Somerset Borough Council Minutes
Council Meeting 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.
2017 Council Meetings |
| January 23rd |
| February 13th Committee of the Whole Meeting - 5 PM |
| February 27th Council Meeting 7 PM |
| March 13th Committee of the Whole Meeting - 5 PM |
| March 27th Council Meeting 7 PM |
| April 10th Committee of the Whole Meeting - 5 PM |
| April 24th Council Meeting 7 PM |
| May 8th Committee of the Whole Meeting - 5 PM |
| May 22nd Council Meeting 7 PM |
| June 12th Committee of the Whole Meeting - 5 PM |
| June 26th Council Meeting 7 PM |
| July 10th Committee of the Whole Meeting - 5 PM |
| July 24th Council Meeting 7 PM |
| August 14th Committee of the Whole Meeting - 5 PM |
| August 28th Council Meeting 7 PM |
| September 11th Committee of the Whole Meeting - 5 PM |
| September 25th Council Meeting 7 PM |
| October 9th Committee of the Whole Meeting - 5 PM |
| October 23rd Council Meeting 7 PM |
| 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
September 25, 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; and Gary Thomas. Mayor Scott Walker also present.
Absent was Junior Council Member Maria Weimer.
Also present were the following: Borough Manager Michele Enos; Chief of Police Randy Cox; Solicitor James Cascio; and Consulting Engineers Tom Reilly and Jake Bolby.
Announcements:
(a) None
Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings:
(a) August 14th, 2017 – Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
Motion
Mrs. Opp moved, Mrs. Ream seconded to approve the August 14th, 2017 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes.
Motion Unanimously Carried
(b) August 28th, 2017 - Borough Council Meeting Minutes
Motion
Mr. Rosemeyer moved, Mrs. Opp seconded to approve August 28th, 2017, Borough Council Meeting Minutes.
Motion Unanimously Carried
Award of Bids:
(a) None
General Public Comments:
(a) Commissioner Gerald Walker – To speak about Red Ribbon Week.
Mr. Walker stated that, for years, the Somerset Borough Council has announced a Proclamation for Red Ribbon Week. He stated that this is the 32nd year we have held Red Ribbon Week in Somerset County. He stated that, this year, Red Ribbon Week is being held from Oct 23rd - Oct 31st. He mentioned that this year’s theme is, “Your Future Is Key, So Stay Drug Free!” Mr. Walker stated that all 11 County schools, along with Somerset Christian and St. Peters, will be participating in a poster, essay and banner contest. The winners of these contests will be awarded at the Red Ribbon Rally on Friday, October 20th, 2017, at 9:00 am, at the Somerset County Courthouse. Mr. Walker stated that everyone is invited, and encouraged to come, to the rally. Winners of the contests will be published in the Daily American on Tuesday October 24th, 2017. 14,000 red ribbons will be distributed throughout Somerset County schools and businesses. “Paint Our Town Red” bows will be placed all over Somerset County. Placemats and flyers have been designed to use at local restaurants during Red Ribbon Week.
Administrative Business:
(a) Communications – (None)
(b) Payment of Bills
Motion
Mrs. Ream moved, Mrs. Opp seconded to approve the payment of bills numbered 29968 – 30086, totaling $740,181.73
Motion Unanimously Carried
Policy Agenda:
Old Business:
(a) There is no old business.
New Business:
(a) Proclamation – Consider authorizing the proclamation to acknowledge Red Ribbon Week being held October 23rd thru October 31st, 2017.
Mayor Walker read the “Red Ribbon Week” Proclamation to all in attendance.Proclamation
Red Ribbon Week
October 23rd – 31st 2017WHEREAS, The Borough of Somerset values the health and safety of all its citizens; and
WHEREAS, substance abuse is particularly damaging to one of our most valuable resources, our children, and a contributing factor in the three leading causes of death for teenagers – accidents, homicides, and suicides; and
WHEREAS, it is the goal of Red Ribbon Week and the Borough of Somerset to involve families, schools, businesses, churches, law enforcement agencies and service organizations in all aspects of this campaign and establish an atmosphere that supports awareness, education and on-going initiatives to prevent illegal drug use, and
WHEREAS, the Red Ribbon Week Campaign theme promotes family and individual responsibilities for living healthy, drug-free lifestyles, without illegal drugs or the illegal use of legal drugs,
Therefore, Be It Proclaimed: I, Scott A. Walker, serving as Mayor of the Borough of Somerset do hereby proclaim October 23rd – 31st, 2017 as Red Ribbon Week in the Borough of Somerset.
Executive Session – None requested.
Mr. Rosemeyer mentioned that there were approximately 40 people at the County Banquet last week. 15 Boroughs were represented. One of the biggest issues discussed was blighted properties. Several Boroughs were concerned about not getting the paving done this year. Most of the Tar and Chip contracts in the Boroughs were cancelled. He stated that different Boroughs discussed having Halloween Parades for the kids. All Boroughs are working on their 2018 Budgets. Mr. Rosemeyer mentioned that the editor from PSAB was present. A number of County Commissioners were also present. The Banquet was hosted by Berlin and the Berlin Fire Hall. Their Woman’s Auxiliary provided delicious food and an excellent atmosphere. He stated that it was a good meeting. The next meeting will be held in November 2017.
Mr. Bolby mentioned that the Operation Permit was received for the Hickory Hill Tank. They can now work to get that on-line and in service. They are wrapping up with the fence, and it will be restored to the way it previously was.
Ms. Enos stated that the new roof on the Coxes Creek Water Treatment Plant has been completed.
Mrs. Pyle mentioned that the “Historic Plaque Initiative” is moving along nicely. 12 people have committed to displaying this plaque on their buildings. Vo-Tech School will be constructing the plaques.
Mrs. Pyle stated that “Shooter Showdown” went well.
She also mentioned that “Fire and Ice” meetings are starting. The theme this year is “Winter Olympics.”
She stated that “Light up the Night” this year will be held on Saturday, November 25th, 2017.
Mr. Rosemeyer mentioned that a bust was just made in Cambria County. He stated that meth is coming by mail from California and Arizona. There were 65,000 doses, totaling over 1 million dollars. He stated that they are using the mail to deliver this to people. He stated that 21 people were arrested. He said how thankful we are for awareness like “Red Ribbon Week.”
Adjournment:
Mrs. Ream moved to adjourn, motion seconded by Mrs. Opp.
Motion Unanimously Carried
7:12 p.m.
_____________________________________
Michele A. Enos, Borough Manager/Secretary