Approved minutes - Regular Meeting 6/193023  Approved minutes - Special Meeting  Approved minutes - Special/Workshop Meeting    Regular Meeting June 13,2023 7:00P.M.  The regular monthly meeting of the Meyersdale Borough Council was called to order by President Folk, Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Baer, Mr. Baker, Mr. Folk, Mrs. Gnagey, Mrs. Knieriem, Mr. Parisi, Solicitor Valentine, and Mayor Smith were present. Brion Reiber, Street Foreman was also present. Matt Wright, Police Chief was Mr. Ackerman made the motion to approve the minutes of the May 9, 2023 regular meeting as presented. Mr. Mr. Baer made the motion to accept the financial report and pay the bills as presented. Mr. Baker seconded.  June 13, 2023 at 7:00P.M.  absent.. MINUTES:  Parisi seconded. Motion passed. FINANCIAL REPORT/BILLS: Motion passed. GUESTS:  A.) Mrs. Martha Albright was present to voice her concerns regarding the town.  The town is going downhill. Center St. from the Library down is a mess.  Apartments are being puti in buildings, creating aj parking problem. Suggests closing down Center St. at 81 PM, unless the business is a restaurant. Suggests enhancing what the town) has to offer and work together to make the town great. Suggests Borough pay toj pave the parking lot owned by Mandy Sines and Ashley Price. Suggests researching for a grant tol hire a full-time Zoning Enforcement Officer and possiblya She loves the town and would like the right decisions to be made to1 make Meyersdale al better place After some discussion regarding zoning, Solicitor Valentine indicated that Zoning can be changed with regard tot the business district, however the businesses that currently have Games of Skill cannot be banned. Ity was decided that this would be a discussion for a Workshop meeting. B.) Mr. Tyson Donaldson was present to ask the Borough toi investigate a neighbor dispute that his grandmother, Barbara Donaldson has been experiencing with ai neighbor. After some discussion, Council advised him to have her property surveyed and Solicitor Valentine will reach out to Mr. Kevin Yoder,  Borough Manager. inwhicht tol live.  Appalachian Engineering for clarification. A.) Mrs. Deb Kolb was present with the following comments:  PUBLICCOMMENT:  Thanked Karen Gnagey and Deb Fisher for the painted bicycles that were plaçed in the uptown park. Voiced her concerns about the attempt at the last meeting to give the Borough workers a $2.00hr.. increase, yet the Parks & Recreation were told they would have to raise their own: funds for planned  Regular Meeting June 13,2 2023 Page1    programs. It would appear therei is money, yet there is no money for the ambulance association. Itis President Folk reported that the ambulance association was to get back to Council with an estimate oftheir financial needs and to date that has not happened. Mr. Kenneth Marteney and Mr. Charles Sandy from the Ambulance Association were present and reported that the Ambulance Association made a poor decision by getting involved with al billing company that did not meet their expectations, therefore this became aj priority. He indicated that no charge for sewer, water and trash would be helpful. The Ambulance Association is being faced with a staffing shortage andi indicated that they are looking into merging with another provider in the area. Mr. Marteney also added that the LST tax can be used for emergency services. Ity was reported that these funds are currently being used to offset some of the cost tor maintain the Police Chief wages. Aftera a lengthy discussion, Mr. Parisi suggested that the Ambulance Association provide the Borough with their financial statements for review and then an informed decision can be made regarding additional support. Mr. Parisi also suggested that the Ambulance Association approach the Meyersdale Municipal Authority regarding free water and sewer. Mr. Marteney indicated that the Meyersdale Municipal Authority denied their request. B.) Ms. Deborah Fisher commented that the ugliness amongst everyone is sickening. She indicated that everyone cares for the town and that people are never going to always agree, but that the bickering has to C.). Mr. James Appleyard was present to report the condition of the property located at 13 High Street. The property is abandoned andl he has seen rats. After some discussion, Solicitor Valentine asked that this D.) Ms. Linda Ringler, President of the Garden Club was present to report that the group is made up of elderly ladies who are committed to beautifying the town. The Group has two major fundraisers and spend nearly $1,000.00 each season for flowers for the planters. Ms. Ringler thanked the Borough for the monetary donation. Mrs. Gnagey was asked not to water the plants, because the teachers help to water the them and have a regular watering schedule. The group is looking to recruit younger members. It was suggested to contact the Library and have an ad put in the monthly newsletter. Ms. Ringler also indicated that the plants inside the bicycle baskets are not the responsibility of the garden club. E.) Mrs. Mary Beal was present to thank the Parks & Recreation for the park benchi in honor of her husband, Wade. The Beal family made a donation of $100 to the Parks & Recreation Committee.  her opinion that the ambulance isaj priority.  stop.  be discussed ine executive session.  PRESIDENT'S REPORT: No report was given. MAYOR'S REPORT: No report was given.  Mayor Smith reported the monthly statistics for May 1- May 31, 2023. Fines totaled $1,063.47  EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR:  Regular Meeting. June 13, 2023 Page2    No: report was given. SOLICITOR'SI REPORT:  Solicitor Valentine requested that numerous items from the Agenda be discussed in executive session. Mr. Kevin Yoder was present with the first draft drawings of the subdivision plan for the Little League Field. After review. some changes will need to be made. It was discussed that a 10 foot section of land between  Wayne Coughenour and Wayne Mathias be offered to these property owners.  CODE ENFORCEMENT: No report was given. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Municipal Authority session. Street Foreman No report was given. Meyersdale Areal Merchants Association  Policy for appointment tol Meyersdale Municipal Authority Board was deferred for discussion in the exécutive  Mrs. Martha Albright was present and reported thatt the Deb Hoover from PA Career Link assisted MAMA in putting together four videos in attempt to recruit workers to 4 Guys, Inc., Hoover Conveyor, Clapper'sTable Manufacturing and Success Financial Solutions. The videos will eventually be put on YouTube. Mrs. Gnagey reported that ani ice cream shop opened in the Subway building and The Emporium opened on It was reported that Denise Gehringer is working on the grant for a e-bike charging station. An estimate was received from Level Acres Landscaping in the amount of$6,314.00. Mr. Parisi made the motion to match the grant funds for the e-bike charging station up to $3,314.00. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed.  Center Street.  Public Library No report was given. Parks & Recreation  Mrs. Gnagey reported that the Independence Day Celebration is scheduled for. July 2. Police will be present. Mr. Reiber was asked tol have 40 chairs taken tot the pavilion for the event. Mr. Jeff Christner willl be in charge Parks & Recreation is considering a bounce house. The Secretary was asked to contact the insurance company  ofhaving the restroom opened and porta pots willl be delivered.  to find out ifthis would be covered. Meyersdale Renaissance No report was given.  Regular Meeting. June 13, 2023 Page3    COUNCILMEMBERS-STANDINGCOMMITTEES  POLICE/PUBLIC: SAFETY Resignation  Mr. Ackerman: madet the motion to accept the resignation of Mr. Joseph Clement asa a Part-Time Police Officer Mayor Smith reported that Nick McKenzie is interested in a Part-Time Police Officer position andi is willing to Mayor Smith also reported that Officer Berkley has been on administrative leave and that he has completed all oft the qualifications to return to work. Mr. Ackerman made the motion to reinstate Officer Berkley Itv was discussed that before any additional police officers are hired the Mayor and Solicitor Valentine will work  effective. May 30, 2023. Mr. Parisi seconded. Motion passed.  work 81 hrs. per week.  immediately. Mr. Parisi seconded. Motion passed. together toj prepare al list of expectations for perspective officers.  PERSONNEL No report was given. FINANCE No report was given. REFUSE No report was given. STREETSBUILDINGS building at 618 Grant Street torn down. seconded. Motion passed. FLOOD CONTROL No report was given. FARMERS MARKET Nor report was given. UNFINISHED BUSINESSS: A.) Patrolman police agrementhandbok Mayor Smith reported that the document has not been signed. B.) Discuss pay increase for Borough workers Deferred discussion to the executive session.  Mr. Ackerman thanked Mr. Parisi for his hard work in acquiring funding through Somerset County to have the Mr. Ackerman made the motion to authorize the Borough Streets crew toj patch Second. Avenue. Mr. Parisi Mayor Smith reported that Columbia Gas will be shutting down the High Street bridge to replace a gas line.  Regular Meeting June 13, 2023 Page4    L.) councn IVICIIIDCI wo represent ine. Borougn sesquicentenna. Celebration D.) Request from Gary Romesberg - Change Per Capita and Occupation tax valuation. Solicitor Valentine will research the legality of the request.. E.) 345 Main Street property Deferred discussion to the executive session. F.) Municipal account review banking options for the accounts at Somerset Trust Company. G.) Parking in the business district Deferred discussion to the executive session. H.). Hierarchy chain of command Deferred discussion to the executive session. NEW BUSINESS: A.) Announcements There were no announcements. B.) Open bids Flood Control Ripl Rap Project  Tabled until the July 2023 meeting.  Mrs. Gnagey, Mrs. Knieriem and the Secretary will meet with Mrs. Katie Billy to discuss  One bid was received from Sanner Masonry & Excavating, Inc. - Markleton, PA Base bid for 340 feet $131,155.40 and $225.00 per linear foot for any additional rip rap replacement fora a total of $212,255.40. Mr. Parisi made the motion to reject the bid. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. Motion Contact with) DEP will be made to find out ifthere are any grant funds available to complete the project. Mrs. Gnagey requested that the Borough waive the $600.00 per month rental fees to the Meyersdale Municipal Authority for office space ini the Community Center. She indicated that the MMA would most likely move the office to their Thomas Street shop if the rent was not waived.  passed.  C.) Meyersdale Municipal Authority monthly rent  No action was taken. D.) Approve bike race request  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to approve a request from Mr. Dan Manges for al bike race tol be held on G.) Adopt Resolution 8-2023 regarding the upgrade to the traffic signal pedestrian crossing signal at Mr. Parisi madet the motion to adopt Resolution 8-2023 as presented. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed.  September 24, 2023. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed.  Center Street and Main St..  Regular Meeting June 13,2023 Page 5    The upgrade willl be completed at no charge. to the Borough.  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to approve the traffic signal maintenance agreement and authorize the President of Council and the Borough Secretary permission to execute the documents. Mr. Parisi  seconded. Motion passed. E.) Electric Scooter safety  Deferred discussion to the executive session.  F.) Appointment to Zoning Hearing Board (Aaron Thomas term up 7/2023)  A letter ofi interest was received from Mr. Eric Hunsberger. After some discussion, Mr. Parisi made the motion to advertise for letters ofi interest to fill the vacancy. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. Motion passed. Mrs. Gnagey suggested that the Borough workers help with plant watering. Club President, Linda Ringler, Mrs. Gnagey reported that she has received complaints regarding property maintenance. She would like to work with) Mayor Smith to compile a spreadsheet oft the properties in question to help the police department take a proactive approach. Solicitor Valentine explained that this was not possible, the ordinance is Mrs. Gnagey reported that she has received complaints regarding weeds in and around sidewalks ini the business district. After some discussion, Mr. Reiber was given permission to treat the areas with over the Mrs. Gnagey asked who is researching and drafting a grant application that is due July 10, 2023. Solicitor Valentine reported that an attempt was made through the Somerset County Commissioners and Two employees are working through the Tableland summer program. Tableland pays the wages, taxes, workman's compensation, and provides a week training session at no cost to the Borough.  G.) Garden Club assistance  reported that the Garden Club will take care of watering ifr necessary.  H.) Property maintenance: management  complaint driven.  I) Weeds in and around sidewalks in business district  counter weed killer. J.) Broadband Infrastructure  there was véry low concern from the public. No action was taken.  K.) Update on Tableland help GOALSFOR2023 Ordinance Review No report given. Zoning Review No report given.  Regular Meeting June 13, 2023 Page 6    No report given. Emergency Access Road Meyers Ave. No additional report given. Complete demolition of6 618 Grant St. This item is tol be removed from' the Agenda. Control Spending No report given. Flood Control rip rap No report given.  ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: There were no additional items tol be discussed. EXECUTIVE SESSION: passed.  Mr. Baer made the motion to enteri into executive session at 9:45 PM. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion The items tol be discussed were: 13 High Street property, Policy for appointment tol Meyersdale Municipal Authority Board, Pay increases for Borough workers, 345 Main Street, Parking in the business district, Mr. Baer made the motion to return to regular session at 10:30PM. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Parisi made the motion to advertise the 345 Main Street property and the 614 Grant St. (former Mahler Mr. Parisi made the motion to offer the Borough workers an annual 3% per year increase, revise the rate tablei in the current union contract, and run the increase from. July 1 to July 1 each year. Motion passed with Mr. For clarification purposes, it was explained that the current 50 cent per year increases for the term of the Mr. Ackerman made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:301 PM. Mr. Parisi seconded. Motion passed.  hierarchy chain of command, and electric scooters.  DISCISSIONMOTIONS:  property): for sale by bid. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed.  Ackerman abstaining. Thej proposal will be presented to the union for approval. contract would be removed and be replaced with a 3%i increase.  ADJOURNMENT:  ativea C dablnan  Patricia C. Ackerman Borough Secretary  Regular Meeting June 13, 2023 Page.7    (10-21)  RESOLUTIONNO. Borough ofN Meyersdale Borough of Meyersdale  8-2023  BE ITRESOLVED, by authority ofthe,  Meyersdale Borough Council  oft the of  Somerset  County, andi itisl hereby resolved by authority of the same, thatt the President of Council the attached Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement, to submit future modifications to the attached Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement, and to submit future Applications for Traffic Signal Approval eitheri in writing or via electronic signature, tot the Department of Transportation andt to  be authorized and directed tos submit  sign this Agreement on behalfof_  BoraughofMeyendale.  Attest: Signature Title  Borough ofMeyersdale  hhatiw CDehvnw4skus m 6/1312043  Date  Signature Title  Date  Borough Secretary  Council President (Official title) dol hereby certify that the  1, PATRICIA C. ACKERMAN BOROOCH SECRETARY  (Name)  ofthe_ BOROUEH OE MEYERSDALE  (Name of governing body: and Municipality)  foregoing isa true and correct copy oft thel Resolution legally adopted att the meeting held  the_ 13TE dayof JONE 2043 JNE 13 8023 Date (SEAL)  hbiis C.Debornaw  Signature    MEYERSDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL Regular Meeting. W/1A2A23 Special Meeting  GUEST SIGNI IN ADDRESS 9Hgk SKeE 24 N. S7T 334 dlimg-sT 213 DALE 134 wiliow Ld  PLEASE PRINT NAME Laes hpalgaa B4 Chist 3 Tom Datz + LEIy YODER padetiche Mai Thtict Mury a Maryert E mlurles Sidy K horln 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24  TOPIC Kbcvded House SUBDwiSon  308 Broadunygya 26ShAVE 2215 Rockdal 475 Bphsy.  #/A VIA  GUESTS MUST STAND WHILE SPEAKING  GUEST SIGNINONEXCEL    Conflict ofl Interest Abstention Memorandum  TO: Borough Secretary, Patricia C. Ackerman Meyersdale Borough, Somerset County,Pennsylvania FROM: Ronnie C. Ackerman, council member  DATE: June 13,2023  Pursuant tol Pennsylvania's" "Public Official and) Employee Ethics Law" (65) PA CSA 1101 et seq), Ihereby  declare that I am required to abstain regarding the: following issue/motion: Motion to grant payi increases tol Borough workers. My conflict/reason: for abstaining is as follows: Rmmie Chsn  The action directly affects ai family member, due to the fact that Mrs. Patricia C. Ackerman, Borough Secretary,  ist my spouse, therefore, ethically itis my opinion that] Ihave an obligation to abstain.  Signature  NOTE: Section 1103 (J): requires the: following procedure:  "Any public official or public employee, whoi in the discharge of! his official duties, would be required to vote on a matter that would resulti in a conflict ofi interest shall abstain from voting and, prior to the vote being taken, publicly announce and disclose the nature ofhisi 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 ist taken...." (Please note that State Ethics Commission required aj public official to complete a form every time he has a  conflict ofi interest).  ABSTENTIONN MEMORANDUM (Savedo ons shortcut to Patty).