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Updated June 2009

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1. SHADE TREES AND TREE REMOVAL PERMITS

The following procedure is to be followed to obtain a permit to remove trees between the sidewalks and curb. No trees may be removed in this location without a permit.

• Call the Somerset Borough Office at 443-2661 to make your request. A member of the Borough’s Shade Tree Committee will inspect the site.

• If approved, a permit will be issued which will indicate how many trees are to be removed and whether or not they must be replanted.

• The permit will have an expiration date for completion of the work. All trees must be removed to ground level.

• Residents are reminded: Planting the Carolina Poplar; Lombardy Poplar and the Willow Tree is prohibited in the Borough by Ordinance Number 177, adopted June 22nd, 1911. The roots of these trees infiltrate and eventually cause broken pipes and water and sewer lines.

• Whenever a tree is declared by the Borough Council to be a nuisance because of interference with the sewer and water systems of the Borough, it is the owner’s responsibility to remove the tree.

• A booklet published by the United States Department of Agriculture entitled “Tree Owner’s Manual” is available at the Somerset Borough Building. It covers a variety of subjects that tree owners or potential tree owners may find beneficial. Subjects include: selecting a tree; planting instructions, maintenance; fertilizing, and tree protection. Borough residents may stop by the Borough Building for a free copy or those having internet access may download a copy of the publication from the Borough’s web site: www.somersetborough.com.

2. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND CODE ENFORCEMENT

As a reminder to Somerset Borough residents, the Borough’s Code Enforcement Department will continue to enforce the Property Maintenance Codes and the High Grass Ordinance. Common causes for violations being issued are: grass exceeding 6” in height; garbage around the property; structural deficiencies; and unsecured vacant structures with broken windows / open doors etc.

3. GRASS CLIPPINGS

Grass Clippings may be dropped off at the Public Works Garage. As part of the Borough Recycling Program, a site is provided at the Borough’s Public Works Garage at 644 South Franklin Avenue for residents of the Borough to drop off grass clippings. These clippings will be mixed with the leaves that are collected each fall to enhance the Borough’s composting activities. Similar to the leaf collection procedure, Borough residents can obtain stickers at the Municipal Building for each bag of grass clippings they want to dispose of. Each properly stickered bag may then be dropped off at the Borough’s Public Works Garage Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

4. PROJECT UPDATES

• Somerset Borough is now supplementing its water supply with water from the Quemahoning System.

• The work planned by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to construct new roads at the Toll Booth Interchange area is in the final stages of design. It is anticipated that work will begin in 2010.

• During construction of a new sanitary sewerline along Columbia Avenue from Patriot Street to Garrett Street, motorists can expect traffic delays and interruptions and are encouraged to avoid this area during construction. Work is scheduled to begin in mid to late June.

5. CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY OFFICE OF STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL

The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) is effective July 1, 2009. Contractors who perform home improvements for which total cash value is $5,000 or more per year are required to register with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General by July 1st. Contractors can register on line at www.attorneygeneral.gov . The application for registration with instructions, a copy of the law and Frequently Asked Questions are available on the website. Home improvement contractors will pay a non-refundable application fee which is renewable every two years. Upon approval of the application by the Office of Attorney General, a contractor will receive a certificate and a registration number that must be displayed in all advertisements, contracts, estimates and proposals with consumers in the Commonwealth.

6. SOMERSET BOROUGH’S WEBSITE – CHECK IT OUT!

The Borough of Somerset is accessible through the World Wide Web at www.somersetborough.com. Our website allows users of the internet to become familiar with the various services provided by the Borough. It includes information about the history of Somerset Borough; data and statistics; various ordinances including the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance; Building Permits; recycling; and information (including e-mails and phone numbers) of the various Borough departments. There is a section for Frequently Asked Questions and forms to file a complaint. You are even able to access building permit forms as well a form to report a street light that is malfunctioning.

7. COMMENTS / SUGGESTIONS

We’d like to know what you think. Let us know how we are doing. If you would like to have a specific subject addressed in this column, please contact Benedict G. Vinzani, Jr., Borough Manager, 347 West Union Street, Somerset, PA 15501, e-mail ben@somersetborough.com , or phone (814) 443-2661.