BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON The Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety and Human/Community Services Committee Workshop Meetings were held on January 20, 2025, in Council Room, 125 South Walnut Street, Slatington, PA 18080. The meeting was called to order by President Schnaars at 6:32 PM with the following in attendance: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS David Schnaars Zachari Halkias Jeralyn Schoch Jim Layland Ryan Mayberry William Borst Ronald Kratz Robert Reph Roy Hambrecht PUBLIC COMMENT: A. FINANCE/PLANNINGIZONING Ryan Mayberry- Chairman; Members: Ronald Kratz, Zachari Halkias 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics: a. The Committee reviewed the request from NOVA to support funding from the Borough for the purchase of power stair chairs, totaling $72,178.00. They have received a grant of $44,406.00 - balance of $27,772.00, which has been requested from 4 other townships. Councilor Kratz suggested offering $5,000.00 put it up to the General Council, contingent upon the other boroughs doing the same. Councilor Mayberry would like this placed on the next regular Council agenda. b. The Northern Lehigh Historical Society (Society) wishes to investigate Borough taking ownership of Bedbug Cave property. Jim Layland, Treasure, Society, provided a history of the Society stating that originally, it wanted to make the bedbug cave an amphitheater for conçerts. To date, nothing has happened with this property, and they are paying taxes on it. Jim is asking if the Borough would consider taking it over. There is no clarification as to who owns what parts ofthe property. Councilor Kratz pointed out the possible liabilities to the Borough. Chief Borst stated that if the Borough owned it, it would give the police the right to vacant any vagrants. Jim will provide a copy of the deed. Councilor Mayberry would like this placed on the next Committee agenda. Jim stated that their electric rate for two meters will be up for renewal. He asked the Committee if the Borough could remember to put these two on the same rate as the Borough. The Borough does not pay for these meters. Manager Hambrecht will follow up on this issue. C. The Committee discussed the Economic Development and Town Beautification Committee becoming an official part of the Borough. Councilor Mayberry stated that we could designate parts of town for economic development grants, State and other efforts. Manager Hambrecht added that he had met with Senator Coleman Office and was informed that there is money available through the Main Street Matters Grant. Councilor Mayberry stated once you get a Main Street designation, it can be designated as a Main Street community, it helps you in getting the necessary money. The Committee must be organized as non-profit or basically as part of a bigger organization. If this were to come to fruition, they would have monthly public meetings. Manager Hambrecht added the grants that are available for Main Street Matters pertain to hiring a consultant. If a consultant is hired with grant money, then that potentially provides the 1 Borough with a blueprint to move this project along and sell it to organizations. A person would have to be hired, but the State would provide for that program. President Schnaars asked ifthis would be a sub-committee of the Finance Committee, which must have members on it with terms of office. There have been people interested in this Committee. Councilor Kratz suggested reaching out to some business for their support. d. Visioning There were no questions from the committee members; the Finance Committee Meeting was adjourned. B. PUBLIC SAFETY Ronald Kratz - Chairman; Members: Ryan Mayberry, Zachari Halkias 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics a. The Committee reviewed the letter from New Bethany seeking support from municipalities to assist the homeless crises for $2,000.00. There are no facilities to help with the homeless in Slatington. The police do take them into the station and try to find a organization that will take them. The Committee agreed not to pursue this issue. + b. Police Chief Borst provided an update on police personnel. Chief Borst stated there are two (2) rotations on 12-hour shifts. On the Ist platoon there is 1 officer for day shift from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and 1 officer for night shift from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The part-time officer is scheduled from Sunday through Thursday from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Chief Borst stated they are running an eligibility test as soon as possible. It has not yet been advertised because he is waiting for an answer on how many they will be hiring. Chief Borst broke down the staffing levels ifthere were enough personnel. C. Visioning There were no questions from the committee members; the Public Safety Committee meeting was adjourned. C. HUMAN/COMMUNITY SERVICES Zachari Halkias - Chairman; Members: Ryan Mayberry, Ronald Kratz 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics: a. Affirm $5,000.00 2024 donation to Slatington Public Library. President Schnaars would like this placed on the next regular Council agenda. b. Visioning There were no questions from the committee members; the Human/Community Services Committee meeting was adjourned. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None D. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Fire Chief Reph informed the committee that he had a meeting with the Fireman's Relief and discussed purchasing five (5) new radios and 10 new pagers for the Department they will spend the $33,000.00 for them. 2 E. COURTESY TO THE FLOOR: None Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to adjourn. Being no further business, President Schnaars declared the meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM. President Schnaars Council President 3