BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON The Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety and Human/Community Services Committee Workshop Meetings were held on October 22, 2018 in Council Room, 125 South Walnut Street, Slatington, PA 18080. The meeting was called to order by President Stevens at 6:30 PM with the following in attendance: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Daniel Stevens Joe Wechsler Jason Ruff Robert Stettner Thomas Bartholomew Ed Ziegler David Schnaars Jason Nicholas PUBLIC COMMENT: Robert Stettner signed in and was recognized to speak. Robert presented prices for the disc golf course. He has an estimate which is for 9 concrete pads and t-signs. Price is based on 18, but we only have 9 pads. The rough cost is $1,300.00 assuming the borough crew could help with some concreting. Robert stated the crew could trim some trees at this time; however, he said that some of the holes may need to be moved because of the amphitheater, which would require professional tree removers. This quote is just for the cost of materials. Councilor Ruff suggested that he, Mike Kukitz, and Robert meet to discuss the cost of this project. Robert will be applying for a grant to help with this project. Robert informed the committee there are some issues with fence at the Walnut Street Playground. There was damage to the drive-in gate a few months ago and other miscellaneous repairs. Robert has received 2 quotes out of3 and is hoping the borough would consider paying 50% of the lowest bid and the playground association would cover the rest. This will be placed on the regular November council meeting. The other issue concerning Robert is the lighting Welcome to Slatington sign. He received a letter from the county stating they needed a guarantee the area would be returned to good condition after the lighting was installed and the area will have perpetual maintenance and they need an indemnification letter for the project. President Stevens and Councilor Ruff to meet to compose letter and obtain a indemnification letter from our insurance company. FINANCE/PLANNINGIZONING Thomas Bartholomew Chairman; Members: David Schnaars, Jason Ruff 1. Committee Member Discussion: a. The committee discussed a request, letter dated October 16, 2018, from Anthony Lopsonzski to attend PCCA-PA. Construction Codes Academy on November 12 to November 16, 2018. The cost would be split between Catasauqua Borough and Slatington Borough. The committee agreed to place this on the regular November Council meeting for approval. 1 - b. Councilor Bartholomew informed the committee the per capita tax grosses $8,752.00, which Reta Stein gets 1% of this. Reta Stein provided gross receipts for 2017. He is unable to obtain the breakdown for the cost to generate this tax, i.e., printing, postage, etc. Councilor Bartholomew feels this is a nuisance tax and would like to eliminate it. He suggested 2 options; 1. to eliminate and come up with $6,000.00 in the budget to cover it, and the 2. would be miniscule increase in property tax. Councilor Schnaars pointed out that the per capita tax is not just paid by property owners. President Stevens informed the committee there are many expenditures that could possibly be affected by this cut. C. Councilor Bartholomew presented to the committee a breakdown of Tony Lopsonzski' S daily work time as regards enhancing our rental inspections. Tony works a total of 19 hours per week - Monday through Thursday. Councilor Bartholomew prefers to keep both rental inspection systems. The problem with borough wide inspections is Tony would need assistance. The committee discussed reducing the inspection fee. d. The committee discussed the lease cost for next state representative office which expires the end of November. The committee agreed to possibly increase the rent at the previous percentage. This will be placed on the next regular Council meeting. There were no questions from the committee members; the Finance Committee Meeting was adjourned. PUBLIC SAFETY David Schnaars-Chairman; Members: Thomas Bartholomew, Jason Ruff a. Councilor Schnaars informed the committee that they ran the civil service test. The police department is establishing a 2-year eligibility list. He stated once there is a vacancy and they go to hire a person, they will have to pass additional tests, i.e., agility, oral. Police hiring practices informational only b. The committee discussed a draft resolution for Lehigh Valley 2018 Hazard Mitigation. This to be placed on next regular Council agenda for adoption. There were no questions from the committee members; the Public Safety Committee Meeting was adjourned. HUMAN/COMMUNITY SERVICES Jason Ruff - Chairman; Members: David Schnaars, Thomas Bartholomew 1. Committee Member Discussion There were no questions from the committee members; the Human/Community Services Committee Meeting was adjourned. 2 PUBLIC COMMENT: Ed Ziegler stated he has been letting the residents from Sal's Pizza park on his property for free. Ed has noticed some buildings seem to be empty during the week, but during the weekend there are lights on. He feels that the borough is missing out on the per capita tax with these homes. Ed Ziegler stated his daughter had received a high-water bill and asked what can be done. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Councilor Schnaars spoke about the e-mail received from PennDOT concerning the replacement Walnut Street bridge lighting. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None Councilor Ruff: made a motion, duly seconded by, Councilor Schnaars to adjourn. Being no further business, President Stevens declared the meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M. Colleen Bresnak Assistant Borough Secretary 3