BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON The Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety and Human/Community Services Committee Workshop Meetings were held on June 15, 2020, at the Vigilant Fire Company, 110 S. Walnut Street, Slatington, PA 18080. The meeting was called to order by President Reed at 6:37 PM with the following in attendance: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Bryon Reed Daniel Stevens Crystal Hausman, Taylor Jones Jason Ruff Jeffrey Hausman, Joe Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew Jeralyn Schoch, Aaron Schoch Kevin Steckel Paul Gass, Lindsay Taylor PUBLIC COMMENT: Jeralyn Schoch - 301 E. Church Street - Signed in and was recognized to speak. Jeralyn informed the committee they had recently bought the property and having issues with the row homes next to her. She had contacted the Borough office to see if she could obtain a list of the landlords to see if she could write them a letter about the problems there. Manager Stevens suggested she go on-line at the Lehigh County Assessment office. Jeralyn said she did find out the landlords. She asked the committee if they knew anything about Section 8 housing and if there are only a certain number of people who can live in one. President Reed informed her that housing is done by square footage, and Lehigh County Housing is responsible for renting. These properties are inspected by the code enforcement officer. Jeralyn stated that there seems to be 8-10 people living in one apartment. She also stated that there is garbage on her property. President Reed suggested that she give Manager Stevens her phone number, and he will talk with Tony Lopsonzski. Jeralyn inquired as to what would be necessary to obtain a speed limit sign in her area. President Reed will ask the police to place the radar speed sign near her location. Taylor Jones = NLRA - Signed in and was recognized to speak. Taylor spoke on behalf of the NLRA. She stated the recreation authority have done SO much for the communities. The programs they have, i.e., for kids, adults, seniors, etc., have great attendance. Lindsay Taylor has programs for the fall. Since the COVID-19 the authority has been working on putting programs together for the kids without socializing, i.e., mini-camps, packets for the children. Paul Gass = 534 Diamond Street - Signed in and was recognized to speak. Paul is on the board for the recreation authority, and is president of the community center. Paul is concerned about the future of Slatington. Paul wanted to also stress the importance of having a community center and the recreation authority. A. PINANCE/PLANNINGIZONING Thomas Bartholomew- Chairman; Members: Kevin Steckel, Jason Ruff 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics: 1 a. Councilor Bartholomew would like to table this item till next month's committee meeting. Solicitor Healy's landlord tenant permit changes instituting a 90-day expiration of said permits. Solicitor Healy was unable to complete the draft for this meeting. There were no questions from the committee members; the Finance Committee Meeting was adjourned. B. PUBLIC SAFETY Kevin Steckel-Chairman; Members: Thomas Bartholomew, Jason Ruff 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics: a. The committee discussed the burn ordinance and possible changes. Manager Stevens suggested obtaining public input. The committee agreed that more information is necessary before contacting Solicitor Healy with the proposed changes There were no questions from the committee members; the Public Safety Committee meeting was adjourned. C. HUMAN/COMMUNITY SERVICES Jason Ruff - Chairman; Members: Kevin Steckel, Thomas Bartholomew 1. Committee Member Discussion a. Council Ruff said he would like to have Lindsay Taylor speak. He also said he had requested that this not be placed under his committee. He wanted to give Lindsay some time to prepare for the NLRA discussion. Councilor Bartholomew stated that any discussion of the budget for the NLRA is not based on Lindsay's performance, but due to the current COVID-19 crisis. The NLRA has received some monies to pay for a portion of the salary and operating costs. Lindsay informed the committee that NRLA had applied for a PPP loan/grant and it was awarded. Lindsay has plans to conduct mini-camps, and other programs, which would be done with no cost to the residents. Councilor Ruff stated that even if we come in over budget this year, because of not bringing in as much revenue, there is still monies in the accounts. President Reed stated that the general budget is very tight. There was a discussion on the bathrooms at Victory Park, and if they should be open during the COVID-19 virus. b. Manager Stevens provided information to the committee the 2021-disc golf course grant application which he submitted. This grant does not require a match; however, they always like to see those submitting the grant committing to some type of match. Manager Stevens put in a minimal match of about 12% ($535.00). The total amount of the grant which was applied for is $5,035.00. Manager Stevens stated he had requested new tee pads, new signs for holes, moving some of the existing holes, a message board and litter receptacle. 2 C. Lehigh County has not set a new date for the 2020 Lehigh County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event More information will be posted at wwwlehighcounty,org There were no questions from the committee members; the Human/Community Services meeting was adjourned. PUBLIC COMMENT: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by, Councilor Steckel, to adjourn. Being no further business, President Reed declared the meeting adjourned at 7:18 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 3