Council Meeting Minutes will be posted after they are approved at the following meeting.
1. Meeting Called to Order – President Ream.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call:
a) Borough Council Members present: Pam Ream, Ruby Miller (via telephone), Lee Hoffman, Sue Opp, Steve Shaulis, Ian Mandichak and Mario Dirienzo.
b) Also present: Mayor Fred Rosemeyer.
c) Also present were the following: Borough Manager, Michele Enos; Director of Finance, Brett Peters; Administrative Assistant, Roger Bailey; Municipal Authority Manager, Jessica Sizemore; Chief of Police, Rich Appel; Solicitor, James Cascio and Consulting Engineers, Tom Reilly & Jake Bolby.
d) Public Attendance: Henry Cook, Alec Bittner, and Melanie Heiple.
4. Approval of Agenda:Consider approving the agenda as presented.
Motion
Mr. Mandichak moved, Mrs. Opp seconded, to approve the agenda as presented.
Motion Unanimously Carried
5. Announcements:
a) None
6. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting(s)
a) March 24th, 2025 – Borough Council Meeting Minutes.
Motion
Mr. Dirienzo moved, Mrs. Opp seconded, to approve the March 24th, 2025 Borough Council Meeting Minutes.
Motion Unanimously Carried
7. Award of Bids:
a) None
8. General Public Comments:
a) Jim Clark & Henry Cook – Update for Council concerning the merger.
Mr. Clark reviewed some of the Fire Departments activities for Council. He said that, as a whole, they have been extremely busy with overall fire calls totaling 319 to date since January 2025.
Year to date, the Fire Department has conducted 222 hours of training.
He also mentioned that volunteers have spent 671 hours of conducting the businesses of the department, and the community, aside from fire calls.
Mr. Clark also noted the details of some of the recent house fires in the community along with the good turnout of assistance present at the fire sites.
He next discussed the inside organization of the fire departments merger.
Mr. Clark stated that a new engine has been ordered for the Borough Fire Department, which should arrive in November of this year. It is a new 2,000-gallon pumper. Also, a new 3,000-gallon tanker was ordered for the Friedens Station which should arrive in August of this year. He added that a lot of this would not be possible if it was not for the support of the citizens that the fire departments protect, and the PEMA loan received from the State for both of the rigs at a very low interest rate.
New gear was also ordered for each station.
Mr. Clark also mentioned funds raisers that both departments have planned both individually and jointly.
Mr. Clark expressed that the Fire Departments have accomplished what they set out to do, but still have some hurdles to cross with the State and paperwork, which will fall into place.
Mr. Clark thanked Council for all their support and said that they are very grateful for what they have. He added that with the support and working relationship of the Mayor and the Chief of Police and Police Department, it means a great deal to the Fire Department when they are responding.
Mr. Cook spoke about a recent condominium fire. He noted that if Somerset Borough Fire Department did not have the man power from Friedens Fire Department to respond to this fire, it may have affected more than one unit. Instead, he said that “water got on the fire” within 3 minutes. Mr. Cook noted that the manpower they had, because of the merger, was part of the reason they were able to respond so quickly. Mr. Thomas added that the merger has been incredibly good on both sides.
Mr. Cook also spoke about the Fire Departments big event in August of 2026. He expressed the concern he had over the condition of Somerset Borough’s streets in hopes that the condition will improve before the event.
Upcoming events held by the Fire Station were mentioned for the upcoming weekend. A chicken barbeque and “Touch-a-Truck” at the grade schools. Also, there will be a recruitment at the Fire Station.
Mrs. Ream expressed, on behalf of the Borough, her appreciation for all that the Fire Company does. She added that all in Somerset Borough depend on them. She also expressed that her wish is that more people will be recruited for the Fire Department.
Mr. Cook said that if a young person in college is a Firefighter 1, there is virtually no college that won’t cover the cost of room and board for college while they are still attending college.
Mr. Clark mentioned that the Junior Fire Company is down to five in Somerset Borough. Three others have moved to the Senior Department. Friedens Fire Department acquired three new members in the last two months.
Mr. Clark added that a big effort is being done to keep the volunteerism going in the Fire Departments. He also expressed his appreciation for Council’s time and thanked them
9. Administrative Business:
a) Communications – (none)
b) Payment of Bills – Month of April 2025.
Motion:
Mrs. Opp moved, Mr. Shaulis seconded, to approve the payment of bills for the month April 2025 numbered 43100 – 43284 totaling $648,484.70.
Motion Unanimously Carried
c) Department Reports – Consider approving the Departmental Reports for the month of
March 2025.
Motion
Mrs. Opp moved, Mr. Dirienzo seconded, to approve the Departmental Reports for the month of March 2025.
Motion Unanimously Carried
10. Policy Agenda:
Old Business:
a) None
New Business:
a) Resolution No. 2025-02 – Ratifying this Resolution to submit the DCNR grant for the Union Street Playground improvements.
Ms. Enos said that the President of Council signed this Resolution. At last month’s Council meeting, Council approved the Playground Committee moving forward with their DCNR application. This is for the Resolution to ratify that.
Motion
Mr. Mandichak moved, Mr. Hoffman seconded, to ratify Resolution No. 2025-02 for the DCNR grant for the Union Street Playground improvements.
Motion Unanimously Carried
� IPennsylvania |
DCNR-C2P2 Applicant Information(* indicates required information) |
Applicant/Grantee Legal Name: BOROUGH OF SOMERSET Web Application ID: 2012040 |
Project Title: Union Street Playground Rehabilitation |
WHEREAS, BOROUGH OF SOMERSET ("Applicant") desires to undertake the project, "Union Street Playground Rehabilitation" ("Project Title"); and
WHEREAS, the applicant desires to receive from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ("Department") a grant for the purpose of carrying out this project; and
WHEREAS, the application package includes a document entitled "Terms and Conditions of Grant" and
WHEREAS, the applicant understands that the contents of the document entitled "Terms and Conditions of Grant," including appendices referred to therein, will become the terms and conditions of a Grant Agreement between the applicant and the Department if the applicant is awarded a grant; and
NOW THEREFORE, it is resolved that:
I hereby certify that this Resolution was adopted by the
Council of the Borough of Somerset
of this applicant, this 24th day of March, 2025
b) Union Street Playground Committee – Requesting to hire 2 directors for the summer program at the playground. The costs to employ the individuals will be paid by the Committee with funds that are secured.
Ms. Enos said that the Union Street Playground Committee is hiring two school teachers from Somerset Area School District for the summer program. Their hourly rates and any payroll taxes associated with the summer program will be paid by the Playground Committee.
Motion
Mrs. Ream moved, Mr. Hoffman seconded, to approve the hiring of two directors for the summer program at the playground. The costs associated will be the responsibility of the Committee with the funds they have secured or are securing.
Motion Unanimously Carried
c) Resolution No. 2025-03 – Authorization to submit a grant through PA Small Water and Sewer Program Grant for a Flood Protection Project for Coxes Creek. The local match of 15% is $75,000.00 which has been budgeted in our Capital Projects.
Ms. Enos said that we apply for this grant funding almost every year. We have a responsibility at Coxes Creek where an inspection is due each and every year. There is work that needs to be done on bank stabilization or erosion control.
Ms. Enos noted that this grant is a favorable one because the local match is only 15% of the project. The total cost is $500,000.00. So 15% match of that is $75,000.00.
This was something planned for in the 2025 budget and approved by Council. An authorization is needed to submit for that grant.
Motion
Mr. Mandichak moved, Mrs. Opp seconded, to authorize the Borough to submit a grant through PA Small Water and Sewer Program Grant for the Flood Project.
Motion Unanimously Carried
BOROUGH OF SOMERSET
SOMERSET COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF SOMERSET TO APPLY FOR A PA SMALL WATER AND SEWER GRANT THROUGH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AS WELL AS, AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO SIGN ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO APPLY FOR THE AFOREMENTIONED GRANT.
Be it RESOLVED, that the Borough of Somerset of Somerset County hereby requests a PA Small Water and Sewer Grant of $425,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for the Coxes Creek Flood Protection Enhancement Project.
Be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Applicant does herby designate Pamela Ream, Borough President, and Michele Enos, Secretary, as the official(s) to execute all documents and agreements between the Borough of Somerset and the Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant.
I, Michele A. Enos, duly qualified Secretary of the Borough of Somerset, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, hereby certify that the forgoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by a majority vote of the Borough of Somerset at a regular meeting held April 28th, 2025 and said Resolution has been recorded in the Minutes of the Borough of Somerset and remains in effect as of this date.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I affix my hand and attach the seal of the Borough of Somerset, this 28th day of April, 2025.
d) Resolution No. 2025-04 – Authorization for the President to sign all documents necessary to apply for $425,000.00 through the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the Coxes Creek Flood Protection Project.
Ms. Enos said that this is giving Mrs. Ream authorization to sign all any necessary documents for the application process.
Motion
Mr. Mandichak moved, Mrs. Opp seconded, to authorize the President to sign all documents necessary to apply for $425,000.00 through the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the Coxes Creek Flood Protection Project.
Motion Unanimously Carried
BOROUGH OF SOMERSET
SOMERSET COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF SOMERSET TO APPLY FOR A FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM (FMP) GRANT THROUGH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AS WELL AS, AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO SIGN ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO APPLY FOR THE AFOREMENTIONED GRANT.
Be it RESOLVED, that the Borough of Somerset of Somerset County hereby requests a Flood Mitigation Program (FMP) Grant of $425,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for the Coxes Creek Flood Protection Enhancement Project.
Be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Applicant does herby designate Pamela Ream, Borough President, and Michele Enos, Secretary, as the official(s) to execute all documents and agreements between the Borough of Somerset and the Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant.
I, Michele A. Enos, duly qualified Secretary of the Borough of Somerset, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, hereby certify that the forgoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by a majority vote of the Borough of Somerset at a regular meeting held April 28th, 2025 and said Resolution has been recorded in the Minutes of the Borough of Somerset and remains in effect as of this date.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I affix my hand and attach the seal of the Borough of Somerset, this 28th day of April, 2025.
e) PennVEST Funding Offer (56221152401-CS) – Consider accepting the funding offer for sewer improvements. Loan Amount $7,378,014.00 at 1% for 30 years and Grant Amount $9,921,986.00.
Ms. Enos noted that this is the 1st Phase of the Sewer Project which the Municipal Authority has been working through. EADS designed the project, and staff meetings have been occurring.
Ms. Enos said that the funding offer came in which was incredibly good. Out of $18 million dollars, $10 million dollars is grant funded which does not need to be paid back. $8 million dollars of that will be a 1% loan over a 30-year term.
Motion
Mr. Dirienzo moved, Mr. Mandichak seconded, to accept the funding offer for sewer improvements with the Loan Amount of $7,378,014.00 at 1% for 30 years, and the Grant Amount at $9,921,986.00.
Motion Unanimously Carried
f) PennVEST Funding Offer (56221152401-CA) – Consider accepting the funding offer for sewer improvements. Loan Amount $597,065.00 and Grant Amount $802,935.00.
Ms. Enos said these PennVest funding offers are split up. One is for Contract CS and one is for CA which does not change the bottom line. She added that the borrower is the Municipal Authority which is backed up by Council to guarantee any loans which is a normal process in any project that is done.
Motion
Mrs. Opp moved, Mr. Dirienzo seconded, to accept the funding offer for sewer improvements with the Loan Amount of $597,065.00, and the Grant Amount at $802,935.00. The motion will include whatever authorization is needed for the guarantee.
Motion Unanimously Carried
g) May Council Meeting – Consider rescheduling the May Council Meeting to Monday, May 19th at 5:00 p.m. The regular meeting will fall on the observance of Memorial Day
holiday.
Motion
Mr. Shaulis moved, Mrs. Opp seconded, to authorize the rescheduling of the May Council Meeting to Monday May 19th at 5:00 p.m. due to the next regular meeting date falling on the observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
Motion Unanimously Carried
h) Capital Waterline Project – Authorization to proceed with the waterline project near the feed mill as part of our approved Capital Budget Project.
Ms. Enos noted that this is for the $180,000.00 waterline that was budgeted for during 2025’s budget that was approved by Council and the Municipal Authority. This is authorization to move forward with advertising to receive bids for this project.
Motion
Mr. Dirienzo moved, Mr. Hoffman seconded, to authorize to proceed with the waterline project, and advertise to receive bids, near the feed mill as part of our approved Capital Budget Project.
Motion Unanimously Carried
Committee Business/Reports:
i) Borough Manager’s Report – Given by Michele Enos.
Ms. Enos had nothing further to report.
j) Finance Report – Given by Brett Peters.
Mr. Peters provided Borough Council with the year-to-date Financial Report through March 2025. We are 3/12th’s of the way through the year or 25%.
General Fund: Water Fund: Sewer Fund:
Revenues – 11.01% Revenues – 23.83% Revenues – 26.70%
Expenses – 24.23% Expenses – 22.93% Expenses – 21.28%
k) Municipal Authority Manager’s Report – Given by Jess Sizemore.
Mrs. Sizemore mentioned that the “Frequently Asked Questions” section for the Stormwater Program was updated on the Somerset Borough Website. She said that a lot of questions were raised when the last billing went out.
The “Frequently Asked Questions” section is on the first page of the website. It also has tutorials on how to do certain things with billing such as setting up your account and adding a bill for separate parcels onto your existing bill payer account.
l) President’s Report – Given by Pam Ream.
Mrs. Ream mentioned that the PSAB dinner honoring Officer Huzsek was really nice.
m) Somerset Inc. Report – Given by Lee Hoffman.
Mr. Hoffman said “Chalk the Block” preparations are in full swing. The theme for this year is “Camp Out”. It is the final weekend of July.
Mr. Hoffman noted that the Uptown Diamond Row Project continues to make progress as work carries on.
Mr. Hoffman also mentioned that Somerset Inc. hired a new Community Engagement Manager.
n) PSAB Report – Given by Fred Rosemeyer.
Mayor Rosemeyer also mentioned the program honoring Officer Kevin Huzsek. He said that the Executive Director from PSAB was also there and presented a beautiful plaque to Officer Huzsek. He added that it was very much appreciated. He also thanked EADS for helping support this program. He added that their cooperation was also truly appreciated.
Mayor Rosemeyer said that he recently attended the PA Prison Wardens Association Conference. He noted that some County jails are down to half the normal staff, and they are having difficulty getting employees. Some prisons are supposed to close, but many are disapproving this.
Mayor Rosemeyer said that there are a lot of rumors being heard at Tableland regarding different programs being cancelled. He noted that nothing has being cancelled, and that their funding is covered through August. They do not know what the funding will be in the future, but for now, they are doing well.
o) Somerset Volunteer Fire Dept. Report – Given by Steve Shaulis.
Mr. Shaulis had nothing further to report.
p) Engineer’s Report – Given by Jake Bolby.
Mr. Bolby presented the Updates to the Engineer’s Report.
WATER:
1) Water System Capital Improvement Projects:
Mr. Bolby noted that the Water Project should be completely finished in July 2025.
He added that the loan amount received for the project was $14.5 million at 1% for 20 years. There was $5.4 million dollars in grant funding.
GENERAL:
1) Center Ave. Sidewalk Project:
Mr. Bolby said that they met with the contractor to examine the sidewalks. They are waiting for their plan and schedule. Updates will be provided to Council regarding this.
Ms. Enos added that they reiterated to the contractor that no construction is to be done during the day because of the businesses. Their construction vehicles will be located
elsewhere and not on the 100 block of North Center, and will be moved at the end of the evening when they are done with their work.
q) Mayor’s Report – Given by Mayor Rosemeyer.
Mayor Rosemeyer had nothing further to report.
11. Executive Session: To discuss matters of collective bargaining and potential
litigation.
Motion
Mrs. Opp moved, seconded by Mr. Shaulis, to go into Executive Session to discuss
matters of collective bargaining and potential litigation.
Motion Unanimously Carried
5:44 p.m.
Back in Session
6:10 p.m.
Mrs. Ream stated that she is looking for a motion to deny the approval of the part-time Police Officer’s buy back for hours and years served. She added that the decision is made due to the high cost to the Borough and being unable to cover that cost under the current Borough Budget.
Motion
Mr. Shaulis moved, seconded by Mr. Mandichak, to deny the approval of the Part-time Officer’s buy-back for hours and years served.
Motion Unanimously Carried
12. ADJOURNMENT
Motion
Mr. Shaulis moved to adjourn; motion seconded by Mr. Dirienzo.
Motion Unanimously Carried
6:12 p.m.
_____________________________________________
Michele A. Enos, Borough Manager/ Secretary