Borough Council Meeting Minutes

March 6, 2000

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM. The following were in attendance: David Hindman, Phyllis Sturdevant, Dan Dunham, Linda Abrams, Bill Thompson, Katherine Chase, Karon L. Hugo, Janet B. Williams, Ed Webster, Jr., Lisa Robinson, Rocket Courier and Fran Hindman

OUTSIDE BUSINESS:

Dan Dunham asked about the Bradford County Action workers. Bill Thompson made a motion to have the Bradford County Actions kids again this summer. Linda Abrams seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous.

MINUTES:

Minutes from the February meeting were read and approved by a motion made by Bill Thompson and seconded by Linda Abrams with the addition of cost for Boro Code Book.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Treasurer’s Report was read and approved by a motion from Bill Thompson, seconded by Phyllis Sturdevant.

Committee Reports:

Road - Dave was sick in February and didn’t start work list. Borough has streets
that need work, potholes, storm drains that need cleaning. Storm Drains along Division Street may be a serious problem. Dave will check with PENDOT. Kyle may not be available to do this work. Bill Thompson suggested contact Mike McGroarty. Dave will make plans and is open to suggestions.

Josh McGroarty is now working for Aloysi Engineering Co. Aloysi had previously offered to do a complete road survey for the Borough for free. Dave will check with Josh for contact name, etc. for follow-up. Borough would like survey to include drainage.

Park - Several inquiries received for Park Rentals.

Protected lighting should be investigated.

Bill Thompson made a motion to advertise for a person for lawn maintenance for the Park. This will be a part time position, person must be 16 years of age or older, salary will be minimum wage $5.15 per hour. Dave Hindman and Linda Abrams will have applications.

Sewer – The work done in the Sewer Building has greatly improved the working conditions. The interior painting is not completed yet.

Snowmelt and rain increased the flow, Ed Webster questions if sumps are going into the Sewer. Sump pump water does not need to be processed through plant…NOTICE to be posted and notice will be placed in the Daily Review.

Plant working well.

Chapter 94 figures – Ed to get for Dave.

Water – 42,000 gal a day from springs
25,000 Sewer

Ed may have overflow elimination solved.

Russell, DEP inquiring about radiological test on well.

Questions regarding flushing fire hydrants. They should be flushed at least twice a year. They have not been flushed in over 1 year. Fire Hydrants will be flushed on Saturday night, March 25th. Old water mains are reacting with chlorine.

3/25 – Saturday night

Borough has petitioned PUC to be released from PUC control. PUC approved the Borough’s petition on 3/2/2000. Petition has to be posted in the Pennsylvania Bulletin; if there are not objections in 15 days the petition will be approved. Tentatively final approval should be April – should be able to bill using meters as of 7/1/00. Businesses in town have been metered for quite some time.

Water Ordinance needs to be prepared. Right now Water Company has been barely breaking even. Dave has copies of Towanda and Wyalusing Ordinances.

Talked about it being easier to turn water off, on delinquent accounts, once we are out from under PUC control. Current charge for Sewer is $28.00 a month and there are several $500 - $700 balances on some accounts.

BILLS:

Borough
Virginia Hugo $ 82.50 Postage for 2000 tax notices
Assessment Office $ 25.45 Real Estate Tax Bills
GPU $ 16.67 Park Electric
NAVFD $ 30.00 Hall Rental
Kevin Downs $ 46.90 EIT Commission
Leljedal’s $ 16.99 Padlock
Terry Heath $ 13.04 Copies, Notary, Certified Mail
Data Services $ 40.58 Printing Duplicates of OCC notices
Henry Dunn $1633.00 Public Officials E&O
Payroll
E. Shirk $ 175.00
T, Heath $ 49.00 Auditor
E. Keeney $ 46.69 Auditor
L. Troup $ 19.95 Auditor
FICA & Med $ 22.23

Highway
GPU $245.52 Street Lights
Mike Epler Tire $293.00 Snow Plowing & Cindering

Sewer
GPU $ 829.83 Sewer Electric (2 mos)
McGuires’s Septic $1261.00 Sludge Removal
Farm & Home Gas Svc. $ 142.73 Propane for Sewer Bldg.
Niemiec, Pellinger & Smith $ 66.50 Misc.
SERVE $ 120.00 Sewer Booklets
Towanda Municipal $ 110.00 Testing
Payroll:
E. Webster $1230.00 January & February
E. Shirk $ 175.00
T. Heath $ 49.00 Auditor
E. Keeney $ 46.69 Auditor
L. Troup $ 19.95 Auditor
FICA & Med $ 116.33

Water
GPU $ 30.98 Chlorinator
GPU $ 34.02 Pump
Seewald $ 16.00 Testing
Northern Tool & Equipment $ 56.01 Electric Workshop HEA
USA Blue Book $ 141.73 Feeder tube cap, meter book, feeder
Tube for jet feeder
Payroll:
E. Webster $600.00 January & February
E. Shirk $175.00
T. Heath $ 49.00 Auditor
E. Keeney $ 46.69 Auditor
L. Troup $ 19.95 Auditor
FICA & Med. $ 68.13

Phyllis Sturdevant made a motion to pay bills, Bill Thompson seconded the motion, vote was unanimous.

OLD BUSINESS:

Shorts – Parking trucks in Borough Street also stacking pallets in front of their business on street creating an unsafe condition for students walking to and from school. A letter has been sent and the Borough had a verbal agreement with Shorts. This lasted about 2 – 4 weeks. Two options were discussed: (1) Council President visiting the business again, (2) Have the Attorney send business a letter. The Council agreed on Option 2. The burning problem with this business has improved.

Pizza Shop – Owner parking in the Borough Alley, trash behind building.

No Borough Ordinances regulating trash collection or public safety issues. Dave will review samples with Attorney for proposal and report next month.

ALL Ordinances need to be reviewed and updated. Discussion on how to enforce the Ordinances.

Dave, Dan and Bill attended session at Mansfield for new Council Persons, which had a lot of emphasis on code officers.

Clean Up Day - Tentative Date 5/6/2000. Monroeton did one with Northern Tier. Dave will contact Monroeton for feedback.

Council Vacancies – Two positions to be filled. Jan Williams and Karon Hugo will fill these positions. There will be a special meeting on March 13, 2000 to appoint Jan and Karon to the Council.

NEW BUSINESS:

Bill wants to meet with Executive Board of Fire Company with regard to Emergency Management.

Dorothy Meas moved into Richard Robinson’s place at 64 Main Street. Would like Sewer and Water bills sent to Citizens & Northern Bank in Towanda.

Ed McGroarty’s Garage – Right of Way – He needs to keep road to Sewer Plant open.

Bill Thompson made a motion to adjourn. Meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.

Elaine Shirk
March 6, 2000

Minutes taken by Fran Hindman.