Inside Somerset

By: Michele A. Enos
      Borough Manager

March 2016

1. QUESTION: CAN LEAVES AND YARD WASTE BE BURNED OUTSIDE?

ANSWER: No. Because grass fires can be easily caused by outside burning, the Borough of Somerset has discontinued allowing leaves and yard waste to be burned outside.

2. QUESTION: WHEN ARE BUILDING PERMITS REQUIRED?

ANSWER: Permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, or demolish a structure. They are needed when the occupancy of a building or structure or when sanitary facilities are added. Permits are required when a proposed change occurs in the use of a building, or when water or sewer service is requested, driveway construction planned, fencing erected or streets excavated.

A comprehensive listing of activities requiring permits is available at our Inspections Department; by calling 445-5595; and on our web site. www.somersetborough.com.

3. MANAGE YOUR WATER / SEWER ACCOUNT “ON-LINE”

The Borough of Somerset has implemented a new water / sewer billing software system which allows us to offer our customers the ability to manage their account “on-line”. This includes viewing their water / sewer bills online, viewing water / sewer usage and payment history and the ability to make online payments from your checking account or by credit card. If customers don’t want a “paper bill” we are now able to go “paperless” and send a bill electronically. For additional information on this program and how you can participate, please visit our website at www.somersetborough.com.

4. 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.

5. STREET MAINTENANCE / “ANTI-SKID” MATERIAL / AND STREET SWEEPING

We realize that there may be an accumulation of “anti-skid” material on sidewalks left over from the winter. Please do not sweep this material into “piles” or place any material in the portion of the street where vehicles travel. Our street sweeper will continue to clean streets several times each week as necessary.  

6. QUESTION: WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY GRASS CLIPPINGS?

ANSWER: As part of the Borough’s 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. Each bag may be dropped off at the Borough’s Public Works Garage Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

7. WHAT’S PLANNED FOR THIS SPRING

  • Annual Waterline Flushing As part of the maintenance of our Water System, the Borough is planning its annual waterline flushing program in May. Customers will be advised of the particular dates as soon as they have been selected. Please follow the Daily American newspaper for further details.
  • Painting Parking Stalls and Curbing in the Central Business District. Re-painting crosswalks at intersections is also planned.
  • Street Maintenance: The Borough has been repairing potholes on its streets. The following streets, although located within the Borough are owned and maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation:  Main Street; Franklin Avenue; Patriot Street; Tayman Avenue; Center Avenue; Felgar Road; Pleasant Avenue;  Cannel Drive (except the 100 block);  and the Gilmour Bypass.
  • Spring Clean-Up: Spring Cleanup is scheduled for April 25th.  See the Borough’s web site (www.somersetborough.com) for a list of acceptable items.

8. QUESTION: WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT STORMWATER PROBLEMS ON MY PROPERTY

ANSWER:The Borough occasionally receives complaints concerning storm water problems being caused by an adjoining property. Somerset Borough’s official regulation of residential storm water is limited to review and approval of new home construction and residential subdivisions and insuring that storm drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system.

From time to time, the Borough’s Inspection Office has attempted to assist property owners complaining about runoff problems by suggesting methods of routing storm drains and catch basin structures to take advantage of drain inlets and channels.  If it is determined that the complaints are unresolved despite our assistance, we advise participants that there are no Borough regulations that directly apply to this situation and to suggest that they consult private legal counsel for advice on any civil remedies that they may wish to pursue.
Additionally, residents living along highways not owned or maintained by the Borough are advised that the Borough is not responsible for correcting stormwater or other problems associated with that roadway.

9. BOROUGH OF SOMERSET 2014 ANNUAL DRINKING WATER QUALITY REPORT AVAILABLE (PWSID #: 4560042)

We are pleased to present to you our Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. This report is designed to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver to you every day. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. We want you to understand the efforts we make to continually improve the water treatment process and protect our water resources. We are committed to ensuring the quality of your water. The report is available online at http://www.somersetborough.com/ccr. If you would like a paper report delivered to your home, please call 814-443-2661.

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.