zachari Halkias Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman  NAYS  ABSTAIN  3. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to award to PSI Pumping Solutions Incorporated for replacing brushes and welding a plate on the Helisieve screen for $7,449.00. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll  Call, voting as follows: ROLLCALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Zachari Halkias Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel  NAYS  ABSTAIN  6    Jeffrey Hausman  4. Replacement oft new A/C-heating unit completed (informational only)  F.V Water/Special Sewer Committee  Councilor Bryon Reed  1. Water Test Statement- Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 2. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to place $500,000.00 from water into CD's. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll  Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Zachari Halkias Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman  NAYS  ABSTAIN  3. Update on the control panel project (Martz). Councilor Reed stated there was a meeting set 4. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize rebuilding and repairs to Peerless Pump for $9,175.00 from Kohl Bros., Inc. President Bartholomew  up, but the date was changed.  declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows:  ROLL CALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Zachari Halkias Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman  NAYS  ABSTAIN  UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONALITEMS: None NEW: BUSINESS:  Councilor Halikias mentioned a falling electrical pole across from 412 Chestnut Street, aside of Trout  Creek, he would like to expedite this repair. 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 Eric King - Eric was concerned about the money that was allocated for CDs and why can't it be put to fixing the roads. Manager Stevens stated the money is from the water, sewer, and garage funds. Road repairs are generally paid out of the general fund and liquid fuels. Solicitor Young confirmed that we  can'tjust take money from the proprietary funds toi fix roads.  7    EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Bartholomew recessed to executive session at 8:15 PM. At 10:40 PM: President Bartholomew reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel, real estate, and legal matters  were discussed in executive session.  B.5  Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to rescind the appointment of Austin Berger as Fire Chief of Slatington Borough. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed  following al Roll Call, voting as follows:  ROLLCALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Jeffrey Hausman Ronald Kratz  NAYS Kevin Steckel  ABSTAIN Zachari Halkias  Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to appoint Ronald Hausman as Fire Chief for the Borough of Slatington. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll  Call, voting as: follows: ROLLCALL  AYES Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Zachari Halkias Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel  NAYS  ABSTAIN Jeffrey Hausman  Councilors Halkias and Hausman were reminded that they must fill out forms to explain their vote to  abstain. ADJOURNMENT  Being no further business, Councilor Kratz, made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to adjourn the meeting. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in  Favor.  President Bartholomew declared the meeting adjourned at 10:41 PM.  Daniell L. Stevens Borough Secretary  8