BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 7/11/22 The Regular Meeting of Council was held on Monday, July 11, 2022, at 7:00 PM, to be held in the Council Room, 125 S. Walnut Street, First Floor, Slatington, PA 18080. Presiding: Thomas Bartholomew: President of Council Recording Secretary: Daniel Stevens, Borough Manager/Secretary The meeting was called to order by President Bartholomew at 7:00 PM with the following in attendance: ROLL CALL: PRESENT ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT VISITORS Thomas Bartholomew Att. Lisa Young Mayor Schoch Crystal Hausman, Drew Snowberger Bryon Reed Justin Gross Ronald Hausman, Austin Berger, Joseph Wechsler-via phone Deron Dorward Robert Herzog, Aaron Schoch, Ronald Kratz Daniel Stevens David Diehl, Becky Lienhard, Kevin Steckel David Lienhard, Kevin Boylan, Jeffrey Hausman Dennis Long, Shelly Long Zachari Halkias Franklin Hoffman EXECUTIVE SESSION: None NOTIFICATION: President Bartholomew 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 Hausman made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve the following minutes: Council Meeting June 13, 2022; Committee Meetings - June 20, 2022, & June 27, 2022. President Bartholomew 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. Franklin Hoffman - 303 First Street. Signed in and was recognized to speak. Franklin Hoffman commented on the recent postings on Facebook by the council president. He was making remarks about Lehigh County for things that happened 30 years ago. Franklin stated we have a bridge project coming up and we don't need to make enemies of the county. Franklin feels everything that he said was inappropriate, none of which is true and he should not have made the comments. Franklin spoke about a 1st Street property which has been in dire straits for a long time. The owner is dead and Franklin doesn't know who owns the property; however, there is a sign on the door. It: is affecting the 2 homes on the side of it, and something needs to be done. Manager Stevens informed Franklin that the code enforcement officer has tried multiple times to contact the estate, and we will try again. David Diehl - 528 E. Church Street. Signed in and was recognized to speak. David also commented on the recent postings on Facebook. David reminded the council president that he is an official that is representing the borough. David feels the negative comments do relate to the whole borough. David stated that the wall down by the police department and playground is getting worse. David informed the council that underneath the giant rubber mats at the playground there are bees. David added that the police cars need to be fixed and back on the road. Manager Stevens stated the he already has had a mason look at the wall. Manager Stevens also stated that police cruiser is scheduled for repairs on Wednesday. 1 APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TRANSIER Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve payment of the bills and transfers as presented by the Treasurer. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENIS, COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS On behalf of Slatington Borough Council and Mayor Schoch, President Bartholomew is pleased to introduce to you our new Police Chief Dennis W. Long. Mr. Long is a native son of Slatington with deep ties to this community and comes from a large respected family. Mr. Long retired as a Pennsylvania State Police lieutenant with 29 years of varied and extensive experience including the supervision of 130 troopers. Currently, Mr. Long works in private industry providing high level executive security. Police Chief Dennis Long thanked the council for their hard work in looking for a qualified applicant and confidence in him to take over the chief of police position. Police Chief Long spoke about his family life and the support he has received from them. Police Chief Long stated to the residents of Slatington that they have an outstanding police department. Police Chief Long made a pledge to the residents that the Slatington Police Department is committed to working for you and make this a safe and secure place to live. 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. MAYORS/POLICE REMARKS Mayor Jeralyn Schoch Mayor Schoch reported the monthly police report. There were 221 calls for service which is up 25% from previous month. As time goes on calls are getting more frequent. Mayor Schoch also thanked the Slatington Police Department for all their hard work. Sgt. Dorward stated that with the weather getting warmer and kids out of school, calls will increase. Sgt. Dorward thanked everyone in the police department for their efforts while being short staffed during the last 7 months without a police chief. STANDING COMMITTEES A. Highway Councilor Jeffrey Hausman 1. Justin Gross informed the council that they have just handed over all the information needed to have the bid documents drafted to Lisa Young for the Slate Heritage Trail project and the Victory Park bathroom. Once these documents are received back, they can get it out to bid. B. Public Safety Councilor Kevin Steckel 2 1. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve quote from AACE Security (police department) for protector.net licensing for a 5-year option of $810.00. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 2. Councilor Steckel made motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler to approve allocating $4,000.00 from COVID19 LFRF for ladder fire truck. Councilor Steckel revised his motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to approve allocating 5,200.00 from COVID19 LFRF to repair both ladder fire truck and additional repairs to the pumper truck. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 3. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to approve quote from Slatington Floor Center for carpet and floor replacement in the police department for $10,160.00. Materials and work already authorized by Manager Stevens as per council motion on March 14, 2022. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 4. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Reed, to authorize Manager Stevens to ratify, or reject, any settlement offer recommended by our attorney Timothy Kepner in the Weidner VS. Slatington case. This motion gives full settlement authority to Manager Stevens. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed 3 Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 5. Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to hire part-time police officer Amanda Segarra contingent upon completion of a criminal background checkpsychological and physical exam. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias 6. Discussion and possible action concerning hiring of full-time police officer Mayor Schoch stated that she is waiting for more documentation. Manager Stevens suggested council address this after executive session. 7. Local officials for NOVA's annual roundtable luncheon on Thursday, September 15, 2022, from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, at 2375 Levans Road in Coplay (informational only) C. Human/Community Services Councilor Zachari Halkias 1. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to waive any borough permit fees for Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association in conjunction with the current pool renovation and restoration project. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Borough will receive $1,000.00 Chamber Foundation grant towards "Welcome to Slatington" sign. Reception at Northampton Country Club on August 31, 2022, from 5 = 7 PM (informational only) 3. Councilor Halkias made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, motion authorizing Manager Stevens to order a new "Welcome to Slatington" sign from Mertz Signs to be paid for with COVID19 LFRF not to exceed $1,500.00 in borough funds (not including grant funds). President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel 4 Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias D. FimanclPhamming/oning Councilor Ronald Kratz 1. Councilor Halkias would like to use borough property to host a table for voter registration drives in order to get people to vote. Councilor Kratz, made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to use facilities for voter registration. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. 2. Councilor Kratz made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Wechsler, to ratify movement of email service to Google. Fee negotiated by Keystone Technologies. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. E. Sewer/Solid Waste Councilor Joseph Wechsler 1. Manager Stevens provided an update on lightning strike and insurance claim. As of now we have an estimate from Moyer Instruments for $8,038.96. Another estimate for the recert for $5,061.00 from Hearn Engineering. Still waiting for estimates from Krommer for the air conditioning. All the parts have been ordered. 2. Justin Gross stated that Lehigh Engineering is unable to do the digester lid removal specs. Councilor Wechsler would like this placed on the next committee agenda. F. Water/Special Sewer Committee Councilor Bryon Reed 1. Water Test Statement - Water was tested and found safe for human consumption 2. Councilor Reed made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman to approve the quote from Kohl Bros., Inc. to purchase a Peerless Pump Model 5PV7 for a total of $6,650.00. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffrey Hausman Zachari Halkias UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None NEW BUSINESS: None COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None Thomas Bartholomew COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (Agenda Items Only - You will have two (2) minutes to address Council from the podium on Agenda Items Only.) 5 Kevin Boylan 234 Railroad Street. Kevin said most of his neighbors on his street are very good and take care of their lawns. However, a new neighbor has moved in about a month ago and the grass is very high and there is garbage. Kevin is asking who he would contact for this issue. Manager Stevens asked for the address, and will contact Tony Lopsonzski. EXECUTIVE SESSION: President Bartholomew recessed to executive session at 7:45 PM. At 9:05 PM President Bartholomew reconvened the meeting. Matters of personnel and real estate were discussed in executive session. B.6 Councilor Steckel made a motion, duly seconded by Councilor Hausman, to hire Anthony Ballerini as a full-time police officer for the Slatington Police Department contingent upon meeting all the requirements of the Slatington Civil Service Commission and passing a background check completion of a physical, vision and phycological. President Bartholomew, declared the motion passed following a Roll Call, voting as follows: ROLL CALL AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Thomas Bartholomew Bryon Reed Joseph Wechsler Ronald Kratz Kevin Steckel Jeffery Hausman Zachari Halkias ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Councilor Hausman, made the motion, duly seconded by Councilor Kratz, to adjourn the meeting. President Bartholomew declared the motion passed following a Voice Vote, All in Favor. President Bartholomew declared the meeting adjourned at 9:06 PM. Daniel L. Stevens Borough Secretary 6