Kutztonian News

A P U B L I C AT 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 LVA N I A
Kutztonian News
VOLUME XIX
SPRING/SUMMER 2011
AlternAtive energy Helping tHe BorougH to go green
By Karen Feridun
Planning Commission Chairperson and
Environmental Advisory Commission member
If you have envisioned solar panels or windmills in your
future, you will be interested to learn about a new
Ordinance approved by Borough Council during a public
hearing on April 19, 2011.
The Alternative Energy Systems Ordinance (§225-33.3)
lays out important things to consider before installing a
system that allows for the use of renewable energy, which
is natural energy that has an unlimited supply. It can be used
repeatedly without running out.
The goal of the Borough, the Planning Commission and the
Environmental Advisory Commission, who collaborated to
develop the Ordinance, was to facilitate the use of renewable
energy, by home and business owners, while putting in place
as few limitations as possible.
While the current Ordinance covers solar and wind systems,
it also contains a clause that requires the Ordinance to be
revisited periodically to allow for revisions that take new
technologies and new applications of existing technologies into
account. For instance, the new Ordinance already accounts
for one of the newer solar applications, side-mounted solar
panels that are attached to the façade of a building, sometimes
in the form of an awning; however, innovative applications,
such as in-roof mounted panels that are actually part of the
roof, are continually being developed.
INS
I
THIS I
UE
SS
DE
While solar panels are a great option
for many properties in Kutztown,
windmills and turbines are not.
A wind specialist with the
Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) explained
that there are too many natural
and man-made obstacles in
the Borough of Kutztown for
wind power to be put into wide
use, although there might be
individual properties that are
perfectly situated for windmills or
roof-mounted wind turbines.
The DEP specialist was one of many
resources consulted while drafting the
Ordinance. Installers, property owners
with previous installations, legal sources,
Ordinances from other municipalities and
model Ordinances put together by expert panels
contributed considerably to the final version where existing
zoning requirements or industry standards didn’t apply.
Before you embark on a major alternative energy installation, be
sure to consult the Borough’s Community Development Office
to find out what you will need to ensure a successful project!
TO LEARN MORE: Review the Ordinance online at
www.kutztownboro.org/reports.html
Important Dates & Reminders ...............2
Telecom Updates & Community Development Reminders...... 6
FYI: Water Leaks ...................................3
Audit Notice .............................................................................. 7
Library Notes .........................................3
Pubic Works Update.................................................................. 7
Parks & Recreation ............................ 4-5
Borough Phone Numbers .......................................................... 7
COMMUNITY INTEREST
Gun Permit Applications
Many thanks to the Kutztown
Grange and the Kutztown
Lions Club for each donating
three picnic tables for the park.
third thursday of every month
10am-6pm in the train Station
gAr
D
Thank You!
in
en
g Clu
B
When you visit the Berks County Sheriff’s Department
staff to process your permit application, you will need to
complete the application, present photo ID and pay a $25 fee.
If you enjoy gardening,
join the newly formed
Kutztown Area Garden Club
and help to beautify
Kutztown! We plan to have
plant swaps, seedling exchanges,
workshops and garden speakers.
Email kutztowngardenclub@windstream.net for details.
BOROUGH OF KUTZTOWN BICENTENNIAL
March 1, 2015
Interested in joining the Bicentennial Committee?
Contact Craig Koller at cak@hometownu.com.
Want to channel your creativity and be a part of the
celebration? Enter the Bicentennial logo contest!
Submissions are due by July 24, 2011, to the Community
Development Office (324 W. Main Street).
The winner will be announced on December 31, 2011,
during the Bicentennial New Year’s Eve party at the
Kutztown Fire Company...save the date!
For more information, check out Kutztown Bicentennial
on Facebook!
PAINT THE
TOWN
GOLD
September 22 - 24, 2011
www.paintthetowngold.com
2
Alert Siren to SounD!
The Kutztown Emergency Alert Siren will be tested
May 6, August 5 & november 4
at 12:00 noon
In case of an actual emergency, the best sources
of information are local TV & radio stations.
KUTZTONIAN NEWS
COMMUNITY INTEREST
l i B r A ry n o t e S
SAVINGS AT HOME
http://www.berks.lib.pa.us/louisagonsercl
DRIP,
Summer reading @ the library
DRIP,
DRIP...
Get ready to embark on a grand adventure as we celebrate
all corners of the globe with our summer reading theme
“One World, Many Stories.” We are partnering with the
Brandywine Community Library, who will host our kick-off
event, on June 15, in Topton, featuring folk singer Daria. The
August 19 finale program will take place in Kutztown with
the talented storyteller Kristin Pedemonti. Join us during
the eight weeks in-between for wonderful programs, every
Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m., featuring folktales, food
and fauna from all around the world.
Water leaks can add up. Here’s how
to save water and money:
Regularly check your toilet,
faucets and pipes for leaks. If
you find a leak, have it fixed
as soon as possible.
Reduce faucet leaks by checking
faucet washers and gaskets for
wear and replace them, or, if
necessary, replace the faucet.
Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet
flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that
could save a home up to 200 gallons of water per day.
For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber
hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot
using pipe tape and a wrench.
Tighten connections on your shower head if drips
appear when the shower is off.
Check your garden and lawn irrigation system for leaks.
Consider installing water and energy-efficient appliances.
- Pennsylvania American Water
Reprinted from Reading Eagle, 3/20/2011
liBrAry HourS
Thanks to the generous funding by the Friends of the
Library, our hours have changed:
Monday through Wednesday:
thursday and friday:
Saturday:
10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please note that Saturday hours in July and August are
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
SPRING/SUMMER 2011
Stops on our reading
journey include Korea,
Japan, Ghana and Papua New Guinea! Art educators from
The Yocum Institute will lead our children in programs
about dance, fairy tales and masks. Forgotten Friend, a
reptile sanctuary based out of central Pennsylvania, will
visit and bring animals from exotic locales.
Children who keep a record of their reading over the
summer, on paper tickets or online, will be eligible for
incentives and prizes.
passports @ the library
Will your next vacation, school excursion or business trip
take you outside of the United States? A passport will
get you there and back! It’s easy to apply at Kutztown’s
Louisa Gonser Community Library, plus the Library retains
a portion of the proceeds.
Appointments are available Monday through Wednesday,
10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10:30 a.m.
– 4:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Call
610-683-5820 to schedule an appointment and to confirm
that you have the necessary forms and documents.
Information on the cost and how to apply for a passport is
available at www.travel.state.gov.
programs @ the library
In an effort to help our community gain valuable
computer skills, the Library offers computer classes. Call
610-683-5820 to inquire or to register.
3
PARKS & RECREATION
2011 CONCERT SERIES AT THE KUTZTOWN PARK BAND SHELL
May 11 (Wednesday), 7-9 pm Kutztown Middle & Elementary School Jazz Bands
May 18 (Wednesday), 6:30-9 pm Kutztown High School Show Choir, Jazz Band & Vocal Jazz Ensemble
June 11 (Saturday), 7–9 pm
The Wallace Brothers
June 14 (Tuesday), 7:30–9 pm Flag Day Concert – Kutztown Community Choir
June 18 (Saturday), 7–9 pm
The Ringgold Band
June 25 (Saturday), 7–9 pm
Swing Fever Music from the Big Band era of the ‘30s and ‘40s
July 9 (Saturday), 7–9:15 pm The Mudflaps Old Time Rock ‘N Roll from the ‘50s and ‘60s
July 16 (Saturday), 7–9 pm
The Happy Dutchmen German Band
July 23 (Saturday), 7-9 pm
Frog Holler Indie-Americana/folk/blues
August 7 (Sunday), Kutztown Day, 3, 4:30, 7:30 pm The Allentown Band
August 11 (Thursday), 7–9 pm Kutztown Area School District Summer Band
PARK FACILITY RESERVATIONS
2011 reservations will be accepted
any time and 2012 reservations will be
accepted on or after October 3, 2011.
The following buildings are available
for rental:
BUILDING:
CAPACITY:
A letter of request must be submitted
to the Public Works Committee at least
30 days in advance for consideration
of special events in the park, Scooter
Building, Roller Rink or Band Shell.
Band Shell*
Scooter Building*
Brick Pavilion
Ceres Pavilion*
Flora Pavilion
Pomone Pavilion
100
50
50-100
50-60
50-60
50-60
Fees must be paid to the Borough no
later than five days after the reservation
is made, except for reservations made
less than fifteen days prior to the
event, which must be paid on the day
the reservation is made.
* Not available for rent on the first
Sunday in August (Kutztown Day).
Park rules and regulations can be
found posted around the Park.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to make a reservation,
please call 610-683-3202, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
KUTZTOWN PARK
ROLLER SKATING RINK
Skating is FREE!
Dates: Mon. & Thurs. Evenings,
June 6 – August 7, 2011
Times: 7 pm – 10 pm
Location:
Kutztown Park
Roller Rink
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.
IMPORTANT DATES AT THE PARK
4
Date
Event
Location
5/27 – 5/29
Kutztown Jr. Legion Memorial Weekend Tournament
Timothy M. Breidegam Field
7/8 – 7/10
KYAA Jr. Boys Baseball Tournament
KYAA Baseball Fields
7/23 – 7/24
KYAA Sr. Girls 14 and Under Softball Tournament
KYAA Sr. and Softball Fields
7/30 – 7/31
KYAA Sr. Girls 16 and Under Softball Tournament
KYAA Sr. and Softball Fields
9/10 – 11/12
Kutztown Cougar Youth Football/Cheerleading
Games held every Saturday and Sunday
Park Multi-Purpose Field
KUTZTONIAN NEWS
PARKS & RECREATION
BOROUGH OF KUTZTOWN SWIMMING POOL
2011 SEASON TICKET PRICES
BOROUGH RESIDENTS
NON-BOROUGH RESIDENTS
FAMILY
Parents & children including high school
seniors residing in the same household
$170.00
$225.00
ADULTS
Over 18 years of age
$110.00
$155.00
Special Late Afternoon Ticket Option*
$ 95.00
$140.00
graduates & college students with valid ID
$ 100.00
$145.00
Special Late Afternoon Ticket Option*
$ 85.00
$130.00
STUDENTS Including current year high school
DISCOUNTS GRANTED THROUGH MAY 27, 2011 $15.00 on Family tickets; $10.00 on Adult and Student tickets
* SPECIAL LATE AFTERNOON SEASON TICKETS are available to individuals and are valid
after 4 pm until closing on weekdays and any time on weekends during pool hours.
FREE ADMISSION FOR KUTZTOWN BOROUGH SENIORS (62 years of age or older)
Complimentary tickets may be obtained at the Kutztown Municipal Building.
POOL HOURS
12 Noon – 8 pm (May, June, July)
12 Noon – 7 pm (August & September)
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 May 28 through September 5, 2011.
KUTZTOWN YOUTH SPORTS
ORGANIZATION CONTACTS
Park Summer
Playground Program:
Brett Mayer
610-944-6515
Little League:
Kathy Schlenker
610-683-7274
Girls/Boys Soccer:
Rich Reimert
610-756-4105
T-Ball:
Mike Collins
484-256-4014
Football/Cheerleading: Laura Miller
610-756-3703
Dolphins Swim Team:
Sandra Floyd
610-737-9917
Basketball:
Jack Entriken
610-683-6748
Legion/Jr. Legion
Baseball:
Rob Rarick
610-682-6015
Wrestling:
Steve Wehr
610-683-3831
SPRING/SUMMER 2011
GENERAL ADMISSION
ADULTS (Over 18 years of age, including Senior Citizens) $8.00
CHILDREN/STUDENTS (Including ages 3 through
high school seniors & KU students with a valid ID)
$6.00
GENERAL ADMISSION — after 5 pm
$4.00
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
Dates:
Monday through Friday
June 20 – August 12, 2011
Times:
9 am – 1 pm
Location: The Scooter Building is the hub of
activity.
Fees:
$35 (Kutztown School District)
$80 (outside Kutztown SD)
Questions: Call the Tri-Valley YMCA office at
610-944-6515
5
TELECOM AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
teleCoMMuniCAtionS & inforMAtion teCHnology upDAte
televiSion
While we continue our effort to
remain set-top box free, if you are
looking for a DVR solution, our system is
now TiVo® and Moxi® friendly! We will
even be a remarketer for TiVo® services
in the near future.
Our TV lineup remains among the
strongest in the industry for multiple
reasons, but mostly because of our 45
High Definition (HD) channels, which
unlike our competition, are not priced
as a separate tier. We also offer 256
channels without the requirement and
inconvenience of a set-top box.
Our most recent television upgrade
enabled us to add channels, group our
programming by genre and provide the
convenience of whole number channels,
eliminating the PIDS (dots).
Our system continues to be recognized
as a leader in advancing television
services. We have set a new standard by
continuing to build a set-top box free, nonintrusive system for our customers.
internet
Our next planned Internet upgrade
involves changing our customers’ home
equipment to provide more advanced
services such as 15Mb Internet service.
We will be updating and overhauling
our Web sites by the end of the year!
otHer ServiCeS
Attention local business owners!
We now sell advertising spots on TBS,
ESPN, TNT, CNN and more! It’s a great
way to get affordable advertising for your
business while helping to support the
telecom system and the community.
reMinDerS froM tHe
CoMMunity DevelopMent offiCe
GRASS AND WEEDS
We understand that at this time of year, it may be
difficult to find a dry stretch in which to perform lawn
and garden maintenance. However, keep in mind that
the Borough has regulations concerning maintaining
grass and weeds at a maximum height of six inches.
PROJECTS AND PLANNING
When planning a project around your property, talk
with the Community Development Office staff early in
the planning stage to ask about permit and construction
requirements that might apply to your project. If you
need to apply for permits, we suggest doing so as soon
as you have finalized your plans. We review applications
in the order in which they are received. While we make
every attempt to process them as quickly as possible,
be aware that a plan review may take up to 14 days for
residential projects and 30 days for commercial projects.
The more detailed and thorough your paperwork is, the
quicker the plan review can be completed.
6
Coming soon - Digital Phone Service!
An added benefit to signing up for our
own branded service is that the monthly
charges will be added to your current
Borough bill – one payment for all
services!
Everyone is encouraged to support the
Borough’s telecommunications system,
so we can continue to provide quality
services at reasonable rates. Our goal is
to continue to keep your money in your
community working for you! Because of
our system, close to one million dollars
remains in this community every year –
that’s an average savings of $441 per
home per year!
to Sign up for ServiCe,
or if you Any HAve queStionS,
pleASe CAll 610-683-5722.
PERMIT FEES
Please note that the Borough has revised its schedule
of permit fees associated with building/mechanical,
electrical and plumbing work. This restructuring was
done to put the Borough’s permit fees in line with our
third party inspection agency’s fees. The breakdown of
fees can be found on our Web page as well as on the
bulletin board in the Community Development Office.
FINAL INSPECTION, THEN FINAL PAYMENT
Many homeowners have stated, “I didn’t realize this
work required an inspection. I’ve already paid my
contractor their final payment.”
Please note that whenever our office requires a
permit to do work, at least one inspection is required.
Depending upon the nature of work, inspections may
be needed throughout the project.
Details concerning inspections are included in the
permit packet that is provided to the permit applicant.
Remember, an approved inspection is required prior to
proceeding at any phase of the project.
KUTZTONIAN NEWS
FINANCE & PUBLIC WORKS
AUDIT NOTICE FOR YEAR END 2010
Operational Funds
General
Refuse & Recycling
Water
Electric
Sewer
Telecommunications
Special Purpose Funds
Fire Tax
Recreation
Road Tax
State Highway Aid
Unempl. Comp. Escrow
Total
Fiduciary Funds
Police Pension Fund
1/1/10
12/31/10
98,449
96,574
1,825,468
1,403,105
2,259,670
313,622
202,597
49,583
1,376,069
1,455,298
1,658,802
65,113
$
115,409
$
3,870
$
8,179
$
1,172
$
100,626
$ 6,226,144
84,783
72,928
3,387
260
101,356
5,070,176
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,705,667
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Taxable real estate assessed valuation
Tax rate
3,099,181
$189,537,000
2.85 Mills
EXTERNAL DEBT
G.O. Bonds
Series of 2001A, matures 11/2031
Series of 2003, matures 8/2023
Refi. Series of 2005, matures 8/2024
Refi. Series of 2006, matures 8/2031
G.O. Note
Series of 2008, matures 9/2019
Total
$
$
$
$
1,895,000
3,690,000
3,275,000
2,365,000
$
1,115,000
$ 12,340,000
PUBLIC WORKS SUMMER IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Road Improvements
•BriarCircleSouth,fromCollegeBoulevard,westward
to the end – miscellaneous base repair and repaving
•LambertAlley,fromSanderAlley,southfor
approximately 300 feet – miscellaneous base repairs
and repaving
•NorthWhiteoakStreet,approximately370
lineal feet – storm sewer pipe replacement
Refuse and Recycling
•Thenewlyconstructedrecyclingbinbuilding
will have a new baler installed to ease the
handling of plastic and aluminum
Parks
•TheBandShellwillbepainted
SPRING/SUMMER 2011
REVENUES
CASH IN BANK
EXPENDITURES
Borough of Kutztown, Berks County, PA
General government
Public safety
Sanitation and recycling
Highways and streets
Water, Sewer, Electric and Telecom
Recreation
Community Development
Debt service
Miscellaneous expenses
Transfers & refunds
Total
$
508,434
$
2,141,955
$
2,388,022
$
763,384
$
9,413,796
$
482,696
$
75,739
$
582,065
$
137,719
$
1,697,154
$ 18,190,964
Tax revenues
Licenses & permits
Fines
Interest & rents
Intergovernmental revenues
Charges for services
Proceeds of financing
Miscellaneous revenue
Transfers & refunds
Total
$
1,064,972
$
116,854
$
188,769
$
1,114,382
$
519,052
$
11,824,110
$
$
54,650
$
2,244,098
$ 17,126,887
Published in accordance with Borough Code Act No. 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 CONTACT NUMBERS
45 Railroad Street
Administrative Offices ..................................
TV/Internet Services .....................................
After Hours TV/Internet Support ................
Police Department
Emergency ..................................................
Non-Emergency ..........................................
Office Information ......................................
324 W. Main Street
Community Development Office ..................
Office of the Mayor .......................................
105 Railroad Street
Borough Garage ............................................
After Hours Utility/Refuse Services ............
610-683-6131
610-683-5722
610-778-2088
911
610-655-4911
610-683-3545
610-683-3290
610-587-3298
610-683-3202
610-778-2088
Industrial Avenue
Swimming Pool.............................................. 610-683-9177
70 Bieber Alley
Louisa Gonser Community Library ............... 610-683-5820
Online
www.kutztownboro.org
www.hometownutilicom.org
7
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KUTZTOWN, PA
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Kutztonian News
Editor: Gina M. Wiand
© 2011 Borough of Kutztown
45 Railroad Street, Kutztown, PA 19530-1112
Your Current Mayor and Council for the Borough of Kutztown
Mayor .............................. Sandra K. Green
Council President ............ Malcolm A. Eidle
Council Vice-President ... James F. Schlegel
Council Member ..... Edwin K. Seyler
Council Member ..... Mark R. Gangewere
Council Member ..... Kevin J. Snyder
Council Member ..... Derek D. Mace
New services and exciting changes are coming soon!
CABLE
HIGH SPEED
INTERNET
TELEVISION
®
TiVo
COMING SOON!
DIGITAL
PHONE
COMING SOON!
YOUR TOWN. YOUR SYSTEM. YOUR SAVINGS.
610-683-5722 • hometownutilicom.org