Somerset Borough Council Minutes
Council Minutes will be posted after they are approved at the following meeting.
Meet the Somerset Borough Council Members and Staff
Public Comment Policy
The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act (65 Pa. C.S. 701, et seq.) provides that the Board or Council of a political subdivision shall provide a reasonable opportunity at each advertised regular meeting and advertised special meeting for residents of the political subdivision or for taxpayers of the political subdivision or to comment on matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are or may be before the Board or Council prior to taking official action. (710.1).
To assure compliance with the Act, to inform members of the public who may wish to make comment, and to provide for predictable and orderly implementation of the public comment period, Somerset Borough Council has adopted this Public Comment Policy.
2017Council Meetings |
| January 23rd |
| February 27th |
| March 27th |
| April 24th |
| May 22nd |
| June |
| July |
| August |
| September |
| October |
| November |
| December |
*Council has traditionally rescheduled its November and December meetings based on the timing for budget adoption and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The rescheduling will be done closer to these dates.
Borough of Somerset Council Meeting
March 27, 2017 at 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:
Council Members Present: Ruby Miller; Fred Rosemeyer; Judy Pyle; Pam Ream; Sue Opp; Steve Shaulis; Gary Thomas. Also present was Scott Walker, Mayor.
Also present were the following: Borough Manager Michele Enos; Director of Finance Brett Peters; Chief of Police Randy Cox; Solicitor James Cascio; and Consulting Engineer Jake Bolby.
Announcements:
(a) An executive session was held this evening at 6:00 p.m. to discuss personnel and collective bargaining matters.
Approval of Previous Council Meeting Minutes:
(a) February 27, 2017 – Borough Council Meeting Minutes.
Motion
Mr. Rosemeyer moved, Mrs. Opp seconded to approve the February 27, 2017 Borough Council Meeting Minutes.
Motion Unanimously Carried
Award of Bids:
(a) None
General Public Comments:
(a) None
Administrative Business:
(a) Communication – There were no communications.
(b) Payment of Bills.
Motion
Mrs. Ream moved, Mrs. Opp seconded to approve the payment of bills numbered 29079 – 29225 totaling $494,032.58
Motion Unanimously Carried
Policy Agenda:
Old Business:
(a) There is no old business.
New Business:
(a) Resolution No. 2017-03 – Consider authorizing the resolution to suspend metered parking on Saturdays.
RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF SOMERSET, COUNTY OF SOMERSET, PENNSYLVANIA
DATED MARCH 27, 2017
RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03WHEREAS, the Borough of Somerset (“Borough”), in accordance with Ordinance 1370, may by resolution establish periods when it shall be lawful for the owner or operator of any motor vehicle to park in designated parking meter zones without depositing coin(s) in the coin parking meters; and
WHEREAS, to promote economic growth within the Borough, the Borough Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the Borough to designate every Saturday as a day exempt from the requirement to deposit coin(s) in the coin parking meters throughout the Borough.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Borough that until rescinded, altered or amended by Resolution or Ordinance of the Council or Ordered by the Chief of Police or Mayor pursuant to the specific powers granted in Ordinance 1370, it shall not be a violation of any Borough parking Ordinance for the owner or operator of any motor vehicle to park in all designated parking meter zones without depositing coin(s) in the coin parking meters on Saturdays, beginning at 12:01 a.m., and ending at 11:59 p.m.
THIS RESOLUTION shall not apply to, nor prevent enforcement of, any violation of applicable Ordinances or statutes regulating parking.
Adopted this 27th day of March, 2017, by unanimous roll call vote.
ATTEST:
BOROUGH OF SOMERSET
Motion
Mr. Rosemeyer moved, Mr. Thomas seconded to authorize the resolution to suspend metered parking on Saturdays
Motion Unanimously Carried
(b) Resolution No. 2017-04 – Consider authorizing the resolution for the exchange of property between the Borough of Somerset and Old Stone Tavern Holdings, LLC.
Resolution No. 2017 -04
WHEREAS, Section 1201.2 (c) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Boroughs and Incorporated Towns 2014 Edition) provides for the Exchange of Personal Property and…
WHEREAS, the provisions of such Section allow for Borough Property to be traded in or exchanged for new or used personal property being acquired by the Borough, and…
WHEREAS, the trade or exchange of such personal property shall be done by Resolution of the Council of the Borough of Somerset, and…
WHEREAS, the Council of the Borough is desirous of making such a trade / exchange of such personal property (more particularly described and itemized below) between the Borough and Old Stone Tavern Holdings, LLC., of 121 South Main Street Poland, Ohio and…
Borough Property:
Street Signs:
- 8-large stop signs
- 2-no outlet
- 4-one way
- 1-Slow watch children
- 14- two hour or resident only
- 1 -Art center
- 1 -Stop on red
- 2-Small 4 way
- 11-small stop signs
Traffic Signals (Plastic):
- We have 28 traffic signals with plastic housings.
- 8 “walk/don’t walk” signals in plastic
- Also, pictured is 20 boxes of plastic lenses, reflectors and controls.
Traffic Signals (Metal Housings)
- 17 traffic signals and 8” walk/don’t walk” signals.
Special Notation:
- We are trading our 45 traffic signals; 16 “walk/don’t walk” signals; and 20 boxes of lenses/reflectors, all of the above listed signs, in “as is” condition”, in exchange for 60 complete parking meter housings (cabinets) in “as is” condition.
Value per scrap pricing:
- Street Signs
125 lbs of Scrap $0.40 p/lb. = $50.00
- Traffic Signals (Plastic) *(Borough would pay to dispose of).
- Traffic Signals (Metal)
17 Units (25lbs each) $6.50 p/100 lbs = $27.63
Total Scrap Price: $77.63
Old Stone Tavern Holdings, LLC Property
Owner: Jack ShetlerMeter Housings (Cabinets):
- 60 Used Parking Meter Cabinets (as is)
(Used by the Parking Authority in the City of Pittsburgh)
Comparing Costs:
New Meter Housing (Cabinets/Identical Model)
- 60 Meter Cabinets $323.00 p/unit = $19,380.00
Total Cost New: $19,380.00
Special Notation:
- Mr. Shetler has agreed to trade our 45 traffic signals; 16 “walk/don’t walk” signals; and 20 boxes of lenses/reflectors, all of the above listed signs, in “as is” condition”, in exchange for his 60 complete parking meter housings (cabinets) in “as is” condition.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the Borough of Somerset approve the exchange / trade of personal property between itself and Old Tavern Holdings, LLC.
ADOPTED this 27th day of March, 2017
Motion
Mr. Thomas moved, Mrs. Opp seconded to authorize the exchange of property between the Borough of Somerset and Old Stone Tavern Holdings, LLC.
Motion Unanimously Carried
(c) PA One Call Proclamation – Requesting the Borough to proclaim “Safe Digging Month” for the month of April 2017.
Proclamation
April 2017
PA 811 Safe Digging MonthWHEREAS, the month of April 2017 is recognized as 'Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month" across our Commonwealth, an initiative supported by Pennsylvania 811, a utility notification information center celebrating its 45th year of continuous service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and
WHEREAS, this unique service provides an easy to use one-call notification about excavation projects which may endanger workers and jeopardize utility lines while promoting workplace and public safety, reducing underground utility damage and minimizing utility service interruptions while protecting the environment, and
WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania One Call System began with only six utility companies in Western Pennsylvania and now serves more than 100,000 excavators and 3,600 critical underground infrastructure owners throughout the Commonwealth, and
WHEREAS, the service annually receives more than 800,000 notification requests and transmits more than six (6) million notifications, providing protection to utility companies, their employees, customers, and the general public, andWHEREAS, economic development throughout Pennsylvania is growing, and it is important to minimize the damage to underground utility lines, danger to workers, environmental pollution, and the loss of utility services, and
WHEREAS, we are thankful for the service provided by Pennsylvania 811 and encourage all residents, engineers, designers, excavators and homeowners to Dial 8-1-1 at least three business days in advance of an excavation project such as planting a tree, installing a mailbox post, building a deck or swimming pool or replacing a driveway.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the council of the BOROUGH OF SOMERSET does hereby proclaim April 2017 as “Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month” in the BOROUGH OF SOMERSET.
Motion
Mrs. Opp moved, Mr. Shaulis seconded for the Borough to proclaim the month of April 2017 as “Safe Digging Month.”
Motion Unanimously Carried
(d) Bedford-Somerset Development & Behavioral Health Services – Requesting to tie ribbons on trees throughout the Borough from May 8th until May 15th for “Mental Health Awareness Week.”
Ms. Debbie Miller representing Cornerstone Community Services, spoke to Council in regards to their “Mental Health Awareness Week” event. Ms. Miller stated that she was requesting that they be permitted to “turn the town green” with green ribbons, tied on the trees, that they would like displayed throughout the Borough for one (1) week. She stated that they were going to have a week of events at different locations, with different service providers present, to provide information to consumers and those who could reach out to them for their services. Discussions were then held about possible events that would be occurring throughout the week. Chief Cox, on behalf of himself and all the Police Officers, also commended Ms. Miller and the staff of Cornerstone Community Services, for the quality of work they do. He stated that they always got tremendous support from the staff, and they are very happy to have that.
Motion
Mrs. Ream moved, Mrs. Opp seconded to grant the request to tie ribbons on trees throughout the Borough from May 8th until May 15th for “Mental Health Awareness Week.”
Motion Unanimously Carried
Consulting Engineer Jake Bolby gave 2 project-related updates. The first was with the SCADA System for the Water System. He stated that it is just about “wrapped up” and it went “on-line” on Monday. He said they are “tidying things up” and that it should be “good to go” very soon. Secondly, he mentioned that Hickory Hill is underway, and everything is going smoothly.
Mrs. Pyle asked Ms. Enos to refresh her about a discussion that they had about hanging banners between 2 utility poles to announce upcoming events. Approval has to come through PENNDOT for this, and they were turned down before. It was discussed that there was an incident in Portage where 2 or 3 fireman came in contact with an electrical line while hanging a banner between 2 utility poles. As a result, they were killed.
Discussion were also held about the status of purchasing new Christmas decorations for Uptown and the Historical District. Ms. Enos stated that discussions among herself, and others who want to be involved, have not taken place to this date.
Suggestions were also made about personally approaching businesses, with letters, to see if they would like to help fund this project, or make a pledge, for the new decorations. It was noted that the current wiring setup could not hold the electrical load of what the new decorations would require. Ms. Enos stated that the utility company will need to be approached about the current electrical issues after a meeting is held about acquiring new decorations.
Mr. Thomas brought out that a lot of training is going on with the Firemen at the Department. He stated that they were up to about 187 calls. He stated that ISO is coming in to go over the whole Borough for accreditation.
It was also mentioned that there was going to be a clean-up day on April 22nd, being held by Somerset Inc. They are taking the initiative to help clean up the town and park. This is not a part of the annual spring clean-up held by the Borough each year.
Mr. Thomas also mentioned that he had individuals comment on how well the streets were maintained during the recent snow storms. Chief Cox mentioned that this was the first time in the13 winters he was here, that people approached him from Public Works to offer to him what their plan was.
Mr. Rosemeyer asked Ms. Enos if Council members could meet for an Executive Session without Legal Counsel and Staff present. Mr. Cascio and Ms. Enos stated that they would have to check on his request to give him a specific answer. Mr. Rosemeyer mentioned that he knew of a couple counties who have done this. He said there may be some things they want to talk about such as cost, money, things and whatever.
Mr. Rosemeyer also mentioned that he had a nice meeting with the County Borough’s Association. All 3 County Commissioner’s, some State Representatives and others from the County Offices were present. The Executive Assistant Director came in
and had a really good discussion on Grants. He came in with a lot of information. Mr. Rosemeyer stated that it was a very good meeting. He mentioned that Berlin is always an excellent host and their hospitality is good. They will meet again in May.
Mr. Rosemeyer mentioned that a scholarship was created in the name of the late past President of the County Boroughs Association. The scholarship will offer the awardee the opportunity to attend the PSAB Annual Conference in Hershey. This scholarship will be awarded every year.
Executive Session:
None requested.
Adjournment:
Mrs. Ream moved to adjourn, motion seconded by Mrs. Opp.
Motion Unanimously Carried
7:25 p.m.
_____________________________________
Michele A. Enos, Borough Manager/Secretary