MILL HALL — Mill Hall Borough Council handled several operational matters, including pool updates, employee timekeeping and security concerns at the pump station, during their recent council meeting.

Council approved steps to investigate potential structural problems at the community pool, adopted a new time clock system for employees and addressed temporary solutions to close the pump station.

Mill Hall Pool

Council approved a motion to hire CMT Labs to conduct core drilling at the Mill Hall pool to assess the condition of the concrete and what lies beneath the surface.

The decision followed discussion about visible issues at the pool, including bubbling water beneath the surface and concerns that voids or unstable material may exist under the concrete.

On the advice of Mayor Tom Evers, council agreed that four to five test holes should be drilled, focusing on locations in the deep end, along the sloped section and near the shallow or wading area.

Additional discussion on how far to drill began with Councilmember Rick Hetzel noting that simply testing the strength of the concrete may not be sufficient if underlying material has shifted or deteriorated.

Councilmembers expressed concern that if drilling revealed empty space beneath the concrete, it could indicate a cavity or loss of structural support, which would require further action.

A timeline for the testing was not finalized, but council estimated the work could begin within a few weeks, pending coordination with maintenance staff and equipment availability.

Employee timekeeping

On a recommendation from the personnel committee, council opened the discussion regarding possible implementation of a time clock system for borough employees.

Some councilmembers questioned the necessity of requiring employees to punch in and out, arguing that it could create unnecessary complications, particularly when employees work through lunch breaks or handle off-site duties.

“I don’t really think they’re needed,” said Councilmember Tony Walker, adding that employees will still be required to submit written time sheets documenting their hours and assignments.

The discussion also touched on fairness to employees, with some members expressing concern about introducing a system that could be seen as punitive if problems involve only a few individuals.

Others supported the idea, saying time clocks are a standard practice and could help address past issues involving time reporting accuracy.

After discussion, council moved forward with a formal motion and roll call vote on the matter. The motion to add the time clocks passed following a roll call vote of 5-2.

Pump station updates

Councilmembers also discussed the condition of the pump station building that has been repeatedly vandalized.

Public Works employee Kevin Hoy reported that attempts to secure the building, including posting warning signs and locking doors, have been unsuccessful, with the most recent cables and signage being removed.

During the borough’s sewer/highway committee meeting earlier this month, members discussed the quote that was provided to tear the building down, agreeing it is currently out of the budget for this year.

Looking into temporary solutions, council agreed to pursue welding the building’s door shut as a safety measure to prevent unauthorized entry as the pump station remains a liability concern due to its deteriorating condition and repeated trespassing incidents.

Council members indicated that larger decisions regarding the structure will likely need to wait until future budget planning cycles.

Along with the motion to table further discussion, council voted to send a letter of appreciation for a previously provided cost estimate for work on the building, noting that the borough does not currently have funds budgeted for major repairs or demolition.