BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 3/9/20 The Regular Meeting Slatington of Borough Council was held on Monday, March 9, 2020 at 7:00 PM, in Council Chambers, 125 S. Walnut Street, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: Bryon Reed: President of Council Recording Secretary: Daniel Stevens, Borough Manager The meeting was called to order by President Reed at 7:00 pm following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Bryon Reed Mayor Niedermeyer Drew Snowberger-Times News Jason Ruff Larry Turoscy Jeffrey Hausman, Crystal Hausman Joseph Wechsler Ed Healy Jason Nicholas, Ed Ziegler David Schnaars Daniel Stevens Robert Herzog, Jr., Dale Sell Thomas Bartholomew Dave Rachman Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel President Reed 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 Ruff, to approve the following minutes with the following corrections going forward: Council Meeting - February 10, 2020; Council Committee Meetings F/HC/PS - Councilor Ruff suggested to have Chief Nicholas stated clearly in the minutes for clarity purposes, February 17, 2020, and February 24, 2020. President Reed declared the motion passed with 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. Dale Sell - 236 Cherry Street - Signed in and was recognized to speak. Dale discussed the building at 216 Cherry Street that connects to his property. All the windows are broken. He said the garbage and wood laying there is a fire hazard and the grass gets over grown. There is also a concern for the chimney falling down. He is requesting something be done about this property. Manager Stevens stated the he believes Tony Lopsonzski is already working on it, but will verify that. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 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 1 Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve payment of the bills and transfers as presented by the Treasurer. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Roll call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Bryon Reed Jason Ruff Joséph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel MAYORS/POLICE CHIEF'S REMARKS Mayor Walter H. Niedermeyer None Chief Rachman Chief Rachman informed the Council of the update on the hiring process. The police have an eligibility list which is currently ranked based on the written and oral scores for the examination. That is tentative pending background investigations. The background investigations packets have been sent out for the top 3 candidates. Once 3 solid candidates pass the background investigation, they will reconvene with Civil Service and they will certify the hiring. Chief Rachman stated more information for the council should be available in May. He informed them that once a candidate has accepted the offer the candidate is offthe list for other police departments. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway Councilor David Schnaars 1. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Steckel, to approve the quote from Herpel's Auto and Truck Lifts for 12,000 Ibs. lift replacement at the maintenance building for $7,925.00. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Roll call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Bryon Reed Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Councilor Schnaars made a motion, to approve the quote from Herpel's Auto and Truck Lifts for the complete removal oft the existing in-ground lift backfill and finish with concrete for $1,600.00 at the maintenance building. The Council discussed other options. Councilor Schnaars withdrew his first motion. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to approve the second quote for the deactivation of the existing lift for $650.00. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Roll call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Bryon Reed 2 Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel 2. Councilor Schnaars informed the Council that the Borough is looking at doing tar and chip and crack sealing this fall. This depends on how much money can be put aside, and obtaining a quote from the company that does the work. 3. Councilor Schnaars discussed the catch basin at Walnut Street and Rte. 873. This basin is in terrible condition. The Highway crew does not feel they are able to repair it. A letter has been sent to PennDOT requesting their help in paying part of the cost of repair. Dave Lear will be requesting quotes from contractors concerning the repair. 4. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to authorize Lehigh Engineering to submit CDBG proposals 1 and 3 together E Franklin Street, from Main Street to Second Street and E. Church Street towards Walnut Street; 2nd proposal W. South Street from Main Street to Fourth Street for submission in 2020. President Reed declared the motion passed with following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 5 Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to allow Lehigh Engineering to advertise CDBG bids on the Memorial Park proposal. President Reed declared the motion passed with following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 6. The Council reviewed the information from the FEMA flood risk for ongoing flood risk project field teams will be performing surveys along Trout Creek on public and private properties. Larry Turoscy informed the council FEMA had never analyzed Trout Creek. He stated FEMA is now going out and studying the location oft the flood plain. Informational only 7. The Council reviewed the letter from the House of Representatives Zach Mako supporting the Multimodal Fund Application (2020-2021) for Shadow Oaks Lane. Manager Stevens added that Sen. Pat Browne's office had also sent a letter of support. Informational only 8. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve Resolution R- 07-20, a resolution for submission of Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2020 Community Development Block Grant subgrant application to the County Lehigh. President Reed declared the motion passed with following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. B. Public Safety Councilor Kevin Steckel 1. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to appoint Thomas Bartholomew = 6-year term to the Civil Service Commission (currently an alternate on commission). President Reed declared the motion passed with following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve Resolution R-06-20, a resolution of the Borough Council of the Borough of Slatington endorsing and supporting the efforts of Slatington Volunteer Fire Department to secure the purchase of a new rescue engine. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3 3. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to appoint Ronald Hausman to the Police Pension Committee (citizen oft the Borough) remainder of 2-year term. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 4. President Reed appointed Councilor David Schnaars to the Police Pension Committee for the remainder of the 2-year term. C. Huma/Community Services Councilor Jason Ruff 1. Councilor Ruff reminded the Council of the Household Hazardous Waste Event, Coca- Cola Park, 20150 Ironpigs Way, Allentown, PA, March 28, 2020 from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. He also informed them that it is necessary to pre-register for this event at lehighcounty.org. (informational only) 2. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve request from St. Luke's Hospice for their 10th annual Hospice Bide ride on 6/6/2020, 10 AM to 3 PM. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Councilor Ruff reminded the Council of the 2020 Electronic Recycling dates: Saturday, April 4, 2020 and Saturday, October 10, 2020. Informational only 4. Thank you to Rep. Mako's office for donating the American flag. Informational only 5. The Borough has been notified by the NRLA they are moving their office to Washington Township building. They hope to be moved by the end of the month. Informational only Councilor Ruff informed the Council that the CDC is recommending that seniors, 60 and over, stock up on food and medications to avoid the Coronavirus. D. Finance Councilor Thomas Bartholomew 1. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize Manager Stevens to approve Cancellation Report from Statewide Tax Recovery Inc. for Delinquent Per Capita Tax for: Michelle Hoffman - client recall - $5.50. President Reed declared the motion passed with following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to appoint Deputy Tax Collector Kimberly Hankee. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Borough Manager Stevens informed the Council that he completed a form seeking information from Sen. Pat Toomey's office on grants. Informational only. 4 4. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to continue with the ongoing arrangement with the realtor for renting the second-floor office. President Reed declared the motion passed with following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Joseph Wechsler 1. Councilor Wechsler informed the Council they are working with LCA on a proposal based on new financial perimeters provided by borough manager concerning collection system I&I. 2. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize Solicitor Healy to draft and advertise changes to Grease Trap Ordinance concerning use of emulsifiers. (language specified in attachment). President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Councilor Wechsler stated that the Borough had applied for a grant and the Borough received support letters from Sen Pat Browne and Rep Zach Mako concerning digester lid removal. Informational only 4. Councilor Wechsler informed the Council oft the Slatington Borough Authority response to Feb. 25, N.O.V. (Notice of Violation). He stated that the Slatington Borough Authority reviewed and approved the Borough response, prepared by operator and solicitor to the Feb. 25, N.O.V. of the PA Department of Environmental Protection that no action needs to be taken by the Borough Council. Announcement 5. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve March 9, 2020, Meeting Sewer authority bills: The Times News - $51.60; Times News - $3.50; Common Wealth pf PA - $1, 250.00; Ed Healy $675.80; Tad Miller - $125.00; Brown & Brown - $250.00; Petty Cash = $54.45; total $2, 410.35. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Roll call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Bryon Reed Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel 6. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve Assistant Treasurer's Time and Travel Report for the period from December 9, 2019 to March 2, 2020, Time - $356.25, Travel $121.33; total $477.58. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Roll call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Bryon Reed Jason Ruff 5 Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Ronald Kratz 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 2. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve the revised Drought Contingency Plan for 2020. President Reed declared the motion passed with following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Councilor Kratz informed the Council that Lehigh Engineering is preparing DRBC water audit based on information provided by WTP operator and office staff. 4. Councilor Kratz announced the hydrant-flushing program beginning on Monday, April 6th, > 2020, throughout the month of April. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None NEW BUSINESS: None COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None Bryon Reed COURTESY OF THE FLOOR - (Agenda Items Only - You will have two (2) minutes to address Council from the podium on Agenda Items Only.) None Jeffrey Hausman - He spoke with the code enforcement officer on a safety issue at 201 Main St. on the side along Walnut Street. There is an open hole in the deck. Manager Stevens will talk to Tony Lopsonzski about the problem. EXECUTIVE SESSION - President Reed recessed to executive session at 7:55 PM. At 8:12 PM, President Reed reconvened the meeting. Matters of contract negotiations, legal, and personnel issues were discussed in executive session. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Schnaars made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to adjourn the meeting. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Reed declared the meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 6