BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 4/11/22 The Regular Meeting of Council was held on Monday, April 11, 2022, at 7:00 PM, to be held in the Council Room, 125 S. Walnut Street, First Floor, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: Thomas Bartholomew: President of Council Recording Secretary: Daniel Stevens, Borough Manager/Secretary The meeting was called to order by President Bartholomew at 7:00 PM with the following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Thomas Bartholomew Mayor Schoch Jeremy Henry, Samantha Eck Bryon Reed Sgt. Dorward Kevin Boylan, Dave Schnaars Joseph Wechsler (via phone) Justin Gross Austin Berger, Kevin Boram Ronald Kratz Daniel Stevens C. Schmoyer, Kea Pataucho, Kevin Steckel Julie Niebell, Ashley King Jeffrey Hausman Eric King, David Diehl Zachari Halkias Julio Muniz, Robert Herzog Lois Dillard, Donna Barron Before the prayer, Pastor Schnaars informed the visitors that the Borough Solicitor Edmund Healy had passed away. Ed had been the Borough's solicitor for approximately 30 years and was also a good friend. Councilor Reed paid tribute to Attorney Healy: Attorney Ed Healy has been a vital part of the Borough of Slatington since the early 90s. When attorney William Steckel took ill, Ed attended his first Council Meetings with the borough in the capacity of borough solicitor representing the firm of Steckel and Stopp. I would have to believe Bill Steckel briefed Ed on Slatington and the Slatingtonians that reside here in the Borough. Although Ed was not from Slatington, not even the state of Pennsylvania, he adopted well to our town. He worked in the borough with the firm for approximately 25 years for 40 hours a week. In that time, he met many residents of the borough and surrounding area. He became personal friends with his clients and they confided in him with trust. In his capacity as Borough solicitor, he took a real interest in our Borough affairs. Some would say he treated Slatington as his own and expressed his advice to us on matters in a way that he thought was best to protect Slatington's best interests. As an appointed position of solicitor working for the public, you're in a position of being ridiculed and criticized. Ed handled that well. Many times, I saw Ed after a meeting was adjourned go into the audience and try to mend things, or at least hear the oppositions point of view and listen to them and hearing their concerns. Many times, he would do the same with elected counsel men and women, and also the mayor. For Ed it was more than just being the solicitor in the community. He and his wife would take the time to come to Slatington for special events such as picnics, gatherings and just to be in attendance for some ofthe very positive events that took place. Ed also was the legal representative for the Slatington Borough Authority. In past years when the authority was very active with members such as Paul Handwork, Darryl Baus, Rev. Heintzelman, George Dillard, Gary Van Norman, Gary Phillips, and many more, Ed was instrumental in preparing multi municipal agreements for the authority and seeing that they were executed properly. One very large project that Ed was involved in was the $7 million sewer collection system rehabilitation. The project from the early planning, through the construction period and ending with the lengthy audits of work completed and expenditure verifications, took several years. Ed was on top of every aspect of the project with great detail and saw it through till the end. 1 Ed had a good memory and could always recall facts of past projects, community issues, backgrounds on reasons for ordinances and resolutions. Ed would amaze me on how he would know every street name in Slatington, sometimes better than even our council members. Ed went over and above with his interest in Slatington, his shoes will be hard to fill, but I know he would want us to continue on. As many of you know he was very proud of his two boys and what they have accomplished in their life. However, I don't know that his wife and boys would ever be able to comprehend the impact he had on our town of Slatington in his years with us. Some will only know of him through the years of hundreds and hundreds of night meetings with some lasting very late. But there was far more than that. The sacrifices of family time he took away from his wife and boys on those nights. But even though Ed never resided in Slatington he was a true dedicated Slatingtonian, That will be truly missed! Councilor Halkias tribute to Attorney Healy: I may not have known Ed for very long and just wanted to say that he seemed like a very kind, approachable and well-intentioned guy and wish I would have been able to have known him and worked with him longer. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None NOTIFICATION: President Bartholomew 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. President Bartholomew stated there was an executive session was held on March 28, 2022, at 7:00 PM, matters of legal and personnel were discussed MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS - Councilor Hausman noted a correction for regular meeting on 3/14/22 - should be Jeffrey Hausman, not Ronald Hausman for roll call. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve the following minutes with corrections: Council Meeting March 14, 2022; Committee Meetings - March 21, 2022 & March 28, 2022; Special Meeting March 28, 2022. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed 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. Kevin Boylan 224 Railroad Street Signed in and was recognized to speak. Kevin spoke about accidently letting his dog out. The police took the dog to the Humane Society. This will be discussed at the next committee agenda. Eric King - 236 First Street Signed in and was recognized to speak. Eric spoke about the potholes on Chestnut Alley, between E. Franklin and Church Streets. The potholes are getting out of control and it has been that way for about 12 years. Every spring the Borough comes and lays down some cold patch without rolling it out, tamping it down, or sealing it properly. At the end oft the alley at Church Street is where all oft that washes out at the end of every winter and it is a hazard for cars to stop on the loose gravel at the end oft the alley. Eric stated that alley was never zoned properly for the amount of truck traffic that Verizon brings in and out of that parking lot. Eric feels that he pays taxes and has been told that since the alley does not have sidewalks, there is no grant money that the Borough can get to repair it. Eric stated that it should 2 be posted for no trucks over a certain weight limit. Eric stated that money is being wasted with these quick repairs using cold patch. Lois Dilliard Sunset Circle Signed in and was recognized to speak. Lois thanked the council for their service. Lois asked if there are any monies coming in for street repairs from the Build Back Better Program. Manager Stevens stated he is not aware of any yet. Councilor Reed added that there is a multimodal grant for Shadow Oaks and the surrounding streets. Lois stated the problem on Oakhurst is the bus traffic. Lois asked about the garbage schedule and thought they were going to pick up recycling every other week. Manager Stevens stated the Borough has been trying to obtain an answer and schedule from the garbage company since last December, but residents should continue to place the recycling out every week until they hear otherwise. Donna Barron - 1271 Shadow Oaks Lane Signed in and was recognized to speak. Donna spoke about the road conditions. Donna asked how the community can help to get funds for the Borough. Donna feels that with the taxes, the residents deserve to have some roads that are passable without destroying their car. Manager Stevens suggested they reach out to the state senators and congressman. He stated that the Borough is regularly in touch with these offices. Walt Dassler - 342 First Street Signed in and was recognized to speak. Walt spoke about the condition of Chestnut Alley. Walt discussed the enforcement of the garbage collection and was told the resident has to contact the garbage company. Walt stated that the contract is between the garbage company and Borough of Slatington. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 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 Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to approve payment of the bills and transfers as presented by the Treasurer. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias MAYORS/POLICE REMARKS Mayor Jeralyn Schoch None STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway Councilor Jeffrey Hausman 1. Councilor Hausman read the Slatington Borough Stormwater (MS4) update for the public. 3 2. Councilor Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize payment application No. 1 and certificate for payment from Lehigh Engineering Associates, Inc. and change orders for work done by Wyoming Electric and Signal in the amount of $268,484.00. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias B. Public Safety Councilor Kevin Steckel 1. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to approve quote from Keystone Technology for Microsoft Office 2019 (5 licenses) for $968.50 (Police). President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 2. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to appoint Jeremy Henry as Fire Police Captain. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Discussion and possible motion concerning Police Department personnel issue. Councilor Steckel would like this tabled until after executive session. Councilor Steckel made a motion to amend the agenda, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to discuss and possibly take action on approving needed repairs to 2 fire trucks. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. Councilor Steckel provided quotes for the Vigilant fire apparatus, one quote being for an engine and the other is for the ladder truck. These are big ticket repairs that well exceed the fire company maintenance budget. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz. to approve the repairs as quoted, not to exceed $6,166.28 money to be paid from COVID19 LFRF funds. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler 4 Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias C. Human/Community Services Councilor Zachari Halkias 1. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Steckel, to approve request from Tiffany Rehrig-Schaeffer for permission to hold the annual Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 29, 2022, rain date October 30, 2022. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to approve request from Lindsay Taylor for topsoil and sod for the amphitheater for $5,000.00 from JMY Construction LLC. NLRA and the Borough will split the cost of this project with each paying $2,500.00. This will be paid for with COVID19 LFRF funds. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 3. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to approve request from Springside Sportsmen Club Inc. to hold their 2nd Annual Kid's Fishing Contest on Saturday, May 7th, 2022, at Trout Creek from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 4. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve request from the American Legion to block Second and Kuntz Streets around the Veterans' Memorial commencing at 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Monday, May 30th, 2022 (Memorial Day). President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, Alli in Favor. 5. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Steckel, to approve request from the Northern Lehigh Education Foundation for the 5K Run/Walk Running ofthe Dawgs event for April 23rd, 2022. President Bartholomew, declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 6. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Steckel, to approve request from the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association to use the corner of Main and Grove Street (parking lot) on Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM to conduct a fundraiser. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 7. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to approve request from Pat Rabenold to hold "In Memory of Buzzy Car Cruise" June 5th, 2022. (see attached letter for details). President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 5 8. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve purchase of new sign for Victory Park. $1,050.00 in Borough Funds to be pay for 50% of the cost. The other half to be paid for by Chamber Foundation Grant. Note: must be used by June 30th, 2022. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 9. Keep Slatington Beautiful Cleanup, Sponsored by the Slatington Parks & Recreation Commission, Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 9:00 AM to Noon at the Slatington Borough Municipal garage (informational only) D. FimancPamning/oning Councilor Ronald Kratz Councilor Kratz stated that with the passing of Attorney Healy, we are deferring our issues to committee. E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Joseph Wechsler 1. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to transfer funds to pay the following Authority bills: Times News for $226.95. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to award Cowan Associates, Inc. for preparation of DRBC Docket Renewal Application for Borough of Slatington Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for $2,500.00 (must be renewed every 5 years). President Bartholomew, declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 3. LCA temporally stopped work on televising sewer lines. They are trying to work out issues with the new software. (informational only) 4. Grease trap inspections are 50% completed; remaining inspections should take place this week. F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Bryon Reed 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 6 2. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to award emergency generator bid for $52,663.00 to Billitier Electric and all related costs contingent on meeting all approvals from Borough Solicitor and Borough Engineers to be paid for with COVID19 LFRF funds. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 3. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to award to Water Service Professionals media filter inspections for $6,310.00. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None NEW BUSINESS: None COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None Thomas Bartholomew 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 Bartholomew recessed to executive session at 8:05 PM. At 8:55 PM President Bartholomew reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel were discussed in executive session. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Kratz, made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to adjourn the meeting. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Bartholomew, declared the meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 7