BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 9/9/24 The Regular Meeting of Council was held on Monday, September 9, 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: Zachari Halkias, Vice President The meeting was called to order by President Schnaars at 7:29 PM with the following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS David Schnaars Lisa Young Ron Hausman, Kevin Borman Zachari Halkias Jeralyn Schoch Krystal Borman, Ray Sumner Ryan Mayberry Justin Gross Patty Ingles TN, Hunter Henritzy Ronald Kratz Robert Reph Ashley King, Eric King Kevin Steckel-arrived 7:29 Greg Winokur Susan Smith, Becky Leinhard Arron Schoch David Leinhard, Rita Grimm William Schippers-via phone Bill Grimm, Paula Lawson 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 Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to approve the following minutes with corrections Council-Page 2 - should be 16 fire calls, not 6: it should read will be reimbursed by COVID; Council Meeting - August 12, 2024; Committee Meetings August 19, 2024, and August 26, 2024. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Presentation by Chaplin Ray Sumner Provided information concerning his program. Chaplin Sumner has been certified in many types of Chaplin, including being a police Chaplin. He is also a minister for the Calvary Pastor Chapter for approximately 20 years. He would like to solicit other clergy to engage with him in this effort. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - (For Agenda/Non-Agenda Items) please use Podium (three minutes per person/five minutes per group) You will have three (3) minutes to address Council from the podium. The three (3) minutes applies to your time at the podium. If you exit the podium, you have yielded the floor and any time you have remaining. None 1 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS: Executive session was held on Monday, August 26, 2024. Matters of personnel were discussed. 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 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 Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Aaron Schoch William Schippers MAYORS/POLICE REMARKS Mayor Jeralyn Schoch Mayor Schoch wanted to thank everyone who participated in helping with National Night Out. It was a great event. Mayor Schoch stated that they are moving forward with the Home Town Heros banner project. The website should be up in the next 2 weeks for the ordering process. Mayor Schoch stated that she and the mayor of Palmerton have gotten together to do a food drive at the September 20th football game at the Palmerton Stadium. Ifthere is anyone who wishes may bring a non-perishable item. All the proceeds will be split and their portion will be donated to the Northern Lehigh Food Bank. Chief Greg Winokur Chief Winokur provided totals for August 2023 to August 2024: incidents: 2023 -367, 2024 - 361; reports filed 2023 - 227, 2024 - 258; criminal arrests 2023 - 9, 2024 1 7; traffic citations = 2023 - 30, 2024 - 53; parking tickets 2023 - 28, 2024 - 25. There were 361 calls for the month. Ofthose calls they had 15 high priority calls, including shots fired, burglaries, narcotics, and narcotics fleeing eluding, intoxication, and overdoses. Chief Winokur gave kudos to the officers for doing a great job. Chief Winokur also stated that the National Night Out was a great success. He also wanted to thank the community organizations, community members, elected officials, and first responders. Chief Winokur thanked Vice President Halkias and Councilor Mayberry for participating in the dunk tank, and Councilor Schoch for assisting in the original setup and breakdown of the event, and Mayor Schoch for her countless hours to make sure the event went seamlessly. Chief Winokur provided an update concerning the house fire on Center Street safety. A fence has been placed and the house has been demolished. Signs have been placed on Church Street (Danny) and brush has been cut back. Chief Winokur is still working on the building upgrades. The Lehigh County consortium test is being held on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Fire Chief Robert Reph Fire Chief Reph stated the department responded to 12 fire calls for the month of August, YTD - 149 calls. Currently, they have 7 members who have stated the EMT course. Fire Chief Reph has not heard an update on the grant that they applied for the radios. FEMA is still making awards. He has been 2 contacted by the company that is setting up fireworks for the ballon fest on Friday and Saturday. They requested the fire department's presence due to possible dry conditions during the fireworks. He was contacted to spray down the grass at Rock the Park night due to high temperatures. Fire Chief Reph stated there are 35 members, this is including backup. Councilor Kratz asked how the development of a better relationship with other fire departments in the area is coming. Fire Chief Reph stated things are going well with the other chiefs. Councilor Kratz discussed ensuring all the new rules were going to be applied fairly and equitable. Is there a final process in place? Fire Chief stated he has the SOG posted and when changes are made, they are copied, posted. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Public Safety Councilor Ronald Kratz 1. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to adopt Ordinance 714, an ordinançe to address false burglar and fire alarms; relevant defmitions; enforcement, violations and penalties; and repealer. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following al Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Aaron Schoch William Schippers B. Highway Councilor Aaron Schoch 1. Councilor Schoch made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to adopt Ordinance 715, to address reduced height clearance on W. Center Avenue establishing 9-foot height restriction. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Aaron Schoch William Schippers 2. Councilor Schoch made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to accept updated traffic signal design package for South Walnut Street Bridge project. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Review letter from Lehigh County Conservation District concerning So. Walnut Street bridge project (informational only) 4. Councilor Schoch made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to authorize Attorney Young prepare an easement for the parking area at the Masonic Lodge Community Center. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3 5. Update on property with water issue on 4th Street extension. Work order was issued to Foreman Bolton to install water and sewer hookup. (informational only) 6. Update and possible action concerning CDBG projects. Justin Gross informed the council that he provided a Notice of Award packet to Bracalente Construction on September 3rd. They are currently working on securing the bonds and filling about the packet. Upon receiving that back, we can issue a notice to proceed and to setup a pre-construction meeting. For 5th Street is to be constructed next year, due to multiple PennDOT permits with storm water and side walk. 7. Councilor Schoch made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve quote for road patches from Gibson Paving in the amount of $12,000.00 to be paid by COVID19 LFRF (under limit of $12,600.00 which would require 3 quotes). President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Aaron Schoch William Schippers C. Human/Community Services Councilor Zachari Halkias 1. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve request from Northern Lehigh School District to hold annual NL Homecoming Parade on October 4, 2024, from 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve request from Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce to hold annual tree lighting ceremony Friday, December 6", 2024, at Slatington Memorial Park from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 3. Elevator dedication ceremony on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 6:00 PM at Slatington Public Library. Come ride the elevator!! (informational only) D. imancPaming/onng Councilor Ryan Mayberry 1. Discussion concerning Keystone Community Program Designations. Councilor Mayberry stated that this now falls under Main Street Matters. The opening period for grant funding applications opened this past Wednesday. They could apply for a grant for sidewalk repairs, acquiring a building if the borough wanted to, etc. Next year's period will be opening in May. This gives us the opportunity to think of any ideas. 2. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schoch, to adopt Ordinance 716, an ordinance to control the planting, growing or cultivating of bamboo and to prevent the spread ofnoxious vegetation. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 4 3. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve final payout of paid time off and comp time for Manager Daniel Stevens. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Aaron Schoch William Schippers 4, Discussion and direction concerning comments for both public hearings on 9/9/24. (No discussion) 5. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize advertisement of Ordinance No. 717 authorizing adoption of Borough of Slatington Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 6. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize advertisement of Ordinance No. 718 authorizing the official map of the Borough of Slatington. President Schnaars declared the. motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 7. Discussion and possible motion to authorize update to. Account Mate through Diversified to be paid for using COVID19 LFRF. President Schnaars requested this be placed on the committee agenda. 8. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schoch, to appoint David Schnaars Open Records Officer. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Schoch, to amend agenda to transfer authority of the manager to President Schnaars to approve purchases authorized previously by the manager. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seçonded by Councilor Schoch, to give David Schnaars the authority to approve purchases that the borough manager would have approved of. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor, E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor William Schippers 1. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to accept bid from Snyder's Environmental Services in the amount of $24,310.00 for lining sewer main from manhole 18-22, contingent upon verification of COSTAR'S number. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry 5 Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Aaron Schoch William Schippers 2. Discussion and possible action concerning Walnutport capacity request review. No action to be taken. However, they are requesting an additional 20,000 gallons. 3. Councilor Schipper made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to transfer funds to pay the following Authority bills: September 9, 2024 Meeting Sewer Authority bills: Tad Miller - $125.00; Lisa Young - $15,540.00; Hamburg, Rubin, Mullen, Maxwell & Lupin, Services from May 1 through May 31, 2024, - $10,516.50; Hamburg, Rubin, Mullen, Maxwell & Lupin - Services from June 3, 2024 through June 25, 2024 - $4,980.00; Hamburg, Rubin, Mullen, Maxwell & Lupin - Service from July 1 through July 31, 2024 - $2,925.00; Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits LLP - 2023-2024 authority audit expense - $5,200.00; Commonwealth pfPA = 2024 Chapter 302 Annual Fee - $150.00; David Frederick replenishment of petty cash - $60.29 - total: $39,496.79. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Aaron Schoch William Schippers 4. Councilor Schippers made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Mayberry, to pay Assistant Treasurer's Time and Travel Report for the period of June 10, 2024, through September 9, 2024; travel time June 12, 2024, to September 9, 2024 - 23 miles @ .67 cents = $15.41; Total hours from June 10, 2024, through September 9, 2024 - 14 hrs. @ $30.00 = $420.00.; total - $435.41. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Aaron Schoch William Schippers F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Kevin Steckel 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 2. Discussion on broken water fountain at Trailhead. Venture Group does not want fountain replaced. President Schnaars would like this placed on the committee agenda. 3. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to accept bids for Maple Spring waterline replacement project (small water and sewer grant). President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 6 4. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to award bid job for Joao & Bradley Construction for $332,511.52. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following al Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Aaron Schoch William Schippers UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None NEW BUSINESS: None COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None David Schnaars COURTESY OF THE FLOOR = (Agenda Items Only - You will have two (2) minutes to address Council from the podium on Agenda Items Only.) None EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Schnaars reçessed to executive session at 8:30 PM. At 9:10 PM President Schnaars reçonvened the meeting. Matters of personnel were discussed in executive session. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to amend agenda to include item reimbursing President Schnaars for purchases on personal credit card for purposes of Indeed.com. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to reimburse President Schnaars for use of purchases on personal credit card for purchase of advertising positions on Indeed.com with a maximum amount of $500.00. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Aaron Schoch Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to amend the agenda to authorize Solicitor Young investigate past expenditure of overtime. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. Councilor Mayberry made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to authorize Solicitor Young to investigate expenditure of overtime. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN 7 David Schnaars Zachari Halkias Ryan Mayberry Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Aaron Schoch ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, President Schnaars made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to adjourn the meeting. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Schnaars declared the meeting adjourned at 9:14 PM. David Schnaars President, Borough Council 8