Somerset Borough Council Minutes
Council Minutes will be posted after they are approved at the following meeting.
Council Meeting
May 26, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
Meeting was called to order by Council President, Mary Ann Smith.
Present:
Mary Ann Smith, Fred Rosemeyer, Paul Urbain, Hank Parke, Ruby Miller. Council Members. Ben Vinzani, Jr., Borough Manager; Michele Enos, Administrative Assistant; Brett Peters, Director of Finance; John J. Dirienzo, Borough Solicitor; George Svirsko, Director of Public Works; Tom Reilly, Consulting Engineer; William Meyer, Mayor; Jerry Lyons and Gary Thomas, Somerset Fire Department. (Sign-in sheet on file).
Meeting opened with recitation of the Pledge to the Flag.
Previous Meeting
Minutes of the previous meeting of April 27, 2009 were approved, on motion of Mr. Rosemeyer, seconded by Mrs. Miller.
Unanimously Carried.
Bid Opening
Surplus Equipment
The Manager reported that there were six pieces of surplus equipment authorized for bids. Prices were compared with what we could buy or sell at the scrap yard, for the same amount.
Mr. Parke moved to sell the 1982 Ford 8000 Vactor to Somerset Township, at cost of $7,725.79 – motion seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer.
Unanimously Carried.
Mrs. Miller moved to sell the 1979 IH Dump Truck (1854) to David Swank in the amount of $1,556.26 – motion seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer.
Unanimously Carried.
Mr. Urbain moved to sell the 1982 GMC 6000 Dump Truck to David Swank in the amount of $1,556.26 – motion seconded by Mr. Parke.
Unanimously Carried.
Mrs. Miller moved to sell the 1990 GMC 3500 Dump Truck to David Swank in the amount of $3,176.56 – motion seconded by Mr. Urbain.
Unanimously Carried.
Mrs. Miller moved to sell the 1994 Plymouth Voyager to Mike Dirienzo in the amount of $177.50 – motion seconded by Mr. Parke.
Unanimously Carried.
Mr. Urbain moved to sell the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina to John Winkler in the amount of $309.00 – motion seconded by Mr. Parke.
Unanimously Carried.
A suggestion was offered, to consider EBay. The Solicitor said we could see how this might be done. Advertising requirements (unless recently amended) require newspapers of general circulation.
Stone/Asphalt Bids
Mr. Vinzani said these materials were bid both ways, (delivered and picked up). The calculated cost of transporting the material, from all three bid sites, is included.
(1) Mr. Parke moved to accept the following, seconded by Mrs. Miller:
Quantity Description Delivered/F.O.B. Price: To:
100 tons 2A Stone delivered $9.00 Garrett Limestone
10 tons 2A Stone F.O.B. $6.75 New Enterprise
Unanimously Carried.
(2) Mr. Urbain moved to accept the following, seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer:
1,000 tons 2A Modified delivered $ 8.40 Svonavec, Inc.
10 tons 2A Modified F.O.B. $ 6.75 New Enterprise
Unanimously Carried.
(3) Mr. Parke moved to accept the following, seconded by Mr. Urbain:
30 tons 2RC delivered $8.40 Svonavec, Inc.
10 tons 2RC F.O.B. $6.50 New Enterprise
Unanimously Carried.
(4) Mrs. Miller moved to accept the following, seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer:
600 tons #57 AASHTO delivered $10.40 Svonavec, Inc.
100 tons #57 AASHTO F.O.B. $ 9.75 New Enterprise
Unanimously Carried.
(5) Mr. Urbain moved to accept the following, seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer:
100 tons #10 AASHTO delivered $7.90 Svonavec, Inc.
30 tons #10 AASHTO F.O.B. $6.00 Svonavec, Inc.
Unanimously Carried.
(6) Mr. Parke moved to accept the following, seonded by Mrs. Miller:
75 tons #1 AASHTO delivered $10.40 Svonavec, Inc.
10 tons #1 AASHTO F.O.B. $ 9.75 New Enterprise
Unanimously Carried.
(7) Mr. Parke moved to accept the following, seconded by Mr. Urbain:
700 tons #8 AASHTO delivered $13.90 Svonavec, Inc.
12 tons #8 AASHTO F.O.B. $12.00 Svonavec, Inc.
Unanimously Carried.
(8) Mr. Rosemeyer moved to accept the following, seconded by Mr. Parke:
20 tons 9.5 MMR blacktop F.O.B $ 57.85 New Enterprise
Unanimously Carried.
(9) Mr. Rosemeyer moved to accept the following, seconded by Mr. Parke:
10 tons 25 MMR blacktop F.O.B. $ 48.00 New Enterprise
Unanimously Carried.
(10) Mr. Rosemeyer moved to accept the following, seconded by Mr. Parke:
30 tons Stockpile Patch F.O.B. $ 86.40 New Enterprise
Unanimously Carried.
(11) Mrs. Miller moved to accept the following, seconded by Mr. Urbain:
300 tons AASHTO anti-skid delivered $ 14.10 Garrett Limestone
20 tons AASHTO anti-skid F.OB. $ 9.00 New Enterprise
Unanimously Carried.
General Public Comments
Gary Thomas, Somerset Fire Department, said they are preparing to begin their project in the Council Room. He mentioned that he had also asked for part of another room. Mr. Vinzani explained that the moving is not completed yet.
Sally Deist, 525 South Rosina Avenue, Somerset, stated that a line was installed to alleviate flooding on South Rosina and Garrett Street. Her yard is in poor condition; the line is sunk in and grass is not growing. She said she reported this problem to the Public Works Department several weeks ago. Mr. Vinzani said he will check on this.
Sienna Davis, Garrett Street, inquired about residential parking and the problem of school students taking the parking spaces, stating that she feels they should not have to pay for permits to park in front of their homes. Road construction at the high school has eliminated approximately 30 parking spaces.
Mr. Vinzani said an ordinance governs the terms/conditions of establishing residential parking. Establishing permit parking would require an ordinance amendment. The Planning Commission would perform a survey, with certain criteria that has to be met prior to making a recommendation to Council. Any waiver of permit fees would have to come before Council.
This would first have to be officially referred to the Planning Commission and it would be necessary to perform a study. Council discussed the areas in question, the $10 fee, (which has not kept up with inflation) and possible effects on other streets. Solicitor Dirienzo explained that the first activity by the Planning Commission can be started in two ways, one by a petition signed by 70 percent of households in the area or secondly, by a direction from Borough Council.
The Mayor pointed out that no ordinance guarantees parking in front of a house. Police ticketing would be difficult, with a two-hour situation. The Solicitor said one element for the Planning Commission to consider is the willingness of people in the area to pay the fee and administrative cost. The petition will be started.
Payment of Bills
Mr. Parke moved to approve payment of the following bills as printed, motion seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer:
Check Nos. 13426 to 13595 Total: $346,822.65
Vote: Mr. Parke, yes; Mrs. Miller, yes; Mr. Rosemeyer, yes; Mr. Urbain, yes; Mrs. Smith, yes.
Unanimously Carried.
New Business
Tom Kielbasinski asked to have a 25-mph speed limit placed on Columbia Avenue, from Union Street to Main Street. The Manager said that in consultation with the Chief of Police, the only two speed limits allowed to be posted are 55-mph and 35-mph. He said this is an alley and would require a study by PennDOT. After discussion they selected a “children at play” sign.
Mrs. Miller moved to place a “Caution Children at Play” sign on Columbia Avenue, from Union Street to Main Street – motion seconded by Mr. Parke.
Unanimously Carried.
Mr. Vinzani said he received an email requesting uniform timing of certain traffic signals uptown. To change light cycles would require a request from the municipality, forwarded to PennDOT. He said he does not believe this would be a wise decision since there is a reason for the time periods on these lights.
Mrs. Smith asked about the request to have PennDOT perform a traffic study at the intersection of Edgewood Avenue and Cannell Drive. Mr. Vinzani said if we request the study, it could become expensive. There is a chance that PennDOT might do this on their own at some point if they feel it is warranted, but we would be responsible for implementing a municipal request.
It was agreed that this is a busy intersection, and they discussed a section of fencing on the Luther Miller property that has become a traffic obstruction and does not appear to serve any purpose. They will check out this fence - removing it may make the area somewhat safer inexpensively.
Mr. Rosemeyer moved to table the request for PennDOT to do a traffic study; motion seconded by Mrs. Miller.
Unanimously Carried.
Mrs. Smith said the request for installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Patton Street and Grandview Avenue will be carried over until the next meeting.
Concerning the Turnpike’s request for two new streets to be constructed near the toll booths, Mr. Vinzani said we are not renaming the streets, but naming the new streets that run into the existing streets. A lengthy discussion ensued, regarding whether there should be east or west included in the signs and how this would affect 911 dispatches and ambulances to Water Works Road since they are accustomed to this route. They would go to the house addresses.
Mr. Parke started a motion to name the new streets - At this point the Solicitor advised that we may need an ordinance to do this and we should first check with County 911.
Council reviewed the plans and current streets, and discussed the need for addresses. Mr. Parke withdrew his motion, stating that the Manager needs to check with County 911 then come back next month with the information. Mr. Dirienzo said a new name may be needed since any new buildings in the area would need to be addressed.
Hickory Hill Sanitary Sewer Project – Mr. Vinzani said design of the Hickory Hill sewer project is complete. Council can authorize going to bid for this project. We will know at the end of 60 days if we will receive the H2O PA grant.
Mrs. Miller moved to authorize the Manager to advertise for bids for the Hickory Hill Sanitary Sewer Project – motion seconded by Mr. Urbain.
Unanimously Carried.
Façade Grant Program – Mr. Vinzani said we are working with the Redevelopment Authority on a Residential Façade Grant Program.
Mr. Parke moved to enter into the Agreement with the Redevelopment Authority of Somerset County – motion seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer.
Unanimously Carried.
Committee, Administration, Special Reports
Manager’s Report
Mr. Vinzani reported on his attendance at the following meetings/seminars:
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Seminar, in connection with federal stimulus funds that may become available. We are looking at energy audits and LED street lighting.
- Southern Allegany’s Planning and Development Commission’s Energy Advisory Council initial meeting – looking at energy issues in the six-county area.
- PennDOT’s Annual Outreach Program, along with Mr. Svirsko and Mrs. Enos.
- Redevelopment Authority Public Hearing, regarding the Residential Façade Grant Program
- He and Mrs. Enos were guest instructors in Mrs. Minnick’s class
- Shade Tree Committee met May 5, 11 and 19.
- Bi-monthly meeting of the Somerset Joint Utilities, attended with Mr. Svirsko.
- Swine Flu Webinar, sponsored by PSAB. He distributed packet of information.
- County Drought Task Force Committee Meeting, May 12th.
- Continental One Committee, regarding the connector highway from New York to Florida.
- Pre-bid Meeting - with contractors of the Columbia Avenue Sanitary Sewer Project to relieve surcharge.
- Tableland Services – we will be getting summer workers beginning Thursday.
Mr. Rosemeyer spoke about National Police Week. He expressed appreciation on behalf of Council, Borough Citizens, and the Safety Committee for the dedication of the Police Department under leadership of Chief Randy Cox. The Mayor stated that Chief Cox asked him to express his thanks to Council. Mr. Rosemeyer said we should also acknowledge our Fire Department during Fire Safety Week.
Public Works – Mrs. Miller reported that they will be clearing out weeds and scrap at the Public Works Building. She attended the County Boroughs Association meeting and suggested having the Somerset Inc. Manager attend a County meeting. It will be held in the Fire Hall in September, with a chance to tour the facilities.
Shade Tree Committee – Mr. Parke informed Council that they added an additional citizen member, Carroll Rickenbrode, to the Committee. She attended the Penn State Municipal Tree Care Workshop, and we have processed several of her recommendations. They discussed some of the problem areas and are considering another tourism grant through the County for next year.
Somerset Inc. – Mr. Parke reported that they are working on plans for a new “Ribs, Run and Family Fun” festival, to be held the same time as “Thunder in the Valley”.
Solicitor’s Report – There are no pending Code Enforcement prosecutions; the few that we had were all successfully prosecuted.
Mayor’s Report – the D.A.R.E. graduation will be at the Somerset Jr. High School on June 6th.
Mrs. Miller mentioned that some residents say they did not see notice of the parade in the newspapers, and suggested more press notice.
Finance Committee – the Somerset County Local Emergency Planning Committee will be scheduling a meeting. State Representatives are planning a seminar addressing the swine flu this fall, to help answer questions. It was recommended that we obtain a cost policy for the Borough’s mileage and travel
Adjournment
Mr. Parke moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Miller.
Unanimously Carried.
8:55 p.m.
Benedict G. Vinzani, Jr., Ph.D.
Somerset Borough Manager