Council Meeting Minutes will be posted after they are approved at the following meeting.
1. Meeting Called to Order – President Ream.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Moment of Silence for Ruby Miller
3. Roll Call:
a) Borough Council Members present: Pam Ream, Lee Hoffman, Sue Opp, Steve Shaulis, Ian Mandichak and Mario Dirienzo.
b) Also present: Mayor Fred Rosemeyer.
c) Also present were the following: Director of Finance, Brett Peters; Municipal Authority Manager, Jessica Sizemore; Chief of Police, Rich Appel; Solicitor Lois Caton; and Consulting Engineers, Tom Reilly & Jake Bolby.
d) Public Attendance: Carl Kahl, Steve Peck, Becca Mull and Alec Bittner.
4. Approval of Agenda: Consider approving the agenda “as is” with an additional item regarding a General Application Certification for CDBG funding.
Motion
Mrs. Opp moved, Mr. Mandichak seconded, to approve the agenda “as is” with the one addition.
Motion Unanimously Carried
5. Announcements:
a) None
6. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting(s)
a) August 25th, 2025 – Borough Council Meeting Minutes.
Motion
Mr. Hoffman moved, Mr. Mandichak seconded, to approve the August 25th, 2025 Borough Council Meeting Minutes as presented.
Motion Unanimously Carried
7. Award of Bids:
a) None
8. General Public Comments:
a) Carl Kahl -
Mr. Kahl came before Council regarding the concerns he had with the sewer backup in his basement from a recent rainstorm. An insurance claim for the damage to his home was submitted by the Borough in his behalf approximately five months ago, but is still unresolved.
Mrs. Ream explained that the Borough has reached out to the insurance company regarding insurance claims of several Borough residents, and added that the Borough can reach out to the insurance company again.
She said because of the number of claims, the insurance company is looking at and pro-rating those claims as a group. She added that until they have all the claims prepared, it is a delay, not on the Borough’s part, but on the insurance company’s part. She noted that the Borough has done all they can on their side, but unfortunately, it is out of their hands to control the insurance company’s decisions.
Mrs. Ream said that the Borough would reach out to the insurance company this week and attempt to get a date of resolution for Mr. Kahl.
It was also noted that a large $23-million-dollar Borough Sewer Project will be starting soon to resolve the issues throughout the Borough’s entire sewer system.
9. Administrative Business:
a) Communications – (none)
b) Payment of Bills – Month of September 2025.
Motion:
Mrs. Opp moved, Mr. Dirienzo seconded, to approve the payment of bills for the month September 2025 numbered 43780 – 43884 totaling $770,319.19.
Motion Unanimously Carried
c) Department Reports – Consider approving the Departmental Reports for the month of
August 2025.
Motion
Mrs. Opp moved, Mr. Shaulis seconded, to approve the Departmental Reports for the month of August 2025.
Motion Unanimously Carried
10. Policy Agenda:
Old Business:
a) None
New Business:
a) Proclamation– Mayor to present the proclamation for Red Ribbon Week.
Becca Mull, the Program Supervisor and Prevention of Education at UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Twin Lakes, and Director of Somerset County Drug-Free Community, read the proclamation for “Red Ribbon Week” to Council Members. She also discussed the details of this upcoming event.
Whereas, substance use—including alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, and other drugs—poses a daily threat to the health, safety, and well-being of individuals, families, and communities; and
Whereas, Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s longest-running and most widely observed drug-use prevention campaign, celebrated annually from October 23 through 31; and
Whereas, Red Ribbon Week was established to honor the memory of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena whose tragic death sparked a grassroots movement against substance use disorder in 1985; and
Whereas, this campaign encourages citizens, schools, businesses, law enforcement, healthcare providers, faith-based and civic organizations to unite in raising awareness of the importance of living drug-free lives; and
Whereas, community-wide engagement through wearing red ribbons and participating in prevention and education activities makes a powerful public commitment to the health and safety of the community; and
Whereas, past proclamations by Borough leaders, including Somerset Borough, have served as vital catalysts for encouraging participation in drug prevention efforts:
Now, Therefore, be it resolved that we, the Council and the Mayor of the Borough of Somerset, do hereby proclaim October 23 through October 31, 2025, as Red Ribbon Week in Somerset Borough, and urge all residents, students, educators, businesses, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations to participate in prevention education activities—today and all year long—that foster a visible and lasting commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.
Dated this 22nd day of September 2025
b) 2026 Fire & Ice Festival – Request to purchase a one-block ice sculpture at a cost of $395.00.
Motion
Mrs. Opp moved, Mr. Mandichak seconded, to purchase a one-block ice sculpture at the cost of $395.00 for the 2026 Fire & Ice Festival.
Motion Carried (5 yes- 0 no -1 abstention)
(with Mr. Hoffman abstaining)
c) Somerset Volunteer Fire Department – Requesting the Borough to sponsor $100.00 for their annual golf fundraiser.
Motion
Mr. Mandichak moved, Mr. Hoffman seconded, to donate $100.00 for the Somerset Vol. Fire Department’s annual golf fundraiser.
Motion Carried (5 yes- 0 no -1 abstention)
(With Mr. Shaulis abstaining)
d) Resolution No. 2025-07 – Authorizing the submission of the 2025 CDBG Grant Application to the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Motion
Mr. Mandichak moved, Mrs. Opp seconded, to authorize the submission of the 2025 CDBG Grant Application to the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Motion Unanimously Carried
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-07
A Resolution of the Borough of Somerset, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, authorizing the submission of an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, as authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act (42 USC 5301 and 24 CFR Part 570), and further certifying compliance with the requirements of said program.
WHEREAS, it is necessary and in the public interest that Borough of Somerset, Pennsylvania, receive funds from the Commonwealth through the Department of Community and Economic Development in accordance with the Community Development Block Program; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Somerset has the legal authority and responsibility under Act 179 to apply for Community Development Block Grant funds; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Somerset have undertaken a considerable citizen participation process including written invitations to municipalities, informational meetings, hearings and legal notices all of which culminated in the prioritization of projects and development of a Community Development Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Somerset are familiar with the requirements of the program as provided for in the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) and the Community Development Block Grant regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Borough of Somerset wishes to apply for said funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough of Somerset that the President is authorized to have prepared the necessary forms and documents to submit an application to the Department of Community and Economic Development for Community Development Block Grant funds for the purposes aforesaid; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, if CDBG funds are determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to be expended on ineligible program costs or do not meet a national objective, Borough of Somerset agrees to repay the proportion deemed ineligible from non-federal sources.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Community Development Plan was developed in coordination with low and moderate individuals, interested organizations, non-profits and other interested parties through the citizen participation process and municipal information gathering is hereby adopted; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President of the Borough of Somerset is empowered to place his/her signature, on behalf of the governing body, on necessary application forms and affix thereto the official seal of Borough of Somerset.
Adopted by Borough of Somerset at the regular meeting on September 22nd, 2025.
e) 2025 CDBG Cooperation Agreement - Authorizing an agreement between the Borough, County of Somerset and the Redevelopment Authority of Somerset County for administration of the 2025 CDBG Funds.
Motion
Mr. Hoffman moved, Mrs. Opp seconded, to authorize an agreement between the Borough, County of Somerset and the Redevelopment Authority of Somerset County for administration of the 2025 CDBG Funds.
Motion Unanimously Carried
f) Terry & Elizabeth Fitzgerald – Requesting to subdivide their property at 742 South Edgewood Avenue. Council to authorize referring this request to its Planning Commission for recommendation.
Motion
Mr. Hoffman moved, Mr. Dirienzo seconded, to authorize referring the request by Terry & Elizabeth Fitzgerald to the Planning Commission.
Motion Unanimously Carried
g) Borough Council Vacancy – Discussion concerning filling the vacancy for Borough Council and its Authority Board due to the passing of Ruby Miller.
Mrs. Ream noted that if any member of Council was aware of an individual who would be interested in this position, to let Borough Council know as soon as possible because there is a time limit on when the vacancy has to be filled. If no one is aware of any interest, the vacancy will be advertised as soon as possible.
It was also mentioned that someone was going to reach out to Lori Barnhart for a letter of intent since she is going to be a candidate on the ballot for the upcoming general election.
h) General Application Certifications – authorizing the president of council to sign the General Application Certifications for the 2025 CDBG Grant Application funds.
Motion
Mr. Mandichak moved, Mrs. Opp seconded, to authorize the President of Council to sign the General Application Certifications for the 2025 CDBG Grant Application funds.
Motion Unanimously Carried
Committee Business/Reports:
i) Borough Manager’s Report – Given by Michele Enos.
Ms. Enos was not in attendance so no report was given.
j) Finance Report – Given by Brett Peters.
Mr. Peters provided Borough Council with the year-to-date Financial Report through August 2025. We are 8/12th’s of the way through the year or 66.67%.
General Fund: Water Fund: Sewer Fund: Storm Sewer Fund:
Revenues – 84.53 % Revenues – 65.92% Revenues – 60.18% Revenues – 36.02%
Expenses – 62.50% Expenses – 66.09 % Expenses – 62.65% Expenses – 0.09%
k) Municipal Authority Manager’s Report – Given by Jess Sizemore.
Mrs. Sizemore had nothing further to report.
l) President’s Report – Given by Pam Ream.
Mrs. Ream thanked the Borough and Mr. Bailey for helping UPMC Somerset during the hospital’s recent repair of an underground oxygen pipe leak. For safety measures, the Borough brought in jersey barriers to help protect the oxygen truck, being used by the hospital, while the leak was being repaired.
m) Somerset Inc. Report – Given by Lee Hoffman.
Mr. Hoffman said that planning for “Light Up Night” and “Fire & Ice” are in full swing. The theme for “Fire & Ice” this year is “The History of Somerset.”
Mr. Hoffman noted that there are a couple new businesses Uptown. “Laurel & Leaf Bookshop” and a new laser-engraving store is in the works.
Lastly, Mr. Hoffman mentioned that the “Diamond Row”, formerly the “Brinker Building”, is well underway, and work continues.
n) PSAB Report – Given by Fred Rosemeyer.
Mayor Rosemeyer said that he will be attending the PSAB Conference being held at Penn State October 3rd - 5th, 2025.
Also, the County Boroughs Association will hold their meeting October 16th, 2025 at Rizzo’s in Windber, PA.
o) Somerset Volunteer Fire Dept. Report – Given by Steve Shaulis.
Mr. Shaulis stated that, as of last week, the two fire departments are up to 641 calls.
He mentioned that the golf scramble was last Friday, and the new tanker for the Friedens Station was picked up. It should be in service in the next few weeks.
Mr. Shaulis expressed that the fire department merger is really working well.
Lastly, Mr. Shaulis disclosed that the Western PA Firemen’s Convention Parade for the 250th birthday celebration of the nation, and the 25th anniversary of 911, is scheduled for August 8th, 2026.
p) Engineer’s Report – Given by Jake Bolby.
Mr. Bolby presented the Updates to the Engineer’s Report.
WATER:
1) Water System Capital Improvement Projects:
Mr. Bolby said that the Water Project is wrapping up. There are still a few loose ends to finish.
SEWER:
1) Assessment, Repair, and Abatement Plan (Hydraulic Overload):
Mr. Bolby said that they are meeting with the contractor on Wednesday to discuss the construction schedule and the outlook for Phase 1A of the Sewer Project. It will be in the West section of the Borough and Brierwood. He said that Phase 1B is still on track for submitting a Funding Application in mid-October. The construction will probably start in the middle-to-late summer of 2026. Phase 1C & Phase 1D will follow.
q) Mayor’s Report – Given by Mayor Rosemeyer.
Mayor Rosemeyer explained that Officer Jason Upton was the first responder to a drug overdose of a young person. He gave her narcan, and after not responding, he also administered CPR, during at which time he was attacked by her pit-bull dog. He added that Officer Upton will be given a citation of some sort for a job extremely well done.
Also, Officer Mark Custer, while on patrol, noticed a fire at Somerset Garden Apartments. Because of his quick reaction, and with the backup of another Officer, they were able to extinguish the fire in the building. He will also be recognized.
Mayor Rosemeyer also mentioned that Officer Firestone will be joining the Police Department very soon after his graduation from the Police Academy on October 1st, 2025. He has been working with the Police Department already for approximately 6 months.
Mayor Rosemeyer said the Police Department recently had representation in a “Haunted Hollow” parade. There were approximately 40 vehicles that took part including the State Police, our Borough Police, the Sheriff’s Department, Water Rescue & Dog Rescue. He added that it was a fun day and a salute to First Responders.
He said that he and the Chief of Police are currently working on the Departments budget for 2026.
Lastly, Mayor Rosemeyer mentioned that the Police Department is in the process of CPR and weapons training.
11. Executive Session: Personnel Matters.
Motion
Mrs. Opp moved, seconded by Mr. Mandichak, to go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters.
Motion Unanimously Carried
5:45 p.m.
Back in Session
6:00 p.m.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Motion
Mrs. Opp moved to adjourn; motion seconded by Mr. Dirienzo.
Motion Unanimously Carried
6:01 p.m.
_____________________________________________
Michele A. Enos, Borough Manager/ Secretary