BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON  The Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety and Human/Community Services Committee Workshop Meetings were held on December 18, 2023, in Council Room, 125 South Walnut The meeting was called to order by President Bartholomew at 6:30 PM with the following in  Street, Slatington, PA 18080.  attendance: PRESENT Thomas Bartholomew (Thomas Bartholomew left at 6:41) Kevin Steckel Zachari Halkias Ronald Kratz  ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT  VISITORS Marie Carney, Jeffrey Hausman Ron Hausman, Kevin Borman Krystall Borman, Robert Reph Jeremy Henry, Dylan McDevitt Hunter Henritzy, Robert Herzog Frank Hoffman, Jason Nicholas Ryan Mayberry Anthony Gnas Annie Tomaine  Jeralyn Schoch Daniel Stevens  PUBLIC COMMENT: None A. FINANCE/PLANNINGIZONING  Ronald Kratz- - Chairman; Members: Kevin Steckel, Zachari Halkias 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics:  a. Meeting date for Northern Lehigh Comp Plan Zoning with Environmental Planning and Design. Possibly January 15th, 2024. Manager Stevens is waiting for confirmation on the date.  There were no questions from the committee members; the Finance Committee Meeting was  adjourned. B. PUBLICSAEETY  Kevin Steckel - Chairman; Members: Ronald Kratz, Zachari Halkias 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics:  a. Interview of perspective candidates for Slatington Fire Chief position. Councilor Steckel would b. Update on county grant for air pack cylinders. Manager Stevens stated that we. have received the preliminary paperwork from Lehigh County. It is for all the CDBG grants for next year - 2 CDBG's for the roads and the 1f for air packs. Some corrections are being made, but they will be sending the final copies, and hopefully, get them signed by the end of the year. The air pack Discussion on granting permission for obtaining specifications for future fire truck. The incorporation would like to talk to manufactures about what ai new fire truck would entail. They are requesting permission to proceed with the discussion. The committee agreed to place this on  like this tabled until after the recess.  grant is for $72,522.10. There is no match required.  the next regular council agenda.  1    d. Discussion on fire company requests for use of COVID19 LFRF to make payment on truck. They have 2 payments left on the one truck for around $35,000.00 total. By doing this, it will free up money in their budget to tackle other things like paying for air cylinders and keeping things more manageable financially. The committee agreed to place this on the next regular  council agenda.  There were no questions from the committee members; the Public Safety Committee meeting was  adjourned.  C.H HUMANCOMMUNITY SERVICES  Zachari Halkias - Chairman; Members: Kevin Steckel, Ronald Kratz 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics:  a. The committee reviewed a request from St. Luke's 13th Annual Hospice Charity Bike Ride: for Saturday, June 1st, 2024, rain date June 2nd from 10:00. AM to 3:00. PM. The committee agreed b. Commander Ronnie Humanick from Post 16. American Legion to propose Veterans Banners for  to place this on the next regular council agenda.  Main Street. Did not attend.  There were no questions from the committee members; the Fuman/Communty Services  Committee meeting was adjourned.  President Bartholomew recessed the meeting at 6:41 PM. President Bartholomew will be leaving once the quorum is present for the Special Meeting. At7:55 PM Councilor Steckel reconvened the B.1.a Interview Committee representatives for Fire Company: Jason Nicholas, Tony Gnas, Dylan McDevitt, Jeremy Henry, Joe Chirico. The committee interviewed perspective candidates for Slatington Fire Councilor Steckel asked questions concerning history, projects, improvement in the fire department, Robert is a current member of the fire department and has been sO for at least 10 years. Robert's officer roles have been: Engine Lieutenant, Fire Lieutenant - 1 year, Captain - 3 years, Assist Chief- lyear, and he isc currently Deputy Chief for 1 year. Robert currently resides at 322 So. Lincoln Avenue, Walnutport. Hei is involved in all fundraisers, brought gun bingo to the fire company. Robert feels improvement is needed in training. To improve training, Robert would work closely with the people already doing the training. Robert's interests include billiards. Councilor Kratz asked what are the top 3 obligations of the position and your objectives? Robert stated making the borough happy, safety, and training. Robert would like to continue the monthly report to the council and continue working with Ronald Hausman. He would continue with public relations, and training. Councilor Halkias asked is there anything you would do differently in terms of the plan for the fire department's image with other fire departments? Robert would like to setup quarterly meetings with other departments. Councilor Kratz asked how we are doing with recruitments? Robert stated there are approximately 49 members. There is a mixture of ages in the membership. Councilor Kratz asked what leadership qualities do you bring? Robert has worked with just about everyone there and he feels having that relationship, he has earned respect over the years. Councilor Kratz asked about his philosophy on safety. Robert stated safety is everyone's job, but the fire chief must make sure all the members are trained properly. As far as discipline, Robert is not taking this position to make friends, but  meeting.  Chief! position. Robert Reph qualifications, certificates:  2    toi make sure things are getting done. Councilor Steckel asked if you are appointed to the position how do you see yourself handling the aspects of balancing fire responsibilities and your family. How important is your family versus the fire department? Robert stated that his family is his number one priority, and this is not aj paid position. Jason Nicholas asked about his plan of operation. Robert would have officer's there to help, not just to fill thej position. Jason Nicholas stated hel has known Robert for many years and stated he is very dedicated. Robert would never put someone in a position that he would not go into himself. Robert plans for the next 2 years is training, 50% to be Fire Fighters 1, and set up a RIT Team certification. Current percentage of Fire Fighters 1i is approximately 25%, but would like to double that. Tony Gnas added, who besides yourself, would be able to shutdown a fire scene? Kevin stated the safety officer. Who else can control ai fire: scene? An insurance agent? Ifthere was an issue, Robert would offer suggestions and seek out  the safety officer on another chief's scene.  Kevin Borman  Councilor Steckel asked questions concerning history, projects, improvement in the fire department, qualifications, certificates: Kevin is currently a member of the fire department for about 2 years. Kevin's officer roles and terms have been: lieutenant since Ron Hausman took over as chief, and chiefe engineer, (that is not al line officer position), and training officer. Kevin resides at 2228 Skyline Drive. Projects Kevin has been involved with for fundraising are specifically the Boot Drives and Bingos He sets up the training schedule, including various professional certifications. Kevin feels the biggest need ofi improvement is first shift fire fighters. Kevin's hobbies are target shooting and working on cars. Councilor Kratz asked what are his top 3 obligations? Kevin stated personnel, public safety, public relations, and communication with borough council. The top 3 objectives for 2024 would be to have all the interior personnel baseline minimum of Fire Fighter 1, vehicle rescue and medical calls. In addition, contacting previous members to attempt to get them back. He stressed reengaging the department with other municipalities Kevin has setup classes with the surrounding departments in 2023. Councilor Kratz asked what his leadership qualities are. Kevin has experience with Lehigh County, multiple MCI's, and 13 alarm fire calls, and is willing to train. Kevin worked in the construction industry and worked his way up to foreman. Councilor Kratz asked how he would implement rules with and keep them energized with the department. Ifthey meet the criteria, there isar reward. Ifnot, then there would be a verbal warning to see ifit can be resolved, then a written warning, and then further if needed. Councilor Kratz asked how do you ensure that everyone is treated equally. Kevin feels that senior members should be helping the guide new members as to what the rules are. Kevin stated that the chief reports to the borough council. Jason Nicholas asked how would you balance your life, family time versus your commitment to the fire department. Kevin would have an officer line up that meets the idea for the department, training and following up with the disciplinary actions. His family is his priority. Kevin had provided copies of all his certifications. Kevin stated that all calls are a learning  experience. He likes to lead by example and hei is looking into HAZMET tech.  Krystall Borman  Councilor Steckel asked questions concerning history, projects, improvement in the fire department, qualifications, certificates: Krystall is currently a member of the fire department for 2 years. Krystall's officer roles and terms have been: safety officer- 1 year, and EMS officer- r-1 year. Krystall resides at 2228 Skyline Drive. Projects Krystall has been involved in: heading the Fire 1 program, organizing classes, and fundraising. Krystall has been specifically involved with the Fire House Coffee fund raiser, Candy for January, Fireman's Breakfast in February, and coin tosses. Krystall has fund raisers scheduled for each month for the next year. Krystall would like to continue with what they are doing, and biggest issue is the aging fleet. Krystall has been looking at various grants for building improvements and trucks. Krystall's hobbies are: helping NLRA with cheerleading, and camping. Councilor Kratz asked Krystal what her top 3 obligations are. Krystall stated recruitment, training, and building moral in the fire company. Councilor Kratz asked her what are her top 3 objectives for 2024. Krystall responded that the aging fleet, replacement of oldest engine 2411, and the building improvements. Krystall feels being in "management,". you cannot be  3    everyone's friend, but you dol have to differentiate between management and your friendship. In order to do this, you must have specific protocol. There are SOG's in the fire department that have X, y, and Z, in that if you do this you have to do this, etc. Putting the right person in a position will alleviate the personnel issue. Councilor Kratz asked how she would go about earning their respect with the other chiefs. Krystall stated The Times News has had an article concerning women in the fire department, WNEP was also down at the fire station and they did a full news story on it. Jason Nicholas asked that if she were appointed chief! how would she balance her family commitment and the fire department. Krystall stated that she has a very strong support system within her family and neighbors. Krystall stated that family is the priority. Krystall's goals for the next 2 years are: she has a jammed pack training schedule for herself, not including what everyone else has been taking. By the end of the year, she should be officer qualified. Krystall was asked what leadership qualities and experience she has that would make a younger fire fighter want to follow you inside and make me work my way up the officer line up. Krystall stated she is al lead by example person, she wants  you to get your. hands dirty, take all the classes, show how to go up the ladder.  D. - INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None E. COURTESY TOTHE FLOOR:  Jeffrey Hausman 46 So. Walnut Street. Was recognized to speak. Jeffrey stated the council heard from 3 very good candidates. He suggested that the council should do their background checks on Marie Carney Was recognized to speak. She asked why Krystall was asked as a mother what difference it would make inl her job, why not the fathers? Jason Nicholas stated the he feels there is Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Halkias, to adjourn. Being no further  all the candidates.  more ofa demand in ai mother managing her children than a father. business, Councilor Steckel declared the meeting adjourned at 8:501 PM.  Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary  4