BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON The Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety and Human/Community Services Committee Workshop Meetings were held on August 15, 2022, in Council Room, 125 South Walnut Street, Slatington, PA 18080. The meeting was called to order by President Bartholomew at 6:30 PM with the following in attendance: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Thomas Bartholomew Mayor Schoch Jesse Maravitz Ronald Kratz Daniel Stevens Crystal Hausman Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias Ronald Hausmn Dennis Long Randy Schmoyer Lindsay Arrigo Tim Wagner PUBLIC COMMENT: Randy Schmoyer - 562 Lehigh Ave., Palmerton. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Randy was a former member of the Slatington Fire Department and served as deputy chief. Randy received a letter of termination July 26th He would like to know how long are we going to let the residents of this borough suffer by letting people go from this department? The department has lost over 17 men since the current fire chief took over. Randy stated that there are 2 firemen who have made less points than himself and they did not receive a termination letter. The fire company has thrown out his father, his brother and now himself. He questioned how much experience is the department going to lose. Randy stated that according to the SOG's multiple policies have been broken. Randy added that the SOGs had not been approved by 34 of the department officers. President Bartholomew suggested having a discussion of the ordinance placed on the next committee meeting. Lindsay Arrigo = 302 Second Street. Lindsay has lived in Slatington for 3 years and has been on the fire department for 2 years. She has a son who has medical needs. Lindsay has spoken with Austin Berger before he was chief concerning her son's and her medical needs. Lindsay has received a letter after not having a certain percentage of points that she did not meet for the quarter, but has not been terminated. Lindsay feels that Austin has personal vendettas against people he does not find favorable. Lindsay stated she will probably resign. Lindsay added that the department response time and attendance are low. Lindsay feels Austin doesn't have enough experience to be fire chief. Jesse Maravitz = 1306 Pin Oak Lane. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Jesse is concerned about the point system and feels it must go. Jesse has received 2 letters. Jesse had informed the fire chief that his son plays football, and Jesse drives a truck from 3 AM to 5 PM. He is busy on Tuesdays, SO his response time is very low. Jesse stated there are very few people who wish to join the department. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: 1 President Bartholomew asked Mayor Schoch to speak for a special presentation to former Det. Timothy Wagner. Mayor Schoch spoke about the 23 years of work history for Det. Timothy Wagner. Mayor Schoch wishes Det. Wagner the best in future endeavors. Mayor Schoch, and on behalf of the Borough of Slatington, presented a plague to Det. Wagner for his 23 years of dedicated service. A. FINANCE/PLANNINGIZONING Ronald Krâtz - Chairman; Members: Kevin Steckel, Zachari Halkias 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics: a. Councilor Kratz wished to discuss available COVID LFRF money. Councilor Kratz stated that the former mayor had suggested getting a generator with the COVID LFRF at the maintenance building. Manager Stevens has been working off a list. Manager Stevens suggested keeping some fund for next year to do the back roof on borough hall. Manager Stevens stated we have not received the $225,000.00 for this year. There are some projects that have not been deducted from the total because they are not finished. Councilor Kratz informed the committee that Wells Fargo is trying to sell the property and reached out to the borough to see if we would have any interest at in acquiring the property. (informational only) Councilor Kratz would like this discussed in executive session. There were no questions from the committee members; the Finance Committee Meeting was adjourned. B. PUBLIC SAFETY Kevin Steckel - Chairman; Members: Ronald Kratz, Zachari Halkias 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics: There were no questions from the committee members; the Public Safety Committee meeting was adjourned. C. HUMAN/COMMUNITY SERVICES Zachari Halkias - Chairman; Members: Kevin Steckel, Ronald Kratz 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics: a. The committee reviewed a quote from Bachmans Small Backhoe Service for $2,100.00 for various projects. Manager Stevens provided a list of the projects. President Bartholomew requested this be placed on the next regular council agenda. b. The committee reviewed a request from Pat Rabenold to have In Memory of Buzzy Car Cruise in June 11, 2023. President Bartholomew requested this be placed on the next regular council agenda. 2 C. The committee discussed the LSA grant for pool (Lehigh and Northampton County). Manager Stevens stated there are 2 LSA grants state and Lehigh and Northampton County. Manager Stevens spoke with Washington Township as to whether they will be submitting a grant. Wade is going to talk with his supervisors. Washington Township donated $20,000.00 towards the pool. There were no questions from the committee members; the Fuman/Community Services Committee meeting was adjourned. President Bartholomew requested a brief recess at 6:57 PM. President Bartholomew reconvened the meeting at 7:00 PM. SPECIAL PRESENTATION President Bartholomew requested Walter Niedermeyer Mayor Emeritus to present a special presentation to former Police Chief David Rachman. Walter Niedermeyer thanked Chief Rachman for all his years of service, and presented him with a slate plague from the borough. D. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None E. COURTESY TO THE FLOOR: Walter Niedermeyer asked if a generator for the maintenance building has been purchased. Manager Stevens stated there is a portable generator that was purchased for multiple purposes. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Halkias, to adjourn. Being no further business, President Bartholomew declared the meeting adjourned at 7:03 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 3