Eagles Mere Borough
Minutes
December 7, 2009

          The Eagles Mere Borough Council meeting was called to order on the above date by President Feese with the following Council members and Mayor Hays in attendance: Peter Glaubitz, Christelle Loftus, Bob Ryan, Dave Switzer and Secretary/Treasurer Wilson.

Public Comments: George Jenkins questioned the need for a tax increase while the Borough has funds on deposit. President Feese pointed out that these funds were set aside from the proceeds of the sale of the airport to fund future Borough projects and infrastructure, and hedge against a local disaster.  The tax assessment didn’t increase at all for 2010 and taxes have not been raised in a long time.  Mr. Glaubitz elaborated on several more reasons for the increase and suggested a letter be composed to explain all of them to the taxpayers.
Councilman elect, John Huhn asked why the Borough hired a new winter helper when there was a part time employee available at a lower hourly rate. It was noted that the new winter helper was chosen for to his experience and references. The other employee will be reconsidered if the man hired doesn’t work out.
H1N1 vaccinations will be available for all emergency personnel on Dec 16 from 2:30 to 7 Pm.
 
Minutes- for the previous monthly meeting were approved on a motion from Ms. Loftus, seconded by Mr. Switzer.

Treasurer’s Report – was accepted on motion from Ms. Loftus, seconded by Mr. Switzer.

 

Zoning Officer’s Report- 
Letter from Bob Buehner inquiring if his sidewalks are mandatory. Sent him a copy of the list and ordinance.  Had another letter inquiring if the sidewalk ordinance is enforced in the EM Park, I informed the individual that it is not.
Booth’s Plumbing was informed of the Council’s suggestion to put up a barrier to hide junk until it can be disposed of.  If it doesn’t interfere with snow removal it may be a possibility to consider.
Borough Zoning Permit- Rick Mills for addition
Code Inspections:
          Certificate of Occupancy-James Morgan- foundation & floor.

Business Conducted – 
Charles Lockard presented the 2010 insurance report. Overall increases are approximately 7% for next year.  Increases for PIRMA(liability) include claims for the fire company, coverage for an additional new truck and public officials liability. Property insurance increased for new truck. There was an increase in the minimum limit of appraisal for the Museum, which will result in a credit. New classification for museum workers will result in a credit for worker’s comp. A credit of $189 will be issued for the difference of the total stated and adjustments made after the treasurer received the billing. This is in addition to other credits of about $700-750. It was noted that the EMBA pays a portion of these premiums. Borough budgeted amounts will cover the balance quoted once the credits are applied.

Borough Budget- On a motion from Mr. Glaubitz, seconded by Ms. Loftus the Borough, including the Museum budget, was adopted unanimously. On a motion from Mr. Glaubitz, seconded by Mr. Switzer a letter will be sent to all taxpayers explaining a 2010 tax increase. The Trash fee will be increased to $150.

Tax Ordinance- the regular meeting was recessed for a public hearing for the duly advertised Tax Ordinance.  President Feese reconvened the regular meeting and on his motion, seconded by Mr. Switzer the tax ordinance was approved unanimously at .84 mil for general fund and .1624 mil for the fire tax, 1.002 mil total.
Museum Property for bid- Approximately 90 sq feet of oak flooring, several glass panels and 1 lamp post were advertised for bid. Two bids were received. One from Mr. Glaubitz for $25 for all and second one from Gary Moore for $75 for the flooring and lamppost. Mr. Moore’s bid was accepted on a motion from Ms. Loftus, seconded by Mr. Ryan. He may retrieve his belongings as soon as payment is presented.
Street Weight Limit- The Traffic Study provided by Bassett Engineering needs to be adopted and an ordinance passed to be able to post and bond streets. Ms. Wilson will get the resolution & ordinance that the Commissioners were to provide.
EM Park Street Lights and the peace and order Ad Hoc Cmte report was tabled.
2010 meetings will be advertised for the first Monday of each month except September, which will be held on Tuesday September 7th.
COG representative for 2010. Ms. Wilson asked not to be reappointed due to a scheduling conflict with EMBA meetings. Mr. Glaubitz suggested that Tim Borges be asked to fill this appointment if allowed by COG by-laws. 
PSAB Borough Management Caucus, $25 renewal was approved on a motion from Ms. Loftus, seconded by Mr. Switzer.
Auditor engagement letter stated it would not exceed $2650 for 2009 audit. This is a $200 deficit for the amount budgeted. On a motion from Mr. Glaubitz, seconded by Ms. Loftus the estimate was approved.
Borough News Magazine will be purchased for those who wish them.
Bradford County SPCA annual request for $22.95 was approve on motion from Mr. Glaubitz, seconded by Mr. Switzer.
Billing from Brett Feese It was determined that a consultation with Wendy Hastings for the Ambulance Asso. will not be paid by the Borough. Ms. Wilson will notify Attorney Feese of the correction needed. 
The treasurer requested that the signature limit on checks be increased to $2500 to accommodate paying monthly bills without 2 signatures (current limit is $2000). Bills are checked and approved by someone from the Finance Committee for payment and a monthly transaction report is provided to Council with the agendas. On a motion from Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ryan the limit for 2 signatures will be raised to $2500.
Mr. Glaubitz proposed placement of pages on the Borough’s website for the museum shop and Eagles Mere Air museum. The air museum would also have a hot link. The web-manager could duplicate current pages to cut and paste. These could be added at this time while she is doing other updates. On a motion from Mr. Glaubitz, seconded by Mr. Ryan both items will be included on the website.
Emergency Plan resolution to adopt and promulgate the new plan. On a motion from Mr. Switzer, seconded by Ms. Loftus the resolution was unanimously adopted.
PSAB is requesting photos of Borough facilities or other interesting community sites. Ms. Wilson will send the photos selected by Ms. Loftus.
Borough Branch expense report was provided. Operation estimates could be based on the figures presented if the frontier phone bill is increased to cover 12 months.  Set-up costs were paid by the Borough with the balance left in the reserve account set aside for moving to the new facilities. $5000 will be left in that open reserve account and any other funds remaining will be place back in the endowment account.
Mr. Smith will be leaving Council at year-end and the Secretary was asked to draft a letter of appreciation for his many years of service to the community.
President Feese called for an executive session to discuss some personnel issues.
On a motion from Ms. Loftus, seconded by Mr. Switzer the bills were approved for payment.

Secretary’s Notes-

  1. All estimates and paid receipts for lightning damage have been turned over to EMC insurance company. Additional casualty was the base radio in the office estimated @ $788.00. Total damages over $5900.
  2.  Streets lights reported out and repaired. 2 Allegheny Av & 1 on Laporte Av.
  3. Memo from President Feese-Jeremy Moore was hired @ $20/hr to fill the winter helper’s position. He was directed to work with Frank a few hours to get familiar with streets and equipment.
  4. Letter received from PSAB U/C sent to President Feese regarding missing payment. Pligit hadn’t made the transfer to PSAB, but had received the directive on 10/6/09. The transfer has since been finalized.
  5. S.C. Emergency Services has been advised there was no hazardous mitigation plan file that would pre-qualify EM Borough for emergency funds in the event of a disaster or declared emergency. EM would have to file at such time.
  6. TALX will be sending U/C reports electronically. Statements will continue in hard copy.
  7. Sept minutes for COG - trying to coordinate grants for long-range group road repair and maintenance funds.
  8. Census- filled out and returned boundary update.
  9. Frontier Conference calls available with new business package.
  10. Getting estimates for digitizing minute books from Code Publishers.
  11. National Employee benefits assistance program information.
  12. Delta dental will not be raising rates for 2010
  13. Sull Co School Dist appointed Yvonne Evangelisti Earned Income Tax collector @ 4.5%. Boroughs will pay 7% for shared costs.

The regular meeting was recessed to executive session, after which, the meeting was reconvened. No further business needed recording and it was then adjourned by the President.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Kay L. Wilson
Secretary/Treasurer