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Somerset Borough Council Minutes

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Borough of Somerset Committee of the Whole
May 13th, 2019 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; Steve Shaulis and Gary Thomas.  

Absent was Council Member Sue Opp.

Present was Mayor Scott Walker.       

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. 
Also present was Junior Council Member Jonathan Wagner.

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. Influent Pump – Discussion concerning the pump replacement project at our Sewage Treatment Plant.

Ms. Enos mentioned that this is regarding the raw sewage pump that was discussed during the budget process. 

She brought out that the Borough has advertised for this project, and a pre-bid meeting was held today.

She mentioned that Mr. Bolby will be reviewing all the bids coming in, and will have a recommendation for Borough Council to consider.  The Council Meeting in May will include the award of the bid. 
No questions or concerns were asked by Borough Council regarding this project.

  (b) Request from Councilman Rosemeyer:
       1. Rotary Club Membership – Discussion concerning Rotary Club Membership.

Mr. Rosemeyer expressed to Borough Council that he is suggesting that Ms. Enos be considered, and approved, by Council to fund her dues to become a member of the Rotary Club, as Mr. Vinzani was in the past when he was Borough Manager.

He stated that he thought it was important for Ms. Enos to attend the Rotary Clubs meetings.  Mr. Rosemeyer mentioned that there are political, business and other individuals of the community who attend the Rotary Meetings who make decisions for this community. 

Mr. Rosemeyer made a motion for Council to pay the expenses for Ms. Enos to become a member of The Rotary Club.  

Ms. Enos brought out that she and Solicitor Cascio researched Mr. Rosemeyer’s request, and legally, the laws have changed since Mr. Vinzani has retired.  She stated that she and Solicitor Cascio looked into funding dues costs for a Public Employee to become a member of a Service Club.  Ms. Enos disclosed that new laws have come out, and changes have been made, so she requested that Solicitor Cascio give an informed legal opinion about Mr. Rosemeyer’s request.

Solicitor Cascio brought out that The Rotary Club is not authorized under the applicable law of the Borough Code.  Chapter 7 of the Borough Code covers “Associations and Organizations”, and most of it is devoted to the PSAB connection, an interrelated group.  Solicitor Cascio stated that section 703 of this same chapter, effective in 2014, reviews “Other” Associations and Organizations.  It discloses what is allowable, and not allowable, in appropriating funds for a Public Employee to support and participate in these “other” Associations. 

Solicitor Cascio brought out that the Code states that “the Borough” would be the member.  He explained it would have to be an organization that is created and concerned with Municipal or Governmental affairs. This does not include Service Clubs. As a result, the dues expenditure would not be authorized by the Borough Code for the Rotary Club.  He asked Ms. Enos to confirm this with the PSAB. 

In turn, Ms. Enos stated that she called the PSAB, and they agreed with Solicitor Cascio’s legal opinion, as well.  Ms. Enos expressed that she did not want to put Borough Council in a position to authorize something that was not an allowable expense.  

Solicitor Cascio stated that he cannot advise it if it is not an allowable expense. The motion did not receive a “second”. Therefore, no action was taken.  

  (c) Year to Date Financial Report – Provided through the month of April 2019.

Mr. Peters distributed the Year-to-Date Financial Statements, through April 2019, to members of Borough Council.  He mentioned that we are 1/3 of the way through the year or 33.33%.

General Fund:                Water Fund:                          Sewer Fund:
Revenues – 24.98%        Revenues – 31.63%               Revenues – 30.31%
Expenses – 30.36%        Expenses – 32.62%                Expenses – 31.70%

Mr. Peters stated that when Borough Council had a chance to look at the report, if they had any questions, to please contact him and he would get their questions answered.

  (d) Manager’s Report – Reports distributed to Council for all departments for the
       month of April 2019.

Ms. Enos stated that if Borough Council had any questions, after having a chance to look over the reports, feel free to give her a call. 

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

Mrs. Miller mentioned that the County Borough Banquet was pending for Thursday May 16th, 2019 at the Jennerstown Coal Miners Café.  She thanked The EADS Group for funding the cost of the meal for the banquet.       

Mrs. Miller commented that the streets Uptown look great, and noted that she has heard many compliments about them.

Ms. Enos disclosed that Somerset Trust subcontracted with the Borough’s contractor to pour their sidewalks in front of their building so it would “blend” together nicely with the Boroughs projects.  They also had heated sidewalks placed, and included their stamped logo in the concrete.  Ms. Enos mentioned that trees will be planted after the construction is done.  Also, the street lights have been painted and will be reinstalled soon. 

Mrs. Miller congratulated The EADS Group of Somerset for being listed as one of 2019’s Top 500 Engineering Design Firms.

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

Mrs. Pyle stated that their Annual Meeting is on May 16th, 2019 at Uptown Works, and will be open to the public. The meeting will include the election of officers.  Information will be given on the tasks Somerset Inc. is involved in.

Mrs. Pyle mentioned that Trinity Park will definitely be finished this summer.  She stated that $40,000.00 is still needed to complete the work.  Mrs. Pyle mentioned that Somerset Inc. is hoping to get a good turnout for the “Courthouse Gala”, and is planning on having this event yearly.  

Mrs. Pyle mentioned that “Earth Day” brought in approximately 100 kids.  It was very successful with a lot of businesses participating.  That same day, the kids from the Interact Club and the National Honor Society did a great job with the cleanup.  They also enthusiastically planted flowers in town. 

Mrs. Pyle brought out that approximately 150 people will be participating in the “Courthouse Gala”.  She mentioned that they have a lot of nice things that will be auctioned off.  She stated that Somerset Inc. would like to donate 10% of the proceeds from the Gala towards the Uptown Banners, and the rest will go to Trinity Park.  

Mrs. Pyle also mentioned that “Chalk the Block” will be coming up July 27th - 28th, 2019.  Also, “Shooter Showdown” will be the second Saturday in August. 

With Economic Development, the Hemminger House was sold, and will be used as shared space. 
Mrs. Pyle said that Dr. Shariat’s building is under contract for a Bed & Breakfast.

She stated that there is some exciting movement on the Law & Finance Building.  She will have more information to share with Council in the future regarding the building.

She also mentioned that Regina Coughenour is gone on maternity leave.  Steve Spochart will handle the finances in her absence. The Chamber of Commerce also have two interns that will handle the incoming calls for Somerset Inc.

(g) PSAB Report – Given by Fred Rosemeyer.  

Mr. Rosemeyer mentioned that the PSAB conference is in Hershey, PA in June.

  (h) Somerset Volunteer Fire Department Report - Given by Steve Shaulis.

Mr. Shaulis brought out that from January 1st, 2019 – April 30th, 2019 the Fire Department answered 130 alarms.  47 of those were in Somerset Borough.   

The Fire Department gained one new active member, and one new junior member, this past month. 
Mr. Shaulis mentioned that details are being put together now for the Fire Department’s Annual Golf Tournament scheduled for September 27th, 2019 at the Country Club. 

Mr. Shaulis mentioned that last year the Borough had been a key sponsor with their sponsorship of $100.00.  The Fire Department is again requesting the Boroughs sponsorship.  If Council approves, a sign will be placed at one of the golf holes recognizing Somerset Borough as a sponsor. 

Mr. Shaulis mentioned that this is one of the Fire Department’s biggest fund raisers.  Last year they made almost $15,000.00 from the Golf Tournament.

  (i) Engineer’s Report – Given by Jake Bolby.

Mr. Bolby mentioned that, from a “document standpoint”, the State Hospital Tank will be “wrapped up” in the next few weeks. 
Mr. Bolby also brought out that they are working through the bidding process for the Influent Pump Replacement.  This was a postponed Sewer Project from 2018.   

  (j) Mayor’s Report – Given by Mayor Walker.

Mayor Walker mentioned that the Police Department received another donation of $2,500.00 from the VFW for their 2 motorcycle units.  Since November 2018, this is the second donation the VFW has made to the Department.  The total of both donations is $5,000.00.  This has made it very efficient for the taxpayers since the motorcycles use a lot less fuel.  

Executive Session – To discuss matters of collective bargaining

Motion
Mrs. Ream moved, seconded by Mr. Thomas to go into Executive Session to discuss matters of collective bargaining and litigation.

                                                                                    Motion Unanimously Carried
5:30 p.m.

Back in Regular Session:
5:49 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion
       Mrs. Ream moved to adjourn, motion seconded by Mr. Rosemeyer.                   

 Motion Unanimously Carried
5:50 p.m.     


_______________________________
Michele A. Enos, Borough Secretary