BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 12/13/21 The Regular Meeting of Council was held on Monday, December 13, 2021, at 7:00 PM, in the Council Chamber, 125 S. Walnut Street, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: Bryon Reed: President of Council Recording Secretary: Daniel Stevens, Borough Manager/Secretary The meeting was called to order by President Reed at 7:00 PM with the following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Bryon Reed Mayor Niedermeyer Jeffrey Hausman, Jason Nicholas Jason Ruff Dave Rachman Rose Johnson, Robert Herzog, Jr. Joseph Wechsler (via phone) Ed Healy Julio Muniz, Zachari Halkias David Schnaars Justin Gross Thomas Mizgalski Thomas Bartholomew Daniel Stevens Ronald Kratz (via phone) Kevin Steckel EXECUTIVE SESSION: None NOTIFICATION: 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. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS - Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to approve the following minutes: Council Meeting November 8, 2021; Committee Meetings November 15, 2021, & November 22, 2021; Special Council Meeting - November 29, 2021. President Reed 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. Zachari Halkias - 235 W. Fifth Street Signed in and was recognized to speak. Zachari Halkias asked the council when the January reorganization meeting will be held. President Reed said it will be held January 3rd, 2022, at 7:00 PM. Zachari asked when the certification would be done. Attorney Healy informed him that the election results have not been certified. Attorney Healy added that nobody can be seated unless council fills the vacancy by emergency appointment until the certified results come through. Attorney Healy stated that Zachari also can be sworn in at ai regular council meeting. Thomas Mizgalski - 512 W. Washington Street. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Thomas stated that those who were elected are being held up throughout the entire Commonwealth of PA. because of one judge's election. The supreme court of the commonwealth has not adjudicated the election results. He thanked Mayor Niedermeyer for all the work he has done for the borough. Thomas asked when the traffic lights will be going up. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS President Reed presented Mayor Niedermeyer with plaque in appreciation for his dedication and selfless service to the residents of Slatington Borough from 2001 to 2021. President Reed thanked Councilor 1 Dave Schnaars and Councilor Jason Ruff for all their years of dedication and hard work. Councilor Schnaars and Councilor Ruff thanked the council for the opportunity to serve. President Reed thanked Kris from the Times News for the great article she did on Mayor Niedermeyer. 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 Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, 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 Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel MAYORS/POLICE CHIEF'S REMARKS Mayor Walter H. Niedermeyer Mayor Niedermeyer attended the tree lighting ceremony on December 3d, and said it was a great success. This was done by the Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Niedermeyer asked how much was spent to repair the unmarked car. Mayor Niedermeyer suggested we buy a new one since the vehicle is in decent shape the borough could get a good price for it this year. He also added that we need another truck for the Water Department and we could use the COVID 19 monies. Chief Rachman None STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway Councilor David Schnaars 1. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to approve Ordinance No. 707, an ordinance amending Subsection 175-18 oft the Borough Codified Ordinances pertaining to places where on-street parking is prohibited or restricted during certain hours - creation of loading zone on Kuntz Street. 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 2 2. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to authorize change order #3 from Wyoming Electric & Signal for Church Street Traffic Signal Improvements; pedestal pole upgrade from stub pole type F to 10 ft. pedestal type. Net increased change in cost of $2,750.00. 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 3. Councilor Schnaars wanted to discuss a possible intern for next year for the Borough Crew who is studying civil engineering. Councilor Schnaars stated it will be necessary to define exactly the job requirements and then contact local universities for candidates. Councilor Schnaars feels this intern could help with MS4, I&I, and a number of different issues around the borough. Councilor Schnaars again thanked the council for the privilege of working with them for the last 10 years. B. Public Safety Councilor Kevin Steckel 1. Interviews for fire chief will be conducted at the December 20th Public Safety Committee meeting. (informational only) C. Human/Community Services Councilor Jason Ruff 1. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve appointment of Annabel Fogal for a three-year appointment, beginning on January 1, 2022, and concluding December 31, 2025, to the Slatington Public Library Board of Directors. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to discuss yearly donations. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve the following donations; the yearly $5,000.00 contribution to the Slatington Public Library, $9,534.08 to NOVA, and $1,000.00 to the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association. 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 3 3. Received notification that GTRP Trail Grant was officially approved by the review committee. $105,488.00 grant amount Borough match $18,617.00 - total project cost 124,105.00. (informational only) Councilor Ruff thanked the council for the opportunity to serve. He would encourage residents in their community to serve on council. D. FimancelPammingZoming Councilor Thomas Bartholomew 1. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve Resolution R-8-21, establishing the budget for 2022 for the Borough of Slatington, Lehigh County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 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 2. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to adopt Ordinance 708 ordinance fixing the tax rate for Real Estate Tax for the fiscal year 2022, fixing the per capita tax at $5.00, and reenacting the 1% wage tax, the Borough of Slatington local service tax at $52.00, 1% realty transfer tax under the local enabling act, and setting the fire fund tax rate. (The only change from 2021 to 2022 is a .55 mill increase in the real estate tax). President Reed declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Bryon Reed Jason Ruff Kevin Steckel Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew Ronald Kratz 3. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve Resolution R-9-21, a resolution of the Borough of Slatington, Lehigh County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, establishing payments into the police pension fund by members for the year 2022. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 4. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve Resolution R-10-21, a resolution of the Borough of Slatington, Lehigh County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, setting the salary for the chief of police for 2022. Councilor Bartholomew amended his motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler to read wages for the chief of police are set at $88,021.20 for year 2022. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: 4 ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Bryon Reed Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel 5. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Steckel, to approve Resolution R-11-21, a resolution to appoint Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits as auditor for FY 2021. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 6. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve Resolution R-12-21 - a resolution establishing Borough fees and charges for Borough services or for the use of Borough facilities for fiscal year 2022. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 7. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve Resolution R-13-21, a resolution appointing the Northeast Revenue Service (Elite Revenue) to serve as the delinquent tax collector for the Borough of Slatington real estate tax 2021. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 8. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve Resolution R-14-21, a resolution establishing the fee for garbage and refuse removal which is set for $80.00 a quarter per unit. 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 9. Motion to approve Resolution R-15-21, a resolution providing for the wages of certain employees of the Borough of Slatington. Council agreed to take this up after executive session. 10. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to authorize Borough Manager Stevens to approve Exemption Report from Statewide Tax Recovery Inc. for Delinquent Per Capita Tax for: Kevin Heberling Closed efforts exhausted - $16.50 (3 X $5.50); Brian Taylor Closed exonerated - $11.00 (2 X $5.50); Osa Bartick Closed efforts exhausted - $27.50 (5 X $5.50); Gary Miller - Closed efforts exhausted - $5.50. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 11. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve and advertise 2022 meeting schedule. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 5 12. Councilor Bartholomew stated that under the advice of council this been moved to the January 3rd, 2022, reorganizational meeting to approve resignation of Gwyneth Jones as Borough Tax Collector. E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Joseph Wechsler 1. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, Review Notice of Violation from the DEP. Motion to transfer funds to Slatington Borough Authority to pay $2,000.00 violation fee. 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 2. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to transfer funds to pay the following Authority bills: December 13, 2021, Meeting Sewer Authority bills: Ed Healy - $1,232.00; Tad Miller - $175.00 ($125.00 + $50.00); petty cash = $42.27; total $1,449.27. 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 3. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars to pay Assistant Treasurer's Time and Travel Report for the period of September 13, 2021 through December 13, 2021 - 11 hrs. @ $25.00/hr. = $275.00; travel time 111 miles @ $.56 = $62.16. 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 F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Ronald Kratz 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 6 2. Water and road crew have been trying to locate a water leak for approximately 3 weeks. Manager Stevens stated they are still looking. An outside contractor has been contacted to help locate the problem. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Mayor Niedermeyer stated the Christmas trees are done. Mayor Niedermeyer thanked the community for their support for him for 20 years. Councilor Schnaars stated that the Northern Lehigh Recreation had their candy cane hunt at Victory Park. Councilor Schnaars thanked the high school students who came down to help and praised them for cleaning up the park. 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.) Julio Muniz Recognized to speak. Julio Muniz said that Shadow Oaks Lane is in terrible shape. Since there will be an increase in tax would it be possible to fix that road. President Reed stated that work had been done on Shadow Oaks for a new water line. Now it needs new storm water lines before it can be repaved. EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Reed recessed to executive session at 8:12 PM. At 9:35 PM President Reed reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel, and real estate matters were discussed in executive session. RECONVENED AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION D.9 Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve Resolution R-15-21, a resolution providing for the wages of certain employees of the Borough of Slatington. 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, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to authorize Borough Manager to open conversation with the Borough of Walnutport about sharing the tax collector in case we need to pursue that avenue. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 7 ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Ruff made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to adjourn the meeting. President Reed declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Reed declared the meeting adjourned at 9:37 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 8