BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 2/12/24 The Regular Meeting of Council was held on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM, to be held in the Council Room, 125 S. Walnut Street, First Floor, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: David Schnaars: President of Council Recording Secretary: Daniel Stevens, Borough Manager/Secretary The meeting was called to order by President Schnaars at 7:00 PM with the following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS David Schnaars Lisa Young Nancy Treskot, Bob Treskot Walter Niedermeyer Jeralyn Schoch Robert Reph, Maigan Sandt Ryan Mayberry Greg Winokur Kevin Borman, Annie Tomaino Ronald Kratz Justin Gross Anthony Lenhart, Ashley King Kevin Steckel Daniel Stevens Eric King, Hunter Henritzy Jeffrey Hausman Abel Boyer Zachari Halkias EXECUTIVE SESSION: None NOTIFICATION: President Schnaars 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 MEETING - Councilor Niedermeyer made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to approve the following minutes: Re-Organization Meeting January 2, 2024; Council Meeting January 8, 2024; Special Meeting January 15, 2024; Committee Meetings - January 15, 2024, and January 22, 2024. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Abel F. Boyer was present on behalf A.F. Boyer Hardware. On November 4th, > 2023, they held their annual Glock sales day event. A. F. Boyer does a "Back the Blue Event" every year. They put items together from the store to donate, along with Glock and Holson. All the proceeds are donated to the Slatington Police Association. The donation to the Slatington Police Association is $3,065.00 this year. Abel presented the check to Sgt. Dorward, Officer Concilio, and Officer Radtke 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. None PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Executive session was held on Monday, January 15, 2024, 7:15 PM, discussed matters of personnel. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TRANSFER 1 Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to approve payment of the bills and transfers as presented by the Treasurer. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Walter Niedermeyer Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 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. MAYORS/POLICE REMARKS Mayor Jeralyn Schoch Mayor Schoch informed the Council that she has plaçed an advertisement in the Town and Country Gazette and the Times News to have people contact her concerning her new committees dealing with beautification and economic redevelopment. ChiefGreg Winokur Chief Winokur welcomed the new council members. Chief Winokur provided totals for January 2023 to January 2024: incidents: 2023 - 298, 2024 - 359; reports filed 2023 = 170, 2024 230; criminal arrests 2023 - 6, 2024 - 6; traffic citations 2023 - 38, 2024 - 57; parking tickets 2023 = 3, 2024 - 11. Councilor Kratz asked Chief Winokur the number of officers the Borough had in January 2024 VS 2023. Chief Winokur, although he was not here in 2023, he believes it was still at 5. Chief Winokur added that the police had 2 DUI arrests, 2 overdoses, 2 disturbances, 1 subject with recovered stolen property, recovered stolen vehicle, harassment arrest, 2 drug possession arrests, and a domestic/child abuse investigation. Chief Winokur stated there was an article concerning a neighboring police department in Lehigh County stating their policies were out of date. Chief Winokur is working on the policies and procedures to avoid any problems in the future. He is taking a pro-active approach to the grants they are applying for. He has recently applied for a LSA grant for body cameras and intersection cameras. Unfortunately, the grant had to be split. They have been submitted and are waiting to hear from the State. Chief Winokur has found another grant which was released through PCCD (PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency). This is specifically geared toward police improvement and equipment. He is working with the grant writer. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway Councilor Walter Niedermeyer 1. Councilor Niedermeyer made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to adopt Professional Services Agreement (MS4) for ARRO Consulting, Inc. at an annual cost of $6,500.00. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars 2 Walter Niedermeyer Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 2. Councilor Niedermeyer made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to approve the estimate for new heater at maintenance building at a cost $5,856.82 using COVID19 LFRF. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Walter Niedermeyer Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 3. Councilor Niedermeyer made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to approve submission of CDBG projects for 2024: 1 - Willow Avenue; 2 - Cherry Street; 3 = Hill Street. Manager Stevens added that there may be a possibly of getting Hill Street done despite the fact that there are no sidewalks. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 4. Councilor Niedermeyer made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to proceed with bidding the North Street and 5th Street CDBG projects. Contingent upon approval from Lehigh County to proceed with bidding. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 5. Councilor Niedermeyer made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to purchase a full storm sewer grate from Szoke for the intersection of Oakhurst Drive and Maple Spring Drive and have the Borough crew install it at a cost of $3,135.00. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Walter Niedermeyer Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias B. Public Safety Councilor Ronald Kratz 1. The Council discussed the application for COVID19 ARPA Capital Projects Fund Multi- Purpose Community Facility Projects grant. Discuss specifics of project. President Schnaars stated that this grant is for extending broadband to the public and not to get the fire house fixed. President Schnaars checked with the Vigilant and they are okay with this. President Schnaars 3 stressed to watch for the different aspects of the grant. The work that would have to be done is floor, bathroom, ceiling, café, adequate WIFI, TV with projection capabilities, purchase computers, printer, and must be offered to the public free. Manager Stevens added that the grant requires us to enable work, education and health monitoring, including remote options in response to the Public Health Emergency with respect to COVID19. Council decided not to apply for the grant. 2. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Niedermeyer, to ratify hiring of new part time police officer Kyle Bernhard. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Walter Niedermeyer Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 3. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, concerning fire company request for Borough to contribute $17,267.82 of COVID19 LFRF toward yearly payment on the 2001 engine. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Walter Niedermeyer Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 4. Fire Chief Robert Reph will update concerning fire departments progress with previously stated objectives. Councilor Kratz stated the objectives are background checks for all fire department employees, rules congruent between the SOG and the Borough, and Robert to look for an equitable process to apply said rules. There is a disciplinary committee consisting of 3 chief officers Robert Reph, Ronald Hausman, and Jason Nicholas. Fire Chief Reph has been handling any disciplinary problems and providing the Council with the report. Chief Reph will be talking with the attorney concerning the rules. Background checks are being completed, but they are waiting for some child abuse background checks. Fire Chief Reph stated they responded to 24 fire calls for January, the same as 2023. The fuel consumptions for 2024 - 100 gallons diesel and 17 gallons of gas. The majority of the calls were EMS assist, automatic, fire alarms, construction fire Lehigh Township, outside orders, traffic control, good intent call, and false alarms. In January six members have attended the Lehigh Valley Rescue Group, held a Review Board Committee meeting, conducted interviews for potential officers for the 2024 calendar year, and held a re-test for the Pro Board Certification. Fire Chief Reph is in the process of obtaining new CO detectors at the station. The truck committee has met with Coplay Fire Company and the salesman from KME because they have a truck that is similar to what they are looking for. Fire Chief Reph added that they will be applying for the Participating Department Recognition Program. This would allow them to obtain more state funding. At this time, it is about 25% participation, but is hoping to achieve 75%. Fire Chief Reph stated that they got approval for state grant for $13, 645.11. 4 5. Discussion and possible motion to approve 2024 fire company line officers (possible executive session discussion) Councilor Kratz moved this to executive session. C. Human/Community Services Councilor Zachari Halkias - Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz to approve the Community Yard Sales for Friday, May 17th, Saturday, May 18+h, Sunday, May 19th, and Friday, September 13th, Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 15th. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to approve the Northern Lehigh Events Committee request concerning Halloween Parade for Saturday, October 26", 2024. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve Venture Group request for Thirsty Thursdays on Thursday, May 16, June 20th, July 18, August 15, and September 19th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 4. Thank you from NOVA for the yearly donation of$10,000.00. 5. Donation by Rotary Club of Slatington $500.00 for flags on Main Street (informational only) 6. Donation by Slatington Masonic Lodge Community Center $450.00 for flags on Main Street (informational only) D. imance/Pamning/oming Councilor Ryan Mayberry 1. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Niedermeyer, to accept resignation from Rebecca Edwards, with regrets, from the Zoning Hearing Board. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Niedermeyer, to advertise the vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Discussion on feasibility of potential financial director (executive session discussion) Councilor Mayberry moved this to executive session. 4. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize Borough Manager Stevens to approve Exemption Report from Statewide Tax Recovery Inc. for Delinquent Per Capita Tax for: Joshua Blackwell - Closed bankruptcy - 3 @ $5.50 = $16.50. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Walter Niedermeyer Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 5 5. President Schnaars called for a special Meeting on March 18th, 2024, at 5:00 PM for the purpose of meeting with EPD concerning the Northern Lehigh Comprehensive Plan Zoning initiative. E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Jeffrey Hausman 1. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to ratify repairs to primary clarifier drive unit from Rebuild-it Services Group Proposal in the amount of $38,995.00 (parts only). (Additional costs will include installation by Bellview Pump and additional daily testing.) President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Walter Niedermeyer Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 2. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to approve advertisement and bidding for Liquid Biosolids Hauling and Disposal Contract. Bid opening on March 8, 2024, and award oft bids on March 11, 2024, current contract runs out on April 1s1, 2024. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to transfer funds to pay the following Authority bills: February 12, 2024 Meeting Sewer Authority bills: Tad Miller $125.00; Times News (advertising of the 2024-2025 Authority Budget) - $117.70; David L. Frederick - purchase of file boxes - $65.18; HRMM & L. Attorneys at Law for $13,750.00; total $14,057.88 President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Walter Niedermeyer Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Kevin Steckel 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 2. Update on control panel and SCADA system project. Manager Stevens stated the new controls are in and the plant is running on automatic. They are still troubleshooting some minor issues. The SCADA system is scheduled to be put installed in late February or early March. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None 6 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: President Schnaars stated there will be an electronic recycling event on April 13th. NEW BUSINESS: None COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None David Schnaars 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 Schnaars recessed to executive session at 8:05 PM. At 9:02 PM President Schnaars reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel and legal were discussed in executive session. D.3 Councilor Mayberry requested this be placed on the next committee agenda. Discussion on feasibility of potential financial director B.5 Councilor Kratz named the following fire company line officers: Deputy Chief Jason Nicholas, Assistant Chief Ronald Hausman, Captain Justin Frable, Lt. Joseph Chirico. Counçilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Niedermeyer, to ratify the previously mentioned line officers. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, 6 ayes, 1 nay ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Kratz made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to adjourn the meeting. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Schnaars declared the meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 7