BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 3/11/24 The Regular Meeting of Council was held on Monday, March 11, 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 Krystall Borman, Kevin Borman Walter Niedermeyer Jeralyn Schoch Lance Strohl, Ron Hausman Ryan Mayberry Greg Winokur Eric King, Ashley King Ronald Kratz Justin Gross Hunter Henritzy, Robert Stettner Kevin Steckel Daniel Stevens Becky Lienhard, Jim Layland Zachari Halkias Kristie Wentling, Rita Grim Bill Grim, Robin Lindenmuth Duane Lindenmuth, Susan Layland 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 Kratz, to approve the following minutes: Council Meeting February 12, 2024; Committee Meetings February 19, 2024, and February 26, 2024. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Police Chief Winokur welcomed Officer Kyle Bernhard to the Slatington Police Department. Mayor Schoch administered the oath to Part Time Police Officer Kyle Bernhard. Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong provided the Council with an update. Mr. Armstrong stated that this Wednesday night they will be passing the new radio system for all of the emergency management in Lehigh County. At the COG meeting on Wednesday, it will be explained how it will work. Mr. Armstrong stated that the bid for the Walnut Street bridge will go out this winter. The delay was due to realignment of the intersection. Mr. Armstrong stated that the bridge over the Lehigh will be done in about 2-3 years. Mr. Armstrong added that in 2 years the Transportation Bill comes up again, and he is starting to lobby for it. He stated that 911 can Facetime you, with your approval. Lehigh County started The Pardon Project and is nationally recognized for it. This project will work with people who have committed minor crimes that do not have the money to hire a lawyer. They are working with St. Luke's Hospital to obtain a treatment center in Slatington. Mayor Schoch asked if there is anything the County can do to help with her Economic Development and Beautification committees. Mr. Armstrong informed her that they are placing a large grant with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for the entire area, which includes planting trees, etc. 1 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, Jim Layland - 221 Union Street; Robin & Duane Lindenmuth 322 Center Street. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Their concern is the zoning process. The live up Center Street from a residential property that Rentschler's just purchased. It is zoned residential. They would like to know if is it possible for Rentschler to appeal that zoning and make that property commercial. Attorney Young informed them that the property, if currently zone residential, would seek a variance for approval of a commercial use. That would have to be an application to the Zoning Hearing Board. If the application would be filed, they would receive notice from the Zoning Hearing Board due to their proximity of the property. Susan Layland - 221 Union Street. Signed in and was recognized to speak. A few years ago, Susan had spoken to the council about parking in Slatington and obtaining a handicap sign in front of the library. Susan was told they would reevaluate the parking and has that been done? Manager Stevens stated that to the best of his knowledge, that has not been done. Susan would still like to obtain that handicap sign. President Schnaars suggested she submit a written request, and then it will be addressed by the Highway Committee. Kristie Wentling - Northern Valley EMS. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Kristie stated that they have had 183 calls SO far for 2024; 144 in Slatington. Their response rate is 92%. For 2023 they finished with 3,243 calls at a 90% response rate. Expenses were $1,849,047.00 and revenue was $1,295,015.00, which was a deficit of 30%. They do have fund raisers, donations, grant writing and support for their building. They are currently fully staffed with full-time employees. They are currently seeking a nightshift paramedic in April and a part time EMT. They are applying for a grant for equipment and building improvements. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Executive session was held on Monday, February 19, 2024, 7:15 PM, discussed matters of personnel APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TRANSFER 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 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 2 Mayor Schoch stated that about 5 people that have reached out to her for her 2 committees. Mayor Schoch had placed ads in the Times News and the Town and Country Gazette, and has put more information out on social media. She would appreciate if more community members would volunteer. ChiefGreg Winokur Chief Winokur provided totals for February 2023 to February 2024: incidents: 2023 - 243, 2024 - 330; reports filed 2023 - 147, 2024 = 207; criminal arrests 2023 - 2, 2024 - 8; traffic citations - 2023 = 20, 2024 - 39; parking tickets 2023 - 22, 2024 = 23. Chief Winokur cited the following incidents: 4 arrests for misconduct, theft, burglary, mental illness, disorderly conduct, indecent assault (inyestigation-active, domestic assault arrest, simple assault arrest, thefts from vehicles, and an overdose-not fatal, warrant service working with the US Marshals and assisted PA State Police during a shots fired call where they did not have any one available. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway Councilor Walter Niedermeyer 1. Councilor Niedermeyer made a motion, duly seconded by Counçilor Mayberry, that the new traffic signal poles at Main and Walnut Streets remain gray (unpainted). President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Discussion concerning complaint about no parking signs on Kuehner Ave. (informational only) Councilor Niedermeyer stated this will be sent back to committee meeting for more information. 3. Justin Gross provided an update on the CDBG projects. They are working on North Street and Fifth Street. The applications for the 2024 CDBG are not yet available on line on Lehigh County's website. B. Public Safety Councilor Ronald Kratz 1. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Niedermeyer, to approve Resolution R-04-24, a resolution requesting 2024/25 JAG Single Solicitation Local Initiations Grant of $197,525.38 from PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Fire Chief Robert Reph to present highlights of written report. Fire Chief Reph informed the council that the 3 objectives are pretty much complete through the first quarter. Chief Reph stated that Slatington Fire Company and Walnutport Fire Company have applied for a joint AFG grant in the amount of $428,053.00 for new portable radios. Chief Reph is waiting for the pricing on the new truck with the changes. The Easter Bunny will be at the fire house on Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 for pictures. They are giving out free meal vouchers for kids, while supplies last, from Texas Roadhouse. For next quarter, Chief Reph will be obtaining prices for a new entrance door and a roof over the door, and also pricing for a new fire alarm system. Chief Reph stated that all the SOG's will be concurrent with the borough's standards. C. Human/Community Services Councilor Zachari Halkias 1. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve request from the NLRA for use of space/site and approval to serve alcohol at Wednesday UnWine'd, Victory Park Concert series, Day in the Park and Shakespeare in the Park (COI received). President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3 2. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve request for application of facilities from Caring Hearts for their 2nd Annual Rock the Park & Food Truck Festival on September 14, 2024, 12 noon to 9:00 PM; rain date September 15th. (COI required). 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 request for Caring Hearts gth Annual Project Warm & Cozy and Community Christmas Trees at Victory Park runs through mid-January on Saturday December 7h, 2024 from 12 Noon to 6:00 PM (COI required) and no water or bathrooms will be available. President Schnaars 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 Springside Sportsmen Club Inc. to hold Annual Kid's Fishing Contest on May 4, 2024, back-up date of Sunday 5/5/24. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 5. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve request from the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association for permission to hold their Vince's Famous Cheesesteak fundraiser Wednesday, April 3, 2024. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 6. Certificate of Liability Insurance for the Venture Group Thirsty Thursday (received from NLRA) (informational only) 7. Slatington Borough Electronics Recycling Day Saturday, April 13"h, 2024 from 9 AM to 11:00 AM at the Borough Garage. (informational only) D. imancPamning/oming Councilor Ryan Mayberry 1. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Niedermeyer, to approve resignation from Borough Council of. Jeffrey Hausman, with regrets. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to advertise the vacant council position. 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 Zachari Halkias 3. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Counçilor Kratz, to appoint Bryon Reed to the Zoning Hearing Board to fulfill the unexpired term on the Board. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 4. Reminder about special meeting March 18th, 5:00 PM for Northern Lehigh Comp Plan Zoning Initiative (informational only) 5. Discussion and possible motion concerning hiring temp. This will be discussed in executive session. 4 E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Steckel 1. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Niedermeyer, to award Liquid Biosolids Hauling and Disposal Contract to Environmental Service Corporation. This contract starts April 1s, 2024. 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 Zachari Halkias 2. Update and possible action concerning repairs to primary clarifier drive unit. Manager Stevens stated that the new drive unit was shipped and is supposed to be delivered here tomorrow. 3. Counçilor Steckel 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; Lisa Young - $13,723.50; Brown & Brown = Renewal of Tom Bartholomew's Treasurer's bond - $250.00; PA Dept of Environmental Protection - 2024 Annual NPDES Permit Fee - $3,750.00; Hamburg, Rubin, Mullen, Maxwell & Rubin, PC-Appeal of the NPDES Permit - $1,800.00; David L. Frederick - Staples - $107.89; David Frederick replenishment of Petty Cash Fund - $49.94; total $19,806.33. 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 Zachari Halkias 4. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Counçilor Mayberry, to pay Assistant Treasurer's Time and Travel Report for the period of December 11, 2023, to March 11, 2024 -; travel time January 13, 2024 - 13.3 miles @ .67 cents = $8.91; January 29 - 13.3 miles @ .67 cents - $8.91; February 12-2 23 miles @.67 cents - $15.41; February 14 - 13.3 miles @.67 cents - $8.91; March 8 - 23 miles @ .67 cent - $15.41; March 11 - 23 miles @ 67 cents - $15.41; Total mileage reimbursement $72.96; January 25, 2024 through March 11, 2023 - 17 hrs. @ $30.00 = $510.00. 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 Zachari Halkias F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Kevin Steckel 5 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 2. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to adopt updated Borough of Slatington Drought Contingency Plan. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to accept quote from Martz Technologies, Inc. for spare parts for new control panel for $6,617.73. 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 Zachari Halkias 4. Possible action concerning quote from Martz Technologies, Inc conçerning filter bed effluent valve control upgrade for $19,587.37 (currently seeking additional quotes) (move to committee if additional quotes are not received by meeting). Councilor Steckel would like this placed back on committee. 5. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve quote for immediate replacement of service wash pump number 2 for $11,175.00 (replacement required by DEP). 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 Zachari Halkias 6. Update on control panel and SCADA system project. Manager Stevens stated that the SCADA system was installed last week. There are a few of the normal glitches, but everything is working. 7. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Niedermeyer, to proceed with the Maple Spring Waterline Grant bid documents and other related tasks. 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 Zachari Halkias UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None 6 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Manager Stevens informed the Council the Keep Slatington Beautiful Cleanup is April 20th from 9:00 AM to 12 noon. If there are any questions, you may contact Robert Stettner. NEW BUSINESS: President Schnaars would like the council chambers to be digitalized with TV screens or projectors. President Schnaars will have the Finance Committee research the cost. COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None David Schnaars COURTESY OF THE FLOOR - (Agenda Items Only 1 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 8:14 PM. At 8:45 PM President Schnaars reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel were discussed in executive session. D.5 Discussion and possible motion concerning hiring temp. This was discussed in executive session. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Niedermeyer, authorizing Manager Daniel Stevens to find 3 temp agencies that can possibly provide us with a temporary person who works with Account Mate has and general accounting knowledge for the committee to look into. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Niedermeyer, to set the working hours for the full time Borough office staff from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM with no overtime granted until further notice. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, 5 ayes, 1 nay ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Kratz made the motion, duly seconded by Counçilor Niedermeyer, to adjourn the meeting. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, AlI in Favor. President Schnaars declared the meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 7