City Council

MOUNT WOLF BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 12, 2024 The Mount Wolf Borough conducted a meeting on Tuesday March 12, 2024. The meeting was called to order by President Darryl Main @ 7p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following Council Members were present: Brian McKenna, Michael Barlett, Dan Schleig, Vice President Dennis Naylor, President Darryl Main, Josh Parish and Pat Poet Officials: Mayor: Maureen Starner, Attorney: Devon Myers, Engineer: Chris Owens, Treasurer: Jennifer Reiner, Secretary: Bonnie Bentzel ABSENT: None AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by: Pat Poet and seconded by: Dan Schleig to approve with minutes with the correction under Solicitor's report to change the word “advertise” to “advertisement”. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by Brian McKenna and seconded by Dan Schleig to approve the minutes from the Committee Meeting. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by: Dan Schleig and Michael Barlett to approve the agenda. The motion was passed unanimously. VISITORS: Desiree Boorujy, Sewer Authority Jacob Bush, Eagle Fire Company Charles Stambaugh, Resident Lindsay Keefer, Resident PUBLIC COMMENTS: Charles Stambaugh a resident of Mt. Wolf Borough. Charles stated that his organization, Northeastern York County History of Preservation, which has been around since 1997. They have been doing presentations at the Red Land Library for the past 4 years. For the month of March, they are going to have a person speaking on behalf of the Holocaust. Charles has been looking for a museum to house the artifacts. York Haven library has offered part of the library to NYCHP. Each Borough or Township will have a month to show off any artifacts that they may have in their homes. Mount Wolf will have the month of October. Charles stated that they will be doing fund raisers in the future. The museum will be open 3 days a week. Charles stated that the museum is planning on opening on May 18, 2024. The hours of operation will be Tuesday & Wednesday 4:30pm~6:30 pm. Saturday mornings 10am~12pm. Darryl stated we will have this information on the Borough Website. Desiree Boorujy from Northeastern Sewer Authority. She wanted to ask about the gas and waterline replacement project in the Borough. The Sewer Authority was hoping that the Borough and Sewer Authority could coordinate the Sewer Authority projects. So that the road would only need to be paved once. Desiree asked when the Gas Company/Water Company were going to be finished with the projects. Mayor Maureen Starner stated that we are not quite sure when the projects will be completed. Chris Owens stated that the gas company stated that they still have work that needs to be done in the Borough. Mayor stated that she will keep the Sewer Authority apprised of any updates from Columbia Gas. Attorney Myers she advised the mayor to have the residents call Columbia Gas if they have any questions regarding street closures. Desiree asked about the project at Emerson Flatts. She stated that there is a set of 4 Town Houses and a set of 2 Town Houses that are complete, and people are living at this residence. She asked in an occupancy permit has been issued for those Town Houses? Mayor Starner stated that we will need to contact the UCC Building Inspector to see if the Occupancy Permit has been issued. Desiree stated that she tried to call them without any success. Desiree stated that if the permits have been issued, the Sewer Authority has some concerns. The Sewer Authority was never notified so they could do their inspections on the Sewer. Desiree stated that they were never inspected. Josh stated that the building inspection is between the Commonwealth Code and the property owner. Darryl stated that Inch and Company should have contacted the Sewer Authority and let them know that the Town Houses are ready for occupancy and the sewer authority could do the inspection. Desiree stated as of right now, Inch and Company are not in agreement with the codes of the Sewer Authority. Desiree inquired about 541 Maple Street. She stated that the Salon is open. The apartment upstairs and behind the salon are not occupied at this time. Desiree stated that the owners of the property have been easy to work with and will be ready for the Sewer inspection. Mayor stated that she will contact the owner and inform him of the rental agreement with the Borough and she will also inform the owner that he will need to contact the Sewer Authority prior to any occupancy permits will be approved. Desiree stated that it looks there is a family occupying a residence at the New York Wire Company. Darryl stated that they will need to contact the police and issue a search warrant. Michael asked if the Sewer Authority was planning on doing inspections for illegal sewer hookup? Desiree stated, “Yes they are planning on doing the inspections”. Desiree stated that the residents will receive a letter stating that these inspections will be completed. Desiree stated what they are looking for to find where the illegal hookups are located. The residents will be given 30 days to have the inspections completed, if the residents do not comply, there will be a surcharge given the residents. The surcharges will start at 25% of the flat rate fee and will be increase by 25% increments. If the residents still do not comply after they reach the 100% the sewer authority will contact their solicitor. The inspection can be done during the day and Tuesday evenings. Jacob Bush with Eagle Fire Company stated that the fire company was awarded a $300,000 grant. It was a 4-year grant. This November will mark 4 years and the grant will end. The Eagle Fire Company has spent around $200,000. The fire company is working with a new grant writer to help spent the remaining $100,000. Darryl asked Jacob about the cost of the radios. Jacob stated that they are part of a different grant. Jacob stated that the fire company has applied for a grant for this year with the AMG Fire fighter's assistant grant. This grant will be used for the radios needed for the fire fighters. Theses radios are needed for proper communication between the fire fighters and police. Jacob stated that the fire company is looking into purchasing an AED for the fire house. Each fire truck has its own AED, but none in house. They are working on building project. They are looking into a new building. Part of the grant will be used for fire fighter physicals. Jacob stated that for each person who gets the physical and passed that individual will receive a free set of gear. They had 10 fire fighters pass and they are planning to send 8 more fire fighters this month. Jacob stated that the gear will be good for 10 years. Jacob stated that the fire company will be getting a new boat. It is a bag boat that will be used for flooding. It will be inflated during the summer and will sit on the current boat, and it will be deflated in the wintertime and placed back into the bag to prevent any damage. The fire company will also be receiving a new duty vehicle. a 2021 Dodge Ram. This was a separate grant for this vehicle. Jacob asked Josh if there is any other information needed for the tax break. Darryl stated that you will be to show proof that you paid the taxes due and turn that into the Borough office for a rebate. ENGINEER’S REPORT: Chris stated that he reviewed the stormwater maps and determined the worse spots. Chris stated that he would like to get together with Dennis regarding the this. Chris stated that he would like to get this completed before Columbia Gas paves the road. Chris stated that some of the spots are on Center Street and that is a State Road. Chris stated that we are up and running with PA ONE call. He stated that he has received some calls. A motion was made by Pat Poet and seconded by Michael Barlett to approve HRG/York County Agreement for the Bridge Inspections for South Main Street Bridge. This is a free inspection from the County. The years they will inspect the Bridge will be for 2024-2028. The motion was passed unanimously. Bids are out for Bridge repair. This will be voted on and approved at the next Council meeting. Pothole inspections were completed by Brian McKenna, and he reported back to Keith where the potholes are located in the Borough. Cold Patch can not to applied until the weather gets warmer. SOLICITOR’S REPORT: Resolution 2024-3 Vacancy Chair to appoint Lindsay Keefer. Lindsay Keefer agreed to be appointed. A motion was made by Michael Barlett and seconded by Dan Schleig to approve Resolution 2024-3, appointing Lindsay Keefer to the Vacancy Chair. The motion was passed unanimously. Action regarding bid Joint Municipal Refuse Bid was advertised. A request was made from Republic. The want us and Manchester Borough to add a full cart option. Manchester Borough met last night and decided not to add this change. Darryl stated that this would not be feasible in the Borough because of the narrow streets and on street parking. A motion was made by Pat Poet and seconded by Josh Parish not to revise the bid. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by Pat Poet and seconded by Josh Parish not to change the amendment on the Refuse Bid. The motion was passed unanimously. Rental Property Agreement, Devon stated that we were waiting for the insurance policy from Barry Isett. An insurance agent looked over the policy and stated that the policy was in good standings. A motion was made by Pat Poet and seconded by Brian McKenna to formalize the agreement with the insurance policy that were provided. The motion was passed unanimously. 5 Center Street did place on sign. Darryl stated that he only saw one sign and it was a small sign. Brian McKenna stated that he heard that the building has been sold. Devon stated to make sure that all permits must be completed before any of the signs come down. Devon asked Columbia Gas to have all the fees sent to her directly and they declined. They stated that Mount Wolf Borough is already set up as a vendor in their system. We still have not received anything from Columbia Gas. If we do not hear back or receive anything from Columbia Gas, Devon recommends that we contact Columbia Gas stating that if we do not get the funds immediately, we will ask for additional fees to be paid. Devon stated she will send them a formal letter. Devon stated that the Borough got 2 requests from “NELL” and “ACES” to use the baseball fields at Greiman Park. Devon stated that she did get the final agreement from NELL, but no signed agreement. We are still waiting for the final agreement for ACES. Devon stated that the certificate of insurance, (for NELL) in the additional insurance block states Greiman Park but needs to be changed to Mount Wolf Borough. Dan stated that he will be meeting with a Holly from “NELL” and Manny “ACES” on Monday March 18th, 2024, at 7pm. Devon will send Dan the final agreement to have them sign. Darryl asked Devon to add the concession stand to the agreement. Dan stated that Manny and Holly spoke about the use of the fields and they both came to an agreement on sharing the field. Dan stated they will speak about the maintain of the field with Holly. Holly is also requesting that she has a list of maintenance to the field. Dan is unsure if Holly wants the Borough to do this or if she is asking if NELL will be fixing. Dan stated that when they meet on Monday March 18th, he will get these questions answered and report to Council at the next meeting. Dan stated that certain maintenance or modification that NELL is requesting must be approved by the Borough before anything is done to the fields. Dan asked that this be added to the final agreement. A motion was made by Pat Poet and seconded by Brian McKenna to approve the agreement with NELL on contingent with the approval of the schedule and them changing the Certificate of Insurance from Greiman Park to Mount Wolf Borough. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by Brian McKenna and seconded by Michael Barlett to approve the agreement with ACES on contingent with the approval of the schedule and the Certificate of Insurance being provided to the Borough. The motion was passed unanimously. Dan stated that he did reach out to Andy (representative for the Wolves Baseball team). We do have his information and agreement. Devon stated that she never got the fully executed copies. Bonnie will locate this for Devon and provide her this information. Devon stated that the agreement will automatically renew, the Borough just needs to approve the schedule. Devon stated that we do not have a signed agreement with “Bad Company”. We do have a signed with the “Wolves”. ZONING OFFICER’S REPORT: Zoning reports were sent to all Council members and to Jay King and filed. TREASURER’S REPORT: Payment of Bills ~ Report of Finances ~ Receipt of Payments The Borough received a bill from Klugh Animal Control. They had a call regarding two dogs in the Borough. The bill was for $126.00. A motion was made by Josh Parish and seconded by Pat Poet to send the bill to the residents who own the dogs. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made by Michael Barlett and seconded by Dan Schleig to approve and pay the bills. The motion was paid unanimously. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Starner stated that she was unable to attend the Police Board meeting. Mayor Starner stopped at the Magistrate’s office to get the form to fine the residents on 5th Street who refuse to put the house number on their house, the Magistrate’s office would not tell the mayor what form is needed. They told the mayor that she will need to speak to our solicitor to find out what form is needed. Devon stated that she will need to get a civil form. Devon stated that if she needs any other assistance to let her know. Mayor Starner emailed each Council member information regarding the Radar Signs. A printed copy was given to Dennis Naylor. The Council members would like to get the solar power radar signs. A motion was made by Pat Poet and seconded by Michael Barlett from Radar City T-C 600 to approve the authorization to purchase of 2 solar radar signs at a cost of $7906.00. The motion was passed unanimously. Mayor Starner stated that she got a call from a resident about people riding dirt bikes on Borough Streets. Michael stated that they are riding down Dewey Street and coming down 2nd Street. Dan mentioned that the residents who are riding the dirt bikes are new to the area, and they live on 2nd Street. The dirt bikes are not legally registered. Mayor Starner stated that she will contact the Police. STREETS REPORT: A motion was made by Josh Parish and seconded by Michael Barlett to approve Dennis Naylor to sign the Salt Contract and agreement with Manchester Township. The motion was passed unanimously. Dennis signed the contract, and it was filed. PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT: Dan stated new mulch needs to be purchased at Mount Wolf Park. A motion was made by: Pat Poet and seconded by: Michael Barlett to authorize purchase mulch for the Mt. Wolf Park, not to exceed $2000.00. The motion was passed unanimously. Otterbein will be holding their annual Sunrise Easter Service at the Mount Wolf Park on March 31st, 2024 @ 6:30 am. Otterbein Church requested the use of Mount Wolf Park for an evening concert on July 21st, 2024. The time of the concert will be from 7pm to 9:30pm. Darryl stated that we will need to inform the police that the park hours will be extended. Darryl stated that they will need to sign an agreement and we will need a copy of the Certificate of Insurance prior to the concert. A motion was made by Pat Poet and seconded by Brian McKenna to approve the use of Mount Wolf Park for the evening concert contingent on the signing of the agreement and Certificate of Insurance and the extending the hours of the park to 9:30pm. The motion was passed unanimously. Dan presented tree trimming and maintenance on Borough property. The trees in the alley between Bear Alley and the maintenance shed will be trimmed. Dan also asked Travis to trim the trees along the first base line at the Wolves Baseball Field. A motion was made by Michael Barlett and seconded by Brian McKenna to approve the authorization for trimming of the trees on Borough property not to excess $1500.00. The motion was passed unanimously. Dan got a quote on the Key Fobs from Coulson for the Borough buildings (2 doors upstairs and 1 downstairs) and the maintenance garage and concession stand plus “Cloud service” total of $ 8600.00. This does not include the locks and handles on the doors this would cost an additional $4596.00. The Council decided that this is too much. Dan will get a quote for changing all the locks. Dan will get this quote and report back at next council meeting. PROPERTY AND SERVICES REPORT: Brian got quotes for the Fire Cabinets for the maintenance building. A motion was made by Dan Schleig and seconded by Michael Barlett to approve the authorization to purchase the Fire Cabinet from Uline. The motion was passed unanimously. Brian got quotes for the purchase an under the truck sprayer for the maintenance trucks. This will help prevent rust and other damage from the Salt to the Maintenance truck. A motion was made by Michael Barlett and seconded by Dan Schleig to approve the authorization to purchase the under the truck sprayer not to exceed $90.00. The motion was 7 yes and 1 no. BUDGET AND FINANCES REPORT: Michael reviewed the findings from the Auditor and spoke about the suggestions they made. Michael stated that we need to change to order for the Auditor to add the fire tax. A motion was made by Pat Poet and seconded by Brian McKenna to approve the change order to Hamilton & Musser to add the fire tax at a cost of $500.00. The motion was passed unanimously. The Council agreed to have Pat initial the time sheet for all employees. Keith will need to review and sign off the maintenance workers and he will give to Pat to review and approve. HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT: Northeastern School District has 2 resource officers. These officers are employed by the district during the school year and by the Police station when school is out of session. Dan reported that there is an officer at the Mount Wolf elementary school. He stated that the officer is not “paying” attention to the vehicles. He saw 2 cars not stop at the stop sign and the officer did nothing about it. Mayor Starner will ask the Police Chief at the next Police Board Meeting PERSONNEL REPORT: The personnel committee met on Thursday March 7, 2024. Pat will make any changes to the Handbook, (as suggested by the committee) and she will email to all Council members and to Devon for her review. Pat suggested that the sign at the park. The sign is asking for people to volunteer at the fire company. She stated that the number is not the correct digits. She is asking for the sign to be corrected or taken down. Josh stated this would be the fire company’s responsibility. Pat was asking if the Borough Building is going to be repainted. She stated that it needs to be done. Pat stated that her granddaughter may be interested in painting the new mural. PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Darryl and Mayor Starner attended a meeting of Northeastern Emergency Management Organization. EMS are looking to purchase new radios. The radios cost around $5,000 to $8,000. Michael Fischer stated that they need between 8 to 12 new radios. Michael stated that he will replace as needed. Michael will provide a list of things they need. Mayor Starner stated that some residents would donate the supplies that are needed. Darryl asked for a motion to approve the authorization the EMA coordinator to spend $500.00 for emergency purchases without prior authorization and authorization to ensure EMA has a minimum of $1500.00 to operate for the year. A motion was made by Pat Poet and seconded by Michael Barlett to approve the authorization the EMA coordinator to spend $500.00 for emergency purchases without prior authorization and authorization to ensure EMA has a minimum of $1500.00 to operate for the year. The motion was passed unanimously. Darryl stated the Michael Fischer will keep a record of all expenses and will turn it into the Borough. OLD BUSINESS: Devon stated that she everything done with the Rental Property agreement. Devon stated that she needs a list of the properties that will need to be inspected. 1/3 of the rental properties will be inspected each year. Mayor Starner will provide that list to Devon. NEW BUSINESS: None Executive Session started at @ 10:22 pm. A motion to adjourn the meeting by: Pat Poet and seconded by: Michael Barlett. The motion was passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 pm The next Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday March 26, 2024 @ 7pm The next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday April 9,2024 @ 7pm