October 3, 2017 Page 1 PABB01550 MINOTES Bloomfield Borough Council OCtober 3, 2017 Bloomfield Borough Council met this evening in regular session in the Bloomfield Borough Council Chambers with the following Council members present: President Malinda C. Anderson, Vice President John J. Patterson V., Kevin C. Weller, Charles N. Summers, Pierce L. Clouser, Jr., Michael P. Pray and Karl L. Cless. Also present: Secretary Danielle Shope, Mayor Arlis Krammes, Assistant Borough Secretary Kathleen Miller, Borough Employee Damon Hartman, BEO Harry Nazzaro, Water Authority and Zoning Officer Ed Albright, Solicitor Richard Wagner, Planning Commission Melanie Rowlands, HRG Engineer Ryan Hostetter, New Bloomfield Fire Company representatives Mitch Robb and Justin Kretzing, Civics students Jonathan Kelly, Kie Kerstetter, Tyler Ruoss and Mrs. Edie Ruoss, and residents Kathy Burkholder and Peggy and Herb Robb. President Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. MEETING OPENING Recording of the Meeting President Anderson advised the attendees that the meeting was being recorded byt the Council for the accuracy oft the minutes and stated that side conversations should be conducted in the hallway so as to not disrupt the meeting or its recording and reminded everyone that talking when someone else is speaking also disrupts the meeting and affects the recording. President Anderson further requested that those individuals in the audience desiring to speak identify themselves prior to speaking and they have 3 minutes to present their concern. 10 minutes ift they are on the agenda. President Anderson stated that Council will not deviate from the agenda and any questions should be addressed during the appropriate portion of the meeting. Approval of Minutes - Councilman Cless made a motion, seconded by Councilman Pray, to approve the September 5, 2017 minutes as presented. Motion carried. Approval of Financial Report - Vice-President Patterson made a motion, seconded by Councilman Clouser, to approve the financial report for September 2017. as presented. Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Herb Robb thanked Borough Council for all their hard work but expressed his concern over reducing Borough Council from 7 members to 5. He is not in favor oft this reduction and asked that it not be put on the ballot. Perry County Sportsman. Association for Youth = Heath Nace - Mr. Heath Nace from this organization was not present to discuss the status of the playground space shuttle apparatus. Since this item has been extended since January 2017, the association will have until October 15, 2017 for a decision on this matter after which the Borough will remove it. HATS (Harrisburg. Area Traffic Survey) Proposal- - President Anderson explained this is a study about moving the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the town Square. There was a lot of outcry and October 3, 2017 Page 2 PABB01551 misinformation about this move. The HATS proposal was submitted to the Borough and County. Councilman Cless reported a memorandum was received from HATS and they presented four options. Option 1 is to move both east and west lanes of traffic south of the monument. This would require procurement of land on the southeast and southwest corners of the intersection which would mean the Pharmacy and half of the market place beside the bank would be taken. This would create a 3 way stop intersection but limit access to North Carlisle Street. Option 2 is to pick the monument up and move it slightly North 10 feet and sit it back down. Then move both lanes of traffic south of the monument which would defer the purchase of land on the southeast and southwest corners but you would still have limited access to North Carlisle Street. Option 3 is to pick the monument up and move it to the market area beside the bank and create a 4 way stop sign. Option 4 is to pick the monument up and move it to the market area and then create a round-about in the square. Councilman Cless discussed this with Commissioner Naylor and Benner and they decided they should have a town hall meeting sO all the people could discuss what the Borough would like to do and then counter their proposals. Mr. Cless asked Council ifthey would host this event. Councilman Pray offered the Carson Long facility if more room than the Borough chambers is needed. President Anderson stated she felt there should be a town hall, but stated the Borough was not the one who commissioned this study. The Borough is one ofthe players involved. It is the Borough, the state and the county and as long as all three entities are represented and Tri-County, who did the study, be there to answer questions she is in favor of a town hall meeting. The purpose ofai town meeting would be to air opinions and to discuss the options presented by HATS and then respond back to HATS. Councilman Pray made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cless, to host a town hall meeting to discuss the HATS project. Vice President Patterson suggested this meeting be done next year because ofall the work Council has to do in the upcoming months. Motion carried. New Bloomfield Fire Company - Justin Kretzing stated several years ago they came and presented to Council a proposal which would permit the Fire Company to purchase their capital purchases. Buying new fire equipment and building a new fire house is not something that can be done on just fundraising. It was proposed in 2018 to raise the millage rate to. 7 mil from the present rate of. .6 mil. This would increase the average property tax approximately $14.00 from last year. He asked Council ifthey had any questions about this as Council prepares their budget for next year. Councilman Cless asked to see the audit from last year. Mr. Kretzing stated the audit was given to Council. Secretary Shope stated she had the audit for Mr. Cless to view. Mr. Kretzing stated total government revenue last year was $121,000 in tax money from everyone the fire company serves. Their total operating budget was $91,000 for 2017. That gives the fire company approximately $30,000 left each year from tax money from all municipalities that they put away for capital purchases. The fire company also does fund raising. Vice President Patterson raised a concern over the new firehouse project. He wondered when there was going to be more movement on this project. Mr. Kretzing stated movement is happening but the biggest holdup is DEP right now. President Anderson reiterated the budget meeting dates are October 16, 17, 18 starting at 4 p.m. Mr. Kretzing asked if a fire company representative need be present. President Anderson said it was not neçessary because Council has the fire company audit and reports. October 3, 2017 Page 3 PABB01552 ENFORCEMENT Solicitor's Report - Mr. Richard Wagner stated the only issue to discuss has to do with reducing the Borough Council from 7 to 5. He presented at last meeting a proposed petition that was requested to circulate. Borough Code requires 5% oft the electorate must sign the petition requesting this reduction from 71 members to 5. Then, there must be a hearing in front of the Court. There is no time frame in which to have these petitions signed. There is no requirement as to who can circulate the petitions. The only requirement is there has to be a signature, address, and printed name of the person signing. President Anderson stated the Borough needs to find out from voter registration how many voters there are in the Borough and then get the 5% number of signatures required from that number. Solicitor Wagner said that was correct with the suggestion of slightly more than 5% for a cushion. Once this is done the Borough can let him know and he will file a petition with the Court. President Anderson stated this will probably be postponed until January because of all the other projects that need to be accomplished in the upcoming months. Enforcement Committee Report - Councilman Clouser had nothing new to report. He is still working on doing a walk around about the sidewalks needing repair. He asked Ed and Harry to help him do this walk around. He does have a sample copy of the letter that will be sent to the property owners. Mayor's Report Mayor Krammes stated several residents questioned where the yield sign for the crosswalk should be placed. President Anderson stated that unfortunately that is PENN Dot' s signage and the Borough has no control over where they place their signs. The mobile yield signs have to be visible. Vice President Patterson and President Anderson said they will look into this matter themselves to see how it can be improved. Mayor Krammes is going to be asking the Planning Commission for a permit to paint a permanent historical mural on the Pharmacy wall. This mural is being done for participation in the Perry County Bi- Centennial. Parking Enforcement Officer Report - Mayor Krammes reported there were 12 tickets issued in September with 5 remaining unpaid. Parking Officer James Kitner asked Mayor Krammes ifhis mother could walk along with him while doing his duty. Council stated no because it is a liability issue. Borough Enforcement Officer Report - BEO Officer Mr. Harry Nazzaro reported September was quiet in terms of violations and concerns. He helped during the Street Fair. He began morning patrols during the time the Middle and High School kids walk to the bus stop. He feels it is important to be a presence during this time to prevent incidents and ensure juveniles arrive safely. He found no curfew violations. He is preparing to be present for the Halloween Parade and to conduct frequent patrols during Trick or Treat night and throughout the overnight hours. He issued the following warnings: a warning about high bushes and an old chair in the street next to their property; a warning to a resident explaining fires were not allowed in the Borough; several warnings issued for misuse of park equipment on multiple occasions; warning to a tenant and then 10 days later to the property owner for grass/weeds/old mattresses/trash in a backyard which has been cleaned up; issues a warning to the realtor of 126 W. McClure St. for grass/weeds through an email; warning to 2 juveniles for curfew ; one warning for park hours; 2 warings for vehicles parked the wrong way; caught the same dog twice running loose and issued warnings to owner informing them next incident would result in a citation; coordinated with the Dog Warden to have citations issued for dogs running loose and attempting to bite people, etc. Mr. Nazzaro attended and testified at Magisterial Court for 2 different citations. Mr. Nazzaro asked for guidance about the Post Office Parking Lot usage. President Anderson stated they would discuss this matter further. October 3, 2017 Page 4 PABB01553 ADMINISTRATIVE Announcements and Correspondence - Budget Meeting Dates - The Budget meetings have been scheduled for October 16, 17 and 18 starting at 4 p.m.. Hopefully, it can be completed in one night. It will be a working dinner. All committee heads were reminded to bring their anticipated needs and wants for the upcoming year. Perry Housing Partnership - President Anderson personally went to the Perry Housing Partnership to address some tenant issues and lack of management 's response. She believes her meeting with the management went well and they are moving in the right direction. She also attended the District Magistrate Court with BEO Nazzaro. Ordinance #331 = Blighted and Disrepaired Properties - President Anderson stated she understood this ordinance did not pass at last month's meeting. She understands there is a lot of misinformation out among the public. This issue has been tabled. Councilman Weller asked President Anderson to meet with him because he was getting a lot of resident feedback. Councilman Weller will meet with Council members individually to discuss this matter. Councilman Cless stated people have the wrong impression as to why Council is trying to pass this ordinance. We are trying to address the blighted properties and not give the Mayor more authority to come into people's homes. In Section 404 it states the enforcement officer may inspect any property abandoned or "occupied" and this is what people are worried about. They are picking out the word "occupied". Councilman Cless is sure the original draft stated "unoccupied" but the Solicitor changed it. President Anderson said Council would have to meet with Mr. Wagner to discuss why this change was made. This ordinance is not a dead issue but will be revisited. Water Authority Report Mr. Albright stated there is a little over a month left of testing and as of tomorrow morning there has been over 9 million gallons of water pumped out ofthe well. November 11, 2017 is the end of testing. They haven't heard back from SRBC about their waiver for Perry Village but as soon as they get that baçk they will know what well they will give up at Perry Village. They also have to get a permit for all this which is another $8,000. Mr. Albright stated the Water Authority tentatively accepted the low bidder's bid and are just waiting for Council to accept their bid. Planning Commission Report - Mrs. Rowlands stated she is playing telephone tag with the Penn State Master Gardeners. They want to have an: information booth in the style ofthe "little free publiç library" boxes with soil and gardening information. They wanted it in the historic district. The initial plan looked like a used abandoned dog house which was not açceptable. She will meet with them to explain what is acceptable. Zoning/Permit Officer's] Report - Mr. Albright stated he issued 2 permits in September. One for a pole barn at 233 West Main Street and one to remove and replace a roof at 20 East McClure Street. He hand delivered letters to people about the sandwich boards. All but 2 accepted them and understood why the boards must be brought in at night. Ifa anyone wants to put the sandwich board out for a few days they may ask Council for permission. Administrative Committee Report Councilman Cless stated he repaired a leaky toilet in the upper level men' 's room. He also discussed with Councilman Summers mulch for the playground. They used to get it at at reduced cost from Elliottsburg. President Anderson stated Join Hands would like to use Council Chambers once again for their Christmas gift storage. October 3, 2017 Page 5 PABB01554 FEMA/PEMA Report - Councilman Cless had nothing to report. PCBA/COG - Mr. Albright could not attend the meeting. Capital Tax Collection Bureau Report - Councilman Pray had nothing other than the meeting is this month. AESTHETICS Aesthetics Committee Report - Councilman Summers stated he had many compliments on how the town looked at the Street Fair. The mums are in the containers. The Christmas Tree Lighting is November 27, 2017 at 5 p.m. at the Square. He received an email about free trees from PPL. He is looking into this idea. Engineer Report - Rvan Hostetter - Mr. Hostetter reported that in the last two weeks they had 2 bid openings that involved the Borough. One opened by the Water Authority on September 26, 2017 and also byt the Borough on the McClure Street project which includes the storm water in which the Borough has a share. The second bid was opened on September 19, 2017 which is the Barnett Woods Road Bridge replacement. For McClure Street: Mr. Hostetter passed out the bid sheets. Eight total bids were received with DeTraglia Excavating, Inc. being the lowest bid of $259,997. Ofthat bid amount the Borough'si items would be $61,029.85 and the Water. Authority's amount would be $198,967.15. There were a few concerns the first being that the bid bond was dated the 2sth versus the 26"h. That concern was dismissed as not being a problem. The second concern was there was a wrong amount in the bid security. The amount provided was much higher than it needed to be. This was reviewed and dismissed. The third concern was a response that was a "yes" instead of an "I agree" and again this was dismissed. The Water Authority accepted the bids and passed the bid documents onto SEDA-COG and they have accepted the bids as received. Now it is up to the Borough to view the bids as received. Councilman Clouser made the motion, seconded by Vice President Patterson, to approve DeTraglia Excavating as the low bidder for the joint Water Authority/Borough McClure Street storm water replacement project. Councilman Cless questioned Mr. Hostetter ifl DeTraglia was qualified to do the job with Mr. Hostetter replying they reviewed some of DeTraglia' s history and there is no reason to believe they cannot do the job. Motion carried. For Barnett Woods Road Bridge: The Barnett Woods Road Bridge replacement project bids were received electronically on September 19, 2017 and verified by HRG. Five bids were: received with Mid- State Paving and Excavating being the lowest bidder at $72,424.80. HRG provided a recommendation of award letter to the Borough. HRG provided Mid-State a notice of intent to award based on the Borough's direction. Councilman Cless made a motion, seconded by Councilman Clouser, to approve Mid-State Paving for the Barnett Woods Road and Bridge project. Motion passed. FINANCE, INSURANCE, AND SAFETY Finance. Insurance & Safety Report - Vice President Patterson had nothing extra to report. Grants Councilman Pray had nothing new to report. October 3, 2017 Page 6 PABB01555 President Anderson reported the former counciwoman Michelle Jones has been helping out with the UV Bulb Small Water grant. President Anderson went to both Representative Keller's, Senator DiSanto's, and the Perry County Commissioner's offices and asked them for a letter ofs support to substantiate this grant request. All three parties gave the Borough very nice letters of support. Hopefully, the Borough will get this grant to help offset the purchase ofthe required UV bulbs. Vice President Patterson commented that even though the Borough has applied for this grant they have to budget for the full amount ofthese bulbs because their installation is mandatory by the state. Personnel Committee Report- Councilman Pray spoke with Gary Baker who is the health insurance broker and as soon as the 2018 rates are available Mr. Pray will meet with Borough employees to discuss this matter prior to making a decision. RIGHTS OF WAY & UTILITIES Rights of Way & Utilities Committee Report - Vice President Patterson had nothing further to discuss. President Anderson had one more item ofbusiness. The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is looking for participation of all municipalities in Perry and Dauphin counties to carry out their mission and as such are requesting nominations for a representative. The individual who has served Perry County was a gentleman from Blain who will no longer be serving. The representative need not be an elected official, or employees ofthe municipality but can be a resident. President Anderson tasked both Councilman Pray and Councilman Cless with advertising this position on the Borough' 's website and Facebook page. Closing Comments There being no further business, upon motion by Councilman Weller, seconded by Councilman Summers, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. to meet on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 for a regular meeting. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Rathlsen muller Kathleen Miller, Assistant Secretary