Approved minutes - Regular Meeting 31213024  Approved minutes - Special Meeting  Approved minutes - Special/Workshop Meeting    Regular Meeting March 12, 2024 7:00 P.M.  The regular monthly meeting oft the Meyersdale Borough Council was called to order by President Irwin, Mayor Smith administered the oath ofoffice to Junior Council Member, Anna Stewart, prior to the beginning of the meeting. Miss Stewart will serve as Junior Council Member until May 2024. Mr.. Ackerman, Mr. Baer, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Gnagey, Mr. Irwin, Mrs. Knieriem, Mr. Smith, Solicitor Valentine and Mayor Smith were present. Brion Reiber, Street Foreman and Tim Pritts, Police Lieutenant  March 12, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.  were present. MINUTES:  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to accept the minutes of the February 13, 2024, Regular Meeting as presented.  Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. FINANCIAL REPORT/ BILLS: seconded. Motion passed.  Mr. Baker made the motion to accept the financial report and pay the bills as presented. Mr. Ackerman There was discussion regarding a request made by Mrs. Gnagey for monthly and quarterly financial reports. Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to table the topic. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed.  GUESTS:  A.) Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Mathias were present with regard to the vacating ofaj portion of Bottom Street. Mr. Ackerman made the motion to vacatee a portion ofBottom Street, grant Solicitor Valentine and Appalachian Engineering permission to proceed with the same. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. B.) Mr. Donald A. Lasure Jr. was present regarding a safety concern at monument square associated with signage and with delivery trucks parking at the yellow line blocking the view oftraffic. Council reported that they will look into upgrading the signage, but that there was nothing that could be done Mr. Lasure also had a concern with the open ditch on Pine Street. Mr. Brion Reiber, Street Foreman, reported that he has been adding 20 ft. sections of pipe periodically rather than all at one time. He wants to make sure that the pipe is not filling up with debris, before adding any more pipe. C.) Mr. Thomas Deetz was present regarding safety concerns with motorists blocking the lane of traffic ata as school bus stop on 7w Street and High Street. Mr. Deetz came close to hitting a child at this location. He reported this matter to the former Chief of Police and nothing had been done. He There was some discussion on how to get in touch with the police department. Lieutenant Pritts suggested that ai message be left with 911 operator or leave aj note in the mailbox on the outside of  regarding the parking issue.  requested that citations be issued.  the police entrance and an officer will make contact on the next shift.  Regular Meeting March 12, 2024  Page 1    PUBLIC COMMENT:  Mr. Kurt Woolslayer from the Meyersdale Lions Club was present. He reported that at a recent Lions Club meeting their was a unanimous decision by the Lions Club to support keeping the Community Center open. (See attached letter of support). Mr. Irwin reported that Mr. Gary Miller from Allegheny Mountain Research will be present at the. April 9, 2024 meeting to discuss the results of the walk through oft the building and Mrs. Gnagey reported that there is grant funding available, with one particular grant closing April 22, 2024. Through this grant, there is an opportunity to obtain up to two million dollars. Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to proceed with the grant process by hiring Aspire to write the grant, acquire engineering services from Appalachian Engineering, and request PMCA to complete an inspection and evaluation ofthe building. Mr. President Irwin formed a committee compiled of Mr. Smith - Chairman, Mrs. Gnagey - Co Chair, Mr. Baker, Somerset County Commissioner Fochtman, Commissioner Kimmel and Mr. Steve Spochart were present to Miss Marcella Dupre, a Senior at Meyersdale Area School was present with a petition of 50 signatures in support of keeping the Community Center open. She believes that the youth are the future of Meyersdale and that closing the Community Center would be detrimental to the history and infrastructure of the town. Mr. Travis Shaulis was present to report standing water on Second Street from a clogged drain. Mr. Reiber Mrs. Deb Kolb asked if the Borough is going to get prison workers and if they can be in the building while the school kids are in the building. Mr. Tony Mostoller from the school was present and reported that ifitis  specifically the lead paint testing that was completed.  Baer seconded. Motion passed. and Mr. Ackerman to work on this project. urge Council to apply for the grants available.  Miss Dupre was asked to attend the April 9, 2024 meeting as a guest.  reported that one drain was opened and he will continue to work on the other.  necessary, the children can take at home classes while the prisoners are on site.  PRESIDENT'S REPORT: There was no President's report. MAYOR'S REPORT: There was: no report on fines. JUNIOR COUNCIL MEMBER:  Miss Anna Stewart- t-. Junior Council Member presented a report of activities at the school.  EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR:  No report was given. ENGINEERS REPORT:  Mr. Kevin Yoder, Appalachian Engineering was present regarding the subdivision plan for the Vietnam/Korean Memorial. Mrs. Gnagey had a concern with regard to access to maintain the building and to avoid the need for azoning hearing that an easement be considered. Mr. Ackerman reported that the survey. has been completed  Regular Meeting March 12, 2024  Page 2    and paid for by the Vietnam/Korean Committee and that the Committee wants the land subdivided and owned by the Committee. Mrs. Linda McDonough was also present on behalf oft the Vietnam/Korean Memorial Committee. Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to grant Mr. Yoder permission to proceed with the process to have the land subdivided, with the first step being for him to have the school board approve the plan. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. Solicitor Valentine suggested that the Borough include the right ofi ingress and  egress in the final deed. SOLICITOR'S REPORT:  Solicitor Valentine reported on the following: Amendment to Ordinance #422  Most oft the Solicitor report will need to be discussed in executive session.  Mrs. Knieriem made the: motion to advertise the amendment to Ordinance #422 as outlined in the draft and set to approve the same at the April 9, 2024 meeting. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion There was some discussion regarding the ordinance. President Irwin was concerned that it was too restrictive and not conducive to bicyclists. Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to table discussion on Mrs. Martha Albright will be listing the three empty Grant Street lots at $6,500.00. There will not be a list fee for Remax Premier Realtors, however if another agent brings an offer, the Borough will have to provide compensation of $500.00 to that agency. She will meet with President Irwin to sign the  passsed. Scooter Ordinance  the ordinance. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed.  listing contract. (see e-mail attached)  CODE ENFORCEMENT: There was no report given. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Municipal Authority  Itv was reported that the next meeting will be March 19, 2024 at 7 PM. The MMA Office Manager will be providing financial statements to the Borough when she returns from leave. Work continues on a website.  Street Foreman  Mr. Reiber reported that they have started to replace stop signs.  Hei is looking into getting the correct paint for the line painter sO. that they can begin painting lines when There are trees that need to be cut down in the playground area. Someone is willing to cut the trees down for the wood. There was a concern regarding insurance. Miss Marcella Dupre offered the services ofl her Father, who is a licensed contractor to remove the trees at no cost to the Borough. Aq quote of$1,900.00 was received to do a vegetation spray of the flood control. Council agreed to  weather permits.  proceed.  Mr. Ackerman reported that Mr. Ben Dishong from PennDOT will be coming on. March 13, 2024 to: measure the roads for aj paving project. Council will discuss and approve to let the project out for bid at the April 9,  2024 meeting.  Regular Meeting March 12, 2024  Page 3    Mr. Ackerman also reported that the person or persons who have been stockpiling trash at 7 Chestnut Street will clean up and in a few days it is back to where it was. Council decided that Mr. Reiber was to block the alley Mrs. Gnagey reported that the Easter Egg Hunt will be held on March 23, 2024 at 11AM and a rain date of March 30, 2024 at 11 AM. She requested that the streets crew make sure there is no graffiti or trash on the playground. She also requested that the electric be turned on at the pavilion, four barricades be placed at the  with a cement barrier.  pavilion and that the playground equipment be gone over. Meyersdale Area Merchants Association change the name to the Community Market. Mrs. Terri Foster, Librarian presented a report. Meyersdale Community Events Committee  Mrs. Terri Foster was present and reported that there is a new committee tol handle the Farmers Market for this season. They plan to switch the location from Center Street to Main Street and with the renewed interest  Public Library  Mrs. Gnagey presented aj proposed budget of $6,800.00 for the yearly events. An estimated $4,600.00 willl be used from the Frank Lucente Memorial Fund and the balance was requested to come from the General Fund. Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to grant $2,200.00 from the general fund for the events. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. There was discussion regarding using the general fund to offset the yearly events and no vote was taken. It was suggested to cut back on expenses or do ai fundraiser rather than use general fund monies. Mr. Baer reported that he would find a way to come up with the additional $2,200.00 funds needed.  Meyersdale Renaissance No report was given.  COUNCIL MEMBERS-STANDING COMMITTEES  Inl lieu of going through the committee reports, each member of Council was given the opportunity to  provide ai report or comments.  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to grant the fireman permission to use the playground area on June 30, 2024 for  a fireman competition. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. Motion passed.  Mr. Baer- - No report Mr. Smith - No report Mr. Ackerman - Noi report President Irwin - No: report Mr. Baker - No: report Mayor Smith -No report  Mrs. Knieriem - She will be in contact with the Non Uniform Union Representative with regard to job  descriptions.  Mrs. Gnagey - She was in contact with Joel Landis and found that there are grants available for flood control.  She will work with Solicitor Valentine to prepare a narrative to apply for the funding.  Regular Meeting March 12, 2024  Page 4    UNFINISHED BUSINESSS: A.) Patrolman police agreemenvhandbook  Mayor Smith reported that the agreementhandbook should be completed by the April 9,2 2024 meeting.  There is only one officer that has not signed the document.  B.) Ambulance meeting  Mrs. Gnagey reported that the next meeting regarding the Ambulance will be held at the Elks Club on April 4, 2024 at 6:30 PM. Invitation letters were sent out. Somerset Trust will be supplying the refreshments. The Secretary provided a report on the progress with the Borough website. To eliminate aj problem with Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to grant the Secretary permission to go live with the website. Mrs. Knieriem  C.) Website update  uploading documents the website designers suggested to take the website live.  seconded. Motion passed. NEW BUSINESS: A.) Announcements  There were no announcements. No report was given.  B.) Police coverage in Borough & Summit Township  C.) Somerset County Redevelopment Authority - Assistance withl blighted properties  Mr. Steve Spochart was present to report that there are Act 152 funds available for demolition of blighted properties. The SCRA can provide with assistance by acquiring the blighted property, which lessens the burden on the Borough. The Solicitor would need to be involved from al legal standpoint. Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to grant the Somerset County Redevelopment Authority and Solicitor Valentine permission to work together in acquiring blighted properties for demolition. Mr. Baer seconded.  Motion passed.  D.) Level Acres - Paul E. Fuller Park  Mrs. Gnagey reported that she received an unsolicited call from Level Acres regarding mulching the playground. The price of mulch was estimated at $660.00. It was also suggested that some oft the rubber: mats  be replacement. No action was taken regarding this matter.  E.) Chain ofCommand F.) Gym Floor  Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to table this topic. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed.  Mr. Smith reported that he solicited a quote for resurfacing the Community Center gym floor. The contractor is a Co-stars vendor, therefore the project would not have tol be bid. Mr. Smith made the motion to accept the quote from All American Athletics ini the amount of $18,000.00. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Ackerman - Yes; Mr. Baer - Yes; Mr. Baker -Yes; Mrs. Gnagey- Yes;  Mr. Irwin - Yes; Mrs. Knieriem - Yes; Mr. Smith - Yes. Motion passed.  Regular Meeting March 12, 2024  Page 5    G.) Approve SCI-Somerset Community Work Program Application and Mr. Reiber will prepare the application for submission.  Mr. Baer made the motion to make application for the SCI-Somerset Community Work Program and to appoint Mr. Brion Reiber as the contact person to coordinate the tasks to be completed. The Secretary  H.) Occupancy permits for Community Center  President Irwin reported that hei is working to coordinate information on this issue.  I) Apostolic Christian Academy lease & certificate ofi insurance Solicitor Valentine deferred this matter to executive session. J.) Sale of Borough equipment and Borough owned items  Mr. Baer made the motion to scrap out the street sweeper forj junk and to utilize the Municibid website to sell the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 truck with attached snowplow. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to donate a set ofvault doors to the Meyersdale. Area Historical Society.  passed. A minimum bid will be required. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed.  K.) Sweeping streets - contract with Donegal Construction  Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to contract Donegal Construction to sweep streets at a cost of$1,600.00. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. The MMA will be asked to do an all call a few days before sO  that residents know to: move their vehicles. L.) "The Quick & The Dead" bicycle race  Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to grant permission for the organizers of"The Quick & The Dead" bicycle race to use Borough streets for a race scheduled for September 30, 2024. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion  passed. GOALS FOR 2024  Emergency Access Road Meyers Ave.  Mrs. Gnagey reported that she was given information that this project was in the process to be completed. Solicitor Valentine reported that there were stipulations if CSX got involved which included the closing of three to four crossings. It was his opinion that the project will not be completed in the near future.  Flood Control rip rap No report given.  ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: There were no additional items to be discussed.  Regular Meeting March 12, 2024  Page 6    EXECUTIVE SESSION:  An executive session was needed for aj personnel matter and possible litigation.  Mr. Baer made the motion to enter into executive session at 9:35P.M. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Ackerman made the motion to return to regular session at 10:13 P.M. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed.  Discussion/motions:  Apostolic Christian Academy lease  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to extend the lease with the Apostolic Christian Academy for one year with a monthly rental fee of $200.00 beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Ackerman - Yes; Mr. Baer- Yes; Mr. Baker  Yes; Mrs. Gnagey - Yes; Mr. Irwin -Yes; Mrs. Knieriem - Yes; Mr. Smith - Yes. Motion passed. The monthly rental fee will not apply during the  summer: months. Salary increases  Mr. Smith made the motion to grant a one-time inflationary hourly pay increase to the Non Uniform Borough employees as follows: Patricia Ackerman - $2.00 per hour, Brion Reiber $2.00 per hour, and Harold Hotchkiss - $1.00 per hour effective with the next pay period to begin March 16, 2024. Mr. Baker seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Ackerman - Abstained (See attached Abstention Memorandum); Mr. Baer - Yes; Mr. Baker - Yes; Mrs. Gnagey - Yes; Mr. Irwin - Yes; Mrs. Knieriem - Yes; Mr. Smith - Yes. Motion passed  with Mr. Ackerman abstaining. ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 P.M. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed.  Ptuiia L.Aahwrn)  Patricia C. Ackerman Borough Secretary  Regular Meeting March 12, 2024  Page 7    Meyersdale Lions POBox 194  We Serve  Meyersdale PA 15552  ERNATIONA  03/09/24  Meyersdale Borough Council  215 Main St  RECEIVED MAR 11 2024 MEYERSDALE BOROUGH OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY  Meyersdale PA 15552  Dear Council Members  The Meyersdale Lions Club wishes to express our objection to the closure ofthe Community Center. As an organization, we have utilized this building for well over 50 years. We have also assisted in repairs and upkeep for the building. We provided labor and financial assistance for numerous upgrades as well. We have a separate electric meter and propane supply, SO we do not We are saddened by this discussion, at a time when the town is celabrating our 150th anniversary. We should work together to show pride in our town, work to make it better, and Every year, during the Maple Festival, visitors comment on how they enjoy coming into the old school and the nostalgia created by the old building. Many come every year from a distance for The Community Center is part of our history and is actively used daily. Itis one ofthe few indoor locations students and organizations have available for practice and fundraising  burden the Borough with those expenses.  work to preserve our historic structures for future generations.  the unique experience.  activities.  We truly believe that closing the Community Center would be detrimental to our community The Meyersdale Lions Club stands firmly behind our objection to closing the Community  and the preservation of our town's history. Center, both now and in the future.  Sincerely,  Meyersdale Lions Club    Grant st properties Tue 3/12/2024224PM. Hello  Martha Albright malongntremax@gmal.com> Tomeyersdaleborough@hotmail.com meyersdaleborough@hotmal.com>  Iwill be listing the Grant street properties within the next 2 weeks for  3 lots $6500  No listing fee for Remax Premier Realtors  Ifanother agent brings an offer,The Borough will provide compensation of $500 to that agency.  Iwill be meeting with President Irwin soon to have him sign listing contract!  Thank you Martha  Sent from my iPhone  MPMARAMASmRaORe VidAQMKADAWATZZMYAZCIKODNALWFDAGYW.TAMADwMAOARgAAA6BIRm.281BmPugZmIH9skSHAJV2Y- 1/1    HLLI AMERICHN  D  ATHLETICS INTHED GAME OVERESVERRS 1691 gth Street Ext Freedom, PA 15042 PROPOSAL Date: February 28, 2024 COSTARS #014-212 To: Meyersdale Community Center Attn: Thomas Smith  724-331-0242 cell aaajohntrageser@gmal.com  email: odelowsevanocon  Re: Pricing for Resurfacing Gym Floor HS-4,300 Sq/Ft  RESURFACINGPRICING: Complete maintenance resurfacing of gym floor to smooth surface. Apply (2) coats of NSB sealer, game lines, logos as or similar to before and (2) coats of POLO PLAZ EXPRESS 2-part HIGH SOLIDS WB finish. The WB finish will prevent ambering of the gym floor and decrease downtime for curing is ONLY24 hours. Owner to supply power for Gym: $18,000.00 (Eighteen Thousand Dollars and xx/100) **WE WILL  sanding equipment. Pricing includes broom cleaning of gymnasium.  BEAT ANY QUOTE BY $500!!11! VALUE ENGINEERING:  ADD $1,000.00 - stained keys color TBD by owner (50% off if done in off-season) ADD $2,500.00 - stained 3 point areas (50% off if done in off season) ADD$60.00 SF for any repair work determined by owner.  WARRANTY: 10 YEARS!!E  If you have any questions please contactme on my cell phone 724-331-0242.  Sincerely, John Trageser    Conflict of] Interest Abstention Memorandum  TO: Borough Secretary, Patricia C. Ackerman  Meyersdale Borough, Somerset County, Pennsylvania  FROM: Ronnie C. Ackerman, council member  DATE: March 12, 2024  Pursuant to Pennsylvania' s "Public Official and Employee Ethics Law" (65PA CSA 1101 et seq), Ihereby  declare that I am required to abstain regarding the following issue/motion:  Motion to grant pay increases to Borough workers My conflict/reason for abstaining is as follows:  The action directly affects a family member, due to the fact that Mrs. Patricia C. Ackerman, Borough Secretary,  ismy spouse, therefore, ethically it is my opinion that I have an obligation to abstain.  Bne C Bhnen  Signature  NOTE: Section 1103 (J). requires the following procedure:  "Any public official or public employee, who in the discharge ofl his official duties, would be required to vote on a matter that would result in a conflict ofinterest shall abstain from voting and, prior to the vote being taken, publicly announce and disclose the nature ofhis interest as a public record in a written memorandum filed with the person responsible for recording the minutes for the meeting at which the vote is taken...." (Please note that State Ethics Commission required a public official to complete a form every time he has a  conflict ofinterest).  ABSTENTION MEMORANDUM (Saved on: shortcut tol Patty)    MEYERSDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL Regular Meeting 3/12/4034 Special Meeting  GUEST SIGN IN  PLEASE PRINT LJefF CKOSNE 2 TOm et Blgs Mishlsk 4 Anna Slewwt 6 KEVINYODER 7 WAYJE MATHEAS 8 Toy m+C DAN FEHTMN) 10 Truvis Shavlis 11 AN Fzster 12  Kmmel 13 STE Shciser 14YA E 164 WPKn  NAME  ADDRESS  TOPIC  NTE S7 Meteslh Mypibdak MEBdall 213 DALE Méyelidak MEEKALEEIA.  Block, h Trafb  High 7  Shele  SSAAKGEs RMERS CALn  608 2MSt Meyersdale PA Sterm crin hlelace  sCberart 50 Iu Ent REDEV. AArbRITy ENualiptamlinanil  17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24  GUESTS MUST STAND WHILE SPEAKING  GUEST SIGN IN ON EXCEL