City Council

THE MOUNT WOLF BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2024 The Mount Wolf Borough conducted a meeting on Tuesday November 12, 2024. The meeting was called to order by President Darryl Main at 7pm. ATTENDANCE: The following Council Members were present: Pat Poet, President Darryl Main, Vice President Dennis Naylor, Michael Barlett, Brian McKenna and Dan Schleig Officials: Mayor Maureen Starner, Attorney: Devon Myers, Engineer: Chris Owens, Treasurer: Jennifer Reiner, Secretary: Bonnie Bentzel ABSENT: Josh Parish APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND AGENDA: A motion was made by: Michael Barlett and seconded by: Pat Poet to approve minutes from October 8th, 2024, Council meeting and October 22nd ,2024, Committee meeting. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by: Michael Barlett and seconded by: Dan Schleig to approve the agenda. The motion was passed unanimously. VISITORS: Charles Stambaugh, Resident Bryan Rizzo, YCRPD PUBLIC COMMENTS: Charles Stambaugh “Thanked the Borough for the items that they donated for use”. Charles Stambaugh reported that Jim McClure spoke at Library, and he provided information regarding Mount Wolf. Charles Stambaugh stated that 37 people attended the lecture. Chief Bryan Rizzo stated that they are still working on the budget. Mayor Starner reported to Chief Rizzo that she was informed that people are still going the wrong way on North Second Street. Mayor Starner reported to Chief Rizzo that she received an email from Lt. Kay regarding issues with the Dog Officer. Mayor Starner stated that the dog officer is not responding to calls. ENGINEER’S REPORT: Chris Owens reported he did get the paperwork for the Local Share Grant. Chris will apply for the Local Share Grant. President Darryl Main reported that he got an email stating that our request for a Grant for the Backhoe is being reviewed. Chris Owens reported that he will be sending a copy of the application and resolution to the Borough Office once he submits it. Chris Owens reported on the the Second Street storm water project and will advertise for the bid package. Chris Owens stated that he will do this for the month of December. Chris Owens reported on Second Street we are keeping the inlets and just replacing the pipe replace that go to the junction box. SOLICITOR’S REPORT: Devon Myers reported she reviewed the BCO contracts and sent it to Barry Isett and Company for their approval they did make a few changes with increased their rate by $2.00 to $95 per hour for zoning and rentals for 2025. Devon Myers informed Council they will need to approve the agreement again with the changes then she can finalize it and send back to Barry Isett and Company to have them sign it. A motion was made by: Michael Barlett and seconded by: Pat Poet to approve with the changes to the fee schedule. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Dennis Naylor and seconded by: Michael Barlett to withdraw Commonwealth Code as our Building Inspector effective December 31st, 2024 @ 11:59 pm and assign Barry Isett and Company the Borough’s new Building Code Inspector effective January 1st, 2025 @ 12am. The motion passed unanimously. Devon Myers reported Resolution 2024-8 resolution adds Barry Isett and Companys fees and a $50 administrative fee that goes to the borough. A motion was made by: Michael Barlett and seconded by: Brian McKenna to approve the Resolution 2024-8 updating the service and fee resolution. The motion was passed unanimously. Devon Myers reported Legislative Act 131 of 2024 compensation for Borough Council Members the house bill was signed by the governor which gives Councils the ability to increase the council members and Mayor’s salary. This bill will be for newly elected members only. President Darryl Main asked Attorney Devon Myers if the Borough could authorize to charge the property owner for the clean up from Emerson Flatts putting in a turning lane on Maple Street and not cleaning up the mess that was left on the road. Devon Myers asked the Council if they know who the Contractor did the work. Council stated they did not know who the Contractor was. Devon Myers asked if any photographs we taken and President Darryl Main stated “no”, but there are a lot of eyewitnesses to the mess that was left on the road before East Manchester Township cleaned the area. A motion was made by: Dennis Naylor and seconded by Dan Schleig to authorization to seek reimbursement for the charge of clean up left from the turning lane placed by Emerson Flatts. The motion was passed unanimously. Devon Myers reported that the Borough need to revise the Right to Know policy that if an anonymous request comes into the Borough Office, the Borough has the right not to provide the information. ZONING OFFICER REPORT: Chris McDermott sent the zoning report for October. Bonnie Bentzel sent report to Jay King at York County Assessment Office. TREASURER’S REPORT: Payment of Bills ~ Report of Finances ~ Receipt of Payments A motion was made by: Michael Barlett and seconded by: Pat Poet to authorize donation of $1,200.00 to the Lions Club for the Halloween Parade. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by: Dennis Naylor and seconded by: Pat Poet to authorize donation of $ 500.00 to Northeastern Senior Center for 2024 and $ 1,000.00 for 2025. The motion was passed unanimously. Brian McKenna abstained from the vote. A motion was made by: Michael Barlett and seconded by: Dan Schleig to approve the Payment of Bills, Report of Finances and Receipt of Payments. The motion was passed unanimously. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Starner reported that she did perform a wedding at Sam Lewis State Park on Saturday November 9th, 2024. Mayor Starner reported she did have complaint calls regarding the smell of the fertilizer used on the farm. Darryl Main stated that the resident needs to contact York County Conservation or DEP. Mayor Starner stated that she will contact the resident. Mayor Starner reported she had a complaint from resident George Borring at Otterbein Church. He asked who is doing the road work. Mayor Starner asked George what street he was inquiring about, and he stated Center Street. Mayor Starner informed him that he will need to contact PennDOT. PennDOT is working on that road. Mayor Starner reported the resident who owner the property at the corner of South 2nd and Maple (she had some damage from a tractor trailer that came up through couple months ago). She stated that she works from home and she informed Mayor Starner that there is an enormous amount of tractor trailer traffic coming up into the borough. They are not turning left or right there at Diehl’s Funeral Home. The resident reported that they are coming up Maple Street and trying and take a left on 2nd St. which there's not enough clearance. The resident is requesting if the Borough could look into putting more signage to stating “No Trucks” up Maple Street. President Darryl Main that we will need to do a traffic study before placing any “No Trucks” sign. President Darryl Main asked Vice President Dennis Naylor if he and Keith are still certified to do the traffic study. Vice President Dennis Naylor stated that Keith is, but he is not. President Darryl Main will ask Keith to do the traffic study. Michael Barlett stated that he did get a complaint from a resident regarding people butchering chickens in their backyard. Michael Barlett stated there is no law against butchering chickens in your backyard. Pat Poet stated that she is not sure about that. Pat Poet reported that that our ordinance only allows the resident to have 4 chickens. In the ordinance they're considering chickens as domestic the animal. President Darryl Main asked if the resident is doing this out in public for everyone to see. Michael Barlett reported that he thinks the resident is doing this in his garage of backyard (which he does have a privacy fence). Mayor Starner and Michael Barlett stated that if the chickens are being raised for food, and they do not consider the chickens as domestic animals. Michael Barlett stated that he is not sure if the ordinance is updated or not. President Darryl Main stated that the Borough should inquire other municipalities on what their ordinances are regarding the matter of killing animals in your backyard. Mayor Starner reported that a resident requested to park his tractor trailer in the Borough. The resident called and asked if it would be ok to park his tractor trail in the borough because he's starting a new job, and he has to have a place to store. Mayor Starner reported that the resident and his perspective employer emailed her. Mayor Starner stated that she consulted with Darryl, they discussed where he wants to park the tractor trailer people would have an issue making that turn. Mayor Starner informed the resident if we allow him to do this, that will allow people to park their tractor trailers anywhere in the borough and there are very few places in the borough that would allow for this. Mayor Starner informed the resident that he should attend our meeting and request permission to park in the Borough. Mayor Starner stated that she received an email from his employer stating that they will look for another area to park the tractor trailer. STREETS REPORT: Dennis Naylor reported leaf collections has started and it is going well. Dennis Naylor reported that he has been in contact with Deitz/Nauman, and the radar signs are ready to be placed. One radar sign will be placed a cross from Emerson Flatts on Main Street and the other one will be placed at Seventh Street and Center Street. President Darryl Main reported that last meeting the Borough discussed action for Moratorium on issuing street opening permits. Devon Myers stated unfortunately the Borough can not do anything regarding this. Devon Myers stated that the Borough could request from all the utility companies to request a year break from all work in the borough. PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT: Dan Schleig reported that the Halloween Celebration was a success. Darryl Main suggested that for next Halloween, the Borough place cones down Main Street to slow down traffic. Dan Schleig reported that he has not heard anything regarding the fence. Dan Schleig stated that he will contact the fence company. Treasurer Jennifer Reiner stated that she has heard back from the insurance company, and they did pay on the claim from the storm. Dan Schleig that a resident requested that the Borough plants a tree so that it can be decorated for Christmas. PROPERTY AND SERVICES REPORT: A motion was made by: Michael Barlett and seconded by: Dan Schleig to authorize the agreement and the payment of $1032.00 for 2025 to YSPCA for kennel and lost animal recovery. The motion was passed unanimously. BUDGET AND FINANCE REPORT: President Darryl Main reported that our EMA coordinator drafted an e-mail for us here asking for more money. Darry Main stated that he did speak with Mr. Naylor today off to the side about certain things. President Darryl Main stated that he is not opposed to the amount they are asking for. President Darryl Main stated the Borough is going to get some help from the county and from the new owners and TMI. EMA coordinator is requesting that the Borough increase from $1000.00 to $2000.00. The Borough has already increased the budget for this request. A motion was made by: Pat Poet and seconded by: Dan Schleig to authorize the advertise the proposed 2025 Budget with the increase of donation to the Northeastern Senior Center to $1,000.00 for 2025. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by: Dennis Naylor and seconded by: Michael Barlett to authorize and drafting/resolution approving the tax rate to remain current tax rate. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by: Pat Poet and seconded by Michael Barlett to authorize to advertise the budget for 2025. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by: Brian McKenna and seconded by: Dan Schleig to authorize drafting/resolution to approve the Hamilton Musser as our independent auditor. The motion was passed unanimously. HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT No Report PERSONNEL REPORT: Pat Poet will meet with the employees after the budget has been passed. Mayor Starner reported that she is meeting with Treasurer Jennifer Reiner and Secretary Bonnie Bentzel. Mayor Starner stated that office hours are listed as Tuesday 6:00pm to 8:00pm Wednesday 9:00 AM at noon and Thursday 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Starting the New Year, office hours will be changed. Mayor Starner stated that Council Meeting both the Treasurer and Secretary attend, but the Committee Meeting only one needs to attend. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: No Report OLD BUSINESS: Zoning hearing for Melissa Miller will be held at the Borough Building on Thursday November 14th at 6:30 pm. Council may want to consider finding an alternate for the Zoning Board. Steve Hess how agreed to be on the board, never returns emails and has not been to any of the zoning hearings since he has been appointed to the board. Devon Myers suggested that we send him a letter asking him to resign from the position. NEW BUSINESS: Josh Parish reached out to President Darryl Main regarding skunks in the Borough. President Darryl Main reported that this does not fall under the animal control officer. The resident needs to call the game commission or a licensed wildlife specialist. The fee will be charged to the resident that called for this service. Darryl Main reported that Borough needs to discuss the schedule for 2025 and authorize/drafting for advertisement. A motion was made by: Dan Schleig and seconded by Pat Poet to authorize/drafting for advertisement for the meeting schedule for 2025. The meetings will be held for Council Meeting the second Tuesday of every month and Committee Meetings the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 pm with the exception of Tuesday December 23rd, 2025. That meeting will be cancelled. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by: Pat Poet and seconded by Michael Barlett to cancel Committee meeting for December 31st, 2024, with the advertisement of cancellation on Facebook, website and on bulletin board. The motion was passed unanimously. President Darryl Main reported that he and Mayor Starner attended a meeting with Northeastern School District. The meeting was held with all the municipal leaders. The meeting was held in the Administration Building. Northeastern School District reported they're doing some projects so they're going to revamp the high school. The construction is going to continue until 2028. The School District reported that they are finished with phase one. Phase 2 will include a fitness center that could be open to the public. A new security system. This system will have swipe cards instead of keys for all the schools in the district. President Darryl Main wanted to highlight that they they're doing what they call a parent university so they're trying to get the students parents and the parents and the community to attend these meetings and they're doing like informational things like this first one here's December 16th at 6:00 and its social media and mental health. They're going to have the attorney general's office there as well as Wellspan. The school district also will have school safety and standard response on January 14th, 2025, and they will have more sessions in February March and April and they're looking for ideas these upcoming meetings. Darryl Main reported that the Northeastern School District stated they sent out that they gave us a pamphlet here if you want to look at not talking about the capital project basically it's only going to cost 2.22 mills in addition for the next three years to complete. Darryl Main reported that will not include increase of pricing for operating costs. Mayor Starner reported that the increase is just for school construction that's not inclusive of any other potential increases. A motion was made by: Michael Barlett and seconded by Dan Schleig to adjourn the meeting. The motion was passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at: 9:35 pm The next Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday November 26th @ 7 pm The next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday December 10th @ 7 pm