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Somerset Borough Council Minutes

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BOROUGH OF SOMERSET
Joint Meeting of
Council of the Borough of Somerset
and
The Municipal Authority of the Borough of Somerset
7:00 pm March 26th, 2012

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

Present:  Paul Urbain, Ruby Miller, Judy Pyle, Fred Rosemeyer, Wanda Miller, Scott Walker, and Frank Koval (arriving at 7:07 pm), Council Members.  Benedict G. Vinzani, Jr., Borough Manager, Michele Enos, Assistant to the Manager, George Svirsko, Director of Public Works,  Brett Peters, Director of Finance, Jack Dirienzo, Jr., Borough Solicitor, Tom Reilly, Consulting Engineer, William Meyer, Mayor, Randy Cox, Chief of Police.

The Municipal Authority meeting was called to order by Chairman William Kuhlman. 

Present:  William Kuhlman, Hank Parke, Vincent Jacob, Members.

(Sign-in sheet is available on file).

The Mayor presented Certificates of Appreciation to businesses and individuals for their community involvement, as examples of citizens and police working together.  First certificate was presented to Mel’s Restaurant for their cooperation in providing use of their facilities and support of the Borough Police Department’s criminal investigation, resulting in a successful conclusion of an incident concerning the recent destruction and theft of parking meters.

The second Certificate of Appreciation was presented to MEI for their generous cooperation, technical support and use of their equipment for another successful conclusion to an investigation.

Chief Cox stated that officers Borosky and Appel worked very diligently on this case, and Officer Appel explained the incidents involving forcible entry of parking meters, resulting in loss of Borough revenue plus meter damage.  He said that he, along with Chief Cox and Officer Borosky utilized a “dye stain” plan which, in cooperation with Mel’s Restaurant, resulted in a successful conclusion of the incident.

American Legion Riders
Chief Cox introduced the American Legion Riders.  He said the Police Department is planning to send another officer to Motor Officer School this summer.  The Riders are donating tuition for two weeks’ training as a safety course for the officers.  Bill Figard, current President of the Chapter, and Terry Menear, Vice President of the Chapter were introduced.

Municipal Authority member Vince Jacob thanked Council for his reappointment to the Municipal Authority Board.

Municipal Authority Agenda

Approval of Minutes
Minutes of the Municipal Authority Meeting of January 16, 2012 were approved, following motion of Mr. Parke, seconded by Mr. Jacob.

                                                                                                Unanimously Carried.

Right-of-Way for Somerset County Waterline Relocation Project
The Solicitor stated that in addition to the Agreement concerning the expansion of the water system, we should have Real Estate right-of-way for the line that would be flowing from Somerset County General Authority to our Municipal Authority since it becomes part of our system after it is constructed.

He said the language is already signed by the General Authority, and it is ready for Council’s approval subject to supplementation with adjusted drawings.

Mr. Jacob moved to proceed with the Somerset County Right-of-Way Water Agreement – motion seconded by Mr. Parke.
Unanimously Carried.

Borough Council Meeting Agenda

Approval of Minutes
Minutes of the February 27, 2012 meeting were approved following motion of Ms. W. Miller, seconded by Mr. Walker; to include the correction noted that it was Mr. Rosemeyer that requested that the Borough Council and Manager prepare a letter to acknowledge Council’s support of its Police Officers.

                                                                                                Unanimously Carried.

General Public Comments
Jerry Lyons reported that the Memorandum of Understanding for the security camera system was approved at last meeting; it is now with the Fire Department’s Attorney.

Payment of Bills
Mr. Urbain moved to pay the following bills/requisitions - motion seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer:
Check No’s 19306 to 19467              Total Amount: $323,298.08

Vote: Mr. Koval, yes; Mr. Walker, yes; Ms. Miller, yes; Mrs. Pyle, yes; Mr. Rosemeyer, yes; Mr. Urbain, yes; Mrs. Miller, yes.
Unanimously Carried.

New Business        

Residential Façade Grant Program   
Mr. Vinzani reported that Council is working in conjunction with the Redevelopment Authority to provide low interest loans and grants to qualified residents for façade improvements to structures along South Edgewood Avenue, and South Center Avenue.

Mr. Urbain moved, Ms. W. Miller seconded to execute the Agreement with the Redevelopment Authority to administer these funds.
Unanimously Carried.

Community Development Block Grant
Mr. Vinzani explained that the Redevelopment Authority administers the Borough’s CDBG entitlement monies.  The Columbia Avenue II sanitary sewer line extension project is proposed to be funded under or 2012 monies and is designed to reduce inflow/infiltration into our sanitary sewer systems to minimize basement backups during periods of heavy rain.

Mr. Walker moved, Mr. Koval seconded to apply for the 2012 Community Development Block Grant Funds.
Unanimously Carried.

Year 2012 Street Paving Project
The Manager said an analysis of our 2012 street paving project has been distributed, and we are requesting permission to proceed with our paving projects, for bid award at the next Council meeting.  Ms. W. Miller asked if funds saved from plowing during last winter can be used for additional street improvements.  Mr. Vinzani explained that this bid project was designed specifically to match what is budgeted, and we will know later how much can be allocated towards other projects eligible for General Fund usage.  He pointed out that these types of winters can also cause ground shifts, resulting in a higher incidence of water line breaks. Additionally, we still need to get through the winter months of October, November and December.

Ms. W. Miller moved to authorize advertising for bids for our year 2012 Paving Project – motion seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer.
Unanimously Carried.

Equipment Purchase
The Public Works Department is requesting to purchase a used pickup truck, used dump truck and a used bucket truck, not to exceed $18,500 for each.

Mr. Walker moved to proceed with purchase of these three pieces of equipment.  Mr. Vinzani said this will give us authorization to purchase what we believe is the best deal - federal, state or local.  Motion then seconded by Mr. Koval.

                                                                                                Unanimously Carried.
Chamber Electric Program
The Manager said this program is up for renewal.  Figures show that we saved between $12,000 and $13,000 by participating.  He recommended participation in this program, which was previously authorized by Council.

Mr. Rosemeyer moved, Mrs. Pyle seconded to renew enrollment in the Chamber’s Choice Electric Program.
Unanimously Carried.

Walker Farm Property
Concerning Rick Svonavec’s request to plant corn on Borough property, Mr. Vinzani said we are trying to establish a cost per acre.  We checked available sources for crop growing rental rates and suggest checking again for any changes.   He said we have 125 acres that Mr. Svonavec would like to consider, but some is encumbered with an access road and a compost site.  Mrs.  Ruby Miller asked about possible liability while on Borough land – Mr. Dirienzo said it would be advisable for Mr. Svonavec to have liability coverage, naming the Borough on the policy as additional insured.

Mr. Urbain moved to have Ben check with Mr. Miguel Saviroff for pricing – motion seconded by Mr. Koval.
Unanimously Carried.

Committee, Administration, Special Reports

Manager’s Report
Mr. Vinzani reported on the following:
Our water line construction work has been started at the Turnpike Entrance.  The Borough’s relocation of this waterline is being moved away from the area where the Turnpike will be constructing new lines.
He attended the County Drought Task Force Meeting.  All water systems in the County reported adequate water supplies.
He attended a webinar on Electronic Communications, the Heart and Lung Act and Records Retention and Disposition Schedule.  He and Mrs. Enos are working on Cleanup Day with Waste Management, to address costs and make it happen this year.

President’s Report
Mrs. Miller reminded all of the registration date for the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Conference.

Public Works/Equipment Committee
Mr. Walker thanked Council for approving their paving schedule and purchase of equipment.  He presented an update on the spring work schedule:
Continue to patch potholes, cold patching, trim tree branches that interfere with vehicles during snow plowing and cleaning catch basins/storm sewer lines.
Work on removing anti-skid from the uptown sidewalks.
Crosswalks and stop bar painting at the Union Street playground, along with garbage and gravel cleanup will begin as soon as the asphalt temperature increases.
Five water connections were made at the 500 block of East Main Street and the remaining connections are due to be finished the week of April 2nd.
Annual flushing of the water distribution system will begin May 13th.  This will be announced by newspaper and we will be using our “swift reach” notification via telephone.
Work on cleaning traffic and signal lights, and installing/fixing banners is continuing.
We will be looking at approval of a new air compressor for this Fall.

Public Safety Committee
Mr. Rosemeyer reported on the Public Safety Committee meeting.  They discussed an incident with a police officer receiving a dog bite.  He commended the officers on the outstanding job in resolving a parking meter theft case.  Officer Hall did an excellent job in resolving the Candy Company burglary.  Their new vehicle just arrived.  We need to have Council’s official approval to proceed with replacing an officer.  The Mayor asked to have their new selection added to the roster, for further training.

Mr. Rosemeyer moved, Mr. Walker seconded to add Kevin Huzek to the part-time Police Roster.
Unanimously Carried.

Discussion ensued concerning review of the Pension Plan.  A subject for the Act 111 Negotiations is to explore a certain officer’s request.  

Finance Committee
Mr. Urbain reported the following, at 16.7% of the year:

General Fund revenue - 8.3%, expenses, 13.4%
Water Fund revenue - 15.5%, expenses, 17.3%
Sewer System Operating Fund revenue - 15.4%, expenses 14.7%

He said our Capital Reserve fund, ($50,000) allows us to buy trucks, etc. without further debt.  They are therefore thinking about establishing a Capital Paving Fund to be used only for paving.   Mr. Vinzani pointed out that if this is dedicated to paving it would be similar to what we have at the library and fire department.   Mr. Dirienzo said paving is expected to be covered by our general millage assessments.  If Council should choose to set aside general revenue it would not require a referendum or ordinance.

Somerset, Inc.
Mrs. Pyle reported that she attended the Somerset Inc. meeting on March 13th.  They are working on a town tour, hoping to have it available by June 30th for visitors and local tourists.  They are developing seasonal brochures to show what is happening in Somerset.  There are approximately 10 stops around the historic District.

Mayor’s Report
Mr. Meyer thanked Council for adding Mr. Huzek to the part-time Police Roster.  This will save on overtime pay.

Executive Session

Borough Council
Mr. Walker moved, Mr. Urbain seconded to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of negotiations.
Unanimously Carried.
7:47 p.m.

Municipal Authority
Mr. Jacob moved, Mr. Parke seconded to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of negotiations.

Unanimously Carried.
7:47 p.m.

Adjournments
Ms. W. Miller moved to adjourn the Council portion of the meeting – motion seconded by Mr. Koval.
Unanimously Carried.
8:20 p.m.

Mr. Parke moved to adjourn the Municipal Authority portion of the meeting – motion seconded by Mr. Jacob.
Unanimously Carried.
8:20 p.m.

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