City Council

1 Borough of Akron Council Meeting-October 10, 2022 2 3 Council Members Present: Nathan Imhoff, President; Justin Gehman, Vice-President; Kleon 4 Zimmerman, Paul Swangren, Jr; Bonnie Young; Ryan Cochran. (Randall Justice not present) 5 6 Others Present: Mayor John McBeth, Susan Davidson, Borough Manager; Sean Molchany, 7 Assistant Borough Manager; Larry Alexander, Ephrata Review; Suzanne Lausch, minute taker, 8 Brian Frey, John Taylor, Penny Talbert, Linda Baer, Jason Smith, Mike Eichenlaub, Marilyn 9 Yoder, West Earl Police Chief Higgins, Mike Morris, Susan Miller, Ed Miller, Menno Wiebe, 10 Deborah Fast, John Williamson, Jobany Bedoya. 11 12 Roll Call 13 Kleon Zimmerman-present 14 Paul Swangren, Jr-present 15 Randall Justice-absent 16 Ryan Cochran-present 17 Bonnie Young-present 18 Nathan Imhoff-present 19 Justin Gehman-present 20 Mayor John McBeth-present 21 22 Meeting opened at 6:30pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. 23 24 Approval of Minutes 25 Ryan Cochran- made a motion to approve the September 26, 2022 Borough of Akron Council 26 Meeting Minutes. Justin Gehman- Seconded the motion. Motion carried. 27 28 Visitors/Comments from Public 29 Ephrata Public Library Director Penny Talbert was present and available for questions 30 regarding the library about which some Council members had concerns. Some of which 31 included the clarification of the library finances, the library budget and how monies donated 32 from Akron Borough are being spent. Penny Talbert stated that at a previous Akron Council 33 meeting one of the Library’s board members were in attendance and presented Library 34 programs to the Council Members. She had also requested a list of questions prior to this 35 meeting so she could prepare answers for the members, but none were sent to her in advance 36 of the meeting. Nathan Imhoff then asked the Council members if they had any questions for 37 the Director and Ephrata Library Board members that were in attendance. Paul Swangren, Jr 38 then asked what the people attending the meeting in support of the library had to say about 39 funding the library. 40 John Williamson of 1237 Main St asked that the Borough Council support the Ephrata Library as 41 it is of value to him. 42 Menno Wiebe of 1006 Main St. stated he would like the Council to continue to support the 43 Ephrata Library as it is for all ages and stages of life to people in the community. 1  1 Debra Fast of 1006 Main St Akron, supported the above statements and impressed on the 2 council how important the library is to the community via its programming etc. 3 Michael Eichenlaub, President of the Ephrata Public Library asked the Council members what it 4 is that they have concerns about and what specific questions they would like addressed. He 5 discussed the laws regarding library donations and in his opinion, “This is over stepping of 6 power”. 7 Ed Miller, 1013 Main St. Akron commented that he researched the state library code, section 8 9302, which says that the library must serve ALL residents of the community by law. He also 9 stated that the Ephrata Public Library, in his experience, does an exemplary job and gave 10 examples such as the delivery of books to Ephrata Manor and services to preschoolers. He 11 asked that funding be restored to previous levels. 12 Susan Miller, 1013 Main St. Akron, supported previous statements and added that she, “Can’t 13 think of a better way to spend taxes. 14 Fred Yocum commented that he had no opinion and came to hear what questions the Council 15 had for the Library Director. He did ask how long the borough has supported the library (over 16 30 years) and then asked what had changed in the last two years that has made this a “hot 17 button” issue? Nathan Imhoff told him that taxes are of concern related to budgeting and the 18 last couple of years some council members have had some concerns about how funds are being 19 spent. 20 Kleon Zimmerman wondered about the Northern Hub and stated that is more Social Services 21 and not library and wondered how much is being used for the Hub as opposed to the library 22 itself. 23 Marilyn Yoder, 407 Main St. Akron, library board member but speaking as member of Akron 24 community and requested that the Borough Council help fund the library because of the 25 contributions to the community. 26 Mike Morris invited Council members to come see what is available at the Ephrata Public 27 Library and gave examples such as free computer access, WIFI hotspots in the community for 28 those in the community that cannot afford those services. He clarified that the Northern Hub 29 started with funds from United Way and the Northern Hub rents the building where it is located 30 from the library which brings income to the library. He also clarified that the HUB is a 31 partnership and one of the partners is Ephrata Area Social Services. 32 Brian Frey, 623 Buchanan Dr. Ephrata, board member of the library supported all comments. He 33 also stated that there is law, oversight for board to keep checks and balances in place; no 34 hidden agenda and they do their best to communicate to the community the services that are 35 available. He would hope in the future that the relationship between the library and the Akron 36 Borough Council to be more of a partnership. 37 Linda Bair, chair of the funding and finance committee for the Ephrata Public Library the last 38 two years. She shared that she is a conservative Christian and is amazed at the services the 39 library provides for the community it serves. She is proud of the staff at the library and how 40 hard they work to provide programs for the community especially the special events. She also 41 stated that the library is for all members of the community not just a certain group. 42 Nathan Imhoff asked Council members to ask the questions that concern them regarding the 43 EPL. 2  1 Paul Swangren, Jr thanked the visitors for coming and sharing their views. He states that he 2 understands the cost of the library and the purpose. He understands the need for donations 3 and that there is transparency. His responsibility is to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers 4 and he requested a line-item review of the finances that would align with conservative values. 5 He was not comfortable with monies going towards Women Health class because it was related 6 to sexual matters. He was concerned that some monies were going toward the Northern Hub 7 because it is more social services. He also stated that he visited the library and looked at the 8 talk tank and stated that it does not work. He also stated that it cost $6,000.00. He also wanted 9 to know what non-payroll expenditures the library has and if the public can view them. He also 10 requested a detailed list of everything the library spends the Akron donations on. What type of 11 collections, books etc. 12 Bonnie Young agreed with Paul and mentioned she doesn’t want to raise taxes; doesn’t like 13 some of the programs; spending should be within budget and not overspending on items that 14 are not mission minded. Concerns about inflation for Akron residents and budget. 15 Michael Morris shared that there is a 140-page document that outlines how money can be 16 spent at the Ephrata Public Library and every expense is outlined. 17 Linda Bair-shared that she mentioned her conservative Christian values only to share that the 18 programs at the EPL are available to all not just a certain few. 19 John Williamson stated that transparency is important; and all other groups should also have to 20 provide detailed specifics to be fair to all groups 21 Penny Talbert stated that rental rooms are available at the library and must be rented to the 22 groups no matter opinion of library staff with regards to Paul Swangren, Jr concern about the 23 Women’s Health meeting. She also clarified that the Talk Tank did cost $6000.00, however this 24 was paid for from the estate of a woman in the community. No library monies go to the Talk 25 Tank. 26 John Taylor mentioned that he read 1619, I read 1620, I see division and has concerns about 27 what he sees outside which are questionable approaches. He stated that the library will not 28 accept his book donations. 29 Penny Talbert says all books are accepted that are donated. 30 Brian Frey addressed that funding to what goes where-majority above and beyond keep doors 31 0pen, utilities etc. grants are applied for, donations by businesses, private individuals. Municipal 32 funding is 20%. Akron monies are appreciated but only covers payroll for approximately two 33 weeks. Akron monies can be spent on payroll or computer programs. 34 Kleon Zimmerman-expressed concerns about inflation. He questions if funding for other 35 programs is appropriate. 36 Penny Talbert explained that the Ephrata Public Library is a PA Gold Library which means that 37 the library incorporates the initiative’s core values which include, Basic Literacy, Information 38 Literacy, Civic and Social Literacy, Health Literacy and Financial Literacy. She clarified that the 39 Social Services sits in the lobby, but library does not pay them. The Library Director has to have 40 master’s degree, and open hours are designated by law. Programs are run by grants. 60% raised 41 by the library itself. 42 Ryan Cochran requested the Library Director provide a breakout of users by municipality. 52% 43 of Akron residents have library cards and are currently using them. 44 Mike Morris apologized for blunt questions. 3  1 Nathan Imhoff stated that he is neutral on library and is aware of other opinions on Borough 2 Council. Nathan said this has been very helpful to understand what is happening at the Ephrata 3 Public Library. He shared that he used the library for video as a young person because of lack of 4 finances. Also, fiscally conservative and all dollars are watched as they come in and go out. 2% 5 of Akron donation is library budget. 6 Justin Gehman shared that he wanted to hear both sides and was glad everyone was here to 7 express opinions so council can move forward. 8 Penny Talbert shared that local municipalities must help meet budget to get additional federal 9 funds and asked every municipality for 20% increase in donation for 2023. 10 Nathan Imhoff asked for a better understanding of funding and what groups are renting spaces. 11 Specifics in the folder that was handed out at last meeting. 12 Mayor McBeth shared he got the same e-mail from citizen that Paul Swangren, Jr. referred to 13 regarding Women’s Health and Health Literacy 14 Nathan Imhoff-regarding, “What has changed”. It ideological or fiscal and asked Penny Talbert if 15 she had any questions after this comment meeting time. 16 17 Ephrata Area Recreation Center 18 Maria Rotella presented the summer municipal camp program 2022 provided by the Ephrata 19 Recreation Center. Total participants in the summer program were 196 and this number is up 20 from the past two years. A new program this year was Rocketry and that was overseen by 21 Akron resident Joe Latrell. The Ephrata Recreation Center is requesting the same donation 22 amount for 2023 ($6,240.00). 23 24 Bills 25 Ryan Cochran motioned to approve October disbursements; Paul Swangren, Jr seconded. 26 Motion carried. 27 28 Reports/Announcements 29 Police Report-Police Chief Higgins does not have report and missed last meeting because of 30 swearing in of two new police hires. The two new police hires are Zachary Crills who is currently 31 in the academy and Ryan Fields, in field training. 32 33 Mayor Report 34 Mayor John McBeth requested that the Police Chief report be taken earlier in the 35 meeting so he can leave prior to all other Council items out of respect for his time. He also 36 suggested that new employees be invited to the Council meeting to be introduced to the 37 Council members. Mayor McBeth approved the closure of the streets for the Akron Halloween 38 parade from 12th Street to the Akron Fire Hall on Main Street. When parade gets to Main Street 39 all other streets will open 40 41 Borough Managers Report 42 September 2022 month-end financials have been reconciled 43 October 2022 payables will be reviewed by Finance Committee 4  1 Approval for the 2023 Minimum Municipal obligation for the Non-Uniform Pension Plan is on 2 the October 10, 2022 agenda 3 A motion to transfer the AVFC Truck Reserve Money in the amount of $12,500.00 is on October 4 10 agenda 5 Staff continue to work with Eby Exteriors and engineer to obtain true costs for proposed park 6 pavilion. 7 Regarding personnel a full-time public works employee was hired and will start work on 8 October 18, 2022. All crossing guard positions are filled and there are three substitute crossing 9 guards. 10 Staff has forwarded updates Section 15-605 Overnight Parking Regulations and is waiting to 11 hear back from Borough Solicitor. 12 Sidewalk permits continue to be approved for sidewalk installation and repair on Edgehill and 13 Manor Ridge Drives. 14 Public Utilities regarding M-S4 Report forwarded to DEP prior to deadline of September 30 15 2022. 16 Hanover Engineering has submitted the final payment paperwork for the S. Ninth St project for 17 Council approval. 18 Meter Readings will begin the week of October 10, 2022. 19 20 Finance Report 21 Ryan Cochran read into the minutes the September 30, 2022 month-end balances. September 30, 2022 General Fund $202,901.59 Water Fund $36,686.87 Sewer Fund $289,480.99 Highway Aid $169,554.13 General Fund Reserves General Fund Reserves Restricted $158,000.00 Restricted (Goal) $144,363.00 Operating $163,696.25 Capital $423,013.32 Total $744,709.57 Total $144,363.00 Water Fund Reserves Restricted $72,992.00 Operating $238,768.38 Capital $0.00 Total $311,760.38 Sewer Fund Reserves Restricted $121,822.00 5  Operating $312,423.68 Capital $0.00 Total $434,245.68 Capital Projects $398.17 Community Fund $2,060.05 Total $2,191,797.43 Escrow $6,040.88 1 2 Mayor McBeth requested accounts receivable information and asked that it be provided to 3 finance committee to review 4 5 Community Relations Report 6 Bonnie Young wrote article on new Pickle ball court in Akron Park and sent to all local 7 newspapers including the Ephrata Review. 8 9 Parks and Property Report 10 Nathan Imhoff mentioned that he was at the Akron Pines Playground today in the Roland Park 11 and the swing brackets need tightened. Staff will take care of. 12 13 Personnel Report 14 Andrew Smith a newly public works employee and will begin work Tuesday, October 18, 2022. 15 16 Streets Report 17 1. Section 15-605. Overnight Parking proposed Ordinance update- Staff is waiting for comments 18 form the Borough Solicitor. 19 2. Staff submitted a proposal for patching and milling 4 different locations in the Borough (Eight 20 Street, two sections of West View and Miller Road) Also submitted was a proposal for paving a 21 section of Circle Drive after removing a dead tree and curbing. The Circle Drive proposed work 22 will be paid out of streets in the General Fund. 6  1 Paul Swangren, Jr. made a motion to take action for the paving work and only do the work on 2 Circle Drive after contacting residents and getting approval.. Kleon Zimmerman seconded the 3 motion. Motion carried. 4 5 Public Utilities Report 6 Nothing 7 8 Public Hearings/Presentations/Appointments 9 10 Old Business 11 Park house improvements at the Roland Park started today. Council wondered how long will it 12 take to complete project, Sean Molchany shared that as ordered items are delivered the work 13 will be completed as soon as possible. 14 15 New Business 16 1. 2023 Budget Preparation Meeting Monday, October 17, 2022 17 18 2. Town Motto-e-mailed information by Susan Davidson. Akron Welcomes You 19 Bonnie Young made a motion to approve “Akron Welcomes You “as town motto. Paul 20 Swangren Jr. Motion carried. 21 22 Motions and Decisions 23 Ryan Cochran made a motion to approve the 2023 Borough of Akron Non-Uniform Pension 24 Minimum Municipal Obligation in the amount of $35,947.00. Kleon Zimmerman seconded; 25 motion carried. Council and Mayor received the MMO information before September 20, 2022. 26 27 Motion by Paul Swangren, Jr to transfer money for Akron Fire Company Truck Reserve in the 28 amount of $12,500.00 from the General Fund to the General Reserves. Ryan Cochran seconded 29 the motion. Motion carried. 30 31 Kleon Zimmerman made a motion to approve Water/Sewer GIS data sharing agreement 32 between Akron Borough and the Lancaster County Planning Department. Ryan Cochran 33 seconded the motion. Motion carried 34 35 Justin Gehman made a motion to pay invoice to Affordable Paving and Excavating LLC for inlet 36 work on S. Ninth Street in the remaining amount including retainage in the amount of 37 $33,086.36 as recommended by Hanover Engineering. This amount will be paid out of Liquid 38 Fuels. Kleon Zimmerman seconded the motion. Motion carried. 39 40 Paul Swangren, Jr. made a motion to allow Akron Grace EC to place Craft Signs in the Borough. 41 Ryan Cochran seconded the motion. Motion carried. 42 43 44 7  1 Adjournment-Paul Swangren, Jr motioned to adjourn the meeting. Kleon Zimmerman second 2 the motion. Motion carried. 3 4 Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. 5 6 Respectfully submitted, 7 8 Susan Davidson 9 Borough Manager/Secretary 10 8