City Council

BOROUGH OF AKRON COUNCIL MEETING- JULY 11, 2022 Council Members present- Nathan Imhoff, President; Kleon Zimmerman, Paul Swangren, Jr., Ryan Cochran, Bonnie Young. (Justin Gehman and Randall Justice not present) Others present- Mayor John McBeth, Susan Davidson, Borough Manager; Sean Molchany, Assistant Borough Manager; Tom Burnett, Roy A. Rettew, West Earl Police Officer Josh Mertz, Ron Hershey, Hershey Surveying, Inc.; John Taylor. Roll Call Kleon Zimmerman-Present Paul Swangren, Jr. – Present Randall Justice-Not Present Ryan Cochran-Present Bonnie Young-Present Justin Gehman, Vice-President-Not Present Nathan Imhoff, President- Present Meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of Minutes Ryan Cochran made a motion to approve the June 27, 2022 Borough of Akron Council meeting minutes. Paul Swangren, Jr. seconded the motion. Motion carried. Lot Add-On Plan 314 Diller Drive, Akron Ron Hershey from Hershey Surveying, Inc. gave a brief presentation on the proposed lot add-on plan for 314 Diller Drive. This plan was before the Akron Zoning Hearing Board on June 16, 2022 and was granted a variance for a side-yard setback. This plan was reviewed by the Akron Planning Commission on July 7, 2022 and a recommendation was made by the commission for approval of the plan and waivers. The Lancaster County comments on the plan have also been distributed to Council and Mayor. 1 Ryan Cochran made a motion to a motion to approve the Preliminary/Final Lot Add-On plan for 314 Diller Drive, Akron PA granting the following modifications in accordance with Section 22-106 of the Subdivision Land Development Ordinance of 2017. 1) Section 22-305: Preliminary Plan Application procedures 2) Section 22-402.(2).k: Significant features within 300 ft of the property. 3) Section 22-402.1.B.(5). And 22-403.1.B(5): Topographic Survey with contours at two foot intervals. 4) Section 22-505.2.: Sidewalks Kleon Zimmerman seconded the motion. Paul Swangren, Jr. asked if there was public notification. Sean Molchany mentioned the public was notified before the June 16, 2022 Zoning Hearing. Motion carried. Visitors Tom Burnett, Fulton Street, Akron PA thanked Council for their service and also for funding the Ephrata Public Library. Tom shared a letter with Council in regards to EPA’s advisory on ground and drinking water that was released on June 15, 2022 and as a resident has concerns on data that indicates harmful levels of PFAS and PFOS chemicals in our water. Paul Swangren, Jr. commented that these containments are not regulated by DEP as this time and we have a list of contaminates we test for in our Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. Nathan Imhoff asked staff to look into this matter and get back to Council with comments. John Taylor mentioned that the concert on Sunday, July 10, 2022 had around 150 people in attendance. John Taylor mentioned the increased use of electric bikes on the Rail Trail and the bikes going very fast. Mayor McBeth mentioned that no electric recreational vehicles are allowed on the trail. Sean Molchany mentioned that Class 1 & 2 are not considered motorized vehicles and class 3 are and are outlawed on many trails in the state. According to the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail Rules and Regulations, motorized 2 vehicles are prohibited except for emergency and maintenance vehicles. Susan Davidson Borough Manager mentioned that this item can be brought up to the WERT Committee at the next meeting and get the motorized vehicle defined by the committee. Bonnie Young mentioned we would be behind the times if we did not allow e-bikes. Roy Rettew of 1360 Diamond Station Road, Ephrata PA was present at the meeting to discuss his property on Diamond Station Road and the issue of trying to hook into our sewer system because of his failed sewer system. Mr. Rettew did pay for a sewer EDU. Mr. Rettew mentioned that his neighbor won’t give him an easement so he can hook into the sewer main. The other option is to hook into the force main in the street. Roy Rettew mentioned that he is frustrated that no one has gotten back to him with any kind of response to this matter. He has called a number of times to talk to Tom Murray, Jr. and has not heard back. Paul Swangren, Jr. mentioned that hooking into the force main could be cost prohibitive and it would require equipment and fittings approved by the Borough Engineer and Council approval. Ryan Cochran mentioned that he understands Mr. Rettew’s frustration because of the lack of communication but at this time does not have a solution. Borough Manager Davidson suggested that Mr. Rettew have his attorney reach out to the neighbor and ask again for the easement because this would be the easiest way to hook into the sewer. Sean Molchany gave Mr. Rettew his business card and asked him to call with any questions. Bills Ryan Cochran made a motion to approve the July 2022, Board of Akron disbursements and fund the appropriate account for the disbursements as reviewed by the Finance Committee. Disbursements General Fund $102,586.78 Water Fund $ 3,272.73 3 Sewer Fund $123,294.16 Capital Projects Fund $ 3,139.80 Payroll Fund $ 1,445.47 Total $233,738,94 Paul Swangren, Jr. seconded the motion. The disbursements include the monthly police contract payment and the 3rd qtr. Sewer treatment payment to Ephrata Borough. Motion carried. Police Report West Earl Police Officer Josh Mertz was present at the meeting. Officer Mertz mentioned to Council National Night Out is scheduled for August 2, 2022 at the Broad Street Park from 5 pm to 8 pm. Mayor Report-Mayor John McBeth Mayor McBeth mentioned that he has approved closing a section of Broad Street for the August 2, 2022 National Night Out event. Mayor McBeth also congratulated Timothy Beard, William Sensenig and Benjamin Eberly for achieving the status of Eagle Scout and all are members of Akron Troop 57. The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley has invited the Mayor, Borough Council and residents to a new exhibit at the Theodore R. Sprecher museum located in the Connell Mansion at the Historical Society located at West Main and Oak Streets in Ephrata. On July 16, 2022 an exhibit entitled “From Ephrata to Three Star General a tribute to Lieutenant General Ronald R. Blank. Mayor McBeth mentioned there is a pothole on Brubaker Alley that need to be fixed. Borough Manager’s Report June 2022 month-end financials have been reconciled. July 2022 payables will be reviewed by Finance Committee 4 Akron Lions is getting roof quotes for pavilion #1 and bathrooms. Staff was in contact with the Akron Lions Club and is waiting to hear back from them as to what they are going to do to help with the pavilions. Park House Improvements-received a budget estimate on exterior improvements and distributed to Council at the June 27, 2022. Parks & Property Committee will review and get back to Council with comments. Record Destruction that was approved at the June 27, 2022 meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2022 by Shred-It and it will be done on-site at the Borough Municipal Office. The wall was removed between the former police locker room and lab for the public works break room and work area. A new drop ceiling was installed, walls are painted, and a new floor will be installed the week of July 11, 2022. The West Earl Police Department is planning an event on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 “National Night Out” from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Broad Street Park. The event is to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Hanover Engineering met with the Affordable Paving Contractor and sent a punch list of items that need to be repaired. A copy of the list is in your Council packet. Standpipe/Reservoir- received estimates and will evaluate for a drone inspection. Staff will meet with Borough engineer to discuss. The Borough engineer is in the process of preparing an estimate on the repair of the storm box on S. Ninth Street. Staff will begin reading meters the week of July 11, 2022. Bills will be mailed August 15, 2022. A Planning Commission meeting was held on Thursday, July 7, 2022. On the agenda was a lot-add on plan for 314 Diller Drive. Ron Hershey, Hershey Surveyors (applicant) was at the meeting to make a presentation on the plan. The 5 Akron Zoning Hearing Board granted a variance for a side-yard setback on June 16, 2022. The Akron Planning Commission made a motion recommending approval of the plan and waivers. This item in on the July 11, 2022 Council meeting agenda for Council’s approval. Also, at the Planning Commission a draft copy of the zoning ordinance was distributed to the members for their review along with a draft copy of the Active Transportation Plan. A Zoning Hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. There is one applicant. 1)Variances and a special exception for the properties located at 1015 and 1019 Main Street, Akron PA. Webpage continues to be updated. Staff has been entering additional information. A SurveyMonkey was set up to take responses from the public on a town motto. Council will make a decision on the town motto at the October Council 10, 2022 Council meeting. We will include information in the next newsletter on the town motto survey. Zoning Hearing Board- Alternates- 3 year- David Lausch has indicated he is willing to serve as the alternate and his resume is in the Council Packet and is on the agenda for the July 11, 2022 meeting. Finance Committee- Ryan Cochran Ryan Cochran read into the minutes the June 2022 month-end financial balances. June 30, 2022 General Fund $322,902.64 Water Fund $26,609.53 Sewer Fund $232,661.03 Highway Aid $168,783.12 6 General Fund Reserves General Fund Reserves Restricted Restricted $158,000.00 (Goal) $144,363.00 Operating $160,698.51 Capital $293,700.16 Total $612,398.67 Total $144,363.00 Water Fund Reserves Restricted $72,992.00 Operating $219,963.60 Capital $0.00 Total $292,955.60 Sewer Fund Reserves Restricted $121,822.00 Operating $310,419.69 Capital $0.00 Total $432,241.69 Capital Projects $380.12 Community Fund $2,060.05 Total $2,090,992.45 Escrow $18,580.12 7 Community Relations Committee- Bonnie Young Bonnie Young mentioned that she interviewed West Earl Police Chief Eric Higgins and Police Officer Samantha Heise for the National Night Out Event that will take place at the Broad Street Park on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 5pm – 8pm. Bonnie mentioned that she drafted an article but is waiting for more information before submitting the article. Bonnie Young mentioned that Dick Wanner took pictures at the last concert and there was approximately 150 people in attendance. Bonnie Young again thanked the law firm of Haggerty, Silverman and Justice for sponsoring the 2022 Summer Concerts in Roland Park. Bonnie also thanked Nathan Imhoff for doing the poster for the concert. Then next concert is scheduled for August 28th, 2022 and the band is “Swing Street”. It was mentioned that more trees on the hill would be nice for shade and Mayor McBeth mentioned the original plan was to have trees planted in the pavilion area. The issue can be discussed at budget time. Sean Molchany suggested to start the concerts at a later time next year. Parks & Property Committee- Randall Justice (not present) The park house proposal will be put on the agenda for a later meeting after Parks and Personnel meet to discuss. Personnel Committee- Paul Swangren, Jr. Paul Swangren, Jr. mentioned that the new borough employees are working out well. Paul also mentioned that a full-time employee submitted their two-week resignation. Streets Committee- Justin Gehman (not present) Nothing at this time 8 Public Utilities Committee- Kleon Zimmerman Kleon Zimmerman asked if we can request out labs to test for PAFS and PFOS. It was mentioned that it was not necessary at this time and there would be an additional cost to do it. A list for repair work on S. Ninth Street is in the Council books. Bids for I & I work are on are on Pennbid and due July 18, 2022. Appointments Ryan Cochran made a motion to approve David Lausch as the Zoning Hearing Alternate for term dates 2022-2023. Kleon Zimmerman seconded the motion. Motion carried. Correspondence Information on PEMA Training Directive for Emergency Management Coordinators was given to Council and Mayor for review. Paul Swangren, Jr. commented on the great job that was done on the Akron Borough Annual Consumer Confidence Report. Paul also commented that some contaminants are found in buildings not in the actual water system. Paul Swangren, Jr. made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ryan Cochran seconded the motion. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Davidson Borough Manager/Secretary 9 10