HOME | COUNCIL MINUTES | COUNCIL PORTAL | MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY PORTAL

Somerset Borough Council Minutes

Council Minutes will be posted after they are approved at the following meeting.

Click to Print Minutes

Borough of Somerset Council Meeting
September 26, 2016 – 7:00 p.m.

Meeting was called to order by President Ruby Miller, opening with recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Roll Call:

Present:

            Council Members present: Ruby W. Miller; Fred Rosemeyer, Pam Ream, Sue Opp, Steve Shaulis, Judy Pyle and Gary Thomas.   Mayor Scott Walker was also present.

Not Present: 

None. (All members of Borough Council present)

Also in attendance:

Borough Manager Michele Enos; Director of Finance Brett Peters; Police Chief Randy Cox; Public Works Director George Svirsko; Solicitor James Cascio; Consulting Engineers Jake Bolby and Ben Faas.  

Announcements

Ruby Miller:  An Executive Session was held this evening at 6:00 p.m. to discuss potential litigation.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

Motion by Sue Opp; seconded by Steve Shaulis, to approve the minutes of the August 29, 2016 meeting of Somerset Borough Council.

                                                                                                Motion Unanimously Carried.

2016 Paving Bid Awards

          Ms. Enos explained that no bids were received last month when we bid this project. We re-advertised, and re-bid and New Enterprise was the only bid received this time.  Their bid was for a total of 589 tons of super pave wearing course-in-place at unit price of $98.43 per ton.

            Detailed discussion ensued; concerning how the proposed paving project and the next bid item on our agenda will affect our General Fund. Ms. Enos said the next bid for our consideration has not been budgeted, and will affect our General Fund budget.  Questions regarding how this might affect next year’s budget, possible tax increase and additional incurred costs as well as legal fees were considered.

            Mr. Peters explained that we have funds to do this.  It’s merely a decision as to whether to expend more than planned for this year, but money is available.   

Motion

            Mr. Thomas moved, seconded by Mrs. Opp that the Year 2016 Paving Bid not be awarded.

Carried 6 (six) yes 1 (one) no      (Mr. Rosemeyer voting No)

Property Demolition Bid Award

          The bid for property demolition, prepared by EADS, was opened on September 23, 2016.  Stoy Excavating submitted a total bid of $105,000. This includes a based bid of $72,000.00 and an Additive Alternate Amount of $33,000.00.

Motion

            Mrs. Ream moved, seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer that this bid be tentative until we have access to the property.

                                                                                                Motion Unanimously Carried.

General Public Comments

(a)  Commissioner Gerald Walker

On behalf of Somerset County Drug Free Communities, we have two requests of Borough Council: to sign a proclamation of Red Ribbon Week, October 23 to 31st; and to give permission to hang the red ribbons throughout the Borough.  Commissioner Walker then invited everyone to the Red Ribbon Week Rally, October 14th, 9:00 a.m. at the Court House, Court Room #1.

Mrs. Miller asked for any questions, and said council will support this.

(b) Mike Skiver – Fire Damage

Mrs. Skiver reported the following:

She said that they had a serious structure fire to their uptown business building and she would like to have the opportunity for find some of her jewelry.

            It was explained to them that the Borough hasn’t seen a plan, and the property should not be left exposed during the winter months.  Solicitor Cascio stated that they had to be given a reasonable opportunity to salvage their personal items. They have been given six months and the engineering report advices that the wall must be weatherized prior to the winter months.   

            The Skivers were advised that the Borough must comply with the Engineers’ advice. They were reminded of the letter sent to them in June explaining the request for a written plan for removal of the debris, with date of completion.   

Mr. Skiver asked if it is possible to get the Chief’s report changed, which stated that the fire was caused by his negligence, and he said that he can prove that this was not a negligent happening.  Chief Cox explained to Mr. Skiver that the report he is referencing must be the Fire Marshall’s Report because our Police Department Reports do not assign fault.

            A copy of the public record was requested.

Administrative Business

Payment of Bills

            Mr. Thomas moved to pay the following bills; motion seconded by Mrs. Opp:

                        Check Numbers 28208 to 28335
                        Total:  $318,476.67
Motion Unanimously Carried.

New Business

(a)  Resolution No. 2016-15 

            Concerning grant funding for our Sewage Treatment Plant Improvements, a Resolution is needed to formally apply for a grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

            Mr. Thomas moved, Mr. Rosemeyer seconded to authorizing Resolution 2016-15 for the Borough to apply for grant funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to fund our Sewage Treatment Plant Improvements, in the amount of $358,000.00.

Resolution No. 2016-15

Be it RESOLVED, that the Borough of Somerset (Applicant) of Somerset County hereby request PA Small Water and Sewer Program grant of Two Hundred Seventy-Three Thousand Six Hundred and No Cents ($273,600.00) from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for Contract 2016-S-01: Sewage Treatment Plant Improvements.

Be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Applicant does hereby designate Ruby Miller, President, and Michele Enos, Secretary, as the officials to execute all documents and agreements between the Borough of Somerset and the Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant.

I, Michele Enos, duly qualified Secretary of the Borough of Somerset, Somerset County, PA, hereby certify that the forgoing is a true and correct copy of the Resolution duly adopted by a majority vote of the Borough of Somerset at a regular meeting held September 26, 2016 and said Resolution has be recorded in the Minutes of the Borough of Somerset and remains in effect as of this date.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I affix my hand and attach the seal of the Borough of Somerset, this 26th day of September, 2016.

           
Motion Unanimously Carried.

(b) Commonwealth Financing Authority Grant Application Commitment Letter

            Ms. Enos pointed out that authorizing a Funding Commitment Letter in the amount of $84,400, representing the Borough’s local share of the grant application, is in conjunction with the Borough’s local share of 20% of the total project cost of the Sewage Plant Improvements funding.

Motion

            Mrs. Ream moved, seconded by Mr. Shaulis, to authorize this Commitment Letter.

                                                                                                Motion Unanimously Carried.
(c)  Somerset Inc. Request for Planters

            Ms. Enos said we received old planters from the Galleria Mall stored at our Public Works garage and were asked to consider donating these for the Trinity Park Project.  We have 7 small planters and 2 large planters that we are not using but are keeping two of the small ones for East Main Street and Plank Road to insert at the triangle, approved by PennDOT.

Motion

            Mr. Rosemeyer moved, Mrs. Opp seconded to donate the planters that we are not using to Somerset Inc. for the Trinity Park Project.

                                                                                                Motion Unanimously Carried.

(d)  Proclamation to Somerset Volunteer Fire Department

The following Proclamation was presented to our Volunteer Fire Department to recognize Fire Prevention Week, held October 9th through 15th, 2016:

            WHEREAS, many dedicated residents have joined the Volunteer Professional Fire Safety Personnel as partners in fire prevention, in a relentless effort to minimize loss of life, destruction of property and damage to the environment;
            WHEREAS, fire losses in the U.S. remain unacceptably high, necessitating improved fire prevention measures;
            WHEREAS, it is desirable that information on fire causes and recommended that preventative measures be disseminated during specific periods of the year, and;
            WHEREAS, the year 2016 Fire Prevention theme is “don’t wait – check the date and replacement of fire extinguishers every ten years”.
            NOW THEREFORE, the Council and Mayor of the Borough of Somerset are here to present their claim that from October 9th to 15th, 2016 as Fire Prevention Week throughout the Borough and urge all residents of the Borough of Somerset to heed the important safety measures of Fire Prevention Week 2016, and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of the Somerset Volunteer Fire Department.

                                    Signed September 26, 2016 by Council President Ruby Miller.

Committee, Administration, Special Reports

(A) Manager’s Report

• Mrs. Enos reported on the West Garrett Street Storm Water Project.  It is completed and appears to be working well.
• She met with the Russell Standard Corporation regarding the seal coating to be done next year for the chosen roads.
• September 14th she met with the DCNR Representative to discuss the Tree Revitalize Grant application.
• On the 20th she met with Dave Halverson to discuss renewal of all Borough insurance policies, including Public Officials and Police Professional Liability Policies.
• September 22nd they completed and submitted all documents required to comply with the Hickory Hill Pennvest loan closing.
• The first Public Hearing for the Year 2016 CDBG monies is scheduled to be held October 12th, 6:00 p.m. at the Redevelopment Authority Office.  Attendance is welcomed.
• We will be scheduling dates for our Fall Leaf Collection Program.
• A meeting will be scheduled with the new Executive Director of Somerset Inc. to review upcoming events that we are mutually involved in.
• We will be coordinating the Uptown Christmas Decorations with local utilities, and participate in Light Up Night Activities.
• We are waiting for the contract on the new Street Light Project and will then move forward with the LED Replacement Program with the Utility Company.

(B) President’s Report

• Mrs. Miller pointed out that Mr. Rosemeyer is now on the State Finance Committee and Nominating Committee for years 2016 and 2017 - now listed in the PSAB Book.
• The Tree Revitalize Grant Program information will be contained in the Manager’s Notes this week.

(C)  Engineer’s Report      

• Mr. Bolby mentioned that the Pennvest Hickory Hill Tank Project is proceeding.
• He said the only other happening is the remainder of the Sewage Treatment Plant Improvement Project – The 20% Local match is part of the grant application.

(D) Public Works/Equipment Committee

            Mr. Thomas informed them that their usual Public Works/Equipment Committee meeting was not held this evening because of the Executive Session and will be postponed until next Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

• He said the Public Works Committee Reports contained the following:
• They installed new storm sewer lines/inlets on West Garrett Street and Plank Road, and on East Main Street they removed shrubs then cleaned traffic light cameras/lenses in town.
• They cleaned sanitary sewer lines, repaired water leaks, winterized Union Street Playground, installed new “Watch Children” signs on Louther Street, addressed water complaints, mowed grass along stream banks, paved new storm sewer lines on Franklin Avenue, cleaned grates, performed gas detection calibration, daily trash pickups, watered flowers, hauled grass, repaired signs, and swept streets.

(E) Public Safety Committee
(Did not meet)

(F) Finance Committee

            Mr. Rosemeyer reported the following:

            General Fund:

                        Revenues: 76.50% - Expenses: 61.16%

            Water Fund:

                        Revenues: 71.69% - Expenses: 70.10%

            Sewer Fund:

                        Revenues: 63.44% - Expenses: 52.87%

            He thanked Mr. Peters and Ms. Enos and their staff for an excellent job, and said we are financially in good shape.

(G)  Somerset Inc.

            Concerning the park planters, Mrs. Pyle informed them that Mr. Riggs offered to re-do what needs to be done with them. The Garden Club prefers more color.

(H)  Somerset Volunteer Fire Department Representative

            The following Report was given by Mr. Thomas:

• The Department has received 368 calls so far this year.
• Calendars, at $30 each, will be for sale during the first part of October.
• Their Golf Tournament was very successful.
• He expressed their concerns regarding fires at the East Main Street Mobile Home Park and they are hoping for more cooperation for help.
• Fire Prevention Week is from October 9th to 16th.  Fire drills will be held at schools and nursing homes, with tours at the Fire Station.

(I)  Solicitor’s Report

            Mr. Cascio stated they are working with ongoing projects.

(J) Mayor’s Report

Mr. Walker reported that the Police Department went through their Re-Accreditation Process and passed.   

Adjournment

            Mrs. Opp moved Mr. Shaulis seconded to adjourn the meeting.

Motion Unanimously Carried.
8:07 p.m.

 

_________________________
Michele A. Enos,
Borough Manager / Secretary