DAUPHIN BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES May 6, 2025 Council meeting came to order at 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL Council President Brian Cuddy Council Vice-President Kevin Musselman Councilman Pro Tem George Bechtel Councilman David Grbich Councilman Christopher Smith Councilwoman Kathryn Burton Councilman Steve Harris Jr. Council Member Jocelyn Long Mayor Michael McKenna Treasurer/Acting Secretary Cindy Long Public Comments None Acceptance of Minutes Ar motion made by Councilman Bechtel and seconded by Councilwoman Burton to accept the Minutes of the April 8, 2025 Borough Council Meeting was passed unanimously. Dauphin Borough/Middle Paxton Township EMC Report A temporary burn ban was taken into consideration; however, with the recent rain, it will not be implemented at this time. Depending on weather going forward, a burn ban may need to be put in place. Nate Sweeney is interested in being the Deputy EMC and will be moving forward with that process soon. Reminder that the Middle Paxton Township Elementary School evacuation drill will be taking place on May 27, 2025 with a rain date of May 29, 2025. Mayor McKenna may need assistance from Troy and/or Ryan during this drill. Joint Fire Commission Report Councilman Musselman reported that bingo has ended for the season. It is anticipated to begin again in the fall. The newsletter donations are currently at $22,132. The Fire Company has spoken with three different companies for a quote on a new engine. All quotes are around the $1.2 million range. The new engine is anticipated approximately 3 years down the road. Will be looking into grants and financing. The chicken barbeque went well. As of April 24, 2025 there were 10 fire calls for the month. Parks and Recreation Report Secretary from the Park Board, Ron Hull, stated that the Park Board did a walk-through and had a few requests from the Borough. 1. There is a fence separating the park from the swimming pool parking lot that is damaged. The Park Board would like to pull the fence out. Wondering if the Borough would help with their equipment. 2. There is dyma-tex left out in the field that is now overgrown with weeds. Would the Borough consider moving/removing the dyma-tex? 3. There is a huge washout in the parking lot going toward the concession stand. The Park Board is inquiring if it would be possible during the repaving of the track to reroute this water to Claster Blvd. President Cuddy said Troy and Ryan can look at both the fence and dyma-tex and assist with removal. Asked Kevin and Chris to speak to Troy and Ryan to coordinate. Keith will review rerouting the water with regard to storm water management. Keith will work with Ron Hull and Jim Ryan. Resident Dave Ertel warned of invasive weeds (mugwort) in the area, particularly on the dyma- tex. He said that moving the dyma-tex anywhere will just allow it to spread. Engineer's Report Keith Heigel reported that the Township and Borough worked together to stabilize Stoney bank and guide rails. PEMA and DEP would like a follow up report of what was done. Currently working with Johnson Duffie to finalize the documents with LDI. Expect that construction is going to start in the next month or two. The soft digs are complete for the High Street sewer project. Bids for the High Street project are anticipated for fall/winter with work being completed in 2026. A meeting will be set up with the Borough Community Building committee to discuss further plans for the project. Keith looked into signage for the dead-end street mentioned by Councilman Bechtel at the April meeting. There are currently signs in place. Councilman Bechtel discussed with the resident and no further action is necessary. RACP grant has not reopened at this time. Solicitor's Report Solicitor Statler looked into whether formal notice is required to be provided to residents as a tree removal project commences in Tall Trees. He reported that while there is no formal notice required, it is recommended that the Borough places placard signs to notify residents in the area. Mayor's Report The Dauphin Middle Paxton Fire Company assisted with the State Park Forest fire for ten hours. The PA State Police first quarter reports were made available to Council. There were four crashes in the area in April: two on the highway, and two at the intersection of Claster Blvd/Peters Mountain Rd. Mayor reported that he has been actively using Savvy Citizen and it has been helpful to communicate information to the community. Restating for the minutes - the Borough is not under a burn ban currently. Sewer Delinquency / Rental Property Reports No questions. Treasurer's Report A motion to accept the April 2025 Treasurer's Report was made by Councilman Bechtel, seconded by Councilman Smith and passed unanimously. Unfinished Business Council President Cuddy received a letter from the insurance carrier regarding the fire at the old schoolhouse that took place in October 2021. The insurance carrier will keep the claim open until October 2025 and if no further action is taken, the insurance claim will be closed. The Borough Community Building Committee will be meeting soon to discuss further action. The first installment payment for judgement has been received for 511 High Street. Black fencing has been removed from the park. Efforts continue to be made to maintain the upkeep of Veterans Memorial Park. Resident Cory Ferree of 408 Riverview Terrace approached Council in March regarding reimbursement of fees incurred due to a clogged sewer main. He provided Council with three bids for complete repairs to his yard and sidewalk. The lowest of the three bids totaled $5,810.00. A motion to reimburse Cory Ferree in the amount of $5,810.00 was made by Councilman Musselman, seconded by Councilman Harris and passed unanimously. New Business The sewer plant has two chlorine holding tanks that serve as the last phase of the process before disbursing into the river. The cinder blocks inside of the tanks are deteriorating and crumbling. Each tank is 12 feet deep, with one being in far worse condition than the other. Estimates were received from three contractors with the lowest price being $18,000.00 by B.C. Wright Concrete. A motion to move forward with the tear out, haul away, and rebuild of concrete for $18,000.00 by B.C. Wright Concrete was made by Councilman Bechtel, seconded by Councilman Smith and passed unanimously. The sewer line at Riverview Terrace requires repair. There is terra cotta piping that is cracked and without repair could lead to a full break in the sewer line. Three estimates were received: Pronto at $125,000, Wind River at $40,000, and Mr. Rehab at $19,948.50. Mr. Rehab is able to complete the repair without requiring a dig, going through manholes 124 and 125. Keith Heigle supports the scope of work as indicated and has seen repairs completed in this manner before. He stated that Troy is aware of what needs to be completed and is confident that Troy will ensure the job is completed correctly. A motion to accept the Mr. Rehab bid to repair the sewer line for the amount of $19,948.50 was made by Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman Bechtel and passed unanimously. The former secretary of the Borough, Linda, served as the Right to Know officer. With the secretary position now vacant, the Borough needs to name a new contact for Right to Know requests. Trudy is temporarily filling in for secretarial duties of the Borough and would be willing to be the contact until the position is filled. A motion to name Trudy Koppenhaver as the Right to Know officer for the Borough was made by Councilman Bechtel, seconded by Councilwoman Burton and passed unanimously. Signatures need to be updated on financial accounts. A resolution is not necessary for this action. The former secretary, Linda Durgin, and Councilman Musselman who is not rerunning for Council needed to be removed. The new signatories for the financial accounts would be Council President Cuddy, Councilman Grbich, Councilman Bechtel, and Treasurer Long. A motion to approve Council President Cuddy, Councilman Grbich, Councilman Bechtel, and Treasurer Long as signers for the financial accounts was made by Councilman Musselman, seconded by Councilwoman Burton and passed unanimously. A motion to amend the previous motion to approve the signers and require that one signature on the checks must be that of the Borough Treasurer was made by Councilman Grbich and passed unanimously. The Dauphin Middle Paxton Joint Park Authority manages the park, land, and activities at the Dauphin Middle Paxton Community Park. The Park Authority consists of seven members: five from the Township and two from the Borough. One of the reps, Jeff Thrush, recently stepped down creating a vacancy. Jim Ryan of 206 Riverview Terrace wrote a letter to Council expressing interest in joining the Park Authority. A motion to appoint Jim Ryan as one of the two Dauphin Borough representatives on the Joint Park Authority Board was made by Councilman Grbich, seconded by Councilman Smith and passed unanimously. Correspondence None Committee Reports Administration = Cuddy, Bechtel, Grbich The Administration, Finance & Personnel committee has been working through the absence of a secretary with the vacancy. The committee would like to thank Trudy Koppenhaver for all of the work she has been putting in to assist with the vacancy. Councilman Grbich suggested that office hours be provided to residents by appointment. Councilman Grbich is willing to take appointments as requested to meet with residents. The Borough is currently on track with the budget. Public Works = Musselman, Smith Councilmen Musselman and Smith reported that Troy and Ryan have been busy with mowing. Troy and Ryan did a great job assisting with the Stoney Creek project. Community Affairs = Burton, Harris Councilwoman Burton reported that there have not been any official complaints about dogs. She has left messages for the dog warden. Ryan Evans is heading up the plans for the America 250th to take place on July 4, 2026. He is looking into grants; however, he was looking to receive donations from both Middle Paxton Township and the Dauphin Borough for activities throughout the day. He will also be looking for a waiver of the park rental fees. Council President Cuddy stated that with plans being in preliminary stages at this point, the Borough will require more concrete information and plans before committing to a contribution. Junior Council Person = Jocelyn Long A draft of the brochure to provide to residents is ready. There are a few questions outstanding to address with Trudy and Council. Will be following up next month with progress. Junior Council Person Long will be working with Mayor McKenna to order signs for the kayak ramp. Councilman Grbich reminded everyone that May 20, 2025 is primary election day. The Borough office will be in use that day. ADJOURNMENT FROM COUNCIL The public meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION None Attest: Approved: Cynthia Long Brian Cuddy Acting Secretary President, Borough Council