Kutztonian News

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STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
KUTZTOWN, PA
PERMIT NO. 1
A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E B O R O U G H O F K U T Z T O W N , P E N N S Y L VA N I A
Kutztonian News
VOLUME XVII
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS
As residents of the Borough of Kutztown, we want
you to know who your elected officials are and what
areas of interest within the Borough they serve.
MAYOR
Sandra K. Green
Mayor Green was elected in 2006, and her current
term expires in December, 2013. Although the
Mayor is not appointed to any Committees of
Council, she is actively involved in the Community
Development and Public Safety, Personnel and
Public Works Committees.
Editors: Bonnie Bray and Gina M. Wiand
© 2010 Borough of Kutztown
45 Railroad Street
Kutztown, PA 19530-1112
Hometown
Utilicom
YOUR TOWN. YOUR SYSTEM. YOUR SAVINGS.
and now... Your DIGITAL community!
FIBER-OPTIC BROADBAND INTERNET
Different options based on your need for speed!
ANALOG, DIGITAL & HD TELEVISION CHOICES
Premium Channels also available!
SIGN UP & SAVE WITH HU!
610-683-5722 • hometownutilicom.org
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He served as Vice President from 2006 through 2009.
He is chairman of the Personnel Committee and
also serves on the Finance and Electric Committee
and the Telecommunications and Information
Technologies Committee. His current term expires
in December, 2011.
COUNCIL MEMBER
Kevin J. Snyder
Councilman Snyder was appointed to Council in 2006.
He is chairman of the Public Works Committee and
Vice President Schlegel was appointed to Council also serves on the Water and Wastewater Committee
in 2006 and he became Vice President in 2010. He is and the Personnel Committee. His current term
chairman of the Water and Wastewater Committee expires in December, 2013.
and also serves on the Public Works Committee
and the Telecommunications and Information COUNCIL MEMBER Derek D. Mace
Technologies Committee. His current term expires Councilman Mace, Council’s newest member, was
appointed in 2009. He is chairman of the Community
in December, 2011.
Development and Public Safety Committee and also
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM Mark R. Gangewere serves on the Finance and Electric Committee and
President Pro Tem Gangewere was appointed to the Water and Wastewater Committee. His current
Council in 2006 and he became President Pro Tem term expires in December, 2013.
in 2010. He is chairman of the Telecommunications
and Information Technologies Committee and also
Learn more at www.kutztownboro.org
serves on the Community Development and Public
• Additional information about the elected officials,
Safety Committee and the Public Works Committee.
including voting ward information, phone numbers and
His current term expires in December, 2011.
E-mail addresses are available on the Elected Officials link.
COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT
James F. Schlegel
COUNCIL MEMBER Edwin
K. Seyler
Councilman Seyler was elected to Council in 2003.
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THIS I
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By supporting Hometown Utilicom, you’re supporting YOUR hometown!
Malcolm A. Eidle
President Eidle was originally appointed to Council
in 1986. He became Vice President in 1996 and
President in 2006. He is chairman of the Finance
and Electric Committee and also serves on the
Community Development and Public Safety
Committee and the Personnel Committee. His
current term expires in December, 2013.
INS
I
Kutztonian News
COUNCIL PRESIDENT
L to R: Sandy Green, Kevin Snyder, Mark Gangewere,
Edwin Seyler, Malcolm Eidle, Derek Mace, James Schlegel
• Borough meeting dates and times are also listed on
the Public Meeting Calendar link.
Employee Spotlight.................................... 2
Telecom & IT Update................................ 6
Community Events.................................... 3
Audit Notice............................................... 7
Officer Terry Hahn Retired........................ 3
Alert Siren.................................................. 3
Parks & Recreation................................. 4-5
Library Notes............................................. 6
Public Works Update................................. 7
Borough Phone Numbers........................... 7
BOROUGH BUZZ
FINANCE & PUBLIC WORKS
AUDIT NOTICE FOR YEAR END 2009
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Borough of Kutztown, Berks County, PA
Dennis Hassler
Since August, 2009, Dennis has worked as an operator in the Borough’s Water Treatment
Plant. He is happy with his job, and he especially likes the people with whom he works.
When he’s not working, Dennis enjoys baseball, hunting and fishing. Dennis is the son
of Bryan and Jessica Hassler, and he has one sister, Stephanie.
12/31/09
Fiduciary Funds
Police Pension Fund
$ 2,191,446 2,705,667
Omar Sanchez
Patrol Officer Omar Sanchez joined the Kutztown Police Department in
December, 2009. His family includes his mother, Flor Cortes; father, Rafael
Sanchez; sister, Viviana Sanchez; and brother, Diego Sanchez. Omar’s
interests outside of police work include running, shooting and going to the
movies.
Karl Schemberg
In February, 2009, Karl joined the Kutztown Police Department as a Patrol Officer.
When he’s not serving Borough residents, he enjoys traveling, as well as watching and
attending Phillies and Eagles games. Karl is the son of Karl and Christina Schemberg,
and he has two sisters, Dana and Kimberly, and one brother, Stephen.
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Taxable real estate assessed valuation $187,757,500
Tax rate 2.85 Mills
EXTERNAL DEBT
G.O. Bonds
Series of 2001A, matures 11/2031 $
1,940,000
Series of 2003, matures 8/2023
$
4,090,000
Refi. Series of 2005, matures 8/2024 $
3,440,000
Refi. Series of 2006, matures 8/2031 $
2,370,000
G.O. Note
Series of 2008, matures 9/2019 $
1,210,000
Total$13,050,000
Jase Smolnik
Jase is the Borough Electric Department’s newest Distribution Voltage
Lineman. He came onboard in March, 2010, after attending lineman school
in Nashville, TN. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, snowboarding and
playing the guitar. Jase is the son of John and Debra Smolnik, and he has one
sister, Heather.
Robert Strauss
A member of the Borough family since June, 2008, Bob is a member of the Refuse
and Recycling Crew. He is a welder by trade, and his hobbies include NASCAR
racing, hunting, fishing, and dirt track stock car racing. Bob has one son and two
daughters.
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KUTZTONIAN NEWS
PUBLIC WORKS: JUNE/JULY 2010
ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
• Total reconstruction of Normal Avenue from
Main Street to Baldy Street
• Paving of Cemeter y Lane from North
Whiteoak Street to the end at the Fairgrounds
• Paving of Koffee Lane from Noble Street to the
driveway of the Bethel Church of the Nazarene
• Paving of the intersection of North Whiteoak
Street and Fairview Avenue
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
EXPENDITURES
Tiffany joined the Kutztown Police Department in March, 2010, and she became
a full-time Patrol Officer in May. She is a graduate of the Reading Police Academy
and Alvernia University. Tiffany’s family includes her parents, Richard and
Debra; sister, Elizabeth; and grandmother, Betty. She enjoys the gym, reading,
baking, dancing and spending time with her many pets.
1/1/09
Operational Funds
General
$
67,811
98,449
Refuse & Recycling
$
83,927
96,574
Water
$ 2,055,774 1,825,468
Electric
$ 1,599,068 1,403,105
Sewer
$ 2,565,389 2,259,670
Telecommunications
$
16,703
313,622
Special Purpose Funds
Fire Tax
$
46,615
115,409
Recreation
$
6,245
3,870
Road Tax
$
6,522
8,179
State Highway Aid
$
8,047
1,172
Unempl. Comp. Escrow $
100,543
100,626
Total
$6,556,6446,226,143
Tax revenues
$
1,043,686
Licenses & permits
$
129,736
Fines
$
179,702
Interest & rents
$
1,286,647
Intergovernmental revenues $
632,080
Charges for services
$ 11,621,069
Proceeds of financing
$
900,000
Miscellaneous revenue
$
51,547
Transfers & refunds
$
1,958,735
Total
$17,803,202
Published in accordance with Borough Code Act No.
REVENUES
CASH IN BANK
Tiffany Buck
General government
$
623,150
Public safety $
1,869,263
Sanitation and recycling
$
2,722,040
Highways and streets
$
710,461
Water, Sewer, Elec & Telecom$
8,570,574
Recreation
$
454,147
Community Development $
89,382
Debt service
$
1,294,365
Miscellaneous expenses
$
73,691
Transfers & refunds
$
1,630,301
Total
$18,037,374
581, Section 1043. The annual audit and financial report
for the Borough are available for public inspection during
normal business hours at the Kutztown Municipal
Building, 45 Railroad Street, Kutztown, PA 19530.
BOROUGH OF KUTZTOWN CONTACTS
45 Railroad Street
Administrative Offices ...................
Hometown Utilicom ......................
After Hours TV Support . ............
Internet/E-mail Support ..............
Police Department
Emergency ..................................
Non-Emergency ..........................
Office Information ......................
610-683-6131
610-683-5722
610-778-2088
484-646-9000
911
610-655-4911
610-683-3545
324 W. Main Street
Community Development Office . . 610-683-3290
Office of the Mayor ....................... 610-683-5962
105 Railroad Street
Borough Garage ............................. 610-683-3202
After Hours Utility/Refuse Svcs.. 610-683-3202
Industrial Avenue
Swimming Pool...............................610-683-9767
70 Bieber Alley
Louisa Gonser Community Library 610-683-5820
Online
www.kutztownboro.org
www.hometownutilicom.org
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COMMUNITY INTEREST
BOROUGH BUZZ
TELECOM & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
Hometown Utilicom (HU) is coming off one of its best years ever…thank you to our loyal
customers! Our goal for 2010 is to continue to grow the system and to grow our customer base.
Below is information that all Borough residents should know:
TV
One of the most unique aspects of the HU system
is “Clear QAM,” which allows the capability to offer
Digital and High Definition television content without
the requirement of a set-top box. We believe that this
is the best cost-saving option available to date.
Did you know that HU television has more than
132 unique channels? Plug in your digital-capable
TV and see for yourself. Our channel lineup gets
updated regularly for your convenience. It is linked
to the Borough and HU Web sites, and you can also
pick up printed copies at the Kutztown Municipal
Building. Visit the HU Web site to access a search
program that helps you find channels by name,
channel number or network.
INTERNET
The Internet can be a wonderful thing, but
unfortunately, it gets abused, and the television
industry has begun a campaign to seek out the
illegal download of movies. Similar to action the
music industry took years ago, the television
industry is now seeking damages for copyright
infringements as well.
Please be aware that it is a violation of the HU
Internet use policy to download, copy or possess
illegally obtained copyrighted materials. There are
programs that track this type of activity, and any
violators will be contacted and subject to termination
of service. In addition, we are responsible for
providing information regarding these offenses
when requested by legal authorities.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
We are pleased to announce the completion of the
conversion to our new billing system. As with any
major change, there were some bumps along the
road, but we managed to streamline our internal
operations and reduce our operating expenses by
$25,000 per year. This is a significant savings for
our community!
Online Bill Pay is now available for all utility and
telecom service customers! Log on to the Borough
Web site to pay or print a bill, or to view usage,
payments and graphs pertaining to your account.
In addition, the brand new Utility and Services
Calculator/Estimator can help you to verify your bill
or estimate future bills based on approved current
rates. Along with this is the Utility Comparative
Program, which compares your electric bill against
other local electric utilities.
Visit www.kutztownboro.org and www.hometownutilicom.org today!
L I B R A RY N O T E S
OFFICER TERRY HAHN RETIRED
Patrol Officer Terry Hahn retired on
April 28, 2010, after serving the Borough
for 25 years.
Terry and his wife, Donna, have been married for 21
years, and they have one son, Nicholas, and one daughter,
Rebecca.
Terry began his career in 1981 as a
U.S. Marine Corps K-9 cop, but after four
years of military service he was ready for
a change. He was hired by the Kutztown
Police Department in 1985, which is where
he chose to stay for the remainder of his
career.
We thank you, Terry, for 25 years of service to
our community, and we wish you a healthy and happy
retirement!
Kutztown Police Chief Craig Summers
praised Terry as a “long-time steady
performer who never made waves within the
department.” He also commended Terry
for the Meritorious Service Award that he
received in 2001 and the Distinguished Unit
Citation Award that he received in 2004.
Terry enjoyed patrolling the streets of
Kutztown over the years because of the
variety of calls to which he responded. He
expressed that working for one department
from rookie to retirement was a very unique
experience, and although he will miss the
camaraderie of the department, he is ready
to retire.
While Terry has no immediate plans, he
will continue to enjoy his favorite hobbies,
which include traveling (especially
to Disney World), fishing, biking and
canoeing.
GOLD
September 30 - October 3, 2010
http://www.berks.lib.pa.us/louisagonsercl
www.PaintTheTownGold.com
“Make a Splash” and “Catch a Wave”
over to the library this summer where
we will feature books and activities
with a water theme. The Summer
Reading Program begins June 14, and
runs for 10 weeks, through August 20.
For the first time, this year we will
offer children and teens the choice between filling out paper
tickets and using an online log to keep track of their reading.
Kids who participate will earn prizes and be eligible for drawings,
including a county-wide drawing for a new laptop computer. We
will also offer special programs on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m.
in addition to our regular story times. Check us out on the Web
or stop by the library for information about upcoming events.
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PAINT THE
TOWN
ALERT SIREN TO SOUND!
The Kutztown Emergency
Alert Siren will be tested
May 7, August 6
& November 5
at 12:00 noon
In case of an actual emergency, the
best sources of information are
local TV & radio stations.
KUTZTONIAN NEWS
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
3
PARKS & RECREATION
PARKS & RECREATION
BOROUGH OF KUTZTOWN SWIMMING POOL
2010 CONCERT SERIES AT THE KUTZTOWN PARK BAND SHELL
2010 SEASON TICKET PRICES
May 12 (Wednesday), 7-9 pm Kutztown Middle & Elem. School Jazz Bands
May 19 (Wednesday), 6:30-9 pmKutztown High School Show Choir, Jazz Band
& Vocal Jazz Ensemble
June 5 (Saturday), 7–9 pm
The Ringgold Band
June 14 (Monday), 7:30–9 pm Flag Day Concert – Kutztown Community Choir
June 19 (Saturday), 7–9 pm
Swing Fever
June 26 (Saturday), 7–9 pm
Frog Holler
RESIDENTS
$165.00
$215.00
ADULTS Over 18 years of age
$105.00
$145.00
Special Late Afternoon Ticket Option*
$ 90.00
$130.00
STUDENTS Including current year high school
July 10 (Saturday), 7–9:15 pm The Mudflaps
July 17 (Saturday), 7–9 pm
The Happy Dutchmen German Band
July 24 (Saturday), 7-9 pm
The Wallace Brothers Band
grads & college students with valid ID
$ 95.00
$135.00
Special Late Afternoon Ticket Option*
$ 80.00
$120.00
* SPECIAL LATE AFTERNOON SEASON TICKETS are available to individuals and are valid
FREE ADMISSION FOR KUTZTOWN BOROUGH SENIORS (62 years of age or older)
Complimentary tickets may be obtained at the Kutztown Municipal Building.
Kutztown School District Summer Band
GENERAL ADMISSION
POOL HOURS
KUTZTOWN PARK ROLLER SKATING RINK Skating is FREE!
Dates:
Monday and Thursday Evenings, June 7 – August 1, 2010
Times:
7 pm – 10 pm
Location:
Kutztown Park Roller Rink
Noon – 8 pm (May, June, July)
Noon – 7 pm (August & September)
IMPORTANT DATES AT THE PARK
Event
Location
5/28 – 5/30 Kutztown Jr. Legion Memorial Weekend Tournament Timothy M. Breidegam Field
7/9 – 7/11
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KYAA Jr. Boys Baseball Tournament
KYAA Baseball Fields
ADULTS (Over 18 years of age)
NOTICE: Season Tickets must be purchased at the
Kutztown Municipal Building and ARE NOT
available at the pool.
Evening hours extended, weather permitting and at the discretion
of the Borough. Swimming Pool will be open daily, subject to staff
availability and weather permitting, from 5/29 through 9/6/10.
Miscellaneous: Evening programs are geared toward all ages, with contests & prizes!
Roller blades are permitted with proper capping.
Skate rentals are NOT available — please bring your own skates.
Date
NON-RESIDENTS
after 4 pm until closing on weekdays and any time on weekends during pool hours.
August 1 (Sunday), Kutztown Day, 1:30, 3, 4:30 pm Allentown Band
August 12 (Thursday), 7–9 pm
FAMILY Parents & children including high school
seniors residing in the same household
KUTZTOWN YOUTH SPORTS
ORGANIZATION CONTACTS
GENERAL ADMISSION — after 5 pm
$3.50
Children under three years old are admitted
free with a paid adult ticket holder.
KUTZTOWN PLAYGROUND
Managed by the Tri-Valley YMCA
Sponsored by the Borough of Kutztown
Park Summer
Playground Program:
Brett Mayer
610-944-6515
Little League:
Kathy Schlenker
610-683-7274
Dates:
Monday through Friday
June 14 – August 6, 2010
Girls/Boys Soccer:
Rich Reimert
610-756-4105
T-Ball:
Mike Collins
484-256-4014
Times:
9 am – 1 pm
Football/Cheerleading: Rob Kohler
610-496-0790
Dolphins Swim Team: Sandra Floyd
610-737-9917
7/17 – 7/18 KYAA Sr. Girls 14 and Under Softball Tournament
KYAA Sr. and Softball Fields
Basketball:
Jack Entriken
610-683-6748
7/24 – 7/25 KYAA Sr. Girls 16 and Under Softball Tournament
KYAA Sr. and Softball Fields
Rob Rarick
610-682-6015
9/11 – 11/7 Kutztown Cougar Youth Football/Cheerleading
Games held every Saturday and Sunday
Park Multi-Purpose Field
Legion/Jr. Legion
Baseball:
Wrestling:
Steve Wehr
610-683-3831
KUTZTONIAN NEWS
$7.00
CHILDREN/STUDENTS (Incl. ages 3 ­­– $5.00
high school seniors & KU students w/valid ID)
SPRING/SUMMER 2010
Location: The Scooter Building
is the hub of activity.
Fees:
$35 (Kutztown School District)
$45 (outside Kutztown SD)
Questions: Call the Tri-Valley YMCA
office at 610-944-6515
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