BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES The Regular Meeting Minutes of Council was held on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers, 125 S. Walnut Street, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: David Schnaars: President of Council Recording Secretary: Bryon Reed, President Pro Tem The meeting was called to order by President Schnaars at 7:00 P.M. with the following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS David Schnaars Chief Rachman Mayor Niedermeyer Carol Gildner Chris Pascoe Joseph Wechsler Larry Turoscy Jeffrey Hausman Ronald Hausman Bryon Reed Tom Anewalt, Esq. Don Rodenbach Justin Frable Jon Rinker Elizabeth Miller Joe Chirco Robert Stetner Michael Brogan Rhonda Russell Tina Brogan Mel Gildner Susan Chandler Dwight Miller Judith Danko, Manager Gavin McGeehan Ed Zeigler Jason Ruff Jason Nicholas Kristie Wilk Mike Kukitz 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. EXECUTIVE SESSION None at this time. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS - Councilor Brogan made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to accept the following minutes: Council Meeting, February 13, 2017; Special Council Meeting, February 21, 2017; Committee Meetings February 28, 2017, and Special Council Meeting March 2, 2017. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. Councilor Gildner requested that the word "Minutes" be placed at the top of the minutes and that there was an error on the Minutes of February 28, 2017 (18 units that pay the base rate not 128). These will be corrected. A motion was made by Councilor Wechsler, duly seconded by Councilor Brogan to accept the corrections. President Schnaars 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. If you exit the podium, you have yielded the floor, and any time you have remaining. Dwight Miller - 256 S. Walnut Street - Signed in and was recognized to speak. Mr. Miller showed the Council photos of the damage and litter at the Walnut Street park playground. He also said there was a fight that day in front of the Borough Hall. He stated there was human feces at the park and he reported it to the Police and nothing has been done. Councilor Schnaars said that there are cameras and Manager Danko will inform the police to look into this. 1 Gavin McGeehan - Barker Paving - Signed in and was recognized to speak. He stated that work was done by this company last year at W. Church Street and W. Franklin Street. There is a dispute of approximately $18,000 for additional work that they claim had been done while working with the Borough and Lehigh Engineering. This issue is an agenda item to be discussed in executive session. Jason Ruff- 662 Main Street - Signed in and was recognized to speak. Mr. Ruff is speaking on behalf oft the Main Street Merchants Group. The main purpose ofthe group is to improve and create a warm welcome to Main Street Slatington business district and continue to work on improving the downtown. The Group hosted a strategic planning meeting last month. In the last month, our Trail town subcommittee has forced a new partnership with members of the D& L organization, there will be a shop local event and the subcommittee is planning for their next Earth Day First Friday promotion on Friday, April 7th. Their grant writing and fund raising subcommittee has applied for their first grant continuing to look for ways to fund their projects. He thanked the Borough for their support and requesting the extra foot patrol for the First Friday on April 7th from 4 PM to 8 PM. An invitation to the Slatington Police Department is extended to participate in April's First Friday. The police involvement could be a police officer speaking to younger participants at the library or dance studio or perhaps a bike maintenance registration event. Alice Wanamaker from the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce will be in be in touch. Councilor Rinker informed Jason that the Borough does have bicycle licenses already and they are welcome to use them but must coordinate this with Chief Rachman. Jason Nicholas - Fire Chief- - Signed in and was recognized to speak. Jason thanked the Council for his appointment as fire chief. Jason is working closely with the mutual aide department. He is currently working on a project with the Slatington Police and fire department, Diamond Fire Company and the Walnutport Police Department to replace their AED's SO they can all match what the ambulance currently use. Jason said they need 10 AED's and the cost would be split in half. This project will be presented at the next Council workshop meeting. There have been 3 fires this year, but all the fire departments worked well together. Manager Danko reminded Jason and everyone that any items that entities would like to be discussed at Council workshop meetings must be submitted to her prior to the Wednesday prior to the meeting date. Kristie Wilk - Director of Administration - Northern Valley EMS - Signed in and was recognized to speak. She wanted to introduce herself to the Council and give an update. In 2016 they did 572 calls; SO far, this year they are at 138. She thanked the Council for their 2016 contribution. They service 1,766 house holds in Slatington and of that they have 250 subscribers. They are currently outreaching to area fire stations to provide life support training and other training SO they can work together. Most of their calls are Medicare/Medicaid clients SO they are looking into obtaining grants to make up the difference in their costs. Mike Kukitz - NLRA - Signed in and was recognized to speak. Walnutport has joined the NLRA. The NRLA is to create community family events. The candy cane hunt they had 700+ participants. On Saturday, June 10th, they will be holding movie night in the Eagle Nest park. NLSD summer recreation is back with environmental education opportunities and field trips. NRLA, along with Jason and the D&L, are working towards making us a designated trail town. Mike is looking into a feasibility study for the community center. This study will show if the door can remain open in the coming years. Mike is completing a grant for April 12th to help with the cost of the feasibility study cost. He is pleased to announce the surrounding communities' involvement in the community 2 center. There is an Earth Day Event planned for Saturday, April 22nd for the town clean up. Along with parks, and the Trailhead, they will be asking the Main Street businesses to clean their store fronts. There are 40 to 50 volunteers SO far. REPORTS The reports of various committees, officials and officers are on file in Borough Hall and are available for public inspection. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TRANSFER Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Rinker to approve payment of the bills and transfers as presented by the Treasurer. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor MAYORSPOLICE CHIEF'S REMARKS Mayor Niedermeyer declared a snow emergency from 8:00 PM, Monday, 3/13/17, till noon on Wednesday, 3/15/17. The Borough office will be closed on Tuesday, 3/14/17, due to snow blizzard. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway 1. Presentation from Engineer Turoscy in reference to East Church St. from Walnut St. to Railroad St. 2016 CDBG project currently to be put out to bid, informational only. This project is a rehabilitation of the roadway. This project will include several handicap ramps. There is a lot of deteriorated pavement along the southern side. This project will go out for bidding on March 20, 2017. Once the bids are received, the Borough Council will have to make a decision at the first council meeting in April. Lehigh County requires acceptance done by April 15th. Documents are already prepared. There are many neighbors that will be involved in this project. On the bid document, the contractors will be required to notify the people 72 hours in advance when the work will be done. Council has agreed to let the residents temporarily park their vehicles in the Municipal parking lot if necessary during construction. B. Public Safety Councilor Jon Rinker 1. Speed limit Solar signs have been relocated and are working well, informational only. These signs will be moved again in about 1 -1 1/2 months. 2. A motion was made by Councilor Rinker, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve Borough Manager Danko to hire David Hay as the new Borough Health Officer. Council appoints David Hay as the Borough of Slatington Health Officer, President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor C.J Human/Community Services Councilor Michael Brogan 1. A motion was made by Councilor Wechsler, duly seconded by Council Brogan, to accept, with regret, Gwyneth A. Jones, Council resignation. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 3 Mel Gildner requested the following to be placed in the minutes: he stated publicly that if anyone wants to state things are being done unethically they should be careful and have proof of their statements. 2. A motion was made by Council Brogan, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler to authorize Manager Danko to advertise Council vacant seat. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 3. Letter dated 2/13/17 Northern Lehigh Class of 2017 organizing a basket social at Diamond Fire Co. on April 30, informational only. 4. A motion was made by Councilor Brogan, duly seconded by Councilor Reed for the American Legion Allen O. Delke Post 16 to have the Local Police lead the parade and Slatington Fire Police control traffic for the May 29, 2017 Memorial Day Parade. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor D. Finance Councilor Joseph Wechsler 1. A motion was made by Councilor Wechsler, duly seconded by Councilor Rinker to adopt and Re-confirm Resolution R-07-17 A resolution ofthe council ofthe Borough ofSlatington, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, authorizing the Borough Manger to approve invoices in connection with the Victory Park curb and sidewalk tap, project, no MPMS 10214. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 2. A motion was made by Councilor Wechsler, duly seconded by Councilor Brogan to adopt and Re-confirm Resolution R-08-17. A resolution ofthe council ofthe Borough ofSlatington, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, appointing CodeMaster Inspection Services, Inc., and certain employees thereofto serve a code and zoning enforcement officials and inspection officials and adopting afee schedule for building and zoning permits and code enforcement and inspection services. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 3. There will be a public hearing Tuesday, April 25th, 2017, at 6:30 PM followed by a workshop meeting for a Junkyard Ordinance 682 - An ordinance amending Chapter 195 ofthe Slatington Code relating to Zoning, to add new definitions relating to the "JUNK" and JUNKYARD;" to provide for junkyards as special exception uses in the industrial (1) Zoning District; to establish specific criteria for the approval of junkyards and to provide for the amortization of nonconforming. junkyards. 4. A motion was made by Councilor Wechsler, duly seconded by Councilor Rinker to proceed with CDBG grants for the West Washington Street project and the MS-4 project. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 5. A motion was made by Councilor Rinker, duly seconded by Councilor Brogan, to amend the first motion notating that the 4thStreet project be the alternate project, should the MS-4 storm water mapping project not be eligible for the CDBG grant application. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 4 6. Victory Park Project update from Manager Danko. Borough Manager Danko informed the council that the aprons are 4" but should be 6". The change order would include wire mesh and the extra 2" of concrete. A motion was made by Councilor Wechsler, duly seconded by Councilor Rinker to approve the $1,000.00 change order for the 3 drive ways. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor Councilor Gildner feels the Council should look into the tenant registration forms. The letter that had been sent out was too vague and did not have very much information on it. The forms are due the last day of. January according to the ordinance. Councilor Gildner obtained an outstanding tenant registration list the day before they were due. At that time, there were 169 landlords that still have not sent it in. Letters should be sent out stating that if registration forms are not received, there will be a penalty. Nothing has been done in the previous years to obtain this revenue. Borough Manager Danko informed the Council that she is currently working with Attorney Dinkelacker to compose a letter to anyone that has not followed through with this. Councilor Gildner would like to revisit the Borough Manager's ordinance at a workshop concerning the distribution of funds in the Borough office. He feels that after the auditor's report has been provided to Council, proper training for office personnel needs to take place. A motion was made by Councilor Gildner, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, that Borough Manager Danko will request reports from all departments on any enforcement hearings including police, zoning, code enforcement, and ACO which will be passed onto the Council. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor Councilor Gildner and Borough Council were informed by the auditors (6-page audit letter) of the noise and distractions in the Borough office. It was also notated by the auditors that the work in the office is not being done correctly or in a timely manner. Councilman Gildner would like the Council to obtain aj policy and give full authority for Manager Danko to keep traffic to a minimum in the office. Only Council, Mayor, Police and authorized Full Time employees may enter the Borough Office. All others will be handled at the customer window. Manager Danko was directed by Council to direct the office personnel to follow through with this directive. E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Mel Gildner 1. Authority Bills none at this time 2. There will be a Special Meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at 6:30 PM with ARRO Consulting, John Bolton, and Duane Szczesny to discuss Draft I & I. The Committee meeting shall follow immediately after the special meeting. Borough Manager Danko will advertise. F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Bryon Reed 1. Water Test Statement- Water was tested and found to be safe for human consumption. 2. South St. water line project was approved and going out to bid. This project will be bid out with an alternate. This will be going out for bid after the E. Church Street bid. This project is to be paid out oft the water capital fund. 5 A motion was made by Councilor Reed, duly seconded by Councilor Brogan, to authorize Lehigh Engineering and Steve Martinez to complete the CCR report. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor The electronic recycling day will be held Saturday, June, 17, 2017 from 9 AM to 12. Borough Manager Danko has a flyer prepared and it will be placed on our website. Borough Manager Danko continues to work on updating the Slatington Borough website. G. Special Committee Reports UNFINISHED BUSINESS - 1. Rentschler property 216 Center Street Public Improvements Inspection Release of Securities-Letter from Lehigh Engineering dated 1/11/17, awaiting Lehigh Engineering follow up per Attorney Dinkelacker's e-mail correspondence dated 1/26/17. Borough Manager Judith Danko is waiting for more information. NEW BUSINESS - EXECUTIVE SESSION - President Schnaars recessed to executive session at 8:20 PM to discuss legal and personnel matters. At 9:00 PM, President Schnaars reconvened the meeting. A motion was made by Councilor Rinker, duly seconded by Councilor Gildner, to authorize Borough Manager Danko to hire temporary help for the Waste Water Treatment Plant. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for agenda items only) Being no further business, President Schnaars declared the meeting adjourned at 9:02 PM. , dick a Daukr Judith Danko, Borough Secretary-Treasurer 6