Borough Council Meeting Minutes

May 3, 1999

Meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM. The following were in attendance: Dave Hindman, Phyllis Sturdevant, Dan Dunham, Linda Abrams, Joseph Keeney, Ginny Hugo, Ray Robinson, Vida Williams, Jim McMahon, Donnie Rood, Ed Webster and Elaine Shirk.

OUTSIDE BUSINESS:

Jim McMahon had his property surveyed and there is an Alley that goes through his house. He would like to have the Alley vacated. Dave Hindman is going to see Niemiec tomorrow (May 4) and will discuss with
him.

Vida introduced Donnie Rood, new resident in Borough – he bought Addie’s Finan Home on Main Street.

Ray Robinson was there regarding the road to his business and the Cummiskey house. Dave is going to call the Health Department and see if they can/will do something.

Jim McMahon asked about the well project. Dave reiterated that we have gotten two bids and that they have been sent to Stiffer and Dave hasn’t been able to contact Stiffler since.

Vida Williams asked again about the potholes in Jones Alley and wondered if something could be done about dust.

Vida also asked about the drain at the corner of Main and Division Street. Josh has asked Terry Williams look at it.

MINUTES:

Minutes from April 5, meeting were read an approved by a motion by Linda Abrams, seconded by Phyllis Sturdevant.

TREASURER'S REPORT:

Treasurer's Report was read and approved by a motion from Josh McGroarty and seconded by Linda Abrams.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Highway: Pelton Hill was discussed. Joe Keeney told the Council about a product that is stones with clay in. He thinks it would be good for Pelton Hill. Josh McGroarty made a motion to buy a couple of loads of this material, Linda Abrams seconded the motion, vote was unanimous.

Dave asked Josh what needed to be done to the road in front of Matt McGroarty’s business. It needs grading, Josh is to try and get this work done in the near future.

We still have some cold patch up at the park. Dave is going to try and fix the road in front of the truck garage.

Park: On June 19th, a party has rented the Gazebo, and the three bottom pavilions.

RVC is holding a work bee at the Park on Tuesday and Wednesday (May 4th and 5th). Are going to be planting trees and installing the grills and basketball game and concreting the walkway to the gazebo.

Dave Hindman stated that Duane Abrams has a lawn tractor that he will sell us for $250 and take ours for a trade. It is a bigger, heavier tractor. Josh and Dave have examined the tractor and think it would be better for our work at the park. Josh McGroarty made a motion to purchase the lawn tractor, Phyllis Sturdevant seconded the motion, and vote was unanimous.

Subcontracting for someone to mow the park was discussed. It was decided that an ad would be placed in the Daily Review soliciting bids for the mowing of the park, using our equipment. This work is to be done during the week, during normal working hours.

Phyllis Sturdevant stated that the Church would like to hold their Bible School at the Park. New Albany will have Bible School one day a week. All were in favor of letting the Church use the park.

Sewer: Still waiting for blower motor to be fixed.

Dave read letter from Michael Angerson from RD. He had visited Secretary to review minutes and look at Sewer Data.

Dave asked Ed Webster about a wasteload management report that was supposed to have been sent in to DEP. Ed said engineer should do that report. Dave will check on this report.

In regard to the Special Sewer Account and the suit with Kissell, Niemiec has told Dave we should write a check for the amount and send it to him and he would contact Kissell’s attorney and settle this suit.

Ed Webster stated he would like to get prices from different labs for our testing. Dave stated that he could get prices and we would discuss them at our next meeting.

Water: With regard to getting the Borough released from PUC control, Niemiec has referred the Borough to another attorney in Harrisburg by the name of Louise Knight. She is very knowledgeable with the process. Dave has spoken with Ms. Knight and was quote an estimation of $1000 - $2000 for this action. Joe Keeney made a motion to use Ms. Knight to free the Borough from PUC, Josh McGroarty seconded the motion, vote was unanimous.

Ed Webster reported that the water in the tank is down 2 rings but holding steady.

Getting many questions about water bills, Dave Hindman will draft a letter regarding 2nd quarter water bills and would like to synopsize the Burn Ordinance and the Dog Ordinances and place on the back of the letters.

Dave contacted the Insurance Company with regard to the fire hydrant. Dave will contact Denny Chase about doing the work. We will probably have to have another Boil Advisory when that work is done. Discussion ensued.

There are plans in place to start working on the springs and pipes. Joe Keeney is working on this.

DEP is willing to do test on well in Park – they think we should do a thorough test on this well to determine what it would take to filter this water to make it usable.

Dave is working on setting up a water meeting with the past Council to pick their brains regarding the water system. Dave will try to schedule in June.

Other:

Virginia Hugo turned in $48.42 in 1998 taxes, and $4005.96 in taxes for April 1999.

Mike Angerson in his letter stated that the Borough should have a Computer, that there was enough money in the Sewer Fund to get one or at least partially fund. Council talked about getting one.

Dave then stated that there was a Seminar on June 9th in Wellsboro on Quick Books, which he would like to send the Secretary to. The cost of the Seminar is $75.00. Phyllis Sturdevant made a motion to pay the fee for the Seminar and send secretary, Linda Abrams seconded the motion, and vote was unanimous.

BILLS:

Borough:

GPU 19.76 Park Meter
Daily Review 152.80 advertising
Petty Cash 43.78
PSAT 75.00 Quick Books Seminar - Sect.
Duane Abrams 250.00 Lawn Tractor - Park
Kevin Downs 92.72 EIT Commission
Payroll:
E. Shirk 175.00 Secretary
V. Hugo 202.72 Tax Collector
FICA & Medicare 28.90

Highway:
GPU 245.52 Street Lights

Sewer:
Farm & Home Gas Svc. 93.57 Sewer Propane
GPU 341.35 Sewer Electric
Towanda Mun. Auth. 212.00 Testing
Leljedal’s 45.16 Belts
Niemiec 2300.00 Settlement of Kissell Suit
Commonwealth of PA 500.00 Sewer Permit Renewal
GPU 435.44 Sewer Bldg. Elec.
Payroll:
E. Shirk 175.00 Secretary
E. Webster 600.00 Sewer Operator
FICA & Medicare 59.29

Water:
GPU $ 26.59 Chlorinator
GPU 188,42 Pump
Seewald 14.00 Testing
Jones Water Supply 1061.88 Fire Hydrant
Joe Keeney 30.58 Reimbursement
Petty Cash 28.06
L/B Water Serv. 128.30 Water Meter Repair
Eastern Labs 32.00 Testing
Payroll:
E. Shirk 175.00
E. Webster 350.00
FICA & Medicare 40.16

Linda Abrams made a motion to pay the bills, Phyllis Sturdevant seconded the motion, and vote was unanimous.

Phyllis Sturdevant made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.

Elaine Shirk
3 May 1999