Approved minutes - Regular Meeting 218/202+  Approved minutes - Special Meeting  Approved minutes - Special/Workshop Meeting    Regular Meeting February 13, 2024 7:00 P.M.  The regular monthly meeting of the Meyersdale Borough Council was called to order by President Irwin, 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 was present. There wasno  February 13,2024 at 7:00 P.M.  representative from the Police Department.  MINUTES:  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to accept the minutes of the January 9, 2024, Regular Meeting as presented.  Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. FINANCIAL REPORT/) /BILLS: seconded. Motion passed. 2023 AUDIT REPORT:  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to accept the financial report and pay the bills as presented. Mr. Baer  Mrs. Kyla Pritts, from Beer, Ream & Company was present to give a summary of the 2023 audit. Mr. Ackerman made the motion to accept the 2023 audit report as presented. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed. A.) Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Mathias were present with regard to the vacating of a portion of Bottom Street After some discussion, it was decided that Solicitor Valentine was to research if Bottom Street was Mr. Ackerman made the motion to adopt Ordinance #443. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed. Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to adopt Ordinance #444. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. B:) Ms. Brenda Blough, Administrator at Casselman Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center was present toi introduce herself. The facility has 80 employees and continues to grow. Contrary to rumors, the facility is not closing and that they want to build a relationship with the community. Ms. Cherish C.) Mr. Scott Kelly was listed as a guest, but was not present. A letter from Mr. Kelly requesting permission to install a permanent batting cage and a baseball field cleanup was read aloud. (See attached) Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to approve the two items pending meeting with Mr. Kelly regarding the location of the batting cage. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed. D.) Mr. Eugene Mishler was present to get an update on a vandalism incident. Mayor Smith reported that  GUESTS:  as well as 7th Avenue and Alaska St.  officially vacated.  ADOPT ORDINANCE #443 Vacating portion of 7th Ave. ADOPT ORDINANCE #444 Vacating portion of Alaska St.  Hange, Activities Director was also present.  the matter is still under investigation and arrests will be forthcoming.  Regular Meeting February 13, 2024  Page 1    E.) Mr. Leonard Steinly was listed as a guest, but was not present.  PUBLIC COMMENT:  A.) Ms. Rebecca Walker, owner of Soccer Shots was present to request the use ofthe Paul E. Fuller playground for soccer developmental classes. Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to approve the request. B.) Mr. Eric Shaulis reported that there will be a Cross walk from the Grace Brethren Church to the Lutheran Church on Good Friday, March 29, 2024 beginning at 11 AM. Mayor Smith will have someone available to direct traffic and Mr. Brion Reiber will have barricades available. It was recommended that the group obtain permission from PennDOT to use the State Highway for the event. C.) Mr. Brian Witherite reported a stop sign that has faded. After some discussion, Mr. Reiber was asked to compile a list of stops signs needing to be replaced. Mr. Baker made the motion to purchase 24 stop  Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed.  signs. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed.  APPOINTMENTS TO ZONING HEARING BOARD - ALTERNATES  4  Mr. Ackerman made the motion pass resolution #5-2-24 to appoint Mr. Jeffrey Brenneman as an alternate to the Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to pass resolution #6-2024 to appoint Mrs. Sarah B. Jones as an alternate to the  Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. Zoning Hearing Board. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed.  PRESIDENT'S REPORT: the following: ROOF  President Irwin reported that he had conducted research regarding the Community Center building and found Two grants were received to replace the roofin 2010/2011. Asbestos in the roof was abated at the time. Mr. Thomas Deakins was present to verify. Mrs. Jessica Deakins was instrumental in obtain funds for the building.  Mr. Reiber reported that he routinely inspects the roof and cleans the drains of debris.  BLECTRICAL  In 2010/2011, $49,000.00 in grant funds were received to rewire the building. Electrical upgrades were made at the time the new furnace was installed and most recently upgrades were made in the MMA Office, Borough Office with outlets and new lighting. Outlets were also replaced in the Police Department.  ASBESTOS  A report from Allegheny Mountain Research was found. Mr. Gary Miller completed the asbestos inspection and found that there was asbestos in the basement pipe fittings, roofa and window caulking. All findings were abated. Asbestos is in the floor tile, but Mr. Miller reported that this is minimal and as long as the floor tile are President Irwin reported that Mr. Miller is willing to do a complete review of the building at no cost to the  not disturbed there is not a problem.  Borough.  Regular Meeting February 13, 2024  Page 2    LEAD PAINT  Ini the report from Allegheny Mountain Research it was found that 208 sites were tested with there being only 10 areas with lead paint. A corrective measure with lead paint is toj properly seal the area and paint over.  There is peeling of paint in a stairway, it will be tested for lead paint.  UTILITES  Ith had been said that the utilities were $40,000.00 for the building. A breakdown oft the cost of utilities was  provided (See attached) proving this statement as being incorrect.  HEATING SYSTEM ordered and will be replaced.  Heating system was upgraded. Darr Construction maintains the system. Currently there is a FSB sensor that is President Irwin reported that the Lions Club] has donated $57,565.00 over the last 10 years to the community. The building is in use most every evening forsports practices, meetings etc. It was President Irwin's opinion that the Borough can afford to maintain the building and keep it open to the public. The $187,000.00 in COVID, ARP funds that can be used for infrastructure, could be used to make upgrades to the building. Mr. Blake Henry reported that the Community Center is important to the Lions Club. The annual Lions Pancake dinners are. held in the gym during the PA Maple Festival. The Lions Club is always available tol help Mr. Thomas Deakins expressed his concerns that ift the Community Center is lost, this would be al loss oft the After al lengthy discussion regarding the building, it was suggested that a Public Hearing bel held or a referendum be plaçed on the voting ballot to let the citizens decided the fate oft the building.  with repairs when necessary. Mr. Barry Yoder was in agreement.  historic identity oft the town.  MAYOR'S REPORT:  Mayor Smith presented a citation report. Fines totaled $176.73. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR:  No report was given. ENGINEERS REPORT: Noi réport was given. SOLICITOR'S REPORT:  Solicitor Valentine reported on the following: Personal Mobility Devices Ordinance meeting scheduled for March 7, 2024. Parks & Recreation Ordinance  Bicycles, Mopeds, Skateboards, Scooters, In-Line Skates, Roller Skates, Electric Scooters, and Electric Council was to review the ordinance and be prepared to discuss at the next Police Committee workshop As an alternative to revisiting the Parks & Recreation Ordinance Mrs. Gnagey asked that a Meyersdale Community Events Committee be formed. President Irwin formed the committee to consist of] Mrs.  Gnagey as Chair and Mr. Baer and Mrs. Knieriem as committee members.  Regular Meeting February 13, 2024  Page 3    Mrs. Evet Wilson, member of the Parks & Recreation Committee will update the name oft the facebook page. Mrs. Wilson reported that in the future the meetings will be conducted more formally. Solicitor Valentine encouraged council to look at the reports concerning the building and recommended that the matter be placed as a referendum on the ballot if permissible. Research should also be conducted to make sure that the grant funds received are not tied to the building.  Community Center building  Vietnam/Korean Memorial land subdivision  Mr. Kevin Yoder was present to report that a survey had been completed to subdivide the land where the memorial is located. The only issue is that this would not meet the setback requirements in the zoning ordinance and would most likely need a Zoning Hearing. The next step is to go to the school board for approval and have them sign off on the plan. Mr. Yoder was given permission to meet with  the school board on this matter.  CODE ENFORCEMENT:  President Irwin reported that the matter with Mr. Michael Rhoten and his property on Main Street has been settled. After a Zoning Hearing was held, Mr. Rhoten received approval to put in an Airstream trailer that will  bei mounted on slabs, with tie downs and will meet the setback requirements.  COMMITTEE REPORTS: Municipal Authority  Mr. Brian Witherite, MMA Board Member was present. The board will be providing the Borough with a debt statement. The Board reorganized and Mr. Witherite will serve as Chairman, Mr. Anderson will serve as Vice Chairman and Mrs. Miller will serve as Secretary. The Authority is working on a website. The field crew will be testing every home for lead and copper in order to comply with government mandates. The field crewi is also  working on smoke and dye testing and compliances on same.  Street Foreman No report was given. during the recent snow events. Meyersdale Area Merchants Association  President Irwin complimented Mr. Reiber and Mr. Hotchkiss on how well they have been maintaining the roads  Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to give the MAMA $1,000.00 for the Farmers Market. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. To kick offthe 150th Anniversary celebration, church bells will be ringing on February 19, 2024 at Noon.  Motion passed. Public Library No report was given. Parks & Recreation No report was given. Meyersdale Renaissance No report was given.  Regular Meeting February: 13, 2024  Page 4    COUNCIL MEMBERS-STANDING COMMITTEES  In lieu of going through the committee reports, each member of Council was given the opportunity to  provide ai report or comments. Mr. Baer-I No report Mrs. Knieriem - No report Mr. Smith - No: report  Mr. Ackerman - Police issues to discuss in executive session. President Irwin -) Executive session will be necessary. Mrs. Gnagey - Community events to discuss. Mr. Baker - Should look into the flood control rip rap wall.  Mayor Smith - No report UNFINISHED BUSINESSS: A.) Patrolman police grementhandbook document be implemented. B.) Ambulance meeting  The document has not been signed. It was reported that the auditors recommended that a written  Mrs. Gnagey reported that the next meeting regarding the Ambulance will bel held at the Elks Club on. April 4, 2024 at 6:30 PM. Letters will be mailed to each oft the municipalities and townships by February 29,  2024. C.) Website update  Mrs. Gnagey reported that the website is ready to go. The documents tol be put on the site are as follows: Complaint form, Zoning Ordinance, Noise Ordinance, Meeting Agendas and Minutes (rolling 12 months at  all times) and links to other agencies. D.) Proposals for investments  Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to transfer $130,000.00 from the General Fund Checking account at First National Bank to the General Fund Money Market Account at Somerset Trust Company. Mr. Baker Seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Ackerman - No; Mr. Baer - Yes; Mr. Baker - Yes; Mrs. Gnagey - Yes;  Mr. Irwin - Yes; Mrs. Knieriem - Yes; Mr. Smith - Yes. Motion passed.  E.) Trash removal from 7 Chestnut St. trash would be removed. NEW BUSINESS: A.) Announcements  Mrs. Gnagey reported that she had spoken to the owner oft the property and they assured her that the  There were no announcements. No report was given.  B.) Police coverage in Borough & Summit Township  Regular Meeting February 13, 2024  Page 5    C.) Somerset County Redevelopment Authority Assistance with blighted properties  No report was given. D.) Review Parks & Recreation No further discussion necessary.  E.) Current and future plans for Community Center  Mrs. Knieriem doesn'tt think that the Borough should be responsible for the building. She doesn'tthink that the Borough can afford to stay in the building. She would like to see the school take back the building. Solicitor Valentine explained that the school has a reversionary interest and ift the Borough moves out it Mrs. Gnagey thinks that there needs to be data on the cost ofrenovating this building VS building a new Mrs. Patricia Murray reported that years back there was a community meeting and the consensus at the time was that the Community Center needed to be saved, that is why the decision was made to move the Borough offices to the Community Center. Mrs. Murray expressed her concerns that the history oft the President Irwin expressed his disappointment that the MMA is moving their office from the Community Center. Mr. Witherite commented that the Board struggled with the decision, but in the end the move is The majority of the Council thought that the decision regarding the building should be the citizens oft the  would revert back to them.  building.  town is being destroyed. al business decision. town. F.) Job Descriptions  Creating, job descriptions was discussed. There was a concern with non union Municipal Authority staff assisting union Borough staff. Solicitor Valentine explained that the Union would need to agree to job description language. After some discussion, it was decided that the Personnel Committee will meet with  the employees and the union representative regarding this matter.  G.) Date for fireworks  The date for the annual Independence Day fireworks display was set for June 30, 2024. The goal is to raise $12,000.00 for the event. The Secretary was asked to prepare and distribute letters to potential donors. Council decided to hold this purchase. There could be an opportunity for these items to be included in a  H.) Purchase 3 police body cams  grant.  I.) Purchase 3 fire extinguishers for police vehicles  Mr. Reiber reported that there are fire extinguishers in the Borough shop that need to be put in the cruisers. The units were serviced and the former police chieffailed to put them back in the vehicles.  J.) Update Nuisance Ordinance #422  Mrs. Gnagey recommended updating the Nuisance Ordinance #422 with language provided by PA Municipal Code Alliance with: regard to transferring ownership of property while litigation is pending.  Regular Meeting February 13, 2024  Page 6    A time frame and escrow amount was to be added to the ordinance as well. Solicitor Valentine will draft an amendment and circulate via e-mail to Council to review.  K.) Sell Grant Street lots  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to grant Mrs. Martha Albright, a local REMAX realtor, permission to list the lots for sale. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed. Mrs. Albright will attempt to sell the lots  pro bono.  L.) AED unit training class  Mr. Louis Martin will bel holding an AED training class on March 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM for all Council members and Borough workers who wish to attend. The class will be held in the Community Center.  GOALS FOR2024 No report given. Flood Control rip rap No report given.  Emergency Access Road Meyers Ave.  ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: There were no additional items tol be discussed.  EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Mayor Smith requested an executive session to discuss personnel issues.  Mr. Smith made the motion to enter into executive session at 10:15 P.M. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion Mr. Smith made the motion to return to regular session at 10:36] P.M. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed.  passed.  Discussion/motions: No motions were made. ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Smith made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:36. P.M. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed.  Lhuen C.DhmaN  Patricia C. Ackerman Borough Secretary  *NOTE: The notes from the beginning of the executive session to adjournment were provided by President  Irwin in the absence of the Borough Secretary.  Regular Meeting February 13, 2024  Page 7    RECEIVED  February 13, 2024  FEB 13 2024  Meyersdale Borough Council  MERS MSEKNVIARY  VHCEOF  RE: Permanent Batting Cage installation and Baseball Field Cleanup Paul Fuller Playground, Meyersdale Borough, Somerset County, PA  Council Members:  The Casselman Valley Youth Baseball League is seeking permission for the following two items.  Installation of a permanent batting cage  The installation of the batting cage will be funded by our organization as we are not seeking any borough funds. We can provide al layout of the location of the batting cage if the borough could share  the current plans they have on file.  Cleanup in coordination with SCI inmates  The clean-up process will be in coordination with the SCI inmates that will be supervised by the correctional officer team. This will be at no cost to the borough and is voluntary.  Ifyou have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (814)  233-2085 or via email at sctkelyeyanoo.com  Respectfully, Kepkell Scott Kelly Vice President of CVYB    RESOLUTION NO. 5-2034  RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF MEYERSDALE, SOMERSET COUNTY,PENNSYLVANIA, APPOINTING A RESIDENT OF THE: BOROUGH TO: FILL. A VACANCY AS AN ALTERNATE ON THE ZONING HEARING BOARD WHEREAS, a vacancy as a alternate in the Office oft the Zoning Hearing Board oft the WHEREAS, Section 705 B of the Meyersdale Borough Zoning Ordinance #377 charges WHEREAS, the Borough Council oft the Borough of Meyersdale, Somerset County, Pennsylvania has chosen ai resident oft the Borough to fill the vacancy; and  Borough ofMeyersdale, Somerset County, Pennsylvania; the Borough Council with filling such vacancy; and  NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Borough Council of the Borough of] Meyersdale,  Somerset County, Pennsylvania, that JEFFREY BEVNEMAN vacancy that exists on the Zoning Hearing Board. Hearing Board Alternate Member immediately.  be appointed to fill the alternate  BE it further resolved, that the above-named individual shall assume the duties as a Zoning Be it further resolved, that the term of the above individual shall continue as provided by the Duly resolved, this 1Pay of FEBRUARY,3OR by the Borough Council oft the Borough of  Zoning Ordinance.  Meyersdale, Somerset County, Pennsylvania.  BOROUGHLOF MEYERSDALE, By a  ATTEST:  tnsin CObaaa  Borough Secretary  Zoning Hearing Board Alternate Resolution (saved on A:)    RESOLUTION NO. 63014  RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF MEYERSDALE, SOMERSET COUNTY,PENNSYLVANIA, APPOINTING A RESIDENT OF THE: BOROUGH TOFILL A VACANCY AS AN ALTERNATE ON THE ZONING HEARING BOARD WHEREAS, a vacancy as a alternate in the Office of the Zoning Hearing Board of the WHEREAS, Section 705 B ofthe Meyersdale Borough Zoning Ordinance #377 charges WHEREAS, the Borough Council oft the Borough of Meyersdale, Somerset County, Pennsylvania has chosen a resident of the Borough to fill the vacancy; and  Borough of Meyersdale, Somerset County, Pennsylvania; the Borough Council with filling such vacancy; and  NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Borough Council oft the Borough of] Meyersdale,  Somerset County, Pennsylvania, that SHRAHB. DES vacancy that exists on the Zoning Hearing Board. Hearing Board Alternate Member immediately.  be appointed to fill the alternate  BE it further resolved, that the above-named individual shall assume the duties as a Zoning Be it further resolved, that the term of the above individual shall continue as provided by the Duly resolved, this I3EE day of FEBRUARY, d024, by the Borough Council of the Borough of  Zoning Ordinance.  Meyersdale, Somerset County, Pennsylvania.  BOROUOPF)PYERSDAEE By_ k  ATTEST:  hhbuat G.SRVNN  Borough Secretary  Zoning Hearing Board Alternate Resolution (saved on A:)    COMMUNITY CENTER UTILITIES  2021,2022, 2023 Gas  YEAR 2021  Electric $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $  Water 162.18 $ 162.18 $ 162.18 $ 162.18 $  Sewer 99.00 99.00 99.00 99.00  809.09 $ 1,205.72 $ 581.17 $ 553.96 $ 532.30 $ 544.39 $ 459.22 $ 553.27 $ 721.70 $ 739.45 $ 1,388.28 $ 8,088.55 $ Electric $ 751.44 $ $ 679.31 $ $ 530.20 $ $ 604.59 $ $ 792.94 $ $ 697.85 $ $ 723.51 $ $ 830.74 $ $ 970.32 $ $ 641.65 $ $ 359.32 $ $ 7,581.87 $ Electric $ 404.64 $ $ 763.64 $ $ 437.46 $ $ 401.37 $ $ 337.06 $ $ 320.23 $ $ 250.01 $ $ 421.62 $ $ 379.68 $ $ 459.58 $ $ 350.10 $ $ 378.07 TOTAL $ 4,903.46 $  2,329.52 $ 2,300.94 $ 1,302.38 $ 919.66 $ 426.62 52.06 26.03 26.03 26.03 125.19 1,329.57 2,473.95 Gas 3,281.23 $ 3,232.00 $ 2,060.11 $ 1,759.75 $ 269.32 88.74 25.28 57.02 57.02 1,288.48 1,313.96 3,540.83 Gas 4,111.10 $ 2,591.07 $ 2,208.79 $ 1,151.90 $ 679.13 106.01 57.00 57.00 57.00 593.81 1,279.41 12,892.22 $  $  TOTAL $  11,337.98 $ 648.72 $  396.00 $2 20,471.25  2022  Water 162.18 $ 162.18 $ 162.18 $ 162.18 $  Sewer 109.80 99.00 99.00 179.10  TOTAL $  16,973.74 $ 648.72 - $  486.90 $25,691.23  2023  Water 162.18 $ 162.18 $ 167.05 $ 167.05 $  Sewer 111.60 99.00 101.97 101.97  658.46 $  414.54 $ 18,868.68    MEYERSDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL Regular Meeting 41340R4 Special Meeting  GUEST SIGN IN  PLEASE PRINT Rude Noupk hAh hamge. 3 Jen Chsmo2 4 BoB MuNien 5 Kuk. EUEIE Jshia Ahiw 7 KeRODER 8 Encatrsauig 9 Honsigs Eobt 10 SRM 11 Tomoskiks 12 EkWisan 13 Mnc-Alrge  NAME  ADDRESS  TOPIC lasplmen HC. CnnpmunG  2M Hospzl DAWH 0G Mosptal Drwbe 2 MwT 1341 OGinger SH aDSAOAwVSE Z2TMEST OSSHAE *s Khh 030 Shrmon Deachlewy 313 Tmenkstzk 134 lerllow Rd  MuAe Mptly 5251045  S9M  Soccershoks  14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24  GUESTS MUST STAND WHILE SPEAKING  GUEST SIGNI IN ON EXCEL