Middletown Borough Council Minutes

July 1, 2013

July 1, 2013 Middletown, PA 17057 The July 1, 2013 meeting of the Middletown Borough Council was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Council President Christopher R. McNamara. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the following Council members answered roll call: Barbara Arnold, Donald Brooks, John Brubaker, Robert Louer, Christopher R. McNamara, Judy Putric, David Rhen, Scott Sites, and Suzanne Sullivan. Also in attendance were Borough Manager Tim Konek, and Borough Secretary Chris A. Courogen. Council President McNamara reported Mayor Robert G. Reid was absent due to illness. PUBLIC COMMENT Diana McGlone commented on right-to-know-requests she has made, allegations of a false report to police by a citizen, the Industrial and Commercial Development Authority, the joint meeting between the Borough Authority and Council, the Borough solicitors absence from the meeting and her desire for a new occupancy permit for 242 West Water Street. Jack Still commented on how Ms. McGlone, when she served as Council president, took steps to limit public comment during meetings. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 7:09 p.m., Council recessed for an executive session. Council reconvened at 8:34 p.m., with Council President McNamara reporting several items involving potential litigation, labor negotiations and personnel matters. Councilor Louer made a motion to direct the Borough Manager to pen a letter to the Mayor asking him to direct Chief Wheeler to define the role of a patrolman on the Borough police force. The motion was seconded by Councilor Rhen and approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote. Councilor Rhen made a motion to authorize the Borough Manager to execute a memorandum of understanding for shared Building Codes inspections with the Borough of Highspire, with the concurrence of the Boroughs solicitor. The motion was seconded by Councilor Arnold and approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote. Councilor Arnold made a motion to authorize the Council President to execute an agreement to purchase the property known as the Klahr Building for $12,000. The motion was seconded by Councilor Putric and approved by an 8-1 vote, with Councilor Brubaker dissenting. Councilor Sites made a motion to accept the resignations of Salvatore Bauccio and Robert Louer from the Industrial and Commercial Development Authority. The motion was seconded by Councilor Putric and approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote. Councilor Rhen made a motion to approve the transfer of $150,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to the Industrial and Commercial Development Authority for start-up

Middletown Borough Council Minutes

July 1, 2013

funding. The motion was seconded by Councilor Brooks and approved by a 7-2 vote, with Councilors Brubaker and Sites dissenting. Councilor Brooks made a motion to approve the transfer of Borough-owned parks and recreation land and facilities to the Industrial and Commercial Development Authority. The motion was seconded by Councilor Arnold and approved by a 7-2 vote, with Councilors Brubaker and Sites dissenting. Following the vote, Councilor McNamara made a statement making it clear the Council has no intention to sell off any Borough real estate assets. The move is intended as a way for the Borough to recover funds spent on the maintenance and operation of the facilities and to provide for better utilization of the facilities for the residents and children of the Borough. Councilor Putric made a motion to authorize the advertisement of an ordinance amending the regulations for the Borough-owned parking lots adjacent to Borough Hall. The motion was seconded by Councilor Rhen and approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote. Councilor Brubaker made a motion to approve the new police policy manual as presented at the prior meeting by Chief Steven Wheeler, subject to any revisions by the Boroughs solicitor. The motion was seconded by Councilor Rhen. During discussion, Councilor Brooks asked when Council will get a copy of the manual. Councilor President McNamara said Council will get copies when it is approved and explained the manual becomes a living document which can be updated, as needed, with the consent of Council. He also explained the new policy manual is the first step towards the Boroughs police becoming accredited. Councilor Sullivan asked about revisions. Council President McNamara said when they are approved by Council, they get inserted into the manual. The motion was approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote. Councilor Sullivan made a motion to authorize Borough staff to move from Code Red to the Nixle One Source plan and directing staff to work with Chief Wheeler to develop and integrated plan for use of the Nixle system. The motion was seconded by Councilor Brooks and approved by a 7-2 vote, with Councilors Brooks and Sites dissenting. After the vote, Councilor Rhen asked staff make certain the transition be done in a manner that accounts for the termination of the Boroughs current Code Red system, which is being replaced. Council President McNamara praised Borough resident Dawn Knull for bringing the idea to Council and emphasized he wants the Nixle system used by all Borough departments. In response to a follow-up question by Councilor Brooks, Borough Manager Konek made clear the system being switched to includes reverse 9-1-1 capabilities as well as Web-based messaging, all for a cost of $4,500 per year. NEW BUSINESS

Middletown Borough Council Minutes

July 1, 2013

Councilor Rhen announced the Public Safety Committee will meet at 1 p.m., July 8, in Council Chambers. Councilor Louer made a motion to suspend electricity shutoffs in the Borough while the procedure currently used is reviewed. Councilor Sites asked why not continue the current program while conducting the review. Council President McNamara said there have been several issues with the way the system currently works. He emphasized the suspension of shutoffs will not eliminate customers responsibilities for any charges, late fees, etc. The motion was approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote. Councilor Brubaker made a motion to direct the Finance Office to conduct an audit of all Borough retiree healthcare accounts. The motion was seconded by Councilor Rhen and approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote. Councilor Brubaker made a motion to direct the solicitor to review Chapter 60 of the Boroughs ordinances to make sure it is in compliance with the Pennsylvania Boroughs Code. The motion was seconded by Councilor Putric and approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote. Councilor Brooks made a motion to adjourn. It was seconded by Councilor Sullivan and approved by unanimous consent. At 8:54 p.m., the meeting was adjourned.

Borough Secretary