BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 3/12/18 The Regular Meeting Minutes of Council was held on Monday, March 12, 2018 at 7:00 P.M., in Council Chambers, 125 S. Walnut Street, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: Daniel Stevens: President of Council Recording Secretary: Bryon Reed, President Pro Tem The meeting was called to order by President Stevens at 7:00 P.M. following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Daniel Stevens Jared Kern Mayor Niedermeyer Tom Bartholomew Ed Ziegler Jason Ruff Chief Rachman Jeffrey Hausman Robert Stettner Bryon Reed Larry Turoscy Robert Herzog, Jr. Mike Kukitz Russell Hallman Attorney Healy Jason Nicholas Phil Armstrong David Schnaars Joseph Wechsler President Stevens requested that, as a courtesy, everyone turn off their cell phones, iphones, and electronic devises off, or on vibrate. Ifyou must take a call, please exit the council chambers SO as not to disrupt the meeting. President Stevens 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 approved by the Board, at which time the recordings shall be erased. EXECUTIVE SESSION = None MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS = Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hallman, to accept the following minutes: Council Minutes - February 12, 2018; Committee Meetings - February 19, 2018, and February 26, 2018. President Stevens 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, you have yielded the floor, and any time you have remaining. Mike Kukitz - NLRA - Jason Nicholas - Fire Chief- Jason distributed a letter to council to show their activities since the beginning of the year. In January of this year, they had 26 dispatches for a total of 20.1 hrs call time; for February they also had 26 dispatches for a total of 15.08 call hours; as of March 10, they are up to 66 calls. Approximately 14 of those calls were during the ice storm. To date, our total is 214 calls. Jason also brought to the council's attention that the main roof at the fire station needs to be looked at, once it gets warmer, because it is leaking. Jason wanted the committee to realize that the 3 garage accidents were done by 3 different volunteers. He informed the council that the ladder truck will be completed by the end of May, but the fire company won't have it back until the end of June. The fire company will have to incur the cost of one right front tire because the insurance company won't pay for it because of the left tire being damaged and having to be replaced. 1 I Phil Armstrong - County Executive - Phil introduced himself to council He was he president of the Whitehall Township board. Hisj job in the county for the next 4 years to do more to help the municipalities. One of the things he is looking at is the $5.00 vehicle registration fee for infrastructure repair. He is looking to help the municipalities with loaning them money for their local infrastructure repair through this $5.00 vehicle registration fee. He is looking forward to working with the council. Ed Ziegler - Ed had a copy of the Borough Association magazine with articles concerning hiring employees. Council informed him that they also receive the magazine. He said the light by Harding's Funeral home is out. The speed sign coming down from Victory Park is laying over. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRSENTATIONS REPORTS The reports ofvarious committees, officials and officers were provided to Council and are on file in Borough Hall and are available for public inspection. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TRANSFER Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve payment of the bills and transfers as presented by the Treasurer. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor MAYORS/POLICE CHIEF'S REMARKS Mayor Walter H. Niedermeyer Mayor Niedermeyer informed the council that about a year ago he had written to the state about a swell at the bottom of Maple Spring and Rte 873 that it is getting worse. He was told by the state that it is the borough's problem, not theirs. Something must be done because vehicles are bottoming out. This was created when a sewer line was put in. Solicitor Healy suggested to have it survey to find out who has the liability - the borough or PennDOT. Police Chief David Rachman Chief Rachman is working on some parking issues in the borough with abandoned vehicles, trailers, boats, things of that nature. Parking issues are getting worse, not better. More and more places are being converted to apartments, therefore, getting more vehicles. Chief Rachman said he is trying very hard to comply the parking ordinances, but since space is SO scarce, it is very hard to comply, but ifit is a safety concern he will ticket the vehicle. He feels that council should consider to get rid of that overnight parking from the 700 block south. This issue also includes PennDOT regulations. Chief Rachman said the new officer, Torrez, is cleared and able to work. The police department is still looking for a part-time officer. SLATINGTON REVITALIZATION PARTNERSHIP STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway Councilor Jared Kern 1. Councilor Reed made motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve the financing over 3 years for the Ford 550 2018 dump truck at $26, 232.00 per year President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: 2 ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Russell Hallman Jason Ruff Bryon Reed David Schnaars Joseph Wechsler Larry Turoscy wanted to update the Main and Walnut Street project. Larry is invited to attend a meeting in April 4th at the county with PennDOT and all the agencies that get involved with transportation, or they can plead their case to try and get that intersection done along with the bridge in 2020. He is requesting councilmen to attend to explain why the intersection is sO dangerous. This intersection has the highest rate of accidents in the borough. Larry stated that ifthe bridge isn't done now, it will never get done. The surrounding areas are growing, therefore, creating more traffic for the borough. He has suggested the multimodel PennDOT grant program is open for a month. We have to till the end ofthe month to submit it. This program will allow not less than $1,000 and not more than $3,000,000. He feels this would cover $500,000 they would need to do the new intersection and tie into the bridge. He was informed by the county bridge people that they have not started on the design for the bridge. Larry stressed the importance ofleft and right turn signals for the intersection. He requested a resolution for promoting certain design and funding operations. Council agreed to complete the resolution by the end of the meeting. Councilor Hallman made a motion, with regrets, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to accept Councilor Jared Kern's resignation per letter dated 2/12/18, effective 2/13/18. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hallman, to appoint Bryon Reed as temporary highway chairperson. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to advertise the vacancy on the Borough Council and the sewer authority and to respond by March 29th, 2018. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor B. Public Safety Councilor David Schnaars 1. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hallman, to authorize payment to the Walnutport Door Company $1,985.00 for the repair ofthe firehouse doors. year President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Russell Hallman Joseph Wechsler Jason Ruff Councilor Schnaars has received a standard operating procedure to make sure this does not happen again. Should this happen again, disciplinary action will be taken, either by the fire chief or the council. 3 C. Human/Community Services Councilor Jason Ruff 1. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve Wanda Owens to the library board of directors for a three-year term (2018-2021). President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 2. Councilor Ruff Possible motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hallman, to approve and advertise the electronic recycling day for Saturday, June 30, 2018, with changes of 1 free TV under 40" or 1 computer monitor per address. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Russell Hallman Joseph Wechsler Jason Ruff 3. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, that the Congressional Record and Smith Hall plaque be mounted in a more prominent location in the borough hall per letter dated 3/17/2018 from Robert Stettner's letter. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 4. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve fire company floor waxing at the Vigilant per Robert Stettner's letter dated 3/7/2018. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor Councilor Hallman requested that Jason Nicholas to get the roofer back to look at the firehouse roof! because oft the storm. D. Finance Councilor Russell Hallman 1. Liquid fuels audit findings and summary of prior examination recommendations - informational only. 2. Councilor Hallman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to participate in Lehigh Valley Hazard Mitigation Plan. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 3. Councilman Hallman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to authorize President Stevens to approve Exemption request from Statewide Tax Recovery Inc. for Delinquent Per Capita Tax for: Roseann Fatzinger deceased - $5.50; Krista K. Smith - non- resident - $5.50; Doris Pimental - deceased - $11.00 (2 x $5.50). President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Russell Hallman 4 Joseph Wechsler Jason Ruff 4. Motion to hire Anthony Lopsonzski for code enforcement officer. To be addressed after executive session. 5. Councilor Hallman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve transfer of Steckel & Stopp files to Attorney Healy. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 6. Councilor Hallman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to advertise for Secretary Utility Clerk P/T-F/T. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 7. Councilor Hallman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to award ABC Refrigeration Heating Cooling company to replace 5-ton A/C at the Vigilant - $5,941.00. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Russell Hallman Joseph Wechsler Jason Ruff E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Joseph Wechsler 1. Authority Bills none 2. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to appoint Russell Hallman to the Slatington Borough Authority. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, 5 ayes, 1 abstention-R. Hallman F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Bryon Reed 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption Councilor Reed informed the council that during the wind storm the plant was out of electricity for approximately 4 days. This did not affect the community. 2. Councilor Reed distributed a spreadsheet with the quotes for the new roof at the water treatment plant. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to award Joel E. Alpha Home Improvements in the amount of$19,000 for the replacement ofthe shingle part of the roof, except for the rubber part, at water treatment plant. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Russell Hallman 5 Joseph Wechsler Jason Ruff Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to award Joel E. Alpha Home Improvements in the amount of$4,100 to include replacement of wood, aluminum, a new rubber roof, and the skylights at the Blue Valley pump house. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Russell Hallman Joseph Wechsler Jason Ruff UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None NEW BUSINESS: 1. Yellowbook s Lehigh Valley, PA directory 2018 delivery schedule-informational only 2. Thank you, letter, dated 2/14/18 from Mrs. Jessica Mack from the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association for the Borough' s $1,000 donation. COUNCIL PRESIDENTS REPORT: None Daniel Stevens COURTESY OF THE FLOOR = (Agenda Items Only - You will have two (2) minutes to address Council from the podium on Agenda Items Only.) Ed Ziegler - Ed has suggested that what ever is dug out at Shadow Oaks Lane during the water and sewer line replacement be taken down and dump on the lot that the mayor originally bought. He informed the council that a long time ago, if a town had an intersection that had frequent accidents the town would be able to obtain money from the state to correct it. EXECUTIVE SESSION - President Stevens recessed to executive session at 8:20 pm for personnel issues. At 10:22 p.m., President Stevens reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel were discussed in executive session. Councilor Hallman left the meeting during the executive session. 1. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to hire Anthony Lopsonzski as Ordinance Enforcement Officer at the rate of $19.00 per hour pending his assignment of his signing of the memorandum of understanding. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Jason Ruff 6 Bryon Reed David Schnaars Joseph Wechsler 2. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to hire Duane Dellecker as BCO and Zoning Officer at the rate of$30.00 per. hour pending his signing oft the memorandum of understanding. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Jason Ruff Bryon Reed David Schnaars Joseph Wechsler 3. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to adopt Resolution R- 11-18, a resolution of the Borough Council of the Borough of Slatington endorsing and promoting certain design and funding options for the Walnut Street Bridge. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 4. Councilor Ruff is requesting a resolution be created for $25.00 flat fee for peddling and soliciting Easter photographer on Main Street on a temporary basis. Ordinance 645 would be reviewed by the committee. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars to adopt Resolution R-12-18, a resolution ofthe Borough Council ofthe Borough of Slatington altering the licensing fee for peddling and soliciting to $25.00 per 30 consecutive days. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Jason Ruff Bryon Reed David Schnaars Joseph Wechsler 5. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to adopt Resolution R- 13-18, a resolution of the Borough Council of the Borough of Slatington updating its list of designated construction code officials (inspectors) - 1. The Borough Council ResolutonR-8- 2017 is hereby repealed in its entirety; 2. Borough Council Resolution R-3-15 is hereby re- adopted and re-instated in its entirety; 3. This resolution shall be effective immediately. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor President Stevens informed the council that an executive session was held on February 19, 2018, on matters of personnel were discussed. Attorney Healy discussed the notice on tax assessment appeal. He is not sure if he would be able to attend. ADJOURNMENT 7 Being no further business, Councilor Schnaars made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to adjourn the meeting. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Stevens declared the meeting adjourned at 10:31 PM. Colleen Bresnak Assistant Borough Secretary 8