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Somerset Borough Council Minutes

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BOROUGH OF SOMERSET
Council Meeting - February 27, 2012 

Meeting was called to order by Council President, Ruby Miller.

Present:
Ruby Miller, Paul Urbain, Frank Koval, Judy Pyle, Fred Rosemeyer, Wanda Miller, and Scott Walker, Council Members, and William Meyer, Mayor. ,Benedict G. Vinzani, Jr., Borough Manager, Michele Enos, Assistant to the Manager, George Svirsko, Director of Public Works, Brett Peters, Director of Finance, Randy Cox, Chief of Police, John Dirienzo, Jr., Borough Solicitor, Tom Reilly, Consulting Engineer.

Meeting opened with recitation of the Pledge to the Flag.

Ceremonial Signing of Intermunicipal Agreement with Jefferson Township and Somerset County General Authority

Prior to beginning agenda business, representatives of the Borough of Somerset; the Township of Jefferson; and the County of Somerset gathered to acknowledge the recently executed agreement between the municipal entities which now allows for water service to be provided to Jefferson Township. Borough Manager Vinzani noted the diligent work on all parties to make this happen.

Minutes of Previous Meeting
Mr. Rosemeyer moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting of January 23, 2012 – seconded by Mr. Urbain.
Unanimously Carried.

General Public Comments
President Miller announced that the Borough has adopted a Public Participation Policy.  Those wishing to address Council need to be aware of this policy and its provisions.

Administrative Business

Payment of Bills

Ms. W. Miller moved to pay the following bills – motion seconded by Mr. Koval:

Check Nos. 19073 to 19305  Total Amount: $611,452.34

Unanimously Carried.

Old Business

Memorandum of Understanding
Mr. Vinzani said Council can seek authorization to execute the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the unified video surveillance system, if all are in agreement with what it covers.  Mr. Dirienzo said if no material changes are to be done; a motion could authorize its execution, when approved.

Mr. Cox said the memo does not address the cost, only maintenance, and states that the Borough will be responsible for cameras that belong to the police.  It states that maintenance or replacement costs associated with DVR would be split 50-50.  Any cameras placed in this building, playground, etc. would fall under the Borough’s side of the allotment and would not affect the Fire Department.  Mr. Dirienzo said the Fire Company wants to have an independent counsel examine it in its proposed form, an independent check.  

Mr. Walker moved to place this Memorandum of Understanding in its final form, subject to approval by our Solicitor and Borough Manager – motion seconded by Mrs. Pyle.

                                                                                                Carried.  6-1
(with Mr. Rosemeyer voting “no”.)

New Business

Penn Vest Funding
Mr. Vinzani reported that we were successful with PennVest financing for the Water System Improvements Project.   The financing offer is for $1.95 million at 1.007% interest for years one through five, and 2.0013% for years six through 20.  Mrs. R. Miller confirmed that this is for water system improvements consisting of a new tank and the looped water system at our Industrial park.

Mr. Rosemeyer moved to accept the Penn Vest loan offer for the Water System Improvement Project – motion seconded by Mr. Walker.
Unanimously Carried.

Engineering Services Agreement with EADS
Mr. Vinzani said we need to execute an agreement with our engineers to proceed with the Penn Vest Water System Improvements Project.  A synopsis of the proposed agreement was distributed last week.

Mr. Walker moved to accept the Engineering Services Agreement with the EADS Group – motion seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer.

Unanimously Carried.

Sewage Enforcement Officer Rate Structure
Discussion ensued concerning the rate structure.  Questions were posed concerning the need for septic tanks (still needed if city sewerage is unavailable), price increases/comparisons, need for “perc” tests/inspections and the requirement of a sewage enforcement officer and alternate.   The State removed funding for half of costs for sewage enforcement officers and inspections.  Rates that we charge must be fully reimbursed by the applicant.  The state certified sewage enforcement officers perform the final inspections.

Mr. Walker moved, Mr. Rosemeyer seconded to authorize the following Sewage Enforcement Rate Structure:
Perc Test – second location: $60.00
Final Inspection: Alternate Systems: $210.00
Subdivision Testing/Plan Review: $70.00 per hour
Sewage Management Activities: $70.00 per hour

Unanimously Carried.

Fire Department
Mr. Jerry Lyons reported 13 alarms for the month of February, an all-time low.  He said they are pursuing replacing a pumper truck at end of this year.  He thanked Manager Vinzani for his efficient cooperation in helping with any problems they encounter.

Sewage Enforcement Officers
Ms. W. Miller moved to authorize the addition of Danielle L. Weyant as Alternate Sewage Enforcement Officer – motion seconded by Mr. Urbain.

Unanimously Carried.

Humane Society Donation Request
Concerning the Society’s donation request, Mr. Urbain moved, Mr. Walker seconded to donate $500 to the Humane Society.

Unanimously Carried.

Daily American Challenge Committee Donation Request
Mr. Urbain said this year’s race/fitness challenge proceeds go to the SAM Ministries, and the Somerset Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr. Rosemeyer moved to authorize a donation of $500 to the Daily American Challenge Committee – motion seconded by Mr. Urbain
Carried 6-1
(Mr. Walker voted “no”)

Somerset  Inc.
Mrs. R. Miller recommended supporting Somerset Inc.  Mrs. Pyle reported that schedules are set for the year and she will be attending upcoming meetings.

Mr. Walker moved, Mrs. Pyle seconded to pay $125 membership dues to Somerset Inc.

Unanimously Carried.

Police Cruiser       
Chief Cox reported that they are budgeted for a new cruiser for year 2012.  This requires Council authorization and it can then be “held” for purchase when our tax monies begin to come in.

Mr. Rosemeyer moved to have Mr. Cox place the car on hold and authorize purchase of the vehicle – motion seconded by Mr. Koval.

Unanimously Carried.

PSAB Voting
Mrs. R. Miller said a Voting Delegate and an Alternate Voting Delegate are needed for the PA State Association of Boroughs, and reservations must be made for those attending the upcoming meeting at Seven Springs, PA.

Mr. Rosemeyer moved to appoint Mrs. Pyle as Voting Delegate, motion seconded by Ms. W. Miller

Unanimously Carried.

Mr. Rosemeyer moved, Ms. W. Miller seconded to appoint Mrs. R. Miller as Alternate Delegate to the PA State Association of Boroughs.

Unanimously Carried.

Committee, Administration, Special Reports

Manager’s Report
Mr. Vinzani reported that a dividend check was submitted to us from Mosholder Insurance Company in the amount of $492.92 representing our share of savings from the insurance group in which we participate.

PENNDOT’S Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) is close to being re-authorized.  He will distribute a listing of eligible activities, requesting input.  Regulations are forthcoming regarding potential eligible projects.  We previously used the TEP funding for antique street lights on Pleasant Avenue and the Turnpike Access Road.

He noted that the PSAB magazine referred to the “SWOT” process (Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threats). The Borough utilized this process several years ago and proved to be very beneficial.

President’s Report
Mrs. R. Miller pointed out several new businesses in town and mentioned that the Herb Shop will be reopening.  Somerset Inc. is working on having the uptown park signed over to them.      

Engineer’s Report
Discussion concerning the Penn DOT Turnpike bridge construction ensued.  New Enterprise appears to be the low bidder and bids are within their budget.  They will begin their “letting” process.  We were relying on the Turnpike Commission for the permanent rights-of-way but have not received them yet.

The Borough has a contractor ready to do the waterline relocation and has ordered all materials to be delivered.  We propose to write a letter to the Turnpike Commission to confirm that we discussed with them our need to have time for this relocation, to avoid further delays.   Mr. Vinzani reported that we are authorized to begin the water utility relocation, make water taps and Insituform the sewer line.

Police Chief Cox expressed concern about their plans for traffic flow at peak time and for emergency vehicles.  He reported that at the meeting they were informed that it would become one lane however width of the area causes great concern regarding peak time traffic flow and fire truck passage options.   Also those in Harrisburg may be unaware of the problems that we experience at this location.  Mr. Vinzani said he will contact John Beck for the traffic control plan and starting date.  Representative Metzgar will be informed of our concerns.

Public Works/Equipment Committee
Mr. Walker reported that a meeting was held to look at the man-hours spent in year 2011 under various work topics.  He said we are using our man-hours very effectively.  He said they discussed the list of things to be done this summer and equipment purchases.

Public Safety Committee
Mr. Rosemeyer reported that he and Chief Cox attended the Criminal Justice Advisory Board meeting and they spoke about the issue of computers in our police cars and county-wide radio system updates.

Finance Committee
Mr. Urbain reported the following – (month of January represents 8.3 %):
General Fund:  Revenues, 5.1% - Expenses 6.5%
Water Fund: Revenues, 7% - Expenses 7.7%
Sewer Fund: Revenues, 7.7% - Expenses 7.1%

Mayor Report
Mayor Meyer reported that he received the annual letter from the PA Osteopathic Medical Association concerning their request to have their Osteopathic Medicine Week Proclamation advertised.  Following discussion, Council elected to deny this request.

Mr. Rosemeyer moved, Mr. Koval seconded to not have this published.

Unanimously Carried.

Mr. Rosemeyer requested to have Borough Council and Manager acknowledge support of our police officers.

Following discussion, Mr. Rosemeyer offered a motion to have the Manager prepare a letter of support to our Police Department, individually signed by member of Council – motion seconded by Mr. Koval.

Unanimously Carried.

Executive Session
Mr. Koval moved to enter into Executive Session – motion seconded by Mr. Urbain.

Unanimously Carried.
7:55 p.m.

Adjournment
Mr. Walker moved to adjourn – motion seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer.

Unanimously Carried.
8:36 p.m.

 

___________________________
Benedict G. Vinzani, Jr., Ph.D.
Borough Manager/Secretary