BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 11/13/17 The Regular Meeting Minutes of Council was held on Monday, November 13, 2017 at 7:15 P.M., following a Hearing Meeting for Ordinance 687, 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 7:15 P.M. following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS David Schnaars Bryon Reed Thomas Dinkelacker Carol Gildner Dwight Miller Joseph Wechsler Mayor Niedermeyer Larry Turoscy Lance Sherer Dave McGeehan Mel Gildner Chief Rachman Harry Ahner Tina Brogan Jon Rinker Jeffrey Hausman Robert Stettner Michael Brogan Daniel Stevens Robert Herzog Jr Jason Ruff Kevin Clause Tim ? Judith Danko John Torres Kevin Torres Brian Stern Michael Meyers Alice Wanamaker 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 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Councilor Brogan made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to accept the following minutes: Council Meeting, October 9, 2017 Budget- Fire Minutes, October 17, 2017; Budget-Palice/Worishop Minutes October 24, 2017; Budget- Public Works/Water/Sever Minutes, October 31, 2017. 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 So. Walnut - signed in and was recognized to speak. He then declined. Dave McGeehan, Palmerton & Bob McGeehan, Slatington owner of Highlander Laundromat - He has requested from the Council to waive water and sewer penalties (due to not receiving a bill) of $519.41. He had submitted a letter to Council which is on the agenda for this evening. He stated in his letter that in 2014 the Borough had over charged him for water and sewer. It took seven months for them to receive their monies back. During this time, they waited patiently and did not attend a council meeting to expose the Borough's mistake. This concern to be addressed later in the meeting by council. 1 1 Ed Ziegler signed in and was recognized to speak. Ed thanked the Borough for replacing the burned-out light on the bridge. He stated the property that is in question right now is not Ziegler land. It is a Redevelopment Corporation. Ed said he has seen on Main Street alone, at least 5 times, moving vans. He obtains copies of the moving permits and noted that he was unsure if moving permits for Main Street properties where done. He also noted that John Freedway is now open and there are 13 parking spaces. He asked ifthese will be paid parking permit spaces. Manager Danko informed him this item will be placed on a future workshop agenda for discussion. Michael Myers - Walnutport land owner in Slatington - signed in and was recognized to speak. Michael asked questions about the Borough Office audit, and now that there is a borough manager, are there accounting procedures and checks and balances in the office. Michael wanted to know if the audit was complete. President Schnaars informed him that there is a draft copy at this time. Michael said State Representative Zako Mako has House Bill 1034, which makes audits mandatory. He applauded Borough Manager Danko for being ahead of the mandatory house bill and for creating checks and balances in the office and for doing such a good job. President Schnaars stated that audits have always been done. Michael encourages getting the Borough Code online for residents to know ift they are breaking the law. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRSENTATIONS President Schnaars informed the public that there will be an emergency special meeting (to discuss 2018 budget) on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at 6:30 PM at the Borough Hall. 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/TRANSIER Councilor Wechsler made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff 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 MAYORS/POLICE CHIEF'S REMARKS Mayor Walter H. Niedermeyer None Police Chief David Rachman Chief Rachman informed Council on the good deed that Officer Borst had done. Officer Borst was on a call in August on Center Street. There, he met a 3-year-old who loves policemen. The parents invited Officer Borst to his 4th birthday party in October. Officer Borst took it upon himself to collect donations and purchased a power wheels police car for a birthday gift. Chief Rachman posted the information on the Borough Face Book page for everyone to view and stated how proud he was ofl his guys. Everyone said this was a very nice gesture on behalf of the Police Department! Councilor Gildner asked Chief Rachman how long a person has to pay a parking ticket. Chief Rachman said 10 days. Ifthe tickets are not paid, the office will return the tickets to him and then the tickets proceed to the magistrate's office where a citation is issued. Council Gildner also inquired as to why all "abandoned" vehicles are not towed. Chief Rachman said there are 3 criteria's, 2 of which must be met first - car must be disabled, uninspected, and unregistered before it can be towed. 2 Councilor Ruff asked Attorney Dinkelacker if other boroughs have the same ordinance. Attorney Dinkelacker stated that it is much the same in other boroughs. BOROUGH MANAGER'S REPORT Manager Danko provided the manager's report to Council. Mgr. Danko also informed Council that she will be requesting a time extension for the. ARLE grant in reference to the Main & Church St. signalization grant. MAIN STREET MERCHANTS GROUP Alice Wanamaker was present and reported that she IS a representative for the Main Street Merchants Group of Slatington. They will be dropping Main Street in their title to include all merchants. They are looking forward to First Friday on December 1st, 2017, which is Slatington's traditional tree lighting at Veteran's Park at 7:00 PM. Alice is requesting from Council, with the help ofthe fire department, to bring back a small camp fire. Fire Chief Nicholas approved and will be there. Caroling will start a 6:00 PM at Charlotte Fay's Main Street Diner and they will walk down Main Street to Veteran's Park. at 7:00 PM. Anyone wishing to join can meet at Charlotte Fay's diner. They would like to incorporate a ribbon cutting for John Freeway that evening at 4: 00 PM or 4:30 PM. Alice will be working with Manager Danko on this. The group is working on a business survey to encompass all businesses in the Borough. The survey will determine what the public is looking for and how the group can serve them. Alice is currently working with setting up a meeting with PennDOT, Walnutport, Slatington, and other locations, in reference to what will happen when the Main Street bridge repair work from June until August of 2018. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway Councilor Michael Brogan 1. Discussed letter dated 11/08/17 from SMF, in reference to the possible purchase of a new dump truck stating they will no longer quote a price for the Borough due to past history of doing business with the borough and political instability. Councilor Wechsler informed council that Councilor Reed has gotten in touch with a company and he got truck information that either complies or exceeds the specifications and meets all the requirements of Costars. The gentleman is willing to come in at a workshop meeting and present his quote. Manager Danko is also working with Koch 33 and another vendor who originally would not quote the truck due to SMF not providing them with their quote. President Schnaars spoke with Koch 33 also and they will now be providing a quote for the dump truck although not using the same vendor for the dump bed. This will be placed on the Workshop agenda 11/28/17 B. Public Safety Councilor Jon Rinker 1. A motion was made by Councilor Rinker, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve the resignation, with regrets, as of 10/13/17 of Patrol Officer Joseph Britt per letter received by Chief Rachman on 10/13/17. Office Britt will continue to remain on the payroll until all his court hearing obligations are completed. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 3 2. A motion was made by Council Rinker, duly seconded by Council Wechsler, to approve hiring of Kevin Torres & Brian Stern as Part Time Police Officers. Ratify approval due to emergency need to hire, dated 10/31/17. The two officers were present in the audience and introduced themselves. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 3. A motion was made by Councilor Rinker, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler to approve Chief Rachman to execute the Addendum to the Memorandum ofUnderstanding with Lehigh County District Attorney's Office in reference to Naloxone dated 11/6/17. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor C.J Human/Community Services Councilor Jason Ruff 1. Councilor Ruff read a letter from State Representative Zachary Mako thanking the Borough Council and Manager Danko and all who helped for co-hosting the shredding event held on 9/23/17. D. Finance Councilor Joseph Wechsler 1. A motion was made by Council Wechsler, duly seconded by Councilor Rinker, to adopt Ordinance No. 687 amending chapter 195, "zoning, ) to amend the definition of household pets found at section 195-8 to include potbelly pigs President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN David Schnaars Joseph Wechsler Melvin Gilder Jon Rinker Michael Brogan Jason Ruff 2. A motion was made by Councilor Wechsler, duly seconded by Councilor Rinker, to adopt Ordinance No. 688 an ordinance amending Chapter 60 ofthe code ofthe Borough ofSlatington, titled "Animals, to allow the keeping or harboring ofpotbelly pigs and to establish a permit systemfor owners o7 keepers to register potbelly pigs in the Borough... Potbelly Pig Permit Application & Permit and Tracking form. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 3. A motion was made by Council Wechsler, duly seconded by Councilor Rinker to authorize Manager Danko to Approve Exemption request from Statewide Tax Recovery Inc. for deceased Delinquent Per Capita Tax for: Henry Peters - $5.50. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 4. A motion was made by Councilor Rinker, duly seconded by Councilor Gildner, to waive Dave & Bob McGeehan of their $519.41 late fee for their water/sewer bill because they have been in good standing with the community and their bills. Councilor Gildner feels there should be exceptions for late fees and that there are cases that are legitimate. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 4 5. A motion was made by Councilor Wechsler, duly seconded by Councilor Brogan, to approve John Freed Way subbase repair change order from S&G Asphalt LLC. In the amount of $10,941.00. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 6. A motion was made by Councilor Rinker, duly seconded by Councilor Gildner, to approve invoices over budget for the fire company: Scribbles & Drips for reflective lettering and decal for unit 2412 - $4,496.87; ECCO Communications for radio work - $2,931.55; Compressed Air Systems -$130.00 & $160.00. Provided that once the truck has been sold, the Borough will receive payment back. Councilor Rinker asked Fire ChiefNicholas why the lettering for the truck was not done by ID Wraps. Fire Chief Nicholas told him because Scribbles & Scripts was cheaper. Councilor Gildner asked Manager Danko if the Borough will be solvent for the rest of the year. Manager Danko informed him that the Borough does have money to operate, although the borough is over budget in several departments, and money may have to be pulled from different funds. Transfers are continuing to be done from funds. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 7. A motion was made by Councilor Wechsler, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to authorize Manager Danko to set up an account with Municibid to sell the 1991 KME Fire Truck with a reserve minimum bid of $25,000.00 as is no warranty and approve Manager Danko to accept bids at her time & discretion. Manager Danko has approval to lower the reserve to no less than $19,000.00 President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 8. A motion was made by Council Wechsler, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff, to authorize Manager Danko utilize Municibid to sell the 2007 Dodge Durango (old police vehicle) as is no warranty with a minimum bid of $2,500.00, and to accept bids no less than $1,000.00. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 9. Discussed Hannaberry 10/11/17 and ABC 10/23/17 quotes in reference to the Vigilant Fire Co. Building. a request from the Vigilant members per Ronald Hausman is for the Vigilant to act now on their own behalf and pay for the replacement of one air conditioning unit (5 Ton) with no monies from the Borough. They are also requesting that council place the 5 Ton unit replacement in their budget for 2018. A motion was made by Councilor Rinker, duly seconded by Councilor Ruff to approve the Vigilant to move on their own on the 5-ton air conditioning unit from ABC. President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor 10. Discuss 2018 F-550 diesel dump truck quotes. There are no quotes at this time. This was also notated on page #3 under highway. Councilor Gildner asked Borough Manager where we are standing on the Borough's police pension plan. Manager Danko stated from the last letter she had seen that was in the office prior to her being here, there was a 30% deficiency. Council Gildner inquired as to what will be done about that. Manager Danko will work with Beyer- Barber Company to get to the bottom of these issues. More information will be brought to Council in reference to pensions. Councilor Gildner asked Manager Danko to look into seeing if any money was borrowed from that fund. President Schnaars informed Councilor Gildner the money goes to an administration and that an employee can borrow from contributions they have made. Councilor Ruff asked if most police pension funds are under funded. Mgr. Danko said ifthe 30% deficiency letter is currently valid then the fund may be under funded. E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Mel Gildner 5 1. Authority Bills none at this time F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Bryon Reed 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption. 2. Manager Danko reported that the South Street water line project has been completed as of November 13, 2017. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. A motion was made by Councilor Ruff, duly seconded by Councilor Gildner, to authorize Attorney Dinkelacker to obtain property tax exemption on the Leah Snyder land donation President Schnaars declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Manager Danko 1. Letter dated 10/20/17 from Mr. David Woglom, to Berkheimer, requesting a commission rate reduction for the Lehigh TCC. The new rate for the Lehigh TCC will be 1.30% effective January 1, 2018 if Berkheimer agrees. 2. Northern Lehigh Recreation Director's Report - DCNR Annual Report and financial statements and independent auditor's report, informational only. 3. Ziegler Land Development compliance notice dated 10/31/17 - Earth Disturbance Inspection Report Non-Compliant, informational only. 4. Acela Engineering Co. letter dated 10/17/17 to Council expressing their desire to be considered as your municipal engineer, informational only. 5. Letter dated 10/18/17 to Thomas Muller-Lehigh County Executive-supporting a grant application for blighted properties - Virginia Haas worked with Shannon Calluori & Mgr. Danko. 6. Nova information packet dated 10/09/17provided to Council informational only. 7. Draft 2016 Financial Statements, Auditors Report & Supplementary Information from Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits LLP provided to Council again, informational only. COUNCIL PRESIDENTS REPORT: David R. Schnaars 1. President Schnaars said he has heard disturbing talk about whether Manager Danko and Code Master Shannon Calluori are worth the money it costs to have them. He along with other persons reiterated that they are worth the money. He gave Manager Danko accolades on the amount of work she has done on getting many oft the office issues straightened out in the short time she has been here. And that there is a lot more work to be done. He also stated she had her daily work along with all of the projects that had not been completed for years prior to her being here, she has completed many of them in a matter of months, plus forgoing vacation time, to date she has only taken 4 personal days off. He stated the Borough finally has someone with experience and knowledge who knows how things should be done. Shannon is only working 15-20 hours a 6 week and the Borough has gotten more production from her than the three persons who were doing it for 60 hours a week. Shannon follows through with her violations and complaints. She has made progress on thej pigeon house. Shannon works with people. The fee schedule is being created in writing by Shannon and Manager Danko. Shannon created a book ofi information for the office notating all ofthe fees along with each ordinance or resolution that adopted that fee. All oft these items are in the Borough code book and now will be implemented as they should have been all along. President Schnaars gave Shannon and Danko kudos for a finej job. Shannon and Danko are working with the county to obtain a grant for blighted properties in Slatington. Manager Danko informed the council that Slatington will be the poster child" of the blighted communities. The county is only working with Slatington Borough which is a pilot program. Councilor Gildner also thanked Manager Danko for bringing order and stability into the office. 2. President Schnaars also commended Mike Kukitz for all the tremendous work he has done for the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority. He has obtained a $20,000 grant from the county for a feasibility study that is required before applying for larger grants. The whole NRLA board is also to be commended for their hard work. 14. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR - (Agenda Items Only - You will have two (2) minutes to address Council from the podium on Agenda Items Only.) 15. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None 16. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Wechsler made the motion to adjourn the meeting, President Schnaai declared the meeting adjourned at 8:42 PM. Grabk Judith A. Danko, Borough Manager/ Borough Secretary-Treasurer 7