City Council

MOUNT WOLF BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2024 The Mount Wolf Borough conducted a meeting on Tuesday February 13, 2024. The meeting was called to order by President Darryl Main at 7pm ATTENDANCE: The following Council Members were present: Pat Poet, President Darry Main, Vice President Dennis Naylor and Brian McKenna Officials: Attorney: Devon Myers, Mayor Maureen Starner, Engineer: Chris Owens, Treasurer: Jennifer Reiner, Secretary: Bonnie Bentzel ABSENT: Josh Parish, Dan Schleig, Michael Barlett AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by: Dennis Naylor and seconded by: Pat Poet to approve minutes for January 2, 2024, (Reorganization and Council) and January 23, 2024. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by: Pat Poet and seconded by: Brian Mckenna to approve the agenda with the removal of re-opening the budget and quotes for the radar signs. The motion was passed unanimously. VISITORS: Barbara Abrecht, Resident Cindy Bowers, Resident Lindsey Keefer, Resident PUBLIC COMMENTS: Barbara Abrecht and Cindy Bowers presented concerns within the Borough limits. They wanted to bring these to the attention of the Council. Mrs. Abrecht stated that the properties at 48 North 4th Street and 155 North 4th Street have placed a privacy fence without a permit and 175 North 4 th Street put on new front porch on without a permit. Mayor Maureen Starner stated that the Borough is aware of 175 North 4th Street and the residents were notified that a permit is required. Mrs. Abrecht also mentioned that property at 133 North 4th Street has an abandoned vehicle, and the inspection has expired Mrs. Abrecht stated that the police were there and informed the resident that the vehicle must be moved off the streets. They did move the vehicle to the back property and Mayor Starner stated she can send an enforcement letter to the residents of that property. Mrs. Abrecht stated the property at 125 North 3rd Street should be condemned. She stated that the property is vacant. Devon Myers asked the ladies if the structure could fall onto the sidewalk or another resident's property. The ladies could not say for sure. Devon stated she will have to look into the Ordinances. Devon stated an enforcement letter to the property owner. Mrs. Abrecht and Mrs. Bowers asked if the Borough could do anything about the cats in the area. Mayor Starner stated unless someone could trap the cats and have them spayed, the Borough cannot do anything regarding the cats. Mayor Starner thanked the ladies for letting the Borough know of the situations within the Borough limits. ENGINEER’S REPORT: Chris Owens stated that the Borough received a request for a Bond Reduction for Emerson Flatts. Chris stated that he did go out to the property and made sure that everything has be completed by Inch and Company. They are asking for the Bond to be reduced to $125,482.80. A motion was made to reduce the bond by: Pat Poet and seconded by: Brian McKenna. The motion was passed unanimously. Chris stated that the Stormwater map is completed. Dennis Naylor recommended that we get some bid for “Bridge repair”. Chris Owens stated that he did have some bids for the bridge repair in the past. The past bids were around $137,000. Dennis Naylor suggested that we could use the ARPA money for that. Devon reminded the Council that they have until the end of 2024 obligate where the ARPA money will be used, and it must be used by the end of 2026. Darryl asked Chris to advertise for the bridge repair. A motion was made by: Dennis Naylor and seconded by: Brian McKenna for Chris Owens to solicit bids for Storm water repair and bridge repair. The motion was passed unanimously. Mayor Starner confirmed that this will be 2 separate bids. President Darryl Main confirmed it will be 2 separate bids. SOLICITOR’S REPORT: Devon stated that the enforcement letter was sent to 142 Maple Street. Chris did notify DEP that the enforcement letter was sent. Devon asked Council if anyone noticed any violations Council stated they did not witness any at this time. Darryl asked Devon if there would be any more violations, is the next step contacting the magistrate? Devon stated the Council can because it is not a zoning violation. Devon stated that you could send another letter or send to the Magistrate. 5 Center Street is in the process of being sold. Devon did speak to the Pastor at the church, and he stated that they are putting signs up deeming the structure as unsafe. Darryl stated he will check the building and see if the signs are posted. Darryl asked the Council if the signs are not up what does Council want to do? Devon stated that she has the Pastor’s cell phone number, and she recommends the some of the Council members meet with the Pastor. The Pastor stated he does not want to cause any issues in the Borough. Josh did contact the fire company and police regarding the property as an unsafe property. The Joint Refuse Specifications were given to Council and Manchester Borough approved them and if the Council approves them, we can advertise now and they will present their bid by March 29, 2024, and a decision can be made by the April Council meeting. Devon stated that both Manchester and Mount Wolf must be in agreement. A motion was made by: Pat Poet and seconded by: Brian McKenna to approve the advertisement for the Garbage Bids. The motion was passed unanimously. Revised Inspection and Zoning Officer Agreement for Rental Property Inspection Agreement for Barry Isett and Associates. Barry Isett did approve all of our changes. They did increase their fees for Zoning Inspection services from $90.00 to $93.00 per hour and for Rental Property Inspections from $100.00 to $105.00 per hour. A motion was made by: Dennis Naylor and seconded by: Brian McKenna to approve the Revised Inspection and Zoning Officer Agreement separate from the Insurance. The motion was passed unanimously. Darryl stated that our fee Resolution needs to be changed. Devon stated that she will look into this, and she will change the Resolution. Barry Isett did send their Insurance Policy. Mayor Starner stated she will look into Barry Isett’s insurance policy. Devon is working on the Sidewalk Ordinance. She asked if someone is working on this. She needs someone in the Borough to contact regarding issues. Darryl stated that she can contact him with her findings and questions. Darryl also stated that he has the information for the gentleman at LTAP. Columbia Gas Agreement. Columbia Gas did sign the Agreement. Upon the Borough signing the agreement, they will owe the Borough $1,050.00 and it will go into effect. A motion was made by: Pat Poet and seconded by: Dennis Naylor to approve the agreement. The motion was passed unanimously. Building Code Inspector is still under review. Darryl will contact Chris McDermott at Barry Isett regarding setting up a contract with them. The Borough will contact Commonwealth Code of any changes. ZONING OFFICER’S REPORT: Zoning report given to Council members for the month of January. Mayor Starner is in contact with Chris McDermott regarding property at 175 North 4th Street. TREASURER’S REPORT: Payment of Bills ~ Report of Finances ~ Receipt of Payments. A motion was made by: Dennis Naylor and seconded by: Pat Poet to pay the bills. The motion was passed unanimously. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Starner stated that Branch Managers and Assistant Branch Mangers from Member’s 1st meet here at the Borough office. They usually meet here quarterly on Wednesdays. Mayor Starner emailed Jennifer the schedule. Mayor Starner did go around the Borough to see what properties did not shovel and she sent out enforcement letters. She stated she got one call back from an angry resident. She did speak to the Chief of Police regarding the truck. The Chief stated most of these are neighbors' dispute. If it is a code violation, they will address it. Resident Lindsey Keefer stated that she lives on 5th Street and this vehicle is not inspected. She stated that she sees them driving the vehicle uninspected. Mayor Starner stated that the Police are doing all they can. STREETS REPORT: Dennis stated that the crews were out today removing the snow from the roads. Pat stated she called to Keith regarding the pothole in the alley behind her house. Keith stated that they can put “cold patch” on, but they need to wait until it warms up. Cold patch needs to be a certain temperature outside for it to work. Darryl stated if you do notice any potholes, please contact the Borough office. Leaf collector has been fixed. We still are waiting for the bill from Manchester Borough. PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT: Dan did measure the pavilions and will be ordering the paint. PROPERTY AND SERVICES REPORT: Darryl stated that there is a tree on Bear Alley that needs to be attended to. Brian stated that he will give Travis a call and get a quote. Brian did provide the Council with 2 quotes for the tool cabinet. The Borough agreed to go with the local resident. A motion was made by: Brian McKenna and seconded by: Pat Poet to approve up to and not excess $1,000.00 for the Maintenance Tool Bench Cabinet. Brian is also in the process of looking for a Fire Cabinet for the workers to store the gasoline. BUDGET AND FINANCES REPORT: No Report HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT: Mayor Starner stated that there was 10 ambulance calls for last month. Josh got a quote for Microsoft Office upgrades/authorization to purchase addition licenses for Bonnie’s computer to increase security levels. A motion was made by: Pat Poet and seconded by: Dennis Naylor to authorize the purchase for additional licenses. PERSONNEL REPORT: Bonne gave Pat a copy of the handbook that was given to her by Todd Hess. Bonnie also emailed a copy of it to Pat. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: No Report OLD BUSINESS: Pat reminded Josh about updating the Website. NEW BUSINESS: The Borough spoke to resident, Lindsey Keefer about filing the vacancy chair. Devon explained to Lindsey Keefer about the position. Lindsey stated that she will think about the position. If she so desires, she will be appointed at next Council Meeting. Executive session began at: 9:12 pm A motion was made by: Pat Poet and seconded by: Brian McKenna to adjourn executive session at: 9:37 pm A motion was made by: Dennis Naylor and seconded by: Brian McKenna to adjourn meeting. The motion was passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at: 9:42 pm The next Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday February 27, 2024, at 7 pm The next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday March 12, 2024, at 7 pm