Approved minutes - Regular Meeting Approved minutes - Special Meeting  Approved minutes - Special/Workshop Meeting  APPROVED MINUES- AROAMATA/ETIE  113/a024    Reorganization Meeting January 3,2 2024 7:00P.M.  2023 Council  The first part oft the reorganization meeting was called to order by President Folk at 7:001 P.M., January 2, 2024. Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Baer, Mr. Baker, Mr. Folk, Mrs. Gnagey, Mrs. Knieriem and Mayor Smith were present. Solicitor Valentine was present via telephone. Note: There were only 6 Council Members due to the  resignation ofl Mr. Parisi. MINUTES:  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to accept the minutes oft the December 12, 2023, Regular Meeting as presented.  Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. MAYOR'S REPORT: No report was given. BILLS:  Mr. Baker made the motion to pay the bills as presented. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed.  FINANCIAL REPORT:  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to accept the financial report as presented. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed.  GUESTS: No guests were present. BUSINESS:  Mrs. Gnagey asked ifthere was an update on the blighted property on Salisbury Street. Solicitor Valentine Mr. Folk reported that the Meyersdale Municipal Authority will be following up on an excessive water/sewer  indicated that he would have a report for the January 9, 2024 Regular Meeting.  bill complaint he received from a customer. COMMITTEE REPORTS: No reports were given. ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to adjourn this portion of the reorganization meeting. Mrs. Knieriem seconded.  Motion passed. The first part of the meeting was adjourned at 7:10P.M.  Reorganization Meeting- -J January2, 2024  Page 1    2024Council  Mayor Smith administered the oath of office to:  Mr. Ronnie C. Ackerman, Dr. Jeff Irwin, DDS, Mr. Tom Smith and Mrs. Virginia Knieriem prior to the beginning of the second part of the reorganization meeting. Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Irwin, and Mr. Smith will  serve for a 4 year term. Mrs. Knieriem will serve for a 2 year term.  The second part of the reorganization meeting was reconvened and called to order by Mayor Smith at 7:12 P.M. Mayor Smith presided over the meeting until the President and Vice President were elected.  ROLLCALL:  Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Baer, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Gnagey, Mr. Irwin, Mrs. Knieriem, Mr. Smith and Mayor Smith  were present. Solicitor Valentine was present via telephone.  ELECTION OF OFFICERS PRESIDENT Roll Call Vote: Yes; Mr. Smith - Yes. VICE PRESIDENT  Mr. Ackerman nominated Mr. Irwin. Mr. Smith seconded.  No other nominations were: made, Mayor Smith declared the nominations be closed.  Mr. Ackerman - Yes; Mr. Baer - Yes; Mr. Baker - Yes; Mrs. Gnagey - Yes; Mr. Irwin- - Yes, Mrs. Knieriem =  Mr. Irwin will serve as President of Council.  Mrs. Gnagey nominated Mrs. Knieriem. Mr. Baer seconded. Mr. Ackerman nominated Mr. Smith. Mr. Irwin seconded.  No other nominations were made, Mayor Smith declared the nominations be closed. Roll Call Vote (Each member of Council stated the name oft their chosen nominee): Knieriem; Mr. Irwin - Mr. Smith; Mrs. Knieriem - Self; Mr. Smith - Self. Mrs. Knieriem will serve as Vicel President of Council. The meeting was turned over to Mr. Irwin, newly elected President.  Mr. Ackerman - Mr. Smith; Mr. Baer - Mrs. Knieriem; Mr. Baker - Mrs. Knieriem; Mrs. Gnagey - Mrs.  TREASURER SOLICITOR passed.  Mr. Baker made the motion to retain the Borough Secretary as treasurer. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Ackerman made the motion to retain Mr. Marc Valentine as Solicitor. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion  BANK DEPOSITOR  Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to retain Somerset Trust Company as the depositor for the Refuse, General Fund Money Market Account and Building Renovation accounts and the First National Bank ofPennsylvania for all  other Borough accounts. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed.  Reorganization Meeting- January2,2024  Page 2    PRESIDENT PROTEMPORE  Mr. Baker made the motion to appoint Mr. Smith as president pro tempore in the absence of the President, Vice  President or Mayor. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed. Council agreed not to retain an engineer at this time.  ENGINEER  MEETING NIGHTS  Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to set the Regular Meeting night for the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to set the Police/Public Safety, Personnel, and Finance Committee meetings for the Thursday preceding the second Tuesday of each month at 7:001 P.M. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. Motion passed. The Secretary was asked to advertise the meetings as required. Other committee meetings will be held  P.M. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. Motion passed.  on an as needed basis. ADOPT BYLAWS seconded. Motion passed. ADOPT RULES OF ORDER  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to continue to operate under the bylaws adopted February 20, 2007. Mr. Smith  Mr. Baer made the motion to continue to operate under the rules of order adopted February 20, 2007 and  revised January 4, 2010. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed.  ADOPT OPEN COMMENT POLICY Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS  Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to continue to operate under the open comment policy adopted June 14,2011.  President Irwin made committee appointments (See attached). The Police/Public Safety, Personnel, and Finance Committee meetings will be held the Thursday preceding the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00P.M.  Other committee meetings will be held on an as needed basis.  Solicitor Valentine was asked to draft a revised Parks & Recreation Ordinance.  MISCELLANEOUS  A.) Appointment to Municipal Authority Letters of interest were as follows:  A letter was received from Mrs. Karen S. Gnagey on April 17, 2023 via e-mail, and subsequently A letter was received from Mr. Jeffrey Christner, via personal delivery on November 29, 2023. (See A letter was received from Mr. Barry Yoder on November 29, 2023, via personal delivery. (See  withdrawn via e-mail on December 28, 2023. (See attached)  attached) attached)  Reorganization Meeting - January 2, 2024  Page 3    A letter was received from Mrs. Patricia M. Murray on December 6, 2023, via personal delivery. (See A letter was received from Mrs. Wendy Kelly on December 14, 2023 via e-mail and on December 21, The letter ofinterest from Mrs. Wendy Kelly was disqualified due to the fact that the open position on the Meyersdale Municipal Authority. Board is for a Borough resident and Mrs. Kelly is not a resident of There was a discussion regarding the legality ofMr. Baker casting a vote due to the fact that he is an There was a discussion regarding the legality of Mrs. Knieriem casting a vote due to the fact that her daughter is an employee oft the MMA. Solicitor Valentine confirmed that Mrs. Knieriem can in fact vote because shei is not voting on an issue that directly involves only her daughter. Mrs. Knieriem reported that she sought legal advice and found that it is legal for her to vote on the appointment.  attached)  2023 via USPS. (See attached). Meyersdale Borough.  employee of the MMA. Mr. Baker chose to recuse himself from the vote.  Nominations were as follows:  Mr. Ackerman nominated Mrs. Patricia M. Murray. Mr. Smith seconded. Mrs. Gnagey nominated Mr. Barry Yoder. Mrs. Knieriem seconded.  Roll Call Vote for Mrs. Patricia M. Murray  Mr. Ackerman - Yes; Mr. Baer - No; Mr. Baker - Abstained (See Memorandum of Abstention attached); Mrs. Gnagey - No; Mr. Irwin - Yes; Mrs. Knieriem -No; Mr. Smith - Yes. Mayor Smith Mr. Ackerman - No; Mr. Baer - Yes; Mr. Baker - abstained (See Memorandum of Abstention attached); Mrs. Gnagey - Yes; Mr. Irwin - No; Mrs. Knieriem - Yes; Mr. Smith -1 No. Mayor Smith Mr. Barry Yoder was appointed to the Meyersdale Municipal Authority for a 5 year term.  broke the tie with a No vote. Roll Call Vote for Mr. Barry Yoder broke the tie with a Yes vote.  B.) Appointments to Meyersdale Parks & Recreation Board  Letters ofinterest were received from Mrs. Teresa Werner, Mrs. Terri Swauger, Mrs. Heather Brant and Mr. Smith made the motion to adopt Resolution 1-2024 to appoint Mrs. Teresa Werner to a one year term on the Parks & Recreation Board. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed. The term will end Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to adopt Resolution 2-2024 to appoint Mrs. Terri Swauger to fill the unexpired term of former member Sandy Miller on the Parks & Recreation Board. Mr. Smith seconded. Mr. Baer made the motion to adopt Resolution 3-2024 to appoint Mrs. Heather Brant to fill the unexpired term of former member Debra Boyce on the Parks & Recreation Board. Mr. Baker seconded. Mr. Smith made the motion to adopt Resolution 4-2024 to appoint Mrs. Marlanna Marker to fill the unexpired term of former member Tina Boyce on1 the Parks & Recreation Board. Mr. Ackerman  Mrs. Marlanna Marker. Resolution 1-2024 December 31, 2024. Resolution 2-2024  Motion passed. The term will end December 31, 2024.  Resolution 3-2024  Motion passed. The term will end December 31, 2025.  Resolution 4-2024  seconded. Motion passed. The term will end December 31, 2027.  Reorganization Meeting-J January 2, 2024  Page 4    C.) Next Scheduled Meeting  President Irwin reported that there would be ai meeting on the second Tuesday in January (January 9,  2024). ADJOURNMENT: adjourned at 8:50P.M.  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. The meeting  hosa C.dekvenan  Patricia C. Ackerman Borough Secretary  Reorganization Meeting-J January 2, 2024  Page5 5    Council President - Jeff] Irwin President Pro Tem - Tom Smith  Council Vice President - Virginia Knieriem Secretary/Treasurer. Patricia Ackerman Solicitor- Marc Valentine  Borough Office-634-5110 Fax-634-5757 COMMITIESLANeT9An,  POLICEPUBLICSATETY Ron Ackerman - Chair Clarence Baer Tom Smith FARMERSMARKET Karen Gnagey Liaison PERSONNEL Virginia Knieriem - Chair Karen Gnagey Terry Baker FINANCE Terry Baker- Chair Karen Gnagey Tom Smith REFUSE Ron Ackerman - Chair Terry Baker Clarence Baer  SEIBERTDAM Terry Baker- Chair Clarence Baer  PARKS & RECREATION Virginia Knieriem Liaison STREEIS/BUILDINGS Terry Baker- Chair Ron Ackerman Tom Smith FLOOD CONTROL Terry Baker- Chair Clarence Baer Tom Smith  CONTRACTNEGOTIATIONS No need for committee until 2026  COUNCILMEMBERS Jeff Irwin Terry Baker Karen Gnagey Tom Smith Ron Ackerman Clarence Baer Virginia Knieriem OTHER OFFICIALS Shane Smith Marc Valentine Jason M. Ackerman, Tax Collector Chris Harbaugh PMCA POLICE DEPARTMENT Neil Berkley - Badge #27 Timl Pritts - Badge #30 Nicholas McKenzie- Badge #41 Kevin Huzsek - Badge #40 STREETS DEPARTMENT Patricia Ackerman Brion Reiber Harold Hotchkiss, Jr.  PHONE 634-5961 634-0319 634-0196 634-8937 634-0852 701-2835 926-4713 444-6112 634-0207  CELL 442-5344 442-0993 704-617-1373 233-4760 None 279-1451 442-7589 289-1071 241-2010 442-5634  elrobo/Qverzon.net aker206@verizon.net ksynagey@belsouthnet oodfelows@yahoocon ackemmam2I@gmal.con clarenceher@vano.com menemlodcomcaninet mtn320@yanco.com tomemarvatmtinc@.ane@mderatmineccon sonskemmam.Cemailon pmcasomerset@pacodealiance.com  442-8314 521-0180 521-8730 None  301-689-5612 301-268-9865  634-8937 279-8249 521-4095  ackemman@homailcon bendalel0@verizon.net  Revised 1/3/2024 (COMMITTEES saved on disk)    April16, 2023  Meyersdale Borough Council Meyersdale, PA Via email:  lhave served ont the MMA Board since 2020. Iwas appointed toi fillt the unexpired term of Bob Kirchner. During my term, wel have made significant progresson the DEP CAP.I'msure most of you have seenthe workgoing on throughouttown. We are getting gready to do an Upper Broadway sewer project that will Ispearheadedi the project to create a newe employee handbook. Iworkedwith other board members on job descriptionsand many other projects. We automated: a lot of poasesmdpoadureintne office. After carefulconsideration, 11 think it's valuable to have al liaison between the borough council and the MMA. Ibelieve I've done a good job of recusing myself on issues that impact one ort the other.  tie in about 8 properties that never! had access to sewer lines before.  We cleared out al lot of older files and put them into the archive.  lwould like to be considered foranother term on the MMA board.  Thank you. Karen Gnagey  RECEIVED APR 17-2023 MEYERSDALE BOROUGH OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY  4/17/23,6 6:28AM  Mail- Patricia Ackerman -Outlook  MMA Board - Letter of interest KAREN GNAGEY gnage/belsoumne To: Patricia Ackerman <meyersdaleborough@hotmail.com>  Sun 4/16/2023 1:45PM  Cc: Clarence Baer dareebirepesocmen Ackerman rcackermanzi@gmai.com>Brooke Folk <brookerok@gmail.com>;Dan Parisi <parisidan@gmail.com>jginny Knieriem meremlo@comaAtney Baker <baker206@verizon.net>;Shane Smith <smth353520@yahoo.comMarc Valentine <valentine.northcentenlegalassoc@gmail.com>  1attachments (16) KB)  Memorandum to the Borough re MMA.04162023.docx  Karen Gnagey 704.617.1373(c)    IGILUILU, 4.43 rv MMA  Mail Patricia/ Ackerman- Outlook  KAREN GNAGEY sgnage/eDelsoutanet attorneymarcvalentine@snydervalervalentinepc.com> Smith smith353520@yahoo.com>  Thu 12/28/2023 2:08 PM  To:Patricia Ackerman meyendiabopyhehaimalom-Macr.aimin:  CcClarence Baer <clarence.Daer@yanoo.com>,Ginny Knieriem <knieriem106@comcastnetp;Ron Ackerman rackerman21@gmai.com>Brooke Folk tbpolatokegmalcomleny Baker <baker206@verizon.net>;Shane I've been meaning to send a note, but haven't had time. In October, I was asked to take on an officer role with the Pa Borough's Association, sO I need to withdraw my letter of interest. Ilove this organization and learn sO much from these leaders.  Hi  Thank you.  Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhone  htps/outok.ive.om/masonso.4AQMADAMATZZmVA2CIkODNM4LWFIAOYWAITAMATAADAMAPARPMA6Bmk28.emPipimt9ksHAV2Y.. 1/"    MEYERSDALE BOROUGH MEYERSDALE ,Pa  Dear Borough Council Members,  I Jeffrey Christner wish to be consider for the Position on the I'm al life long Meyersdale resident, And i'm looking forward to Work with other board members to serve the area of meyersdale.  Meyersdale Municipal Authority Board.  Thank you for your consideration! Jeffrey Christner  RECEIVED NOV 29 2023 MEYERSDALE BOROUGH OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY    November 27, 2023  RECEIVED NOV 29 2023 MEYERSDALE BOROUGH OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY  Meyersdale Borough Council P.O. Box 60 Meyersdale, PA 15552  RE: Appointment of Barry A. Yoder to Meyersdale  Municipal Authority  Iwould like the Borough Council to consider my appointment to the Meyersdale Municipal Authority. Ihave previously served on the Board and was very involved and supportive of the Authority.  Thank you for your consideration.  Sincerely,  bupnghn Barry A. Yoder 418 Beachley Street Meyersdale, PA 15552 814-442-2430    Patricia M. Murray 417 7th Avenue Meyersdale, PA 15552 Cell: 814-233-6178  RECEIVED DEC06-2023 MEMERSDALE BOROUGH OFFICLOFTHE SECRETARY  December 6, 2023 Meyersdale Borough Council Community Center Main Street Meyersdale, PA 15552  RE: Meyersdale Municipal Authority Dear Borough Council, Authority Board.  Isubmit this letter for your consideration to be re-appointed to the Meyersdale Municipal As many of you: already know, Iserved on this Board for five years commencing January 2018 through December 2022. During this time, I learned myriad information regarding the water and sewer systems of Meyersdale. lalso worked with the Authority employees and found they are dedicated and work to best serve the community, often in difficult circumstances. Asac community member who has continued to serve on many Boards and committees throughout the years, lam again ready to continue service with volunteering my time to this  worthwhile effort. E  h. M way  Patricia M.Murray    RECEIVED DEC 14 2023 MEYERSDALE BOROUGH OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY  December 13, 2023  Att: Meyersdale BoroughCouncil  RE: Meyersdale Municipal Authority' Vacancy  lam submitting this letter to inform you of my interest in being considered for the vacancy position on the Meyersdale Municipal Authority beginning in January 2024. lwould be grateful if you would Ihave an extensive background in real estate, property management and business management. lalso have had the ability to experience the current conditions and projects concerning the pressure testing in our community. Ihave worked with the local people and contractors concerning these projects. Also, being married to a Professional Land Surveyor, SEOI Ihave been educated on various sewage lappreciate your consideration and look forward to working with and for the community.  consider me.  compliance issues and land issues that a laymen may not consider.  Regards, Wendy Kelly  Cagilg    December 13, 2023  Att: Meyersdale Borough Council  RE: Meyersdale Municipal Authority' Vacancy  l'am submitting this letter to inform you of myi interest in being considered for the vacancy position on the Meyersdale Municipal Authority! beginning inJ January 2024. lwould be grateful if your would Ihave an extensive background in real estate, property management and business management. lalso have had the ability to experience the current conditions and projects concerning the pressure testing in our community. Ihave worked with the local people and contractors concerning these projects. Also, being married to a Professional Land Surveyor, SEOIhave been educated on various sewage lappreciate your consideration andl look forward to working with and for the community.  consider me.  compliance issues and land issues that al laymen may not consider.  egarps, Wendy Kelly  lk  RECEIVED  DEC 21 2023 OF METESDAES OFFICE  poauak    Mail-Patricia Ackerman-Outiook  MMA Vacancy Consideration Wendy Kelly wenyelyopnodcom:  Thu 12/14/2023132PM  To:marcvaltax <marcvaltax@gmail.com>Patrica Ackerman meyersdaleborougn@hotmail.com>  1attachments (131 KB) Xerox an.1214202133155P0r  Please find attached my letter of interest for the vacancy for the MMA Board.  Wendy Kelly  BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices up Thel Preferred Realty  814.233-5058 C 814.443.4858 0 wendyxelygroup.com  867 W.Main St Somerset, PA 15501  Please send me a review! Mysuccess is based onyour experiencel Find your DREAMHOME! Consumer Notice Like us on Facebook!  tps:lloutiook.ive.com/malo/deleteditems/d/AQMKADAWATZZmYAZC1KODNKLWFhAGYWL.TAWAIOWMAOARGAAA    Conflict ofI Interest Abstention Memorandum  TO: Borough Secretary, Patricia C. Ackerman  Meyersdale Borough, Somerset County, Pennsylvania  FROM: lerry Boker  council member  DATE:  a123  Pursuant to Pennsylvania's' "Public Official and Employee Ethics Law" (651 PA CSA 1101 et seq), IH hereby MA appetaest rgardingvak fer PotMurray  declare that I am required to abstain regarding the following issue/ motion:  My conflict/reason for abstaining is as follows: Employee OFMMA.  Hbk 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 ai 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 of his 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 requires aj public official to complete a form every time he has a  conflict ofinterest).  ABSTENTION! MEMORANDUM (Saved ons shortcut to Patty)    Conflict of] Interest Abstention Memorandum  TO: Borough Secretary, Patricia C. Ackerman  Meyersdale Borough, Somerset County, Pennsylvania  FROM: ay Baker  council member  DATE:  13-12123  Pursuant to Pennsylvania's' "Public Official and Employee Ethics Law" (65 PA CSA 1101 et seq), Ihereby O.MA. appehnet -vote regarding Bany Yoder  declare that I am required to abstain regarding the following issue/ motion:  My conflict/reason for abstaining is as follows: Enplepsc m.ms  RBle Signature  NOTE: Section 1103 (J) requires the following procedure:  "Any public official or public employee, who in the discharge of] his official duties, would be required to vote on ai matter that would result in a conflict ofi interest shall abstain from voting and, prior to the vote being taken, publicly announce and disclose the nature of his 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 requires a public official to complete a form every time he has a  conflict ofi interest).  ABSTENTION MEMORANDUM (Saved on shortcut tol Patty)