Approved minutes - Regular Meeting 14h024  Approved minutes - Special Meeting  Approved minutes - Special/Workshop Meeting    Regular Meeting January 9,2024 7:00 P.M.  The regular monthly meeting of the Meyersdale Borough Council was called to order by President Irwin, Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Baer, Mrs. Gnagey, Mr. Irwin, Mrs. Knieriem, Mr. Smith and Mayor Smith were present. Solicitor Valentine was present via telephone. Mr. Baker was absent. Brion Reiber, Street Foreman  January 9, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.  was absent. There was no representative from the Police Department.  MINUTES:  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to accept the minutes of the January 2, 2024, Reorganization Meeting as  presented. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. FINANCIAL REPORT/ BILLS: Baker, Finance Chairman. GUESTS:  Mr. Baer made the motion to accept the financial report and pay the bills as presented. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed. The Financial Report was presented by the Borough Secretary in the absence ofMr.  A.) Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Mathias were present with regard to the vacating ofa portion of Alaska Street and aj portion of7th. Ave. After some discussion, Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to grant % ofs said portions ofs streets vacated to abutting landowners, Mrs. & Mrs. Wayne Mathias and Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Shaulis. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed. Solicitor Valentine reported that proposed ordinances #443 and #444 will need to be re-advertised and formally adopted at the February 13, 2024 meeting of Mr. Mathias also had a concern regarding Bottom Street. It was reported that Solicitor Valentine would B.). Dr. Tracie Karlie, Superintendent and Mr. Ron Donaldson, School Board Member were present regarding the Community Center. A recommendation from the School districts legal counsel was to transfer the building to the Borough removing the current stipulation that the lands and buildings would revert to the Meyersdale Area School District ifand when they are no longer being used for municipal or authority purposes and to add a restriction that the building could not be used for any type ofhome school, charter school or cyber school. Mrs. Gnagey pointed out that the Borough would need to do a lot of] homework in order to accept the building, because the building has a huge amount ofwasted space and is expensive to maintain. It was noted that the Meyersdale Municipal Authority will be moving their office from the Community Center to the MMA maintenance shop in the near future. It was her thought that Council should consider building or renting space elsewhere. A poll was taken of the Council members and Mr. Ackerman and President Irwin were the only members in favor of staying in the Community Center. It was suggested that an Engineering survey ofthe building be completed. Mrs. Martha Albright, al local realtor suggested that a commercial inspection be completed. She estimated that this type ofinspection could cost between $3,000.00- - $5,000.00 and she can providea list ofreferrals. It was reported that Appalachian Engineering is working on as survey of the land in  Council and that Appalachian Engineering will need to resurvey the area.  need to research ift this street was properly vacated.  Regular Meeting January 9, 2024  Page 1    which the Vietnam/Korean Memorial is erected. The land will be subdivided and transferred to the Mrs. Gnagey requested that three years of utility bills for the building be provided to Council for The Community Center topic is to remain on the Agenda for the February meeting. C.) Mr. Thomas Deetz was present to report that the flags, poles and brackets have arrived. He will provide Brion Reiber with a list of dates that the flags should be displayed. Mr. Deetz announced that the kick off date for the 150th Anniversary celebration will be February 19, 2024 at which time all the churches will ring their bells. The American Legion Auxiliary spearheaded  Vietnam/Korean Memorial Committee.  review.  ab banner project for the celebration. The banners will be up by February 19, 2024.  PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: as President of Council.  President Irwin thanked the voters for electing him for a four year term and thanked Council for appointing him Current vacancies on the zoning hearing board as alternates were discussed. Mr. Irwin reported that Mr. Jeffrey Brenneman is willing to serve as an alternate. Solicitor Valentine recommended that the vacancies be advertised. Mr. Baer made the motion to advertise for two alternate positions on the Zoning Hearing Board now and then to advertise for the position that will become vacant in July 2024 closer to the term expiration.  Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed.  MAYOR'S REPORT: No report was given. No report was given. ENGINEERS REPORT: No report was given. SOLICITOR'S REPORT:  EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR:  Solicitor Valentine reported on the following:  The structuring of the Parks and Recreation Board should be discussed at a committee meeting. Adraft copy ofthe Electric Scooter Ordinance will be distributed to Council for review. Aletter from Michael Rhoten was read by President Irwin. Solicitor Valentine was asked to  reach out to Mr. Rhoten regarding his concerns.  CODE ENFORCEMENT: No report was given.  Regular Meeting January 9, 2024  Page 2    COMMITTEE REPORTS: Municipal Authority  President Irwin asked Mr. Brian Witherite, Board member if the Meyersdale Municipal Authority could provide  the Borough with an account oft their current debt.  Street Foreman No report was given.  Meyersdale Area Merchants Association  Mrs. Denise Gehringer reported that there was no update. A meeting is scheduled for January 17, 2024 at the  Elks. Public Library No report was given. Parks & Recreation No report was given. Meyersdale Renaissance No report was given.  COUNCIL MEMBERS-STANDING COMMITTEES  In lieu of going through the committee reports, each member of Council was given the opportunity to Mr. Baer - Would like to get together with Police Committee regarding interviews for Police Chief. Mr. Smith - Asked Mr. Brian Witherite, MMA for assistance with pressure testing on the closing ofal house.  provide a report or comments. Mrs. Knieriem - Nothing to report. Mr. Ackerman - Nothing to report. President Irwin - Nothing to report. Mrs. Gnagey - Nothing to report. Mayor Smith - Nothing to report. UNFINISHED BUSINESSS: A.) Patrolman police agreementhandbook The document has not been signed. B.) Ambulance meeting  Mrs. Gnagey reported that she has obtained information for all ofthe municipalities. Mrs. Gnagey  was asked to coordinate the next meeting.  C.) Website update  Mr. Brian Witherite, MMA Board Member reported that the Meyersdale Municipal Authority would like to partner with the Borough on setting up a website. A few members ofCouncil were not sure that a website was necessary, but the majority of Council Members and audience attendees disagreed. It was reported that several phases must be completed with the website designers before any information can be  Regular Meeting January 9, 2024  Page 3    uploaded. After some discussion, Mrs. Gnagey and Mrs. Knieriem were appointed to complete the mockup phase (Step #1) with the web designers and report back at the February meeting.  D.) Proposals for investments - Discussion  The Secretary was asked to contact Somerset Trust Company, Ameriserv Bank, First National Bank and First Peoples Bank to obtain interest rates on a money market account ranging from $125,000.00 to  $150,000.00. E.) Ordinance #443 & #444  Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to re-advertise Ordinance #443 and #444 for adoption at the February 13,  2024 meeting. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. Motion passed.  NEW BUSINESS: A.) Announcements  There were no announcements. No report was given. C.) Executive Session Requirements session. (See attached)  B.) Police coverage in Borough & Summit Township  President Irwin reminded Council of the proper procedures and allowable reasons to hold an executive  D.) Somerset County Redevelopment Authority Assistance with blighted properties  Mrs. Gnagey reported that the Somerset County Redevelopment Authority has $300,000.00 available for for demolition of blighted properties. She would like to get a list ofblighted properties and asked ift the Borough could advertise on facebook asking citizens to report blight. Solicitor Valentine reported that the Borough has to be very careful on soliciting the public for complaints and that facebook is not the appropriate outlet. The public may make complaints on their own and the complaints must be followed up  by PA Municipal Code Alliance to begin the process.  E.) Trash removal from 7 Chestnut St.  Itv was reported that the trash was removed, but subsequently has reappeared. It was suggested that  the alley be blocked with a barricade and clearly marked No Dumping.  F.) Plan for replacement of barricades  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to purchase 10 barricades from ULINE at a cost ofapproximately  $230.00 each. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. G.) Somerset County Boroughs Association  Mrs. Gnagey reported that she has taken an officer position with the Somerset County Borough Association and that she is not permitted to obtain mail at her home or at a post office box. All SCBA mail must come to the Meyersdale Borough address. Council granted permission for a mail receptacle be placed in the  Community Center for SCBA mail.  Regular Meeting January 9, 2024  Page 4    H.) Parking issue on Center St. in front ofMishler's building - update The Streets Committee recommended leaving the parking as is.  I.) Open Public Comment Policy  Upon aj recommendation by President, Mr. Baer made the motion to update the Open Public Comment Policy to reduce the time limit from 10 minutes to 5: minutes. The Secretary was asked to draft an updated version for presentation at the February meeting. IfCouncil is in agreement with the updated policy, it will  be advertised and officially passed at the March meeting.  GOALSI FOR2024 Ordinance Review No report given. Zoning Review No: report given. New Building No report given. No report given. Control Spending No report given. Flood Control rip rap No report given.  Emergency Access Road Meyers Ave.  ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: There were no additional items to be discussed.  EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Solicitor Valentine called for an executive session to discuss attorney client privileged matters including Mr. Ackerman made the motion to enter into executive session at 8:20 P.M. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. Motion Mr. Ackerman made the motion to return to regular session at 8:45 P.M. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to authorize Solicitor Valentine to take the: necessary action as discussed in  potential litigation (Police employee litigation matter)  passed. The Secretary was asked to attend the executive session.  Discussion/motions:  executive session. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed.  Regular Meeting. January 9, 2024  Page 5    ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 PM. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed.  ABaA C.Obbunan  Patricia C. Ackerman Borough Secretary  Regular Meeting January 9, 2024  Page 6    Allowable Reasons for Executive Sessions:  Personnel matters (hiring, firing, discipline) Discussing labor negotiations  Considering purchasing, leasing or selling property Consulting with counsel about litigation Avoiding violating privilege or confidentiality Discussing university admission standards Discuss emergency preparedness  Taken from Basics of the Sunshine Act Webinar as of1/2021  Regular Meeting January 9, 2024  Page 7    MEYERSDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL Regular Meeting 19A02F Special Meeting  GUEST SIGN IN  PLEASE PRINT 1 JeAE ChEA 21m Per.fz 3 jason Ackeman 4 Bwt  NAME  ADDRESS  TOPIC Play Rcya7 Sjus hks  701 Morlh ST 394 blpgr 97 34 Meyers Ave 030 Shrtaw St. lolMuya 134 wdlc ser/ltep  fo4 Dangbbonn 1750 Polin SHLady  Donul. Gehnany 7 MhAk Alonl) 8 Traces KGche B-ligr Mskke  BrBallny  10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24  GUESTS MUST STAND WHIILE SPEAKING  GUEST: SIGN IN ON EXCEL