BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 6/10/19 The Regular Meeting Minutes of Council was held on Monday, June 10, 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 Mayor Niedermeyer Chief Rachman Austin Berger Jason Ruff Ed Healy Shawn Rios Bryon Reed Jason Nicholas Ronald Kratz Ed Ziegler 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 Ruff, to approve the following minutes with the following corrections: Council Meeting - May 13th > 2019, page 1 - Councilor Schnaars suggested to amend the paragraph to read: Council asked Chief Rachman if any police action on vehicles can be taken before the inspection and registration is expired. Councilor Ruff - page 4, item 3, word should be wash, not was; and also, where Deaf Children Camping programs on condition that he has his complete application and liability insurance, should be he has completed the application and liability insurance; remove the word "to" in front of President Stevens; page 2, 1st paragraph - should be Railroad Street, not Railroad Avenue; Mayor's Remarks - add the word "at" the American Legion. Councilor Ruff - Committee Meeting 5/28/19, Section 1, item C- Councilor Ruff would like it noted in the minutes that he had stated that he thought it would be wise to obtain Chief Rachman's statement on the enforcement plan. Committee Meetings - May 20th, 2019 and May 28th, 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. Ifyou exit the podium, you have yielded the floor, and any time you have remaining. Ed Ziegler : Ed provided photos of 2 vehicles that have been in the alley behind the post office and behind the bank for over 2 years. He mentioned a crosswalk on Main Street should have been painted a month ago and also the crosswalk near the railroad tracks. Ed also mentioned selling the unused police car. President Stevens informed him that the car is on the agenda. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENI, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 1 Councilor Wechsler discussed the e-mail from Mark Harman dated June 3, 2019, update on the MS4 from 2018-2019. This is the first year under the new MS4 permit. The new permit became effective March 15th, 2018, and will expire March 15th, 2023. Each year the borough must submit an annual MS4 report to the DEP. The annual reporting period for this year's MS4 report runs from July 1st, 2018 through June 30th, 2019. The 2018/2019 annual MS4 must be submitted to the DEP no later than September 30th, 2019. The borough anticipates having the 2018/2019 annual MS4 report completed September 1st, 2019. President Stevens had spoken with Denise Martinez from Caring Hearts. She had requested permission to plant some flowers in the planters at Victory Park. Future Focus agreed to pay for the flowers. President Stevens was informed that Donna Glasser was moving and has 2 clocks from the Roosevelt School Building (currently the borough building) that had been donated to the library. President Stevens contacted the library and asked if they would be willing to donate one of them. The library has dropped off the clock, and it will be displayed at borough. 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 Kratz, 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 Chief Rachman Chief Rachman gave an update on the police cruiser. The car was picked up and transfer of equipment is taking place. Councilor Ruff asked Chief Rachman about vehicles that Ed Ziegler had mentioned earlier. Councilor Ruff understands they are on private property. He asked if the junkyard ordinance would apply. Chief Rachman said the abandoned vehicle ordinance covers that situation, which would be an issue for code, more than the police. The information from Ed Ziegler will be forwarded to Tony Lopsonzski. SLATINGTON REVITALIZATION PARTNERSHIP - None STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway Councilor Bryon Reed 1. Councilor Reed discussed the letter from Charles H. Richards from PennDOT dated June 3, 2019, regarding the ARLE Grant- SR 873 & Church Street. This letter states that borough can apply for another grant. This goes from June 1st to June 30th, and he suggests we reapply. The borough had asked for more money under the current grant, 2 but this can't be done. So, it will be necessary to reapply. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, that the borough reapply for the ARLE Grant for the intersection of SR-873 and Church Street for the placement of a new traffic light with the due date for the application being June 30th, 2019. Lehigh Engineering will submit the application. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 2. Councilor Reed discussed the e-mail from Bethany Vazquez, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. Information on various opportunities for growth and community engagements for June. He said on June 26th, is a Local Government Appreciation Day. Informational only. 3. Solicitor Healy informed the council that all the requirements from Lehigh Engineering were met for 4th Street CDBG bids. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Weschler, to award the CDBG project on 4th Street, between Center Avenue and West Church Street, to Barcalente Construction, Inc. for $48,901.25. 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 President Stevens mentioned the UGI station at the corner of Chestnut and Diamond. He and Councilor Reed had met with UGI and has requested the station be moved back. They had the highway crew cut back the weeds to see how much property would be available. UGI has staked the property out. This will be discussed on the next Highway Committee meeting. B. Public Safety Councilor David Schnaars 1. President Stevens reviewed the proposed fire truck plan: $640,000 for the new truck, perspective funding, borrowing $220,000 at 2% (incorporation - not the borough), $50,000 from USDA a potential grant., $50,000 from Fireman's Relief, grant from Sen. Browne, possibly up to $250,000, estimate of $80,000 on the 3 trucks, but one of those trucks has an outstanding payment. Jason Nicholas said if all 3 trucks are sold, then the outstanding balance owed to the fire fund for the 1 truck, would be reimbursed from the sale; possible corporate money or casino money. Jason informed the council that the borough is now eligible for gaming grants. Jason will be working with the borough grant writer from Walnutport with completing the gaming grant. If successful they could receive anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000. Jason Nicholas is requesting to seek 3 bids for a specific truck through CoStar. Jason informed the council that they had spent $4,588.22 on unit 2411 in 2018, for maintenance, and they have already spent $3,800.00 this year. Jason is also requesting to have the council list these trucks for sale. Jason is asking for permission to seek bids. Also, he said Mike Wentz from the gaming grant is willing to attend a Public Safety Committee meeting to discuss all the particulars for the grant. Jason stated that he is working with Rep. Zach Mako's office concerning the 2% 3 loan. President Stevens stated the council needs more of a commitment from the other groups before any financial commitment could be made by the borough. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to give approval to the fire company to pursue funding for the new fire truck. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor Councilor Schnaars asked Councilor Reed if the Durango is still listed. Councilor Reed stated it is not. Councilor Schnaars asked if we could give the Durango to the fire company to use as a practice vehicle. When it is scraped, the money would come back to the borough. Councilor Reed informed him that we wouldn't get that much for the scrap. 2. The council discussed the reallocation of vehicles when the new police car arrives. Chief Rachman informed the council that the code enforcement officer's vehicle can be kept temporarily for a parts vehicle. He said we can scrap the one behind the shop. Police vehicle 605, 2013 Interceptor, has just over 100,000 miles - this vehicle is being decommissioned as they get the new one. The suggestion is to give the code enforcement officer vehicle 605, or vehicle 602, which has just over 100,000 miles and is 10 years old, but running perfectly. Both vehicles need repainting. Chief Rachman will find out when the new vehicle will be ready. This will be placed on the next Public Safety Committee meeting. C. Human/Community Services Councilor Jason Ruff 1. Lindsay Taylor informed the council of the business plan for the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority. Lindsay stated a feasibility study was completed last year. The DCNR grant expires this year. In order for the recreation authority to move forward, they are seeking a commitment from the municipalities to make Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority stand on its own. The business plan would not fund the building of the community center, but would fund its operation. Lindsay is requesting a per capita increase from $3.00 to $7.50 per capita over the next couple ofyears, which translates to $31,740.00 a year for recreation and event programing for the residents of Slatington Borough, Washington Township, and Walnutport. Washington Township and Walnutport have committed to this plan. Option 2 is to have the school district support the business plan. However, the other municipalities did not opt for Option 2. Councilor Ruff inquired as to how the borough's per capita number compares to other municipalities. Lindsay informed him that other municipalities don't specify the per capita, it is more a percentage. Councilor Kratz feels that their cost basis is understated. He inquired as to how they would go about increasing the cost base. Lindsay would look at programming, the fees, grants, etc. They would still have to develop a business plan that is successful for the community center. DCNR feels it can get the funding for the construction of the community center. Councilor Ruff asked if the NLRA would be in a position to take advantage of the gaming grants. Lindsay said most of the grants are for the construction, very few of them fund operations. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to accept the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority business plan with Option 1, based on the per capita. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: 4 ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Thomas Bartholomew Jason Ruff Ronald Kratz Joseph Wechsler David Schnaars Bryon Reed 2. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve a quote from Pain in The Grass for $512.89 for edging of grass and black mulching bed areas for Veterans Memorial Park. 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 Councilor Ruff would like to obtain an estimate from Pain in The Grass to remove the shrubs on Main Street and replace them with flowers. President Stevens will contact Pain in The Grass. This will be placed on the next Human/Community Services Committee meeting. D. Finance Councilor Thomas Bartholomew 1. The council reviewed the requirements to be a volunteer for the Lehigh Tax collection District delegate. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to have Bryon Reed as the primary delegate for the Lehigh Tax Collection District delegate census and David Schnaars as first alternate. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 2. Councilor Bartholomew, discussed the differences between the Allentown and Bethlehem ordinances for fireworks. Chief Rachman stated it would be beneficial for the borough to have a fireworks ordinance. The local ordinance could be more restrictive than the state. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to authorize Ed Healy to draft a fireworks ordinance using the Bethlehem ordinance as a template. 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 5 1. Councilor Wechsler informed the council the roof of the digester, which is concrete, has been removed to allow access for the air drops. The startup manifold for the air drops, are being fabricated this week. A lot of the electric has been done. The blower panel is starting to be wired over to the motors. 2. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to authorize the council president to execute a professional service agreement for ARRO Consulting to compile and submit the PADEP Municipal Separate Storm Sewer system (MS4) Status Report for $5,500.00, subject to the solicitor's approval. 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 3. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to accept the Memorandum of Understanding between the Borough and the Lehigh County Conservation District. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 4. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve quote from PSI Pumping Solutions Inc. for $3,200.00 to replace 2 valves at the pumping station on Railroad Street. 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 Ronald Kratz 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 2. Councilor Kratz stated the borough has a view that about 5%-10% of our revenue is lost, with regards to water, due to the age of the meter. The borough solicited a quote from Ferguson. The quote is based on 1,600 meters for $287,200.00 for replacements of the water meters. If we move by June 30th the price would be closer to $180,000.00. Councilor Reed said this system would still require the highway to go out to obtain the 6 readings by a vehicle. The council discussed options for other meters and the computer support. 3. Solicitor Healy stated that Lehigh Engineering is waiting for a list of itemized information from PennDOT on the Shadow Oaks project. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None NEW BUSINESS: Councilor Ruff brought up the agreement that was done about 5 months ago for the Intermunicipal Planning Agreement with the Lehigh Planning Commission for the Northern Lehigh Multi-municipal Comprehensive Plan. He said there has been some hesitation about this, because one of the municipalities had not sent it to their solicitor before signing it. Even though everyone has signed it, Councilor Ruff is requesting to confirm that all of the solicitors have reviewed it. Councilor Ruff will supply a copy of this to Solicitor Healy for his review. Councilor Ruff informed the council there are some validity challenges coming to the 2004 Comprehensive Municipal Plan from some other municipalities, specifically about billboard use. The municipalities are looking for consensus from all 6 of the municipalities. If they would be in favor of appointing one specific solicitor who deals specifically in land use and development and intermunicipal planning agreement. We would all agree to use that one solicitor for the various specific purpose of validity challenges to the comprehensive plan we end up adopting. Solicitor Healy will review this issue. Councilor Ruff is the Borough's representative at the Steering Committee. He said the committee is requesting 2 representatives. He is requesting to pay Duane Dellecker to attend the meetings. Councilor Ruff will ask Duane ifhe would be interested. 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.) EXECUTIVE SESSION - President Stevens recessed to executive session at 9:09 PM. At 10:00 PM, President Stevens reconvened the meeting. Matters of legal, real estate, personnel and contract negotiations were discussed in executive session. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Schnaars made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to adjourn the meeting. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Stevens declared the meeting adjourned at 10:01 PM. Colleen Bresnak Assistant Borough Secretary 7