BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 3/14/22 The Regular Meeting of Council was held on Monday, March 14, 2022, at 7:00 PM, to be held in the Council Room, 125 S. Walnut Street, First Floor, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: Thomas Bartholomew: President of Council Recording Secretary: Daniel Stevens, Borough Manager/Secretary The meeting was called to order by President Bartholomew at 7:00 PM with the following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Thomas Bartholomew Mayor Schoch Robert Herzog, David Schnaars Bryon Reed Ed Healy David Altrichter, Austin Berger Joseph Wechsler (via phone) Justin Gross David Diehl, Kevin Boylan Ronald Kratz Sgt. Dorward C. Schmoyer, Susan Smith Kevin Steckel Daniel Stevens Jason Nicholas Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias EXECUTIVE SESSION: None NOTIFICATION: 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 approved by the Board, at which time the recordings shall be erased. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS - Councilor Reed noted a correction for the regular council meeting on February 14, 2022, per Attorney Healy section Public Comment where Crystal Fink spoke: Attorney Healy advised the speaker and Council about the LERTA statute. He said it stands for the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act. Attorney Healy suggested that Council or the administration could get in touch with how LERTA works and that it can promote reinvestment on an area-wide basis, not a specific property, by holding the existing tax assessment in place and allowing the increased assessment attributable to reconstruction or rehabilitation of certain qualified improvements to be phased in over time, say 10 years. Attorney Healy also mentioned that a report would need to be created and that the success ofthe program can be largely depend upon whether the school district would want to participate in the phasing-in of new assessments. Healy advised that nothing could happen that night and the matter could be considered by a committee of Council. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve the following minutes as corrected: Council Meeting February 14, 2022; Committee Meetings - February 21, 2022 & February 28, 2022; President Bartholomew 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. Clarence Schmoyer - 219 So. Walnut Street Signed in and was recognized to speak. Mr. Schmoyer wanted to address the council on certain items on a letter (which he provided to the Council) that he received from the fire department, for the good oft the community. 1 1 Susan Smith - 1062 Pine Tree Drive Signed in and was recognized to speak. Susan informed the Council that County Waste has not always picking up the recycling since the beginning of the year. Now they are picking it up and putting it in the truck trash with the trash. Susan feels the recycling should be recycling per the contract. Manager Stevens has contacted County Waste and not received any answers. Manager Stevens will compose a letter informing County Waste that they are in violation oft the contract. Jason Nicholas - 6435 Mountain View Drive, Washington Township Signed in and was recognized to speak. Jason is now the captain of the fire department. Jason commended Fire Chief Austin Berger and Sgt. Dorward from the police department for doing a good job. Jason stated that he admitted that he left discipline matters go when he was chief. Jason stated that with the new fire chief, things will be done by the book. David Diehl - 528 E. Church Street Signed in and was recognized to speak. David contacted County Waste and was informed they put all the recycle in one truck and separate it themselves. David stated the wall in the police station, where the pavilion is, the back corner is tipping out and falling apart and requesting it be looked at. David added that the plowing around the police department is not done correctly, and the sidewalks in front of Borough Hall are not always cleared of snow and ice. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Manager Stevens informed the Council that the Electronic Recycling will take place on Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 9 AM to 11:00 AM. 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/TRANSEER Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve payment of the bills and transfers as presented by the Treasurer. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias MAYORS/POLICE REMARKS Mayor Jeralyn Schoch Mayor Schoch asked about the issue at the police department. Manager Stevens stated this is on the agenda under Public Safety. Police Sgt. Dorward informed the Council that he has 6 guys, including himself, and they are doing a great job. Sgt. Dorward was thanked for the excellent job he his doing. STANDING COMMITTEES 2 A. Highway Councilor Jeffrey Hausman 1. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to accept ARRO Consulting, Inc. agreement for scope of service concerning MS4 at a cost of $5,500.00. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 2. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize Buzzy's Auto Body to repair the 2004 pickup before August inspection at a price of $1,706.97. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 3. Justin Gross provided an update on Church and Main Streets intersection improvements. Justin stated PennDOT wants the "no turn on red" for signs to be the same exact sign with the red dot on it. Wyoming Electric & Signs also has to redo concrete work, because around the one arm the concrete has already cracked. The ADA ramp on the southeast side by the walls is completely wrong and needs to be torn out and fixed. 4. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to authorize Lehigh Engineering to submit CDBG projects for 2022 (work to be done in 2023) No. 1 - South Street from Middle Alley toward Fairview Avenue, and any other options that the Council has discussed as the secondary. President Bartholomew, declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. B. Public Safety Councilor Kevin Steckel 1. The Council discussed the flooding in the police station. Manager Stevens had the insurance company there today. And they did a supplemental claim for all the new damage that wasn't paid for from the first claim. Stellar & Company provided dehumidifiers and fans to dry and eliminate the order. The Borough has received the first insurance money. Manager Stevens stated they did camera the line the length oft the building. Nothing appeared wrong with the line, maybe just a buildup in the line. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, authorizing Manager Stevens to hire a contractor to remove the floor and carpet in the police station and report in progress back to President Bartholomew. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3 2. Possible motion to appoint members of the external review committee for Chief of Police. President Bartholomew stated this will be addressed after executive session. 3. Motion to authorize Manager Stevens to contact potential members of external review committee for Chief of Police. President Bartholomew stated this will be addressed after executive session. C. Human/Community Services Councilor Zachari Halkias 1. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to authorize Lindsay Taylor and Manager Stevens to co-manage Victory Park bathroom project. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, approve request from St. Luke's Hospice application for 11th Annual Charity Bike Ride event on Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Trailhead. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to appoint David Hauser to complete the term of Debbie Silfies on the Slatington Library Board of Directors concluding on December 23, 2023. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 4. Councilor Halkias, made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to adopt Resolution R- 01-22 Establishing Fees for rentals at Victory Park, fee for newly ordered recycling bins and Zoning Book fee for $25.00. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 5. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize Lehigh Engineering to proceed with preparation of the bid documents for the GTRP grant (for Slate Heritage Trail). President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 6. NOVA applying for a Keystone Communities Grant (informational only) 7. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to appoint Michelle Raber to the NLRA Board (term expires 12/31/2026). President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. D. mancPamaing/oning Councilor Ronald Kratz 1. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to accept resignation, with regrets, Mike Turoscy (Engineer) from the UCC Board of Appeals, term expires 12/31/23. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 4 2. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman to amend the agenda to address the copier lease at request of Borough Manager Dan Stevens. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. The Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to grant the authority to the Finance Committee to make the approval for lease upgrade concerning the office copier. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Joseph Wechsler Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to amend the agenda to authorize Slatington Borough Authority to forward payment to DEP for 4 incidents in February, 1 incident in January for a total cost of $2,500.00. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to transfer $2,500.00 to Slatington Borough Sewer Authority for the violations in January and February. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 1. Councilor Wechsler made a motion to transfer funds to pay the following Authority bills: March 14, 2022, Meeting Sewer Authority bills: Ed Healy - $1,669.60; Tad Miller - $150.00 ($125.00 + $25.00); petty cash - $47.05; Councilor Bartholomew bond renewal - $250.00; ; total . Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, transfer total $2,116.65. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 2. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to pay Assistant Treasurer's Time and Travel Report for the period of December 13, 2021 through March 14, 2022 1 travel time - 100.6 miles @ 58.5 cents = $58.97; 120.5 miles @ 58.5 cents = $70.49; 1 hr. @ $25.00/hr. - $25.00; January 5 to March 14, 2022 - 17.75 hrs. @ $30.00 = $557.50. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler 5 Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 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 called the DCED checking on the PA Small Water Sewer grants on the water lines, and have not heard anything as of yet. In addition, the plant is working fine. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: President Bartholomew reminded the Council there will be a special executive meeting Monday, March 28th, 2022, at 7:00 PM. The Council, Attorney Healy, and the sewer plant operators will be in attendance. NEW BUSINESS: None COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None Thomas Bartholomew COURTESY OF THE FLOOR - (Agenda Items Only = You will have two (2) minutes to address Council from the podium on Agenda Items Only.) David Diehl suggested looking into epoxy coating the floor. He also stated the odor is greatly lessened and would be easier to clean in the event of another flooding. Manager Stevens stated that he had been told the police station would have to be shut down for multiple days if we used epoxy. EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Bartholomew recessed to executive session at 7:53 PM. At 8:55 PM President Bartholomew reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel and legal were discussed in executive session. B2. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to appoint the following members to the external review committee for Chief of Police: Chief Struss, Chief Wayda, Chief Marks, Chief Dorney, and retired District Magistrate Ed Hartman, with a back up of Sgt. Gensits. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias B3. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize Manager Stevens to contact potential members of the external review committee for Chief of Police. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 6 Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to amend the agenda to include removal of Fire Police Captain who was appointed last month, due to his not meeting the Borough ordinance requirements. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Bryon Reed Thomas Bartholomew Kevin Steckel Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to remove Fire Police Captain who was appointed at the last meeting due to the resident requirement issue. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Bryon Reed Thomas Bartholomew Zachari Halkias Kevin Steckel Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Jeffrey Hausman ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Hausman, made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to adjourn the meeting. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Bartholomew declared the meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 7