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Somerset Borough Council Minutes

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Borough of Somerset Committee of the Whole
October 9th, 2017 5:00 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; Sue Opp; Steve Shaulis; and Gary Thomas. Mayor Scott Walker also present. 

Absent was Council Member Pam Ream and Junior Council Member Maria Weimer.

       Also present were the following:  Borough Manager, Michele Enos; Director of Finance, Brett Peters; Chief of Police, Randy Cox; Solicitor James Cascio; and Consulting Engineers, Tom Reilly and Jake Bolby. 

Announcements:

 (a) None

Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:

 (a) All minutes are approved at the regular Council Meeting.

General Public Comments:

(a) None Registered.

Policy Agenda:

Old Business:

 (a) None

New Business:

 (a) Request Form Submitted by Manager Enos:

      1. 2018 Capital Budget Request – Discussion

Ms. Enos stated that discussion was going to be held with Council to review the Capital Budget Requests that came in for the Water, Sewer and General Funds. She stated that she and Mr. Peters met with Mr. Bolby and Mr. Reilly and reviewed the cost estimates for the Water and Sewer Department requests.  She stated that there are some items that take design, some items that you have to prepare for, and additional costs for advertising for bidding the project. So, Ms. Enos stated that they wanted to make sure that they had full cost amounts before Council would review the information for consideration.  She stated that she and Mr. Peters wanted to meet with EADS to discuss what they feel are the priorities in those departments.

Mr. Peters mentioned that he handed out to Council a spread sheet with the Budget Requests they received from Larry Kowatch of the Water Plant, Craig Weimer from the Sewer Plant, Chief Randy Cox from the Police Department and Chuck Glessner from the Public Works Garage.  He stated that he would answer any questions from Council concerning these requests.  He mentioned that he’s not asking for approval of these expenditures, only identifying the requests, and what he and Ms. Enos feel are the needs.        

Ms. Enos stated that she and Mr. Peters would review the list of requested items with Council.  She stated that a lot of items that Council would see on the spread sheet, for the Water and Sewer Plants, have to mainly do with infrastructure improvements. She mentioned that these items are actually part of the building, and part of the day to day operations.  Ms. Enos stated that a lot of these things on the list are things we should be doing with regular maintenance. It needs to be considered each year, so that we do not get into a very costly situation because the maintenance was not done.

Mrs. Miller raised a question asking how long it had been since the old Que Tank inspection and painting was done. 

Mr. Reilly stated that he is unaware whether it had ever been inspected.  He stated that it’s been in service for about 20-25 years, and commented that it’s time to open the tank up and do an inspection of its interior.  He stated that the exterior isn’t in bad shape.

Ms. Enos mentioned that re-painting of the tank would not be for aesthetic reasons. It would be for preservation of the tank. 

Mrs. Miller asked about the status of the Laurel Hill Reservoir that is not being utilized.

Mr. Reilly stated that there is still a physical connection between that reservoir and the Raw Water Pump Station. The disconnect of this pipe is requested on the Water Department Request.  He mentioned that it is a different project than actually taking the Reservoir out of service.  He stated that if you would take the reservoir out of service, it’s a much larger project. 

Ms. Enos mentioned that if we’re not using the reservoir, we should disconnect, because as far as DEP is concerned, we still have a connection point there. So there is reporting and sampling, and it’s costing us more money by leaving it there.  So that’s why it is on the list to be considered.  She stated that we want to make sure that if we’re not using it, that we physically disconnect from it. 

Discussion was held about other repairs and costs within the Water Plant that were moved from last year’s budget into next year’s budget.  Fence repair requests were also discussed that need attention at the different Water Plant facilities.  Ms. Enos mentioned that it had been quite some time since any of the repairs had been done.

Discussion was also held about the request put in for the mower in the Public Works Department.  Mr. Peters mentioned that the Steiner Tractor/Mower request was for the purpose of more than mowing.  This specific tractor has a multi-purpose use with various attachments that can be used for plowing and other tasks. 

Ms. Enos stated that she, Mr. Peters, Mr. Reilly and Mr. Bolby feel that there isn’t anything on the list that they do not feel isn’t important, or doesn’t have to be done at some point. They feel that some items are higher priority, but none of the items are on a “wish list.”  They are on a “need list.”

The next topic that was discussed was the Budget Request from the Sewer Plant.

Mr. Peters stated that most of the items listed are “big ticket items”, but they are more maintenance than Capital needs.  Mr. Peters explained that these are things that need to be done, because the equipment is getting old.  He reviewed what the 4 top priority items needing attention at the Sewer Plant were.  

Mr. Bolby explained, in detail, about the maintenance repairs needing attention on the aging equipment of the Sewer Plant’s top priority items.  He explained that a lot of the equipment is in very poor working condition and needs repaired or replaced.  He also stated that there really isn’t a lot of monitoring capabilities for the Sewer Plant.  He stated that what they do have is “semi-functional” at best, and monitors very little.  He mentioned that there are not a lot of good flow records from the pump stations.  

Ms. Enos stated that the problem with this is that there is a lot of reporting required by DEP that is calculated based on this equipment that we don’t have in functional order.  So we’re missing a lot of valuable information for us, and also DEP reporting.

Mr. Peters stated the purpose of the information presented to Council is to help them make informed decisions about what they are going to do with the budget come November or December.  He then reviewed the Police Departments request for 2 new vehicles.  Following this, Mr. Peters reviewed the Budget Request from the Public Works Department with Council. 

Ms. Enos explained we’re unique in the fashion that Public Works does General Fund activities, but they also do Water and Sewer distribution and collection. So those items performed for these departments come out of the Water and Sewer funds, respectively, depending on what they are doing.  So some of the equipment requested on their list is considered multi-funded based on its use.  Discussion was held regarding this.  Ms. Enos commented on how a lot of our equipment is old, and unfortunately, a lot of the equipment is expensive equipment.  She mentioned that we’ve been fixing what is broken, and repairing, as we go along. She stated that we’re getting to a point now where our whole fleet is aging, and starting to “nickel and dime us” to death.

Mr. Peters next explained the Graph Charts he handed out to Council. These were in reference to the General, Water and Sewer Cash Reserves.  The first one he explained was the General Fund Reserve. The presented graph indicated how our money flows throughout the year.  He stated that in previous meetings it was discussed about having a separate fund for Capital purposes.  He proposed to Council that we come up with a number that we feel comfortable with to keep in reserves for operating expenses.  Anything over the agreed amount could be moved into a separate account specifically designated for Capital purchases. 

Ms. Enos stated that we do not want to get into a situation where the Borough has to borrow money to survive.

Solicitor Cascio stated that what is being stated is dedicating a little millage to this Capital Fund so you’re able to take advantage of it.  He stated that you don’t want to keep every piece of equipment past its useful life.  You want to get rid of things when it’s starting to cost you money.  He stated that where a lot of Municipalities are getting behind is in keeping the equipment levels where they are supposed to be.  He stated that if it’s something you have actually built into your system already, like Brett mentioned, you wouldn’t find yourself in a bad situation where you would now have to find the funds to cover your costs.

Chief Cox stated that the Police Department is now in a situation where they have 2 vehicles that won’t pass inspection.

Solicitor Cascio stated that with inflation, everybody’s expenses continue to rise.  The presented graph indicates that the Management of the Borough has been able to keep expenses on a very predictable path. He stated that we could not do this if we didn’t have cash sitting in our Reserve.  Solicitor Cascio stated that if you can get ahead of your expenses, and anticipate problems, then you’re going to make smart buys. It’s necessary “working” Capital.  He stated that any one of these years you could have a half a million-dollar hit. 

Ms. Enos stated that this is what they are trying to avoid by continuing to maintain what they currently have. She stated that they don’t have to face an expensive project under an emergency situation where you have no time to plan for financing it. 

Solicitor Cascio stated, that going forward, sooner or later you are going to have to do something with tax because of inflation with costs rising.  If you do it, it’s not reacting. You’re anticipating the expense.  He stated that it reflects better on how the government is being run.  If you have all this cash available for the unexpected, then that’s one thing you can always plan on. If you have financial strength to do that, then it’s bought and paid for. 

Ms. Enos stated that she and Mr. Peters wanted to present a way to create, and get started, on a Capital Fund.  She stated that they will talk more in depth before any decision making is done. They wanted to give Council an opportunity to fully understand everything being presented, so Council can make a better decision that they are comfortable with in moving forward in the process.  Ms. Enos stated that if we have a certain amount of money in Reserves, it can get us through our entire operating year. Then if we still have some cushion for emergencies, we can bank a certain amount.  If we have a good year, we can automatically transfer all surplus into the Capital Fund at the end of the year that we have already created.  As far as Capital Projects, it gives us more of an opportunity to build, and it won’t be such a huge undertaking.  EADS has developed a long-range plan for us on equipment.  This will only get us better prepared for what we have to plan for in the future.

Solicitor Cascio stated that this is being very proactive.  He stated that we know we’re going to be buying vehicles and replacing things, so why not put money away for these things.

Mr. Peters explained that he has to financially project where we’re going to end up at the end of the year.  He stated that he can only guess, depending on the weather, what we’re going to be doing now until December.  He stated that he has to at least plan for a bad-case scenario.  He explained this in the General Fund Balance Graph.  Mr. Peters stated that monies coming in, and expenditures, change throughout each year.  So what Mr. Peters projects by the end of the year to be a surplus in the General Fund, could easily change.  Mr. Peters then spoke briefly about the Water Fund Balance Graph, and the Sewer Fund Balance Graph, and where we are financially in these departments. 

Ms. Enos stated that with no increase in the taxes for this year, all Capital in the General Fund went away this year. Ms. Enos stated that Mr. Peters does really well at budgeting.  She stated that you want your Finance Director to project the worse-case scenario, because if it doesn’t happen, then that’s money in your hand. She stated that we do not know what is going to happen, but we’re going to plan for whatever may happen.  In this way, we know we’ll have the monies for it, and will be able to get through it.

Mr. Peters stated that all that was presented to Council, is at least a starting point for discussion, for what has been requested from a Capital standpoint.  He stated that Council was presented with just a first rough draft. There will be more information regarding all of this at the November meeting.  He stated that with the first rough draft presented, there is a slight deficit in the General Fund and Water Fund, as well. Mr. Peters stated that, at this point, he is not going to propose any rate increase in the Water Fund when we have Reserves.  He stated that with the Sewer Fund, right now, he feels that we would be able to make most or all the requested purchases if Council so chooses to do so.  Mr. Peters stated that he does not need votes or approvals, just general direction, particularly in the General Fund area. He stated that he’s projecting a deficit from his first draft.  He asked if there is going to be any willingness to raise taxes this year.  He stated that a tax increase will give us the money to make these purchases this year. But if he’s already budgeting a deficit for 2018, that means there is not going to be any more money going into the reserve fund for 2019.  He asked if there is any willingness for a half a mill or a 1 mill tax increase, so we can start building the reserve fund for future years.  He stated that he would like some consensus or direction on where Council would like to go with that.  Mr. Peters stated that without any type of tax increase, the Reserve Fund or Capital Fund will be gone at the end of 2018.  He stated that, as a group, Council has to make that decision.

Ms. Enos stated that she thinks the important thing that they wanted to discuss with Council was everything that is in General Fund needs to be funded this year.   She stated that the point that Mr. Peters was trying to make, is to create a Capital Reserve Fund to keep money in Reserves for the Operating Budget throughout the course of the year.  If Council was to fund everything on the list for next year, there will be no monies left. Ms. Enos stated that we don’t want to be in a position where you’re borrowing and paying interest on monies, and then worrying about being in a situation where you have to increase taxes just to survive.  She stated that the Operating Budget should be separate and apart from the Capital.  You should have enough revenue to handle your expenses.  She commented that if Council is not willing to increase taxes, then you need to consider decreasing expenses.  That’s the only real options you have.  Ms. Enos stated that even if we use Reserves to fund our Operating Costs, which we shouldn’t be doing, this is just going to continue trending downward. She stated that if there’s never a tax increase to build it back up, then we’re going to put ourselves in a bad situation for the next 5 to 10 years.  She mentioned that we still have aging equipment and we still have aging infrastructure.  That’s not going to go away. 

Ms. Enos reiterated that the material Council was receiving was for informational purposes only.  She stated that they want Council to make the decision.  She and Mr. Peters are looking for what Council’s thoughts are on the presented information. She stated that if Council does not want to raise taxes, then they need to consider the $50,000.00 potential deficit in our Operating Budget, and they may need to cut down on some expenses. 

Mrs. Pyle, stated that if you took one Police Officer out of the budget, then there’s your $50,000.000 deficit.  She stated that an individual was complaining to her about the size of the Police Department for this Municipality. 

Chief Cox stated that the only fallacy in that thinking is that no matter how many officers we have, we’re still putting the same amount of hours of protection on the street per year.  He stated that the number of Officers doesn’t affect how many hours they put on last year, to this year, to next year.  He stated that they are not putting more hours on when a new Officer is hired.  The pool of hours is being divided between that many more Officers.  With the hiring of the last Officer, approximately 1 year ago, he stated that the Police Departments expenditures actually went down because they weren’t spending as much overtime because of the staffing.  He stated that you can’t put the full-timers and part- timers on the same level, because they have different impacts on the budget.

Ms. Enos stated that you have to look at the Operating Expenses.  She mentioned that there are always going to be projects that need to be done.  She stated that they are dealing with old infrastructure, and expenses keep going up.  She commented that Revenues do not keep going up.  She stated that you have to make a decision whether you’re going to fund the increase in costs, or you are going to take your expenses and trim them back.  Ms. Enos mentioned that this is the direction she and Mr. Peters are looking for from Council.  She asked, “What does Council feel that they can live with?” knowing that next year it’s going to be a separate year, and we’re going to still have Capital.  She stated that we’re still going to have projects, and we’re still going to have things that we don’t plan for that are going to fall apart.  She commented that we’re just going to have to deal with those when it happens.  She stated that this is why we have a Reserve.  That is why we want a certain amount that we’re comfortable with in the Reserve, because we don’t want to ever get in a bad position. She stated that if something happens that we haven’t accounted for, then we’re going to have the money to fix it and we won’t be in that bad position.  Ms. Enos stated that if we want to say that $2,000,000.00 is our “cap”, then anything over and above that goes into a Capital Reserve.  She stated that we’re looking at $300,000.00 to start that Capital Equipment Plan.  Ms. Enos stated that we have $300,000.00 in General Fund Requests for next year.  She stated that this could be used up in one year, then we’re back to square one. She stated that a half a mill tax increase will only eliminate your deficit in the Operating Budget.  That’s nothing additional for any kind of Capital.  But, she mentioned, that this will off - set what we’re projecting to be a budget deficit.

Mr. Peters stated that, again, the information presented to Council is his first rough draft.  He stated that the closer he gets to the end of the year, the more accurate his numbers will be, because he’s doing less guessing and more based on actual figures. He stated that when we get through October, for November’s meetings, he will have a budget that’s more realistic and more accurate than the months before.  Next month will be better in the terms of accuracy. 

     2. Cherry Lane Storm Water Project – Update

Ms. Enos stated that this project, which is on the Miller’s property, was selected for Community Development Block Grant Funding.  She stated that they were hoping to use those funds, until DEP came back and said they would not issue the Borough a General Permit to go in and do any kind of stream improvements, or re-establishing the stream channel in that area.  She stated that a memo was sent to her by Mr. Bolby, wrapping up their requested meeting they had with DEP.  It stated that a General Permit wasn’t something the Borough was going to be issued by DEP. Ms. Enos then handed out the memo to all of Council Members.

Mr. Bolby stated that the General Permit that was trying to be obtained was approved for similar types of projects over several years.  He stated that DEP revealed to himself and Ms. Enos at that meeting, that it was basically the Departments mistake to issue a Permit for that type of work.  He stated that as far as what could be done, there are two approaches.  One approach would be a Small Project Joint Permit, which is authorized through the Army Corp of Engineers and the Department of Environmental Protection. He explained that this would limit you to do all work outside of the stream bed and bank.   He stated that this would be very difficult to do in this area, because you would be encroaching into people’s property to get anything that would be of any use.  Mr. Bolby stated that this approach may not do anything other than lower the water level a couple inches.  The second approach, is a Standard Joint Permit.  He stated that this type of permit is very “in-depth”, and the permit process is long.  He stated that the main focus of a Standard Joint Permit, is that you have to provide an alternative analysis.  Being that this is a storm water volume and rate control type project, it is not necessarily a flooding concern yet to them.  Mr. Bolby stated that DEP is saying that the stream has naturalized itself back to where it wants to be.  It has filled in.  He explained that because there is development up above the Miller’s area, this has created a pervious area resulting in sending more rain water down to their area.  DEP would want you to look at Storm Water Management Techniques in this area that doesn’t reconfigure the bed and bank of the stream.  Mr. Bolby stated that it would be more likely that DEP would steer you towards a Storm Water Management Project that would take place somewhere outside of the stream.  That was DEP’s initial opinion.  He stated that DEP would probably stand behind that until you lead them in the direction to justify manipulating or changing that channel alignment and capacity.  So it would be difficult to obtain a permit to do a stream cleaning.  He stated that DEP is staying away from those types of projects, when there are alternatives available.  The Small Joint Permit really won’t get you that much.  It would just move the flood waters around a little bit.  He stated that the Millers are not going to avoid the flooding issue that would come with that.  Of the two approaches, Mr. Bolby stated that it would most likely be Storm Water Management, mostly up stream, which you can do without a permit.  What would be involved with this, and the cost to do it, was discussed among Council Members.     

Mr. Bolby mentioned that the Borough needs to take a position on the Miller’s problem.  He stated that they were trying to do this project for them.  He commented that it didn’t have much of a cost to the Borough for trying to improve the area, and it didn’t work out.  Mr. Bolby stated that this is going to be extremely expensive, and we’re using everybody’s tax paying dollars to benefit a couple individual properties. He stated that our position is that this isn’t the Borough’s issue, for a variety of reasons.

Ms. Enos mentioned that, in times past, the Borough did not have regulations in place for governing storm water.  She stated that now run-off is coming from all these places that have been built up, and all newly paved areas, and causing flooding.  She stated that all these things were not factored in years ago.  She stated that there were no regulations, and now there are regulations, because everyone is going through the same thing.  Properties are being flooded.  Ms. Enos stated that this is why they are stricter now on their Storm Water Regulations. She stated that she, Mr. Reilly and Mr. Bolby have talked about this subject in doing the Storm Water Study that is currently being done for the Brierwood area.  They are looking at these types of things to help regulate better. They are trying to eliminate future problems.  Ms. Enos stated that helping the Miller’s was a good opportunity to use Grant monies.  It was a General Permit that would give us the opportunity to go in there and clean the stream channel and be done.  She stated that it was an opportunity until DEP told the Borough that the General Permit wasn’t going to be granted. 

Mr. Bolby mentioned that we could very well go through The Small Joint Permit process, spend $20,000.00 - $25,000.00 very easily, and get to the point where DEP would say to the Borough, again, that we have alternatives that doesn’t involve affecting the stream.  He stated that by then, we spent this money to be exactly where we are today.  He commented that it doesn’t make a lot of sense to go down there and do this.

Ms. Enos stated that DEP is not going to allow them to go in there and dredge the stream and re-establish the stream channel.  She stated that Council has to collectively have an opinion on this.  

Mr. Reilly stated that one of the things we talked about, as part of the Storm Water Study, is the Complaint System.  This is where we were going to allow property owners to input and identify storm water related complaints.  Brierwood area is the specific area we’re concentrating on right now.  But the Complaint System is going to be set up for the entire Borough.  So if the Miller’s want to provide a complaint, and maybe we see a cluster of complaints in that area, and see a need to look at a broader solution in that area, the Complaint System allows the Borough to gather the information, prioritize other areas that they want us to study and develop costs so that we can do the type of long-range planning that we talked about tonight, and say “What’s it going to take to improve some of these problem areas?”  This way, we can do more of a systematic approach by getting information on storm water issues all over the Borough.

Discussion was further held on this subject with all Council Members.

     3. Resolution – Deposit of Commonwealth Monies in Borough Pension Plans.

Ms. Enos stated that this is something that she is only discussing with Council at this time.  She stated that this will be on the agenda for consideration at our next Council Meeting.  She explained that this resolution is done annually.  She stated that we get a defined benefit for pensions. We received $220,000.00 for this year.  Ms. Enos stated that it has to be deposited by resolution within 30 days of receipt of the money. We have to do this by resolution, and state where it is being deposited by resolution.

   4. Resolution – Elimination of Member Contributions to the Police Pension Plan.

Ms. Enos stated that this is done by an actuary.  Our actuary determines whether contributions by Police Officers need to be made, or not, to the fund.  She stated that they are recommending that no contributions are needed.  This is reviewed every year.  This resolution will also be on the next Council Agenda for consideration.

   5. Proclamation – Antibiotic Awareness Month.

Ms. Enos explained that this is something that came through from Somerset Hospital.  They are trying to partner with organizations to recognize the month of November as “Antibiotic Awareness Month.”  This is to promote awareness of the overuse of antibiotics.  The Proclamation will be given by the Mayor at next month’s Council Meeting. 

 (b) Donation Requests:

1. Home Nursing Agency
   Ms. Enos stated that we received this request from this Agency last year, but we have not contributed to it in the past.  They are asking for a $200.00 donation to be considered in 2018 during our budget process.  They provide some Nursing services in Somerset.
   
   
2. Kiwanis Club
   Ms. Enos explained that the Halloween Parade is moving back to the streets of the Borough this year, and the donation request came in from anywhere between $100.00 up to $1,000.00 you can sponsor the parade.  They are asking for a donation, as well.  She mentioned that Council has not contributed to this in the past.  There was no interest in donating to this cause by Council. 

 (c) Year to Date Financial Report – Provided through the month of September 2017.

Mr. Peters mentioned that he had given Council the information for the Year to Date Financial Reports through September 2017.  He mentioned that we are 75% of the way through the year. The following Fund’s Revenues and Expenditures are based through the month of September 2017:

General Fund:  Revenues – 88.42%; Expenses – 65.68%
Water Revenue Fund:  Revenues – 127.19%; Expenses – 109.25%
Sewer System Operating Fund:  Revenues – 71.43%; Expenses – 67.58%

Mr. Peters stated that if Council had any questions about this report, please feel free to contact him, and he would be glad to answer any questions.

(d) Manager’s Report – Reports distributed to Council for all departments for the Month of September 2017.

Ms. Enos handed out all packets of information to members of Council.  She then updated Council on the status of the Holiday Decorations that need replaced Uptown.  She stated that the Christmas Donation Letter has not gone out yet.  She mentioned that they put together a Directory for Council to look over.  Ms. Enos stated that they haven’t had a Christmas Committee Meeting for quite some time. However, she disclosed to Council the confirmation that Somerset Trust will be funding the replacement of all current lighting Uptown. She stated that we still need funding for other Christmas decorations that the Borough plans on purchasing.  A Christmas Holiday Committee meeting is being scheduled.

(e) President’s Report – Given by Mrs. Miller.

Mrs. Miller asked Chief Cox about the letter that he sent to the Lion’s Club regarding their participation of collecting donations in the streets of the Borough.   She asked if we were going to be making it a rule to not allow any organization to participate in this kind of donation collection on Borough’s streets. 

Chief Cox stated that we do not have to make it a rule, because it is in the Vehicle Code.  He stated that other groups doing this same kind of donation collection never sent a letter to the Police Department to ask permission to be able to do so. He stated that if the Police Department gets a complaint in regards to someone doing it, the Police Department responds.  He stated that most of the time the Officer’s do not respond because it is a charitable activity.

Mrs. Miller stated that the Lion’s Club is questioning her as to why they cannot continue to collect donations in this way, while other organizations continue to do so. 

Chief Cox mentioned that there was a complaint sent to the Borough about the Lion’s Club.  He stated that once the Police Department receive a complaint, and the Lion’s Club asks permission to do this sort of donation collection, the Police Department will not give them permission in violation of the Law.  If the Lion’s Club again participates in the same donation collection on the streets, and the Police Department does not receive another complaint, and the Lion’s Club doesn’t cause some sort of hazard or traffic tie-up, Chief Cox stated that he doesn’t foresee any Officers responding to “shooing” them off the street.

Mrs. Miller asked if she had permission to repeat what Chief Cox just stated to the Lion’s Club.

Chief Cox stated that the Borough cannot permit the Lion’s Club to collect donations on the streets.  He stated that annually they sent a letter to the Department requesting permission.  He stated that at a point where someone files a near-formal complaint, then he can’t give permission for them to do this type of donation collection, on the streets, because it actually violates State Law.  He stated this is a Summary Offense in the Vehicle Code, and is prohibited.  He stated that other groups that come into the Borough to do collections, simply don’t ask for permission. Chief Cox, stated again, that the Department received a complaint about the Lion’s Club doing this.  But telling the Lion’s Club that they can continue to participate in this activity on the streets of the Borough is tantamount to giving them permission.  We cannot give them permission, because it is in violation of the Vehicle Code.

 (f) Somerset Inc. Report - Given by Judy Pyle.

Mrs. Pyle had nothing to report.

 (g) Somerset Volunteer Fire Dept. Report – Given by Steve Shaulis.

Mr. Shaulis stated that they had a total of 22 fire calls in September.  He mentioned that the end of September was the end of their call year.  He stated that the 2016-2017-year end Fire Call Total was 343, which is low by standards, because they’ve had as high as 400 calls. 

He stated that they had a barn fire about 1 and ½ weeks ago, which was difficult on their forces, because they only had a total of 11 from Somerset that responded to the call. 

Mr. Shaulis mentioned that the Fire Department hosted the golf outing in September.  He stated that the money intake was excellent, but stated that the turnout was very low on participants. 

He mentioned that the new unit is in service now to help with traffic control, and as a people mover, to help individuals to classes and such.

Mr. Shaulis also mentioned the Fire Department is hosting an Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Class which is to be held for individuals who would be driving fire trucks and such.  He stated that this class was mandated, and that all drivers would be taking this class to ensure all operators are qualified.

Discussion was held on the Ordinance regarding outdoor fires in the Borough.  It was agreed upon that it needs to be revisited and updated because the Ordinance is old and dated 1978.  Chief Cox mentioned that the Ordinance only addresses what can be burned.  

 (h) Engineer’s Report – Given by Tom Reilly or Jake Bolby.

Mr. Bolby stated that the Sludge Pumps are in and down at the Pump Station.  The start-up will be on Wednesday. 

He stated that on Hickory Hill, they will have the close-out documentation left for that.  He stated that this is really the only out-standing items they have left. 

Mr. Bolby mentioned that they have been working on two different permit applications.  One for the water side, and one for the sewer side.

Executive Session – None

Adjournment   

Motion
Mrs. Pyle moved to adjourn, motion seconded by Mrs. Miller.                                                                                                                                  

Motion Unanimously Carried.
7:24 p.m.                                                                                                                                                

________________________________
Michele A. Enos, Borough Secretary