BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 2/11/19 The Regular Meeting Minutes of Council was held on Monday, February 11, 2019 at 7:00 pm., in Council Chambers, 125 S. Walnut Street, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: Daniel Stevens: President of Council Recording Secretary: Bryon Reed, President Pro Tem The meeting was called to order by President Stevens at 7:00 pm following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Daniel Stevens Patrolman Bulger William Eade Ed Zielger Jason Ruff Ed Healy Michael Myers Kristie Wilk Bryon Reed Mayor Niedermeyer Phillips Armstrong Austin Berger Ronald Kratz Larry Turoscy Jan Suterrmeister Mel Gildner Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew President Stevens requested that, as a courtesy, everyone turn off their cell phones, iPhone, and electronic devises off, or on vibrate. Ifyou must take a call, please exit the council chambers SO as not to disrupt the meeting. President Stevens 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 Wechsler to accept the following minutes with corrections: Council Minutes of 1/14/19, page 1, under Ed Ziegler should state light at Harding Funeral Home, instead of lights; it should read leaves on the north Main Street near the bank parking lot and on the bridge should be cleaned up; page 3, A1, second paragraph should be multiple not multiply. On January 21, 2019, Committee Meeting, page 1, la, before Dave Lear it states the, take out the word "the". The Committee Meeting on January 28, 2019, page 1, lb, it should be maximum, not minimum, of $5335.90 Council Minutes, January 14, 2019; Special Meeting January 21, 2019; Committee Meetings = January 21, 2019, and January 28, 2019. President Stevens 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. If you exit the podium, you have yielded the floor, and any time you have remaining. Austin Berger - Slatington Fire Department Representative. Signed in and was recognized to speak, but refused. William Eade - 435 Second Street - Signed in and was recognized to speak. William had filed complaints in August, October, and last month and with the borough regarding property that is falling apart. He said there is a car parked in the back yard for nearly 3 years, piles of wood, the structure is having issues back door won't close because the wood is rotted. This property is the other half of the double attached to his property. He has spoken with Tony Lopsonzski about the problem and was told that citations would be issued. After 6 months, nothing seems to be getting done. He is requesting what it would take to get an inspection done on this house, since he believes there is another renter. The property is 433 Second 1 Street. He provided photos of the property. President Stevens will talk with Tony Lopsonzski to follow up and have Tony contact William. Councilor Ruff stated that this type of situation is very frustrating for residents, especially when the homes are connected. He also said that unfortunately the legal process is long and cumbersome. He suggested to work with Public Safety/Human Community Services to make a list of properties that are higher up on Tony's priority list. Council Schnaars asked if there are funds coming in for blighted properties. President Stevens is not sure where Slatington stands with these funds, but he will contact the county for an up date. Ed Ziegler Signed in and was recognized to speak. Ed complained about County Waste. He said there is garbage on borough property that has been laying for a couple of weeks. Jan Sutermeister - Heidelberg Township. Signed in and was recognized to speak. She said Slatington Borough is involved with the Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan. Jan stated they are hoping to build a year-round swimming pool near Northwestern Lehigh High School and is looking for any advice. This pool would have a dome which could be opened in the summer. Also, she wanted to inform the council of this idea before the Multi-Municipal meetings. They did receive approximately 450 people that responded to a survey that was put out in November, some of which were from Slatington. Councilor Ruff asked Jan if there were any plans for a feasibility analysis and she said yes and it is in the process. They are incorporating as a non-profit organization. Councilor Schnaars suggested she get in touch with Mike Kukitz from the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority. Michael Meyers - owns property in Slatington. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Michael said there was a discrepancy for the cost of the new owner/tenant inspection application. He had paid $60.00 for inspection last November, then saw on the website the cost was $45.00. It had been explained to him the cost was lowered due to the borough not contracting with an outside firm. President Stevens informed him the fee did not drop until January Ist, 2019. Mel Gildner - Signed in and was recognized to speak. Mel feels water and sewer billing is not equitable. He said the single home owner pays $200.00 a quarter for the base rate and a building with 10 apartments should be 10 times the base rate. Mel also voiced his view on blighted properties. Phil Armstrong - Lehigh County Executive. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Phil attends municipal meetings to observe and if the borough has any issues. He offered his help with blighted properties. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRSENTATIONS 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 Reed, to approve payment of the bills and transfers as presented by the Treasurer. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor MAYORS/POLICE CHIEF'S REMARKS Mayor Walter H. Niedermeyer None Patrolman None 2 SLATINGTON REVITALIZATION PARTNERSHIP - None STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway Acting Chairman Councilor Bryon Reed 1. The Borough was awarded a $440,000 grant from PA Multimodal program. The program is for the Main and Walnut intersection. Councilor Reed said the borough has at least $110,000 match. He said that last Monday night they had met with some of the county people and they discussed changing the bridge. The next step is to give a letter explaining to PennDOT the changes at the intersection. Larry Turoscy suggested to have a meeting with PennDOT and the county to keep this project going forward. The tentative plan for the bridge is to widen it and line it up at the intersection. 2. A meeting was held at the Borough Hall with PennDOT and county, on Monday, February, 4, 2019, to discuss the Walnut Street Bridge alignment at the intersection of Route 873. 3. The council discussed the CDBG projects to be applied for this year and future projects. Councilor Reed would like to have to authority from the council to have the go ahead at the next Highway Committee meeting to update the list and prioritize. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to authorize the Highway Committee to select and apply for CDGB projects and have Lehigh Engineering submit the application. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor B. Public Safety Councilor David Schnaars 1. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to approve the request from Vigilant Fire Company to collaborate on a project in the front yard of the fire company to install a memorial bench for Arthur (Ted) Kistler. They are requesting the borough to dig a hole and put stone in for the pad. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 2. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Bartholomew, to give the fire company permission to lease 2 vehicles from the borough for $1.00 a year for officer's use, with the understanding the borough would insure the vehicles, but the fire department would maintain control. President Stevens declared the motion failed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: 2 ayes; 5 nays ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Daniel Stevens David Schnaars Joseph Weschler Ronald Kratz Jason Ruff Bryon Reed 3. The Slatington Borough Hazard Mitigation Plan has been approved. Informational only Councilor Schnaars informed the council that Chief Nicholas had requested if the borough can relist the old fire truck at the reduced price of $15,000. It is currently listed at for $25,000. The council feels it would be worth looking into other locations to advertise for the sale. Councilor Reeds will look into the public service site and Municibid. C.] Human/Community Services Councilor Jason Ruff 3 1. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to move forward with the help of Slatington Borough Crew and in-kind assistance from Washington Township Crew supervised by Mike Kukitz, to excavate and line with crushed stone a pathway from Victory Park parking area adjacent 873 up to the site of the new amphitheater, under the direction of Mike Kukitz; borough investment is the cost of crushed stone; pathway markers set by Lehigh Engineering in-kind through the Northern Lehigh Rec Authority. Councilor Schnaars informed the council stated that Mike Kukitz is checking with Josh to obtain additional approval, but Washington Township will also be sending some oftheir crew to assist. Lehigh Engineering has agreed to it stake out the path at no cost. This won't happen until after the amphitheater is in place. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 2. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve Slatington Borough road crew to excavate and prepare with crushed stone an area at the Trailhead for installation of the final bike rack. And the concrete finishing and setting of the bike rack bolts will be completed at borough expense the same concrete finisher that finishes the Vigilant, all under the supervision of Mike Kukitz. This work can be coordinated with the excavation at Vigilant for the memorial bench. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. Councilor Ruff stated this would be built on a concrete sidewalk that goes from the parking lot that goes over to the pavilion - it will be on one of those sides building side of the parking lot. 3. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve "Running of the Dawgs" event on April 13, 2019, contingent upon a certificate ofi insurance being provided to the borough. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 4. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve reappointment of Nathan Stubbs to Parks & Recreation Commission for a 3-year term. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 5. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve appointment of Catherine Nelson of 231 Main Street, Slatington, to Parks & Recreation Commission for a 3- year term. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 6. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve 2019 multiple events from Mike Kukitz - NRLA. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 7. Thank you letter from Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool for our donation to the swimming pool. 8. The community yard sales will be: Friday, May 17th, Saturday, May 18th, Sunday, May 19th, and Friday, September 13th, Saturday, September 14th, Sunday, September 15th, 2019. Informational only 9. Thank you to Walnut Street Playground Association for paying half the cost of fence repairs to the playground. 10. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approved Charity Bike Ride to benefit St. Luke's Hospice on Saturday, June 1, 2019. The ride will begin and end at the Lehighton Trailhead in Lehighton, PA. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor D. Finance Councilor Thomas Bartholomew 4 1. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve the quote request from Steven Ring, LCTI, for remodeling the bathroom at the magistrate office not to exceed $5,335.90. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Jason Ruff Ronald Kratz Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Joseph Wechsler 1. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve transfer of $1,250.00 the Sewer Authority to cover the annual DEP fee for the NPDES. The Authority must receive and authorize this payment to DEP no later than the Authority's March 2019 regular meeting. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Jason Ruff Ronald Kratz Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed 2. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve pump preventative maintenance inspection agreement with Axiom, Inc. for $2,500.00 per inspection. Agreement is valid for 3 years. Councilor Wechsler clarified the $2,500.00 is for all 3 pumps, not just per pump. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Jason Ruff Ronald Kratz Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Bryon Reed 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 2. Councilor Reed asked Solicitor Ed Healy ifthe borough could put the Shadow Oaks grant out to bid with Pennbid. Ed has reviewed the documents that Lehigh has been using for several years, which deserve some updating. Councilor Reed asked about the advertising for Shadow Oaks - 5 could it be done with a small newspaper advertisement and then reference to Pennbid. Ed said that was alright. This will be discussed at the next committee meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Councilor Ruff informed the council he has been moving forward for some time on the Responsible Recycling Service and it is all set to have electronics recycling on Saturday, April 30, 2019. He will be looking for volunteers at the next committee meeting. Depending on how well this goes, a second date maybe done. Phillips Armstrong informed the council that the state is giving money for different municipalities for paper shredding events. NEW BUSINESS: President Stevens stated it is necessary to set the committee assignments. He suggested that Councilor Reed take Highway and Councilor Kratz take water. The Committee on Committees agreed with these proposed appointments. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to appoint Councilor Reed head of Highway and Councilor Kratz head of Water. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None Daniel Stevens COURTESY OF THE FLOOR - (Agenda Items Only - You will have two (2) minutes to address Council from the podium on Agenda Items Only.) None EXECUTIVE SESSION President Stevens recessed to executive session at 8:43 pm. At 9:30 pm, President Stevens reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel, legal and contract negotiations were discussed in executive session. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Schnaars made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to adjourn the meeting. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, AIl in Favor. President Stevens declared the meeting adjourned at 9:31. pm. Colleen Bresnak Assistant Borough Secretary 6