BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON The Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety and Human/Community Services Committee Workshop Meetings were held on August 16, 2021, in Council Room, 125 South Walnut Street, Slatington, PA 18080. The meeting was called to order by President Reed at 6:30 PM with the following in attendance: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Bryon Reed Mayor Niedermeyer Jeffrey Hausman Jason Ruff Daniel Stevens Crystal Hausman Thomas Bartholomew Austin Berger Kevin Steckel Robert Stettner Jeralyn Schoch Stephanie Handwerk PUBLIC COMMENT: None A. FINANCE/PLANNINGIZONING Thomas Bartholomew- Chairman; Members: Kevin Steckel, Jason Ruff 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics: a. The committee discussed Attorney Healy's e-mail dated 7/25/21 regarding re- codification of borough ordinances. Councilor Bartholomew is requesting that the committee move this to council to instruct Manager Stevens to appropriate the dollars in the budget required for re-codification of the ordinances. The estimate is $10,000.00. This is all inclusive, i.e., Para legal, printing costs, etc. Councilor Ruff stated that this could be done over a period of a couple years for budgeting purposes. This will be placed on the next regular council meeting agenda. b. The committee discussed revising the noise ordinance Chapter 122 (relating to noise). Councilor Bartholomew provided a revision from Attorney Healy. Councilor Bartholomew pointed out the decibel meters would be in regard to loud music, loud mufflers, etc. Councilor Bartholomew requested this that be placed on the next regular council agenda for discussion and possible motion to advertise. C. Councilor Bartholomew is requesting funding of an assistant code enforcement officer for the 2022 budget. Hours to be Tuesday thru Friday 8:00 AM to 12 noon (19 hrs./wk.) at $15.00/hr. Councilor Bartholomew would like this placed on the next regular council agenda for Manager Stevens to put in the 2022 budget. Councilor stated that once the borough changes the fines, the fines coming in will increase and will offset the cost to hire an assistant code enforcement officer. d. Manager Stevens introduced Stephanie Handwerk as a potential tenant to lease office space for Suite 220. Stephanie would like to put Halo Therapy, or Salt Therapy, in this office space. This therapy is good for one's breathing. There are a variety of ways to do this therapy, which would also include yoga zero gravity chairs, etc. Stephanie would be willing to work within the confines of the Borough Hall working hours. The committee was concerned about noise, moisture, if there were any, salt on the surface. Stephanie reassured them that there is no moisture, noise would be very low, and there is protection from the salt. Councilor Ruff asked if Stephanie has insurance, or a history of income. Stephanie stated that she basically worked for other companies. The committee will address this issue with the other councilors. There were no questions from the committee members; the Finance Committee Meeting was adjourned. B. PUBLICSAFETY Kevin Steckel-Chairman; Members: Thomas Bartholomew, Jason Ruff 1. Committee Member discussion on listed topics: Austin Berger provided a blank form for storm damage reporting showing a solution he came up with for some oft the issues listed in the EOC report from the tornado incident. This form clarifies what information is needed from property owners for property damage. Austin Berger also provided part of the report from a fire on Saturday night. Austin explained what possibly happened. Councilor Steckel stated that Fire ChiefNicholas would like to get a replacement 1141 engine, and rescue, from the potential COVID19 projects. Also, possibly to fix the pond that occurs in the parking lot of the fire house after it rains. There were no questions from the committee members; the Public Safety Committee meeting was adjourned. C. HUMAN/COMMUNITY SERVICES Jason Ruff - Chairman; Members: Kevin Steckel, Thomas Bartholomew a. The committee discussed the memorandum from Robert Stettner regarding various projects and rules for the amphitheater. Robert Stettner spoke concerning the amphitheater and who will be responsible for renting out the amphitheater, hours, charges non-profit, private concerts, etc. Manager Stevens stated that this could be added to our rental form. The Recreation Authority held an event and patrons stated they couldn't find the covered bridge. Robert is requesting a sign on 7th and Church Streets stating Covered Bridge with an arrow. Councilor Ruff requested this be placed on the next regular council agenda to order 2 signs. 2 Robert stated that the Commission funding is sometimes a little difficult. They have to go before council to obtain money. Robert is asking if there is an easier way to do this. Would it be better to tell the council ahead of time what kind of projects they have planned for the next year, or allocate some money each year? They are not in a position to do fundraising. They do get grant money when they can. Councilor Ruff feels it would be better to meet and discuss the projects for the following year budget. b. The committee reviewed a request from Tiffany Rehrig-Shaeffer e-mail dated 8/13/21, for permission to hold the annual Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Councilor Ruff would like this placed on the next regular council agenda. There were no questions from the committee members; the Human/Community Services Committee meeting was adjourned. D. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Starting in September agendas must be completed no later than Thursdays. COURTESY TO THE FLOOR: Jeffrey Hausman - 46 So. Walnut Street. Was recognized to speak. Jeffrey feels it would be better to hire 1 full-time employee, than 2 part-time employees. Manager Stevens stressed the added benefits cost of a full-time employee. Councilor Bartholomew stated there is better coverage with 2 part-time employees. Councilor Bartholomew made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Steckel, to adjourn. Being no further business, President Reed declared the meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 3