Eagles Mere Borough
Minutes
October 3, 2011

 

          The Eagles Mere Borough Council meeting was called to order on the above date by President Feese with the following Council members in attendance: John Ecker, Peter Glaubitz, John Huhn, Christelle Loftus, Dave Werner, Fred Mulford, and Secretary/Treasurer Wilson. In the gallery: Charles Gardner & BettyAnn Moyer

Minutes- for the previous monthly meeting were approved on a motion from Mr. Ecker, seconded by Ms. Loftus as amended.

Treasurer’s Report – for the previous monthly meeting were approved with the minutes. According to Mr. Mulford the Sweet Shop’s bill for additional bags will be split with the EMHVI. Under their contract they were to be open for 1.5 months of the billing period and are responsible for the trash billing for that time. The balance will be paid for by the EMHVI.

Code/Zoning Officer’s report: 
Zoning Permits Issued: John & Luann Ecker for change of use for existing deck.

Code Inspections:       
Permits issued: Jim Rubel- replace deck
Occupancy Certificates: Jim Rubel, deck and Toby Diltz enclosure for walk-in cooler.
Open Records Officer:  No formal requests have been received, but many inquiries have been provided verbally and copies provided.

Business Conducted – 

  • New tax parcel map w/zoning overlay is continued
  • Paving Contract awarded to Robert C. Young, Inc. to be completed by the end of October.
  • Posts in downtown area- continued
  • Blue Cross Insurance- Mr. Shoemaker was removed from BC for primary Health Insurance coverage starting in September. His senior plan insurance will be paid by the Borough up to the amount allotted for his previous insurance. Quotes for BC senioir will be faxed tomorrow.
  • Petition for ordinance for vertical construction or drilling permits- Continued.
  • Museum- two letters were received and read. Both Charles Gardner and George Jenkins for the EMHVI were opposed to the Museum being transferred to a new 501-C3. President Feese had given the Museum directors guidelines to consider prior to the museum doing researching for a 501-C3 and there have been many suggestions to consider. No decision has been made and questions still remain as to whether the status of a Commission is appropriate or whether a 501-C3 can be established just for operations, but still owned by the Borough. Current operations continue under the appointed commission and employee, governed by a committee of Council. A meeting(s) will be scheduled to discuss all of this further. The solicitor will be consulted to get an opinion regarding Commissions created by the Borough. 
  • Lycoming/Sullivan Borough’s Asso meeting: John Huhn & Christelle Loftus will attend and it was approved on motion from Mr. Glaubitz, seconded by Mr. Werner. Ms. Wilson will make reservations for October 19th.

Ms. Loftus will confer with other borough officials at the Lycoming/Sullivan County Asso. Meeting to get some information regarding other solicitors if it should become necessary to replace the current attorney of record.

  • Protecting Borough Water Sources- an ad hoc committee meeting will be held to review the Protect EM Alliance water study officiated by Mr. Feese. Mr. Glaubitz, Mr. Ecker and anyone else is invited to attend this informational meeting.
  • Budget committee and Treasurer will continue working on the 2012 budget as information is collected. All committees should develop their budgets and get the figures to the Treasurer by the 15th if possible. A budget meeting will be advertised for October 20, 11AM.
  • Trees on Lake Ave.- Lee Middleton and Ann Klotz gave the Fire Co. permission to trim trees on their property to improve the visibility for the toboggan slide operators. Council has given permission to work in the borough right of ways.
  • EMHVI has recommended Art Pursel, Jr. be appointed by the Borough Council. This was unanimously approved on motion from Mr. Ecker, seconded by Ms. Loftus.
  • Borough Damages for TS Lee – there were minor damages estimated at just over $2000 to some streets and repairs have already been made. The Authority also had a couple thousand dollars for costs to keep the plants running and road damage at the Outlet plant. On a motion from Mr. Huhn, seconded by Mr. Glaubitz, it was decided that these damages would be calculated and reported to the County to add to their total, but wouldn’t be processed for FEMA funding.
  • On a motion from Mr. Glaubitz, seconded by Mr. Ecker, Council wishes to thank the Fire Company and other folks who volunteered and assisted during the recent emergency created by tropical storm Lee.  President Feese will do a write up for the newspaper.  A letter from County Commissioner, Darla Bortz, was also read thanking everyone who assisted with the emergency efforts.
  • NIMS training for Council and others: President Feese spoke to Ms. Hastings about arranging a training session for new council members and appointees. She will get back to him.
  • Sullivan County Recreation Asso: is preparing a feasibility study for the new recreation center.  
  • Sign on Mifflin Ave damaged earlier this summer has been repaired and costs have been calculated. On a motion from Mr. Ecker, seconded by Mr. Mulford the party will be billed for damages in the amount of $83.15.
  • Conservancy sign permit was not specific where the new sign would go and they will be asked to mark the location where it will be placed.
  • Committee notes are to be kept and filed with the secretary. Mr. Glaubitz suggested that agendas for committee meetings can be marked and/or filled in to save writing separate minutes. This was approved.
  • Updates for the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) have not been started as yet.
  • Robert Coniff has tendered his resignation as EM Borough appointee to the Sullivan County Tax Committee (EIT). It was accepted with regret and a letter of thanks will be sent. 
  • John Brownback was chosen as Mr. Coniff’s replacement on the Sullivan County Tax Committee on a motion from Mr. Ecker, seconded by Mr. Mulford. He will be notified of the appointment.
  • Office hours- will be considered for limited times to be open to the public. Ms. Wilson was asked for recommendations at the next meeting.
Committees:

 

Website: Minor changes were made to the application letter being sent to website listees and possible new customers. Non-profit and community service listees that have enhanced listings will pay a minimum of $25. A Links page will be available for taxpayers @ $50 with $25 discount. Non-taxpayers may list for $100(it was noted that the gas companies would qualify if they are within the 8 mile radius of the EM Borough. Council approved the changes.

 
Infrastructure:  meeting is Tuesday @ 10am, Mr. Huhn will provide the agenda. Tar buggy needs to be purchased for street repairs. Estimated costs are about $8000 with tar, accessories and buggy. Funds will be taken out of the equipment fund this year, but need to be replaced from the 2012 budgeted amount.

Finance: continues to work on budget

Personnel:  Annual Compensation forms will be filled out and given to Mr. Mulford for annual salary reviews.  A meeting will be advertised for Oct 18th @ 4:30.

Secretary’s Notes:
  •  New Street Light on Dunham Ave- is installed and working. Contact Penelec if trees need trimmed.
  • 2010 Census numbers correction- Ms. Loftus is heading a group to investigate as per Census outlines to assure EM’s numbers..
  • Plgit memo regarding Asset management form ADV part 2 as pertains to SEC regs.
  • Cc from Charles Woodcock regarding Comcast termination & balance refund issue.
  • Cargill change regarding payments for salt contract
  • Berkheimer SAS 70 audit statement results available online.
  • Class Action notice for local government entity that paid for brand name prescription drugs based on prices reported by First Databank or Medi-Span.
  • EMC Loss control newsletter- Risk takers into risk managers
  • Pirma Update newsletter- new coverage – Cyber liability and Gutters & downspouts, sign requirements.
  • Letter sent to Geokinetic denying use of data collected.
  • Kase has filed for U/C due to reduced hours. Form has been returned to U/C.

 

The Borough’s bills were ordered paid on motion from Ms. Loftus, seconded by Mr. Huhn.  The Museum’s bills were ordered paid on a motion from Mr. Glaubitz, seconded by Ms. Loftus.
The meeting was adjourned by of the President.
                                                                                
Respectfully Submitted,

Kay L. Wilson
Secretary/Treasurer