GRATZ BOROUGH COUNCIL NCENTER STREET PO BOX305 GRATZ, PA. 17030 November 13, 2024 The Regular Meeting was held in the Gratz Boro Meeting Room at 7:00 P.M. with the following, persons attending: President Kylie Bender, Jem Jeffries, Bruce Wolfe, William Reed Absent: Lynn Schadle and Mayor David Norris JHA: Pete Fleszar Cory Rilk Solicitor: Sean Logsdon, Esq Lehigh Engineering: Absent Citizens: Lori Williard, Tim Lesher, Chris Dillensnyder, Ross Dillensnyder, Dan Stephen, Troy Schadel, Robert Stroudt, Sherry Stoudt, Daniel Rodichok, Christina Rodichok, Lucian Jeffries and Marlin Dreibelbis This meeting is being recorded. Pledge to the Flag On a motion made by William Reed and second by Jem Jeffries the minutes were approved as Report of Engineer: Pete introduced Cory Rilk, Pete explained that with the new company he is with they have more resources at hand in case we need further resources. With Solar panels being the top discussion, Pete feels that we should have more resources if needed. Pete gave the new Hourly Rate Schedule, which is attached. Pete would be the primary contact, but ifthere is Pete said there is a second Proposal and that is for Strategic Plan, Pete was told there wasno Budget for the Strategic Plan. That was a one-time item that was billed to the Boro regarding the Strategic Plan. Pete explained that the costs are the bare minimum. Cory talked about himself and how long he as been doing Land Development, etc. Cory would be available and help as Pete reported on the Grant for the water plant, it is finally coming to be completed. The Boro is the owner ofthe Water System, and they are required to accept the conditions. Bruce ask when it was due. Pete reported that the grant was already applied for. Bruce said he would like to discuss Plans for the Fairgrounds, as far as Pete can tell was satisfied except for the reimbursement payments to the Boro. Sean will get back to Cindy if there are any fees from his office regarding Sungrow Battery that was at last meeting. Pete understands that they are dedicating the street, and they requested that not be any water line extension at all. This was considered by the Authority. The water line would go as far as the Northwest Corner of! Northwest Street. Sean said we have a scheduled Planning Commission meeting on November 18th and that will be on the Mrs Rodichok had ask Pete the question of what the name of the Company that took over Glace read Motion Carried ever a time that Pete is not available Cory would be available. much as possible. further. agenda. and Pete answered her question. Citizens to be Heard: Christine Dillensyder had sent an application for a Zoning Permit fora a Accessory Structure which she explained as a travel trailer to use water and sewer on there property, and also to add a fence. Christine got a Zoning Enforcement Notice to cease and desist the use and occupancy ofthe accessory dwelling until such time as a zoning permit for said use and occupancy has been issued by the Zoning Officer. Christine said she emailed Mr Wenger and got no response and then she called and Mr Wenger is on extended Medical Leave. The Person that was directed to Christine did not know anything. Kylie ask Ross how they would have access to the Sewer and Ross said there is a sewer vent that they hooked in. Ross had explained about the fence, it was just put up for privacy while the person was staying there. Kylie said the question is hooking the water and sewer. Sean will get in touch with Lehigh Engineer, and Brian Novinger. Sean also explained the ordinance regarding hooking the sewer Robert and Sherry Stroudt had a question regarding their front yard that is dug up because oft the testing of the water lines. Tim explained that they will come back and finish the properties that Troy Schadel questioned ift the fill can be used to fill the Potholes. There is a pothole that needs Lucian Jeffries had a question about the brush pile. Lucian said the pile seems to be getting bigger and Lucian said when he sees big limbs he takes them home and chips them up. Lucian said that hauling away seems expense would it be cheaper to get a chipper. Tim said we are looking into those options. Lucian said he would be able to help ifthey decide to chip it. Marlin Dreibelbis ask about mulching the leaves back at the park. Kylie said are they down yet. Tim will take care of. Marlin said about Indian Trail the brush is out against the road. Tim talked to the property owner and if he wanted to trim or ifTim should do it. The property said to have Tim do it. Troy explained that ift the state does it, they only cut back to the property line. and water. This will be discussed at Sewer meeting. they dug up and put them back to the way they were. to be filled at his house. Tim will take care ofit. Community Center: No Report Code Enforcer and Zoning/Bidg Permits: No Report Kylie will put the signs up once the water is shut off. Planning Commission: Meeting October 21St. Sewer Authority: Kylie ask Tim ifl he shut the water off at the Park, Tim said it is on his list. Mayor's Report: No Report Recreation: No Report COMMITTEE REPORT Cogs: No Report Highway: No Report Information Committee: No Report Ag Security: No Report Budget and Finance Committee: Cindy is working on the Budget. Bruce brought up that he sent out a whole bunch of papers which he is not going to go thru in reference to what the strategic committee came up with. Bruce said we are taking on two initiative one is Communication & Marketing and the other is the Comprehensive Community Plan Agenda. Also, the list of project on going as well as new projects the organization would like to do. The next Strategic Plan meeting is November 26th. The water and sewer will be sending out letter to the Community for a Public meeting on the 16th ofJanuary to see what the Community want. Bruce would like a special meeting to get this together. Kylie commented that the Borough is not in a good place to add projects. Bruce said we don't need to add them in they just need to be identified, but some may be able to require little or no expense. Dan Rodichok as what the list is and are they listed anywhere. Bruce said that is why we are going to have aj public meeting on the 16th of. January at the Community Center. Bruce ask Council when a meeting could be scheduled. Kylie said it is the Holiday season. Council gave a date oft the 20th ofNovember fora meeting at 6:00 P.M.at the Community Center. Insurance: No Report Strategic planning: No Report Solicitor's Report: Sean would like a brief executive session. Sean had talked about we are keeping the Taxes the same, any Tax change as to be changed by Ordinance and it also needs to be advertised. We must pass our Budget as well as any Tax Rate by January 1,2025. Sean said he did not know ifthe County had called for a Burn Ban. The Boro could have a burn ban ifwe wanted to. Kylie thinks iti is something we should consider. Jem said a lot oft the area around us have already put a burn ban out. Sean said that the Fire Company along with the Borough Council can put a Burn Ban on. Tim ask the question if someone is burning, who should they Sean talked that he has the Sun Grow Project on the list. Sean talked about ifs someone comes in for a stand-alone Solar System. These are ones that are not large as a Solar Farm. Sean reported that there wasai modification ofthe Workers Compensation except for the Fire Company. Sean explained that First Responders should have Workers Compensation. Sean reported that the Statewide Grant Application is due by the end of the month. Itisa $100.00 application fee and there is no match. Bruce ask if this was more for equipment. Sean said yes, he had seen Salt Sheds, equipment for this grant. Tim said there is a whole guideline of call. After further discussion, Kylie thinks we should call 911. things that you can apply for. Other Business: No other business. Treasurer's Report: The Treasury Report was read on a motion made by Bruce Wolfe and Expenses to be Approved: The Expenses for the month were read. On a motion made by Jem Adjournment: No further business and the meeting was adjourned at 8:15P.M. on a motion second by William Reed to pay the bills. Jeffries and second by Kylie Bender to pay the bills. Motion Carried made by William Reed and second by Bruce Wolfe. Motion Carried Council went into Executive Session Respectfully Submitted: Cundy S.&hede Cindy L Shade Borough Secretary These notes are intended as an overview of the meetings discussions and not intended as an exact word account of what was said. So, ifthere are any comments or concerns or objections to what is written within this report. Please forward those comments and we will gladly make any adjustments after the approval of the Gratz Borough Council Meeting. Addendum: Per Majority Email vote Borough Council approved extending the Mayor's Burn Ban As per email. Lynn Schadle made a motion to authorized up to $2000.00 to complete the engineering work for our grant proposal submission for $1000.00 for curbs, sidewalks, etc. William Reed voted yes. Jem Jeffries voted yes, Kylie Bender voted yes, Bruce Wolfe voted yes. Proclamation thru December 11, 2024. See attached Proclamation Majority vote.