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Somerset Borough Council Minutes

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Borough of Somerset Committee of the Whole
March 12th, 2018 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; 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; Director of Finance, Brett Peters; Chief of Police, Randy Cox; Solicitor James Cascio; and Consulting Engineers, Tom Reilly and Jake Bolby. 

 

Executive Session – To discuss personnel issues. 

 

Motion

       Mrs. Ream moved, motion seconded by Mr. Thomas to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues.

                                                                                      5:03 p.m.

Motion Unanimously Carried.

 

       6:07 p.m. Council was back in regular session.

 

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. Proposed Resolution No. 2018-06 – Authorizing the Borough Manager to

execute the agreement between the Borough of Somerset and PennDOT allowing PennDOT to incorporate, in their South Center Avenue Road Construction Contract, the adjustment of all affected Borough utilities.

 

          Ms. Enos mentioned that this is a road construction paving project that PennDOT is doing on South Center Avenue.  She explained that what the Borough typically does, in any PennDOT project, is follow the contractor to make sure the manhole “risers” are lifted and the sewer manhole covers meet up with the paving.  Ms. Enos mentioned that this results in a lot of overtime for our Public Works Department.  She stated that this overtime work will be eliminated if we incorporate this work into PennDOT’s Contract, and enter into an agreement by this Resolution.  PennDOT is going to pay the contractor, and we will only have to supply the materials.  Ms. Enos stated that this is a time sensitive issue, so a motion is needed from Council.  

 

RESOLUTION

NO. 2018-06

 

MUNICIPAL RESOLUTION

 

        Be it RESOLVED, by authority of the Borough Council of the Borough of

 

Somerset, Somerset County, and it is hereby resolved by authority of the same, that the

 

Borough Manager of said Municipality/Authority be authorized and directed to sign the

 

attached Agreement on its behalf and the Council President be authorized and directed

 

to attest the same.

 

Motion

       Mrs. Ream moved, Mrs. Opp seconded to authorize the Borough Manager to execute the agreement between the Borough of Somerset and PennDOT allowing PennDOT to incorporate, in their South Center Avenue Road Construction Contract, the adjustment of all affected Borough utilities.

 

                                                                                       Motion Unanimously Carried

 

     2.  Proposed Resolution No. 2018-07 – Consider entering into an agreement with

 PennDOT to authorize their electronic access to PennDOT systems. This will allow the Borough Manager to execute project related documents.

 

          Ms. Enos stated that this is about the Sidewalk Project the 100 block of West Main Street.  She stated that you have to go with this process to be authorized to create a business partner ID.  

 

        Mr. Bolby stated that you’re signing up to be a business partner to complete financial transactions through PennDOT’s website. 

 

RESOLUTION

NO. 2018-07

 

AGREEMENT TO AUTHORIZE ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO PENNDOT SYSTEMS

 

       This INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 12^th day of March, 2018, by and between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Bureau of Project Delivery of the Department of Transportation, hereinafter referred to as DEPARTMENT, and Borough of Somerset, hereinafter referred to as APPLICANT, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through its proper officials.

 

       WHEREAS, the APPLICANT desires to register as a DEPARTMENT business partner to be permitted electronic access to the Engineering and Construction Management System (hereinafter referred to as “System” whether singular or plural) for the purposes of entering information into and exchanging data with the System; and

 

       WHEREAS, the DEPARTMENT, in furtherance of the powers and duties conferred on it by Section 2002 of the Administrative Code of 1929, as amended, 71 P.S. Section 512, to design and construct state highways and other transportation facilities and to enter into contracts for this purpose, is willing to permit the APPLICANT to electronically submit technical proposals, invoices, engineering plans, designs and other documents necessary to design and construct transportation projects as part of the DEPARTMENT’S program to use the System; and

       WHEREAS, Sections 2001.1 of the Administrative Code of 1929, as amended (71 P.S., S.S. 511.1) authorizes the DEPARTMENT, through the Secretary of transportation, to enter into all necessary contracts and agreements with the proper agencies of any governmental, federal, state or political subdivision, “for any purpose connected in any way with the Department of Transportation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

 

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual promises expressed in this document, and intending to be legally bound, the parties agree as follows:

 

       1. The APPLICANT is responsible for furnishing and assuming the total costs of all software and hardware necessary to connect to the System. Such software shall include an operating system, and Internet browser and any software needed to operate a modem.  The APPLICANT is responsible for the procurement and cost of any data communications lines required to connect to the System.  The APPLICANT is responsible for the cost of telephone lines and usage.

 

       2. The APPLICANT will permit access to the System as the DEPARTMENT shall direct. 

 

       3. The APPLICANT will implement appropriate security measures to insure that only authorized employees of the APPLICANT will have access to and enter data into the System.  The APPLICANT agrees to assign only its current employees User Identification Internet System access codes (“User ID codes”) provided to the APPLICANT by the DEPARTMENT.  The APPLICANT agrees to assign a separate and distinct User ID code to each current employee who will concur in awards, sign contracts and approve payments.  The APPLICANT agrees to accept full responsibility for controlling the User ID codes that the APPLICANT assigns to the employees of the APPLICANT.  The APPLICANT agrees to deactivate an employee’s User ID code immediately upon the employee’s separation and/or dismissal from the employer of or association with the APPLICANT.  The APPLICANT agrees that the APPLICANT’S employees may not share User ID codes.  The APPLICANT agrees to be liable for the items negligently submitted under one of its assigned User ID codes and for the negligent submissions, actions or omissions of anyone using a User ID codes of the APPLICANT or the APPLICANT’S employee.

 

       4. The DEPARTMENT shall make provision for the APPLIANT to obtain initial training for the System.  This training many not include any non-System program topics, nor may it include training on any other computer hardware or software, including, but not limited to, operation of a personal computer. 

 

       5. The DEPARTMENT will make reasonable attempts (barring unforeseen interruptions due to calamity, natural disaster or technical impossibility) to make the System available for on-line access 24 hours per day, seven days per week.  The DEPARTMENT will provide support only during normal business hours of the Department offices (7:30 AM until 4:30 PM)

 

       6. This Agreement shall continue until terminated by either Party, at any time, without cause, within fifteen (15) days upon receipt of written notice thereof.  Any material breach of this Agreement by either Party shall entitle the other Party to terminate this Agreement without prejudice to its rights or remedies available at law or in equity.  Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, the APPLICANT shall cease and shall cause its users to cease attempts to access the System. 

 

       7. The APPLICANT shall comply with the current versions of the following:

• Right to Know Law, attached as Exhibit A
• Contractor Integrity Provisions, attached as Exhibit B
• Americans with Disabilities Act, attached as Exhibit C
• Contractor Responsibility Provisions, attached as Exhibit D
• Nondiscrimination/Sexual Harassment Clause, attached as Exhibit E
• Offset Provision, attached as Exhibit F

       8. This Agreement embodies the entire understanding between the DEPARTMENT and APPLICANT and there are no contracts, agreements, or understanding with reference to the subject matter hereof which are not merged herein.

 

Motion

         Mr. Rosemeyer moved, Mrs. Ream seconded to enter into an agreement with

 PennDOT to authorize their electronic access to PennDOT systems.  This will allow

 the Borough Manager to execute project related documents.

 

                                                                                       Motion Unanimously Carried

 

      3. Sewer Plant Valve Project – Authorization to replace six valves at the Sewer

          Treatment Plant in order to complete work to be performed on the Raw Sewage

          Pumps.  Discussion and update on the project.

 

          Ms. Enos stated that this is something new.  It was not budgeted for in the 2018 Budget Project List.  The Raw Sewage Pumps and Head Works Equipment were budgeted for. 

 

          Ms. Enos stated that she, Mr. Bolby and Kellen Douglas from EADS Group met with everyone from the Sewer Plant to talk about what they needed to do to complete the projects that were slated for 2018.  Mr. Bolby and Mr. Douglas made an inspection with our Superintendent at the Plant, prior to doing any kind of bid specifications, to discuss what we needed to do.  Ms. Enos stated that what they discovered was that the valves are in need of replacement prior to any kind of work being done on the Raw Sewage Pumps. 

 

          Mr. Bolby explained that the original project was to inspect the Raw Sewage Pumps.  This was to determine whether they could be repaired, or were in need of replacement, so that we could be sure that they continue to operate.  He stated that after coordinating with the operators, they found that the valves are not operable because they do not close.  Mr. Bolby stated that we cannot perform an inspection on the pumps with the valves not closing.  He stated that in order to do the original project, we have to fix the valves first.  Mr. Bolby stated that we cannot just go in and fix the valves.  He explained that we have to by-pass the pumps.  He added that there is coordination and effort that goes into it.  He stated that the Valve Replacement Project would need to occur first, before we even look at the pumps.  Mr. Bolby stated that the cost range is going to be between $75,000.00 and $125,000.00. 

 

          Ms. Enos stated that one of the projects that was slated for at the Sewer Treatment Plant this year was the Computer Monitoring System.  She mentioned that this will now need to be pushed back.  Ms. Enos stated that it was budgeted to be $250,000.00 for the monitoring system.  She mentioned that the Valve Replacement Project is potentially going to cost $150,000.00.

 

          Mr. Bolby stated that the majority of this cost is to by-pass.  He explained to Council what this will involve.  He stated that the prep work will involve more.  He stated that when the valves are ready to be replaced, it should take approximately one week. 

 

          It was mentioned that the pipes have been in the ground for a very long time, and are just old and corroded by their surrounding environment.

 

Motion

         Mrs. Ream moved, Mr. Rosemeyer seconded to authorize the replacement of six valves at the Sewer Treatment Plant in order to complete work to be performed on the Raw Sewage Pumps.

                                                                                       Motion Unanimously Carried

     

4. Coxes Creek Filter Project – Authorization to appropriate budgeted funds of

    $60,000.00 to initiate this project.

 

          Ms. Enos that this is budgeted funds as well.

 

Motion

          Mrs. Ream moved, Mr. Rosemeyer seconded to the authorization to appropriate budgeted funds of $60,000.00 to initiate this project.

 

Motion Unanimously Carried

 

  (b) Request Form Submitted by Council Member Thomas:

 

       (a) Ask Somerset Township if we can piggy-back with them on Tar/Chip bids for

            Spring.

 

            Mr. Thomas stated that one of the things that did not get done last year was the tar and chipping to the roads.  He stated that he thought it would be a good idea to get in touch with Somerset Township and ask them if we could go along with them in their bidding process.  He stated that we could possibly have the Borough’s tar and chipping done, along with Somerset Township, by the same company that wins the bid.  Mr. Thomas mentioned that maybe we can get the job done, at a less expensive price, by doing it jointly with Somerset Township.  He mentioned that he talked to Dan Halverson, of Somerset Township, about this last fall.  At the time, Mr. Halverson said that there should be no problem with this if this is what the Borough would like to do. 

 

            Ms. Enos stated that her only concern with doing this jointly with Somerset Township, is she is uncertain what monies Somerset Township uses to pay their paving costs.  She stated she’s only guessing that they may use their Liquid Fuels Fund to pay for their paving, tarring and chipping.  She mentioned that when you use the Liquid Fuels Fund, you have to have an independent audit from the State to show how you are spending your Liquid Fuels.  Ms. Enos stated that, typically, the Borough does not use their Liquid Fuels Funding for paving purposes.  She mentioned that we use General Fund monies for our paving.   She mentioned that we use our State monies for other things, like Street Lighting, which is an allowable expense.  Ms. Enos stated that she could discuss this with Solicitor Cascio.  She also explained that the paving would have to be one project.  Somerset Township could have one company who bids on paving, and we could have another company who bids on ours, making it two separate projects.  Ms. Enos stated, that if Somerset Township is using their State Liquid Fuels monies, she is not certain if this is going to be allowable for a joint project.  She stated that if we end up not being able to do this jointly with Somerset Township, if we get the same contractor, then maybe we can talk to the contractor and ask them if they can do the paving at the same time in the Borough and Township.  She also mentioned that she could talk to Dan Halverson to see what they do as a Township for their paving costs.  Ms. Enos stated that we put roughly $130,000.00 into the budget for this year to cover our paving costs. 

 

           Mr. Peters mentioned that what we didn’t use last year for tar and chipping, was added into this year’s budget. 

 

           Ms. Enos stated that we are typically held up because we have to get Municipal Services to come in and measure the streets.  She added that we need the measurement of the streets, and the tonnage, to bid the project.  Ms. Enos mentioned that there is only one Municipal Representative for multiple Municipalities, and he’s all over the County.  She stated that she would be glad to reach out to him, right now, so he can set a date early with us. 

 

       (b) As soon as the weather breaks, fixing potholes on streets.

 

            Mr. Thomas also mentioned his concern for the potholes needing fixed in the Borough streets.  He stated that he saw a crew out today actually fixing some of the potholes.  Mr. Thomas mentioned that he also noticed that PennDOT was out fixing some of the potholes in the State roads through the Borough.   

 

       (c) Fixing broken fire hydrants as weather permits.

 

            Mr. Thomas mentioned that some of the fire hydrants are in need of repair. 

 

            Ms. Enos stated that there have been approximately 5 or 6 fire hydrants rebuilt by the Public Works crew.  She mentioned that as soon as we get a break in the weather, the other fire hydrants needing attention and installation will be taken care of. 

 

       (d) Updating ISO details for Fire Department and Borough Classifications.

 

            Mr. Thomas’ next concern was about the ISO details for Fire Department and Borough Classifications.

 

            Ms. Enos stated that she had an update on this subject for Mr. Thomas.  She brought out that they use to deal with a gentlemen named “Phil”, in regards to ISO, who the Fire Department dealt with as well. She explained that when they did the ISO Rating, a new individual was on Board who took care of ISO for the Borough, and the Fire Department, this year.  The gentlemen who took care of this, in the past, would get all the information he needed from the Fire Department.  Afterwards, he would come over to the Borough and gather Flow Rates and all the information on the Borough’s hydrants.  Ms. Enos stated that all the information from the Fire Department, and the Borough, were blended together to provide one ISO Evaluation. She stated that the Evaluation was a lot lower this year.  Ms. Enos stated that the new ISO Representative never came to the Borough.  So Ms. Enos reached out to Mike Livengood to ask him what Representative he had, and he stated that it was someone totally different this year.  She stated that this ISO Representative, Tyler Olsen, reached out initially, but then kept delaying and never contacted us.  Ms. Enos stated that they never let us know that they were coming in to meet with the Fire Department.  As a result, Ms. Enos stated they had old Flow Rates and old Charts from the Borough’s hydrants.  She said that we went through this flow testing last year.  She mentioned that she contacted Mr. Olsen and asked him if he reached out to get any of this information. Ms. Enos informed Mr. Olsen that she hadn’t been made aware of it, and we had been waiting on him to contact us.  His response was that he contacted George Svirsko.  Ms. Enos told Mr. Olsen that Mr. Svirsko hadn’t been at the Borough for 14 months.  So if Mr. Olsen would have contacted Mr. Svirsko, it would have been 14 or 15 months ago.  Ms. Enos told Mr. Olsen that if we provide all the information that we have here, electronically, would he re-evaluate the ISO Rating.  He said “yes.”  So Todd Suder is working on getting it into an electronic format, and we’re forwarding it to Mr. Olsen electronically, so he can re-evaluate the ISO Rating.  Ms. Enos told Mr. Olsen that no one has come here to meet with us, and we’ve been waiting for their Representative.  She mentioned that he apologized.       

 

        (e) Check status of new Christmas Decorations. 

 

             Mr. Thomas was also concerned about the status of the new Christmas Decorations.  He stated that they need to be ordered soon so we have them by the holiday season.  He mentioned the generosity of Somerset Trust in purchasing all the new LED lights.  He stated that the items that are placed on the poles are old, and ready to fall off, so need they replaced.  

 

             Ms. Enos stated the reason that discussion hasn’t continued about the decorations is because of funding.  She also mentioned that the Christmas Decoration Committee decided to wait until after “Fire & Ice” to send out donation letters, because they didn’t want to interfere with the donations being received for “Fire & Ice.”  She stated that donation letters can be sent out now to get fund-raising started.  Ms. Enos stated that they presently have $4,000.00 in the Christmas Decoration account from the generous donation of the Eagle’s.  Ms. Enos stated that she would also reach out to Regina from Somerset Inc. to set up another meeting.  Donations of approximately $15,000.00 to $20,000.00 is looking to be raised for the new decorations.

 

 

  (c) Brierwood Storm Water Study: Presentation by the Borough Engineers.

 

       Mr. Bolby mentioned that the Brierwood Storm Water Study has been completed.  He mentioned that a full report has been delivered to Ms. Enos.

 

       Mr. Bolby and Mr. Reilly provided a slide show presentation regarding the summary and highlights of what they were able to find by completing the Brierwood Storm Water Study.   

 

       Mr. Bolby explained that they tried to get an overview of what was happening and what impacts storm water.  They were able to determine that there is more storm water runoff occurring, and why.  He stated that a lot of water is getting back down to the aquifer, but more water is running off.  Mr. Bolby stated that this is what is occurring in the streams that are getting flooded out.  He stated that the water collects debris and sediment as more water is being sent to the streams. As a result, the water transports this debris and sediment down.  So when the rain events are happening, there is less water getting into the aquifer, and less water getting back into the streams naturally. .  Mr. Bolby stated that the base flow of the stream is essentially being reduced.      

 

       Mr. Bolby showed an aerial diagram of what the Brierwood area looked like in 1967 and what it looks like today.  He noted the changes in that area.  He stated that they looked at the whole 200-acre drainage basin area.  He stated that the topography in that area still looked the same as it did in 1967.  A 24-hour Design Storm Analysis was performed in this area which compared 1967 to now.  The volume of water that is coming off there increased from 119% to 134%.  As far as quantity goes, it’s in the neighborhood of 1 cubic foot that is coming off there.  The percentage increased proportionally.  The “rate” is how quickly that water is traveling down to Coxes Creek.  It increased by 330% to 152%.  So the water is coming off there much, much quicker.  Mr. Bolby pointed out that this leads to erosion, therefore, making the water flow through the pipes very difficult.  He explained that all the catch basins were inventoried there to try to figure out what infrastructure was in place to collect and convey all the storm water that is coming off.  Mr. Bolby stated that there are parts of Brierwood where inlets just do not exist, and there is no curbing to direct that flow to a storm water system, pipe or inlet.  He stated that there is a lack of infrastructure to collect and convey the water. 

 

He brought out that this same flow is getting into the Sanitary Sewer System causing sewer backups in some of the area. 

 

       Mr. Bolby showed where there are pipes and inlets in that area, that go down to seven different specific points, where the water outlets into a tributary at Coxes Creek.  Mr. Bolby stated that there are a few Storm Water Management Facilities that control the rate of the water leaving the basin, at a slower rate than what it was before.  He explained that the same amount of volume is leaving there at a slower rate also.  He stated that this is a “past practice.”  He explained that “Storm Water BMP’s” is more current today if you were to build or develop a site, because it achieves both volume and rate controls.  He stated that you would be required to meet volume and rate controls if you were a certain size.  The study was able to define and quantify the problems going on in Brierwood. 

 

       Mr. Bolby stated that “It comes down to where we go from here?”  The Engineers are recommending to develop a short and long-term plan on how we want to approach storm water.  Planning would include major or minor improvements. He added that the “funding mechanism” plays a part in the planning. 

 

       Mr. Bolby stated that, right now, our Ordinance does not address re-development. So we presently would not be required to do anything with Storm Water Management.  The opportunity to do anything with Storm Water Management, is when someone is developing a new site.

 

       Ms. Enos stated that we need to look at updating that Ordinance to address this in the future.  This will help us to not contribute to the existing problem we have and make it worse.  She added that we need to change the Ordinance.

 

       Mr. Bolby stated that re-development is going to be the large majority of what the Borough is going to see, upwards of probably 90% or more.  He stated that this is something that could be reviewed together. He also brought out what those regulations would mean to developers.  He stated that as they moved forward, it would have a financial impact on them.  But it would also be bettering the Borough to not create, or at least alleviate, some of the issues that are going on currently.

 

       Mr. Bolby touched on the Sanitary Sewer.  He stated that it is definitely related whenever it rains.  He brought out how storm water comes into basements through the Sanitary Sewer System.  He stated that this is something to consider, at the same time, because the issue is from the same source.  Mr. Bolby stated that the precipitation is impacting both systems. 

 

       Ms. Enos stated that PennDOT’s 10-year minimum design system would probably not have prepared us for the event that we received.  

       Mr. Bolby stated that the recent storm was a 50-year storm. 

 

       Ms. Enos stated that even if we would have had those design standards in place, the same would have happened, but maybe not to the same degree.

 

       It was brought out again that any regulations the Engineers are suggesting would only cover future builds, not existing structures.

 

       Mr. Reilly explained that the existing customers, or people that developed their properties in the past, complied with the Ordinances that were in place at that time.  So to go solve existing problems, the Borough would have to allow the funding to solve the existing problems.

 

       Ms. Enos stated that every larger construction, or renovation, like an addition to a home, adds more roof and more drainage.  If more impervious material would also be added, like pavement, this could all add to the current condition that we are facing right now.  She added, that we would have to get some form of regulation in place where we can start addressing this.

 

       Mr. Bolby said that they looked at what it would take to get us to the 10-year design storm in Brierwood.  He stated that it would take a lot of effort and investment.  He explained that it’s an effort to regrade things, put in more inlets and pipes and things of this sort.  He stated that there are varying sizes of pipe throughout Brierwood that are undersized.  He stated that catch basins are in the middle of the roadway there, not really getting water sent to them. 

 

       Mr. Reilly explained that the design methodology, and the Ordinances, years ago, allowed for the infrastructure design existing there now to occur. 

 

       Mr. Bolby stated that every Municipality is dealing with these same problems now, because the new regulations are just starting to come into place.  He brought out that our most current Ordinance is from 2005.  This is when the State took on a study to do the Coxes Creek Watershed Plan.  Mr. Bolby stated that whenever they finalized and approved that plan, that’s when everybody in the Coxes Creek Watershed had to adopt the Ordinance that regulated things.  He explained that going through that Ordinance over the past several years, we see that it doesn’t have the “teeth” you need to enforce, and make an impact for betterment, in the drainage area.  Mr. Bolby stated that there is a lot of flooding and storm water issues, and the Municipalities are taking a different approach.   

 

       Mr. Bolby mentioned that all the projects needed to be done to improve everything, and provide drainage, is a substantial investment.  He stated that an estimate to do all of it, would be around the $4-million-dollar mark.  That would include the entire drainage area. 

 

       Ms. Enos stated that there are things that the homeowners can do to help themselves out with storm water issues.  She mentioned rain gardens, and other things they can do.  Ms. Enos stated that to have the storm line put in would be a Borough project. 

 

       Mr. Bolby stated that if we increased the size of pipe in some areas, and did some repairs, it would address the issue.  He explained that the system, as a whole, has a defined capacity.  He mentioned that we’re seeing more than that, come spring time, on a pretty regular basis.  To address this issue in smaller manageable portions, we’d have to look at it from a total project standpoint, from bottom to top.  He stated that addressing this somewhere in the middle, is just going to compound the problem that’s downstream. 

 

       Regarding the Wheeler property, Mr. Reilly explained that they actually designed it to the Coxes Creek Ordinance.  He explained that when they built that development, they put a Storm Water Detention Pond in that controlled the grate coming from that development.  They designed the Storm Water Control to decrease the rate flow below the pre-development level.  He explained that they are getting the same amount of water, and same rate, but it hasn’t increased that rate at all. 

 

       Mr. Bolby stated that this is why they pointed out the major and minor improvements.  Major improvement includes the total cost estimate. Minor improvements are substantially less, as far as investment goes.  But to remedy the problem, it is more “piecemeal” going about it. 

 

       They wanted to give Council the full prospective of the full project if they chose to take it on.  Mr. Bolby explained that there’s absolutely things that you can go through, and do, from the private side at individual homes.  

 

       It was brought out that Storm Water Funding would be linked to the General Fund.  

 

       Mr. Bolby then explained what other Municipalities are doing to fund their storm water issues. 

 

  (d) Donation Requests: None requested.

 

  (e) Year to Date Financial Report – Provided through the month of February 2018.

 

       Mr. Peters distributed the Year-to-Date Financial Statements through February 2018 to members of Council.  He mentioned that we are 2/12^th’s, or 16.67% of the way through the year.

 

General Fund:   Revenues – 6.17%;                                Expenses – 15.60%

Water Revenue Fund:   Revenues – 15.62%;                Expenses – 14.6%

Sewer System Operating Fund:   Revenues – 15.0%;  Expenses – 9.78%

        

        Mr. Peters stated that if there were any particular questions, he would try to address them now, and if he couldn’t at the moment, he would get back to the individual who asked the question.

 

  (f) Manager’s Report - Reports distributed to Council for all departments for the Month of February 2018.

      

Ms. Enos stated that all reports were at Councils seats as usual.   

 

  (g) President’s Report - Given by Ruby Miller.

 

       Mrs. Miller thanked all Departments for the “good jobs” they do. 

 

       She also mentioned that the PennDOT Outreach Program is April 30^th, 2018 in Sipesville, from 9:00am to 10:30am. 

 

       Mrs. Miller also mentioned that there were some great articles in the Borough news. 

 

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

 

       Mrs. Pyle mentioned that the Hemminger House fell through, but there is a couple that were looking at it for a residence.  

 

       She mentioned that the Law & Finance Building is being looked at to locate a Drug & Outpatient Treatment Facility. 

 

       Mrs. Pyle also spoke about a new event that is being developed, in Uptown, called the “Wine, Whiskey & Brews Walk.”  She reviewed what this is going to entail.  She stated that this is really a fundraiser for Somerset, Inc.  She mentioned they are hoping to get people to enter into the businesses, who ordinarily wouldn’t, through this event.  Mrs. Pyle stated that she needed to understand about the Ordinance that’s in place for “Open Containers”, because she doesn’t want to plan for this event if there’s going to be a problem.

 

       Chief Cox stated that he never remembers the “Open Container” Ordinance ever being enforced, and he never remembers a citation being issued.  He also mentioned that the only time someone with an open container on the street is problematic, is when they are drunk.  Chief Cox stated that if someone is drunk, we deal with them being drunk, not with them holding an open container.  He stated that he is not sure what the purpose of the “Open Container” Ordinance serves.  Chief Cox stated that he questioned whether there is a need for this Ordinance.  He suggested, to Mrs. Pyle, that she should check into the PLCB rules for “Open Containers” on the street, because the rules that apply to a licensed establishment are different.  He stated that a lot of times that they give these temporary permits, the same rules for open containers in the streets, aren’t necessarily in place. 

 

       She mentioned that “Chalk the Block” went well despite the weather last year. 

 

       Mrs. Pyle stated that Regina is going to attend the “Main Street Conference” in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

       Mrs. Pyle mentioned that she was in “Has Beans” for the first time, and the food was very good and it was very nice. 

 

       She also mentioned that Somerset Inc.is moving their office downstairs, in their present building, which now places it at street level.

 

  (i) Somerset Volunteer Fire Dept. Report - Given by Steve Shaulis.

 

       Mr. Shaulis stated that the Fire Department had 37 calls during the month of February, but also mentioned that this number was misleading.  He stated that this was due to the fact that whenever the flooding event occurred on February 15^th, the Fire Department went into “Storm Mode” operations.  He stated that under “Storm Mode”, they do not automatically dispatch each call.  Mr. Shaulis explained that all they do under those conditions, is send out a text message to each station.  He stated that on February 15^th, they had 35 calls alone that night.  

 

       Mr. Shaulis also mentioned that the Fire Department lost one of its members, Brian Ohler, who was a former Borough Employee.  A memorial service was held for him, with approximately 60 Firemen in attendance from different departments. 

 

       Mr. Shaulis stated he is getting questions asked to him about where are we going with the Act 172. 

 

       Ms. Enos stated that she’s waiting on Mr. Halverson to contact her to get together to discuss this issue.

 

       Mr. Shaulis mentioned that he did not attend the meeting at the Fire Department, which was held, discussing Recruitment & Retention. He stated that he was unaware of the ideas and “brain-storming” they had in mind to solve this issue.  He mentioned his concern with how this problem is getting to be a very serious issue.  Mr. Shaulis explained that he had a fire call this morning, but only 2 people showed up for a commercial fire alarm. 

 

       He stated that the small ladder truck is now down, and until repaired, will be down for approximately four weeks.  So they are down to only their big tower truck. 

 

  (j) Engineer’s Report -

      (The Engineer’s had no further comments)

 

       Mr. Rosemeyer stated that the latest few PSAB magazines were very interesting.  He mentioned that they were dealing with Executive Sessions and Storm Water.  Different kinds of training were also mentioned in the magazines.

 

       He mentioned that in June 2018, the PSAB conference is being held in Hershey.  In October 2018, another one will be held at Seven Springs. 

 

       Mr. Rosemeyer mentioned that he attended the taping of the PSAB TV Show.  He stated it was on the PSAB website if anyone was interested in viewing it.

 

       Mr. Rosemeyer thanked Chief Cox for giving him information relating to our Police Department.   He mentioned that he was very proud to present that material, and he stated that Chief Cox’s name was mentioned quite a lot.  He stated that there were two other Borough’s there that talked about their Police Force. 

 

       Mr. Rosemeyer stated that a couple of the Boroughs were talking about waiting to see what Governor Wolfe does with the $25.00 “a head” assessment.  He mentioned that they may close some of their Police Departments when there is only 3 or 4 Policemen.

 

       Mr. Rosemeyer stated that the County Boroughs Association is to meet next week in Meyersdale.  The next meeting is May 17^th, 2018 at the Fire Department, which Somerset will host.   

 

       Mr. Rosemeyer mentioned that he went to a Hospital Board meeting, and he was questioned by Ms. Suzie Sturni on whether we are doing anything, with the issue brought up at the last meeting, regarding a “Safe Drop-off” area.

 

       All agreed that this was a good idea, and it was discussed how this could be done.    

 

       Chief Cox mentioned that they already do something like this.  He stated that a camera system already exists, and video monitoring is available. 

 

       It was brought out that if there would be an occurrence during an exchange, 911 could be called. 

 

      Chief Cox stated that they recommend that individuals carry on their exchanges in the circle area in front of the Police Station’s doors, because the foyer is open 24/7 and the push buttons for 911 are in there.  He stated that this was something they never advertised, but when someone calls and asks if they could do a safe exchange, the Police Department always recommends that they go there.  Chief Cox stated that what they have done, in the past, was advise people that it’s public property, and they can do an exchange there.  He stated that whenever someone uses this service, he informs them that this is only archival recording, and it is not being monitored.  

 

       Ms. Enos stated that she would talk to Solicitor Cascio about this, and make sure that if we have a policy in place, we can define what we are doing and what we are not doing.    

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Motion

       Mr. Shaulis moved to adjourn, motion seconded by Mrs. Opp      

                                                                                                                

Motion Unanimously Carried.

                                                                                   7:30 p.m.                                                      

 

                                                                                    ________________________________

                                                                                       Michele A. Enos, Borough Secretary