BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 10/8/2018 The Regular Meeting Minutes of Council was held on Monday, October 8, 2018 at 7:00 P.M., 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 P.M. following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Daniel Stevens Russell Hallman Mayor Niedermeyer Jeffrey Hausman Kris Porter Jason Ruff Chief Rachman Robert Stettner Ed Ziegler Bryon Reed Larry Turoscy Joseph Wechsler Attorney Healy David Schnaars Thomas Bartholomew President Stevens requested that, as a courtesy, everyone turn offi 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 President Stevens recessed to executive session at 7:04 pm. At 7:13 pm, President Stevens reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel and legal matters were discussed in executive session. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS - Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler to accept the following minutes: Council Minutes, September 10, 2018, Committee Meetings September 17, 2018, and September 24, 2018. President Stevens 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. Ed Ziegler = Signed in and was recognized to speak. Ed has seen people moving in and out of the borough, but he has not seen moving permits for the location. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRSENTATIONS Councilor Schnaars informed the council on November 14th, at 6:00 pm, at the school district administration office, there will be a meeting concerning the results of the feasibility study. They will discuss possible architects rendering, costs, etc., on the community center being sponsored by the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority. He is encouraging members of the council to attend. REPORTS 1 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 Ruff, 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 Mayor Niedermeyer informed the council that on November 4t, NOVA will be holding a round table to discuss financial issues. The mayor attended the Home Coming Parade on Friday, October 5th, 2018. Police Chief David Rachman Chief Rachman informed the council he attended the Safe School Meeting at the school district office. This a cooperation between the school district, police, fire, EMS, and other state holders in the community, including Children in Youth. The objective of this is to make the community safer. Chief Rachman responded to Ed Ziegler's complaint about following up on being unable to watch for people moving in and out. He informed him of last month's police calls and that there is a limited resource in manpower. However, if an officer does see a moving truck, they will stop and inquire about a moving permit, providing the officer is not busy with something else. SLATINGTON REVITALIZATION PARTNERSHIP Councilor Ruff informed the council they are in the process of setting up a meeting with the Chambers to discuss some Christmas issues. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway Acting Chairman Councilor Bryon Reed 1. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to authorize solicitor to prepare a draft ordinance for the street cuts. (Larry Turoscy had provided at a committee meeting general instructions for street cuts.) President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew 2. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to reject bids for Main and Church Streets traffic signal installation ARLE. (Larry Turoscy provided the council with pricing from bidders. The bids were too high.) President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: 2 ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew Council agreed to have Larry Turoscy talk with PennDOT to request an extension and to ask about increasing the amount ofthe grant. President Stevens read a letter from Edward and Louise Bechtel concerning a citizen's proposal to make several alleys in Slatington one-way. The Bechtel's vehemently oppose this change. They live at Main and Fairmount Alley and pointed out several safety concerns with the proposal. Chief Rachman agreed with their safety concerns. B. Public Safety Councilor David Schnaars 1. Chief Rachman is in the process of obtaining information for the police cars. His initial plan was to obtain 3 quotes to replace one of the cruisers. He has not received a quote of Millham; but did receive quotes from Kovach and Whitmoyer. The quote from Kovach is not valid due to 2019 is the last year for the Ford Interceptor sedan and it must be ordered by September 28th. The option is to order for 2020. Whitmoyer has approximately 70 interceptor utilities on their lots and a few sedans. Whitmoyer has 2018 utility, but would be willing to sell at 2017 prices and we could get a 2019 sedan and no deposit would be required for the SUV. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to give Chief Rachman authority put a sedan on hold with Whitmoyer. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. C.J Human/Community Services Councilor Jason Ruff 1. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve the Northern Lehigh Events Committee request for the annual Halloween Parade 10/27/18-letter dated 9/25/18 from Tiffany Rehrig-Schaeffer. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. l.a Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve project Warm & Cozy be able to use Borough property for this event. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to approve request for D&L Half Marathon November 4th, 2018, from Ed Eppler dated 10/2/18. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. Councilor Ruff wanted to thank Eagle Scout Jionnyx Constanza for completing the project up at Victory Park. President Stevens will send a letter. 3. Councilor Ruff made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve up to $400.00 for paint and supplies for metal railings at the Trailhead as discussed in Committee meeting September 24, 2018, by Robert Stettner. Councilor Ruff did inform 3 the council they are pursuing paint donations from Boyer's Hardware. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew D. Finance Councilor Thomas Bartholomew 1. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to authorize President Stevens to approve Exemption request from Statewide Tax Recovery Inc. for Delinquent Per Capita Tax for: Harold Andrews - Deceased- $5.50. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve request for Reta Stein, Tax Collector, to attend Tax Collectors Convention from October 18th to Oct 20th, 2018. Expected expenses: Dues $70.00, registration $270.00, Hotel - 2 nights $252.28 - total $592.28. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Joseph Wechsler 1. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to authorize September 18, 2018, Meeting Sewer Authority bills: The Times News - $198.70; Commonwealth of PA - $150.00; Ed Healy - $238.00; Tad Miller $125.00, Tad Miller $11.65; Brown & Brown - $250.00; total - $973.35. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew 1. 4 2. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to approve Assistant Treasurer's Time and Travel Report for the period of June 20, 2018 to September 18, 2018, in the amount of $279.25. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew 3. Reviewed CRY auditors report ending December 31, 2017 - informational only 4. Reviewed CRY auditors special report audit of sewage treatment costs for Walnutport ending December 31, 2017- informational only. 5. Reviewed CRY auditors special report audit of sewage treatment costs for Washington Township ending December 31, 2017- informational only. 6. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to accept and award the general contract for the digester conversion project to PSI Pumping Solutions Incorporated for $339,500.00, which represents the base bid of $348,000.00 less the reduction of $8,500.00 set forth in the bid alternate. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew 7. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to accept and award the electrical contract to George J. Hayden, Inc. for the digester conversion project for $59,950.00, plus a change order of $6,693.13 for a total contract price of $66,643.13. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew 5 8. Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schnaars, to reject all other bids for the digester conversion project. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Bryon Reed 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 2. Councilor Reed informed the council we had applied two times for the PA Small Water Sewer grant. We have been awarded $250,000.00 to do Shadow Oaks. This will be for a water line and trench water restoration. 3. Councilor Reed stated the new highway truck had a radio installed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None NEW BUSINESS: 1. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to ratify the payment of $3,250.00 to Dr. Walter Finnegan for expert medical testimony. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew 2. Councilor Schnaars made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Weschler, to authorize payment of $3,500.00 to Dr Ross Noble for expert medical testimony. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew 3. President Stevens informed the council he had spoken Liz Miller to start working on getting the spreadsheets ready for the budget for 2019. 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.) 6 EXECUTIVE SESSION - President Stevens recessed to executive session at 8:45 pm. At 9:15 p.m., President Stevens reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel and legal matters were discussed in executive session. 1. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to appoint Northeast Revenue as delinquent tax collector for fiscal years 2015, 2016, and in addition to their current appointment of fiscal year 2017. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Daniel Stevens Bryon Reed David Schnaars Jason Ruff Joseph Wechsler Thomas Bartholomew ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Schnaars made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to adjourn the meeting. President Stevens declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Stevens declared the meeting adjourned at 9:16 pm. Colleen Bresnak Assistant Borough Secretary 7