BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 7/8/24 The Regular Meeting of Council was held on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM, to be held in the Council Room, 125 S. Walnut Street, First Floor, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: David Schnaars: President of Council Recording Secretary: Daniel Stevens, Borough Manager/Secretary The meeting was called to order by President Schnaars at 7:00 PM with the following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS David Schnaars Lisa Young William Schippers; Catherine Wieand Zachari Halkias Jeralyn Schoch Ron Hausman, Daniel Sell Ryan Mayberry Justin Gross Krystall Borman, Kevin Borman Ronald Kratz Greg Winokur Eric King, Robin Distler Kevin Steckel Daniel Stevens Hunter Henritzy, Andreas Hassold Aaron Schoch Thomas Nicholson EXECUTIVE SESSION: None NOTIFICATION: President Schnaars 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. MINOTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING - Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to approve the following minutes: Council Meeting June 10, 2024; Committee Meetings - June 17, 2024, and June 24, 2024; Special Meeting - June 24, 2024. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: None 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. Catherine Wieand - 1266 Main Street. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Catherine informed the Council that she and her father were the ones who had started placing benches in Victory Park. Catherine stated that her father's bench has not yet been plaçed, and they had marked where it is supposed to be placed. Catherine had noticed that other benches have been put up, and a bench has been plaçed in the spot where her father's bench was supposed to be placed. Manager Stevens will check into this. Thomas Nicholson - 7880 7th Street. Washington Township. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Thomas stated that he is speaking to the council on behalf of the Masonic Lodge. Thomas stated that there is a pipe that goes in front of the building, that has a lateral going straight into where they need to hookup. The lodge had been told that pipe has been damaged and that it should have been repaired. He is requesting that Council look into this further. Andreas Hassold - 1067 Pine Tree Drive. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Andreas would like to know if a contract has been awarded for the Maple Spring Drive water and sewer replacement. He would like to know if there are any other grants that are being actively pursued to continue with the resurrection of a stormwater. Justin Gross informed him that we currently have a storm water grant for Shadow Oaks 1 for $60,000.00. It is for the intersection of Oakhurst and Shadow Oaks, to tie the end of Shadow Oaks into Oakhurst. Justin added that the Maple Spring agenda item is a waterline replacement, and the engineering is done. The solicitor is currently working on the bid documents, and then it will go out to bid. INTERVIEWS: The Council interviewed the following for the open seat on Council. William Schippers President Schnaars asked William Schippers ifhe is a resident of Slatington Borough for at least one year and a registered voter. William stated yes, and he has lived here for 30 years. President Schnaars asked why he would be interested in this position. William stated that he would like to be part of the borough and get involved. Williams worked for ATT and is a member of the Lions Club. He has also been involved with fundraising for people in need, i.e. Elderly eyeglass, the Slatington Pool, Slatington Veterans memorial, several local businesses, and organizations. Councilor Kratz asked what his top 3 objectives would be. William stated to have a new voice and ideas. He would like to get the sewer issue taken care of, the roads, and improve Slatington as a whole. William would like to see more businesses, and it would help if the Borough had more parking. He would like to see business that hire people. Councilor Kratz what are his strengths. He stated that he would be showing up, and helping everybody that needs help. Councilor Mayberry asked what experience he has working with people who have different views, and have you ever tried to overcome differences and reach compromise. William presently works at Fellowship Community where there are continual conflicts, and deals will big surprises every day. William does training for everything that has to do with health care. Daniel Sell 1. President Schnaars asked Daniel Sell ifhe is a resident of Slatington Borough for at least one year and a registered voter. Daniel has been a resident since 1982 and is a registered voter. President Schnaars asked why he would be interested in this position. Daniel had run for Council in the past, and owns 2 properties in the Borough. Councilor Kratz asked what his top 3 objectives would be. Daniel does not want to continue expanding the taxes, wants to maintain that home style, and wants to improve streets and playgrounds. He emphasized the need for places that children can go and not hang out on the streets. Councilor Kratz asked if he finds this a safe community. He stated that he does not feel unsafe, but it is evolving. Daniel worked in maintenance at Northampton Prison for 18 years. Councilor Kratz asked what are our greatest weakness. Daniel feels the biggest problem is giving a place for kids to go. Councilor Mayberry asked what experience he has working with people in organizations who have different opinions and experience compromising. In his line of maintenance work, he had to compromise and work with managers. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS: None 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. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TRANSFER Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve payment of the bills and transfers as presented by the Treasurer. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars 2 Aaron Schoch Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel MAYORS/POLICE REMARKS Mayor Jeralyn Schoch Mayor Schoch informed the Council that they will be holding National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6H, 2024, in the parking lot at Bulldog Stadium from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. They are looking for any groups within the community, and the surrounding communities, that would like to get involved. Groups can set up a table and let the community know what they are all about. Donations are being accepted for the raffle and they are looking for volunteers to help. Chief Greg Winokur Chief Winokur provided totals for June 2023 to June 2024: incidents: 2023 -346, 2024 - N/R; reports filed 2023 - 237, 2024 - 247; criminal arrests 2023 - 6, 2024 - 13; traffic citations - 2023 - 22, 2024 - 24; parking tickets 2023 - 24, 2024 - 46. This past month there were several investigations, several arrests, stolen vehicle, dwelling fires, and assisted both PA State Police and Walnutport Police on several incidents outside of the Borough. Had to contact the state police for coverage for approximately 3 hours due to illness. Chief Winokur provided an update on hiring - they have exhausted the candidates on the current consortium list. The next consortium should be within the next 2 months. The County radio system upgrade project should be completed by 2025. Chief Winokur is looking for any active grants. Chief Winokur informed the Borough that we did receive a grant from the Slatington Rotary Club for $1,400.00. This will be utilized to upgrade equipment for the individual officers. The police department sent a thank you letter to the Slatington Rotary Club. ChiefWinokur has been in contact with a contractor and will be receiving a quote for a primary layout of the interview room, as well as the back room. An idea is to create a secure area for police files, and being able to move those files to the current police file room. This would allow the files to be lined against the wall and give some in the back for any of the stuffthat needs storage for the NLRA. This would be outside the secure area. Fire Chief Robert Reph STANDING COMMITTEES A. Public Safety Councilor Ronald Kratz 1. Fire Chief Reph provided an update. There were 27 fire calls for June 2024. From June 2023 to date 137 fire calls. Total manhours for June were 198.4 hours, an approximately 200 hours for training. Waiting on the radio grant and FEMA to start making the awards for the summer 2024. They are hosting a Community Stop the Bleed Class on August 5th, 2024, at 6:30 PM at the fire house. Conducting a Dining Donate on July 31S1, 2024, at Texas Roadhouse in Trexlertown from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Texas roadhouse will donate 10% of their take if you show them their flyer. Fire Chief Reph has contacted Walnutport Door to look at the doors, but they have not given a quote. Manager Stevens stated he has received one quote for both doors. 2. Update on CDBG for air packs and cylinders. Received 6 air packs, 13 cylinders and 6 face pieces from Mid Atlantic. Face pieces are being exchanged for large (they accidently delivered mediums). Update: The large face pieces has been delivered. The fire department now has all the equipment that was purchased with the grant. 3. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schoch, to use COVID19 LFRF funds for the fire alarm system for fire house and to accept quote from SSI Fire and Explosion 3 Protection Company for the total amount of$13,350.00. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Aaron Schoch Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel 4. Discussion and possible action concerning proposed fire alarm system ordinance. Solicitor Young stated that she has received the material that she received from Fire Chief Reph. They have to work out to ensure that there will not be any conflict with the NFPA. Should have a draft at the next regular council agenda. She suggested seeing if the bamboo ordinance could be done on the same night. B. Highway Councilor Aaron Schoch 1. Councilor Schoch made motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve proposed electricity responsibilities for Walnut Street Bridge project. Proposed lighting calculations email from Jason Hebbard. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Schoch made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve Walnut Street traffic signal submission contingent on subsequent amendment to the construction plan or permit. Communication from Jason Hebbard. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Councilor Schoch made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize Solicitor Young to prepare a change to ordinance concerning height restriction for vehicles on W. Center Avenue. (Proposed maximum height is 9 foot). President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 4. Justin Gross provided an update on the bidding for CDBG projects. They are working on the bid documents for North Street, but they did hear back from the Lehigh County concerning some minor changes. Lehigh County is still doing their environmental review on the sth Street CDBG 5. Councilor Schoch made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to accept quote from Gibson Paving at a cost of$16,000.00 concerning paving for Chestnut Alley and using COVID19 LFRF. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Aaron Schoch Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel 6. Councilor Schoch made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to accept the quote from Gibson Paving at a cost of $21,000.00 concerning paving for Oakhurst Drive. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: 4 ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Aaron Schoch Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel 7. Communication from Laurie Moyer concerning 2024 CDBG Awards. County is supporting the following awards: a. Street reconstruction on Willow Ave. from Dowell St. to North St - $89,605 b. Street reconstruction on Cherry St. from Race St. to Yenser Alley - $96,465 C. Street reconstruction on Hill St. from E. Church to E. Washington - $94,165 C. Human/Community Services Councilor Zachari Halkias 1. Discussion and possible motion concerning a public memorial for Walter Niedermeyer (bench, etc.) The Council discussed locations for the bench, Victory Park, in front of Borough Hall, and Veterans Memorial Park. The Lion's Club has offered to donate towards this. This is to be placed on the next committee agenda. 2. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association to hold a fundraising event featuring Vince's Cheesesteak Truck on July 17, 2024, from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Victory Park. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Counçilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve request from St. Luke's for their 14th Annual Bike Ride on June 7h, 2025. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 4. Possible action concerning request from Caring Hearts for banner across Main Street. PennDOT explanation of the review and approval process for the placement of banners in State highway right-of-way. NOTE: Borough would have to assume all liability for damages and installation. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schoch, to deny Caring Hearts request for a banner across Main Street. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. D. Fimancellamming/Zaming Councilor Ryan Mayberry 1. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Counçilor Kratz, to authorize advertisement of public hearing concerning the official map, zoning map, and zoning ordinance changes. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Mayberry provided a program guideline concerning Keystone Community Program Designations. This offers communities the opportunity to designate areas of municipality or region for targeted investment and development for a period of five years. President Schnaars would like this placed on the next committee agenda. President Schnaars recessed the meeting at 8:20 PM. President Schnaars reconvened the meeting at 8:35 PM. 3. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to appoint William Schippers to the vacant seat on Slatington Borough Council. President Schnaars declared the 5 motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. Willliam Schipper will be assigned to the Sewer Committee as Chairman. 4. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to advertise the bamboo ordinance. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Aaron Schoch Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Aaron Schoch 1. Councilor Schoch made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to authorize appointment of Crystal Fink to fill the open seat on the Slatington Borough Authority (term expires 1/1/2025). President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Discussion and possible action concerning Walnutport capacity request review (for Slatington Borough Authority) from Cowan Associates, Inc. This is possible, but the price must be determined. No action taken. F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Kevin Steckel 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 2. Update and possible action concerning Maple Spring waterline replacement project (small water and sewer grant). Justin Gross stated that the engineering is 100% completed. Solicitor Young is working on the bid documents, and once that is done, it can go out to bid. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to authorize putting the Maple Spring waterline replaçement project out to bid. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None NEW BUSINESS: Visioning. President Schnaars stated that we need to look at what are our targets are several years from now. Suggestions were: second code officer, upgrades to the fire department, highway possibly a 4th and possibly a 5th road crew member, new backhoe, replacing the water meters in town, address the cracked water and sewer lines. Councilor Mayberry added roads to the list. He would like the committees to compile a list of items that need to be addressed. COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None David Schnaars COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (Agenda Items Only - You will have two (2) minutes to address Council from the podium on Agenda Items Only.) None EXECUTIVE SESSION: None 6 ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Kratz made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to adjourn the meeting. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Schnaars declared the meeting adjourned at 8:51 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 7