Approved minutes - Regular Meeting 8/131024  Approved minutes - Special Meeting  Approved minutes - Special/Workshop Meeting    Regular Meeting August 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, Solicitor Valentine, and Mayor Smith were present. Mr. Smith was absent. Mr. Brion Reiber, Street Foreman and Mr. Tim Pritts,  August 13,2024 at 7:00P.M.  Police Lieutenant were also present.  Mrs. Gnagey introduced the following officials: Senator Pat Stefano, Mr. Brian Fochtman, Somerset County  Commissioner and Mr. Dusty Weir, Somerset County Sheriff.  MINUTES:  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to approve the July 9, 2024 Regular Meeting minutes as presented, approve the July 23, 2024 Special Meeting minutes with an addition to Page 3 regarding mini split heat/air quotes - meeting room as follows: Zaiger quote was solicited by Council Member Gnagey with Council approval; and to approve the August 8, 2024 Special Meeting minutes as presented. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. Mayor Smith explained that the body cameras purchase was a total of$5,941.00 which included contract fees for five years. The contract fees are able to be paid in installments. Mrs. Knieriem made the motion toj pay for Itv was reported that the fireworks display invoice was a total of$12,000.00. The fireworks fund has a balance of$9,924.95. After some discussion Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to pay the balance over the amount available in the fireworks fund from the General Fund. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion.  FINANCIAL REPORT/ BILLS:  the body cameras and the contract fees in full. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. Motion passed.  Mr. Baker made the motion to accept the financial report and pay the bills as presented. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. Itv was reported that the 2025 Proposed Budget will be ready for presentation at the September 5, 2024 Finance  Motion passed. Committee Meeting. GUESTS:  A.) Mr. Brian Fochtman- Somerset County Commissioner  Commissioner Fochtman reported that he is still investigating what happened to the insurance monies received in 2017 for damages to the North Street bridge. The Commissioners are exploring several options for replacing or refurbishing the bridge. No estimates have been received. He answered questions from the  Council and the audience regarding the bridge issue. B.) Senator Stefano was in attendance just to listen.  C.) Sheriff Weir did not speak.  Regular Meeting August 13, 2024  Page 1    D.) Luke from Morocco was present to explain a proposal for security cameras at the playground, pavilion and Little League concession stand. The proposal would include eight cameras to start, which would record up to four months. The units would not be hooked to wi-fi internet service. The cameras are mid range and can not provide close up videos. After some discussion, Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to accept the quote of $7,520.00 for the security system. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. A down payment of 50%  isr required. The Street Crew will assist with digging the duct channel.  E.) Mrs. Mardiann Vincent was present to give an overview of the Summer Lunch Program. The food distribution is held two days per week and there are no income guidelines. The meals include 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches. This is a tax payer funded program and is managed by the Department of Education. Mrs. Sarah Jones serves as the local sight supervisor. Each week there are 40-60 meals provided. There is a Tableland program that provides first time employment to youth that are responsible for putting the meals B.) Mr. Cody Robertson was present to offer an option for air conditioning for the police department. He could install a dual inverter system that would last for 1-5 years or install a mini split heat/air combination for approximately $4,200.00. After some discussion, Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to purchase a mini split system with a cost not to exceed $5,000.00. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed. C.) Mr. Ed Mazurkiewiez from the PA Municipal Code Alliance was present to urge Council to consider enacting some type of Air Bed & Breakfast Ordinance. Sample ordinances will be provided to Council  together. The program will run through August 16, 2024.  for review via e-mail. No action was taken. D.) Federal Aviation Administration Ordinance  Mrs. Gnagey reported that the hospital has requested that Council consider enacting a Federal Aviation Administration ordinance, which would regulate the construction of any building four stories or higher that could potentially interfere with the Life Flight flight path to the hospital. An update to the zoning  ordinance would also need to be completed to coincide with an FAA Ordinance. E.) Mr. Jeffrey Christner - Volleyball equipment estimates Mr. Christner reported that he did not have quotes for this meeting.  F.) Mr. Michael Mishler - Time Capsule  Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to grant Mr. Mishler permission to insert a time capsule in the Main St. Park as part of the 150th Anniversary Celebration. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. A1 bronze plaque will mark the spot for the time capsule, the contents will be all digital and will be stored on devices that should withstand the elements until the time capsule is to be open in 50 years.  G.) Mr. Scott Kelly - Equipment installation for Little League Field  Mr. Tom Kelly spoke on Scott's behalf. The plan is to install a batting cage at the Paul E. Fuller Playground ballfield. This will be an above ground structure with a cement pad. Mr. Baker made the motion to grant Mr. Kelly permission to install the batting cage. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. Motion passed.  (See attached site plan map)  Regular Meeting August 13, 2024  Page 2    PUBLIC COMMENT: have on the Borough.  Commissioner Fochtman answered questions regarding the ATV/UTV trail route and the impact it may Mr. Brian Berkebile, President oft the Meyersdale Area Merchants Association read al letter of support from two businesses in favor ofthe ATV/UTV Ordinance passage. The letters were from Mike & Katie. Rhoten- Adventure Lodging and Melissa Blocher - Donges Restaurant. (See attached letters) Ms. Rachel Kimmel, owner oft the Center Street Emporium was present to support the passage. ADOPT ORDINANCE #445 RECREATIONAL VEHICLE ORDINANCE ATV/UTV) Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to adopt Ordinance #445. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Ackerman - Yes; Mr. Baer - Yes; Mr. Baker - Yes; Mrs. Gnagey - Yes; Mr. Irwin - NO; Mrs. Knieriem -  Yes; Mr. Smith - Absent. Motion passed. PRESIDENT'S REPORT:  President Irwin reported that once the Public Comment period is over, the public will not be permitted to enter into any discussion regarding any topic. Ifthere is discussion that an attendee wishes to comment on, it will be  held until the next Regular Meeting. MAYOR'SI REPORT:  Mayor Smith presented a calls for service report. Fines totaled $166.93 for the month.  JUNIOR COUNCIL MEMBER: No report given during summer break.  EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR:  No: report was given. ENGINEERS REPORT: No report was given. SOLICITOR'S REPORT:  Solicitor Valentine reported on the following:  The School Board has agreed to transfer the Community Center building to the Borough without restrictions, but would like tol have the Vietnam/Korean Memorial subdivision plan signed first. Mr. Ackerman made the motion to authorize the President of Council to sign the subdivision plan. Itwas reported that the resurfacing contract went over the bid price by approximately $10,000.00. Solicitor Valentine was asked to notify HRI, Inc. that Council was not going to pay the overage and that Council was concerned that HRI, Inc. was in violation oft the contract agreement. Solicitor Valentine is working to insure that PennDOT assumes ownership oft the retaining wall on Grant Sample Social Media Polices were provided for Council review. This item will remain on the Agenda  Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed.  Street.  for the September 10, 2024 Regular Meeting.  Regular Meeting August 13, 2024  Page 3    COVID ARPA funds 1. Meyers Avenue access road 2. Storm drains 3. Upgrade playground will be completed at a later date.  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to designate the following uses for the COVID ARPA Funds:  Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed. A breakdown oft the amount of funds to be used for each category  CODE ENFORCEMENT: No report was given. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Municipal Authority drought conditions. Street Foreman  Mr. Baker reported that the water level is holding its own, but that the MMA is concerned due to potential  Mr. Reiber reported that he will be working on putting up new street name signs the week of8 8/19/24-  8/23/2024. Basins will be worked on after Mr. Hotchkiss returns from vacation.  Meyersdale Area Merchants Association There was no report given. Public Library There was no report given.  Meyersdale Community Events Committee  Mrs. Knieriem reported that the committee is working on the following: Ab back to school coloring contest will be held in September. Halloween Parade and Bon Fire will be held in October.  Light up Night will be November 30, 2024 and they will be working with the PA Maple Festival President Irwin suggested that the Committee come up the of activities for the 2025 season sO that they can be  on this project. incorporated in the 2025 budget. Meyersdale Renaissance Noi report was given.  COUNCILMEMBERS-STANDING COMMITTEES  Police/Public Safety Committee  Lieutenant Pritts reported that leaving messages in the police outside mailbox has proven to work out very well.  Personnel  Regular Meeting August 13, 2024  Page 4    No report was given. Finance Noi report was given. Refuse No report was given. Streets/Buildings program into October.  Mrs. Knieriem asked how the Tableland employees worked out for the summer. Mr. Reiber reported that the high school student is finished for the summer, but that the high school graduate will remain on the Tableland Mrs. Gnagey reported that the job descriptions were coming along. A draft was sent to Solicitor Valentine. Solicitor Valentine reported that this must be completed via resolution and must be advertised. Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to advertise the resolution for adoption at the September 10, 2024 Regular  4 Way Stop at gth. Avenue  Meeting. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed.  Flood Control No report was given. Farmer's s Market No report was given. UNFINISHED BUSINESSS: A.) Patrolman police agrementhandbook  The agreementhandbook has not been signed. The Mayor will ask the Patrolman to sign the document. Mr. Ken Marteney was present to speak about the options available. He gave an overview of the calls for each municipality and township. The Ambulance Association runs on a $850,000.00 budget. The Association cannot pay the staffe enough tol keep them. Ifall nine municipalities are in agreement and taxes are created, then each municipality will receive a report on how their portions were used by the Ambulance Association. An estimated $180,000.00 would need to be raised amongst the nine municipalities and that an estimated $25,000.00 would be needed from Meyersdale Borough. It was reported that one mill oft tax is equivalent to $25,000.00. There are some municipalities that have the funds without raising taxes or enacting a tax. It was also reported that once a community looses an Ambulance Mrs. Gnagey reported that something would be ready for Council approval in September. The options would be a tax ordinance or a Per Capita tax, which would be collected by Keystone Collections. It would be the decision of the nine municipalities regarding what type oft tax they would  B.) Ambulance  service, they will never geti it back.  enact.  Regular Meeting August 13, 2024  Page 5    F.) Vietnam/Korea Memorial subdivision No additional report was given. No additional report was given. H.) COVID ARPA funds No additional report was given.  G.) Job Descriptions  L) Ordinance #435 - Noise Ordinance (Chickens, Farm Animals)  No discussion.  J.) Cleanup Day - Harbaugh fee  Mr. Baer is to get a price for two large dumpsters and any restrictions for a one day event to be held on a  Friday. He will report his findings at the September meeting. Estimates will be received for repairs to the concession stand.  K.) Little League Concession Stand L.) Tree at Borough shed  This item was to be removed from the Agenda. M.) Quote to change electrical outlets on decorative lamp posts This item was tabled until the September meeting. N.) Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Grant  Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to increase the Borough commitment to the project from $5,000.00 to $7,500.00 from the Leckemby Trust Funds. Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed. Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to move forward with the project even if grant funds are not received.  Mrs. Knieriem seconded. Motion passed.  NEW BUSINESS: A.) Announcements  There were no announcements.  B.) Minimum Municipal Obligation - 2025 Pension Plan Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed.  Mr. Baer made the motion to accept the MMO for 2025 as prepared by Steve Feaster Pension Consulting.  C.) Gym rental  Mrs. Gnagey suggested that an individual interested in using the gym for an exercise class should sign a  Regular Meeting August 13, 2024  Page 6    contract, have liability insurance with the Borough being listed as an additional insured. After some discussion, Solicitor Valentine was asked to prepare a waiver form and forward a draft to Council.  GOALS FOR2 2024  Emergency Access Road Meyers Ave.  President Irwin reported that along with Mr. Ackerman and Mr. Baer, needs for the emergency access road for Meyers Avenue was investigated. The three met, legitimately with no quorum ofCouncil Members present. Their findings revealed the need to add more road millings to the temporary road for easier access. If at all possible, they would like to use COVID ARP funds to pave the road and make it accessible to vehicular  traffic.  Flood Control rip rap  Council asked Senator Stefano for support with the $400,000.00 grant applied for to repair the flood control rip  rap.  ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: There were: no additional items to be discussed.  EXECUTIVE SESSION:  President Irwin announced that there was a need for an executive session to discuss property matters Wayne & Janice Mathias and Melvin & Patti Shaulis were asked to attend the executive session regarding Mr. Ackerman made the motion to enter into executive session at 9:00 PM. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion Mrs. Knieriem made the motion to return to regular session at 9:20 PM. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Baer made the motion to authorize Solicitor Valentine to move forward with preparing a consentable line settlement agreement involving Mr. & Mrs. Mathias and Mr. & Mrs. Shaulis on Alaska Street, a portion of Eighth Avenue, aj portion of Sixth Avenue and Bottom Street. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Ackerman made the motion to move forward with a settlement agreement on 326 Salisbury Street pending  for 326 Salisbury St. and Alaska Street.  Alaska Street. passed.  Discussion motions  search for back taxes owing on the property. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed.  ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Ackerman made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 P.M. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed.  Atrisin C.Debrnan  Patricia C. Ackerman Borough Secretary  Regular Meeting August 13, 2024  Page 7    MEYERSDALE, BOROUGH COUNCIL Regular Meeting 8/1314634Special Meeting  GUEST SIGN IN  PLEASE PRINT  NAME  ADDRESS  TOPIC  Gey HAER < I6PESA HAEZ MEEBSDALE BH a mebaln Meys delt  2A Chaine  Mtesin mupisdelo Moyorsdale  4bukk. Neb Dunnie 5Donald AloroHa Da 6RM bon Dloal  9 eoet oRittfigne Mishlsk 11 Brien Berkebite Kuileene batoour laus Dhaulp 15 Imucg  Mypodall  Mayodale Meppbk Maale Mdal  SKs Aoolahor  16  sl nupk LEA Mdale  17 Re Hay 18 Dusry WETK 19 Bd MW24OwIZ 20 LHAV FOcTAE 21 atitface 22 Lwusfkn 23 balafemgul 24 Ble Sakudt  mdale SHENIFE PMCA Codelur MAESDALE baillntp bulin PA  PAfenek CAmt Sykm  MeyersdAle PA  GUESTS MUST STAND WHILE SPEAKING  GUEST SIGN IN ON EXCEL    MEYERSDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL Regular Meeting 8134024 Special Meeting  GUEST SIGN IN  PLEASE PRINT DebDery  NAME  ADDRESS  TOPIC  6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24  GUESTS MUST STAND WHILE SPEAKING  GUEST SIGNI INC ONE EXCEL        Adventure Lodging Mike andi Katie Rhoten 526 Main Street Meyersdale, PA 15552 (724)579-2324 owner@adventureloadginglc.com  AUGUST8,2024  Dear Borough Council Members,  We are writing today to express our support for the proposed side-by-side trail that would have a stopping point in  Meyersdale.  As most of youl know, Mike was born and raised inl Meyersdale. His family operated a small business that provided meat products toa al lot of businesses int this town. George and Mary Alice at the White House, Ethel at Donges and Fran at Fran's Bar were among his family's most loyal customers that are: still in operation today. The busier thei restaurants  were, thel better it was for Mike's family business.  At thel last meeting a letter was read from the White House Restaurant that stated their business increased by more than! 50% during the GAP Trail biking season. It was their expectation that the proposed side by side trail would  produce an even greater increase in business, and yet the vote was not unanimous.  Iti is our opinion that a "no" vote tonight is a vote against most small businesses in Meyersdale. Itisa a vote to keep store fronts empty, and a vote to keep things status quo VS progressing forward. We understand this will take work to  ensure its success and we: are confident that can be accomplished with the right leadership.  Respectfully, Meyersdale should not miss out on this amazing opportunity.  Warm regards,  Michael and Katie Rhoten ADVENTURE LODGING LLC    Donges Drive-In 100 Center Street Meyersdale, PA 15552 12 August 2024  Meyersdale Borough Council  Dear Mayor Shane Smith and Borough Council,  lam unable to attend the second of the meetings for the approval of the ordinance of the ATVs being  allowed on borough roads.  Iwill however again voice my support of this bill passing.  Like many other merchants, out-of-town visitors are an important part of helping me to stay open. While lami truly blessed that my local customers are the backbone of my business, it is the visitors' business int the summer months that help me to get through the slower winter months with the higher Allowing ATVs to be able to ride on borough roads and come to my business to eat or stay has the potential to be a huge benefit for me and other businesses like mine. Additionally, the riding season of ATVsis al bit longer than that of the cyclists on the GAP; giving us a potentially longer tourism season Similar to the boom of business from the GAP, lwould hope Meyersdale will again shine in being a great stop for ATV enthusiasts. And the potential for the business benefit of ATVS in town would boost local Int turn, we are lucky that most of our community businesses then support sO many of our town's activities such as support the Library, Maple Festival, County Fair, Youth sports (Softball, volleyball, soccer, football, little cheerleaders, etc.,) School clubs (FFA, FBLA, Spanish club, Tech ed, etc.,) the band, adult leagues (Archery league, softball leagues, corn hole tournaments, pool league, etc.,) )adult organizations (garden club, Senior Center, etc.,) and many other charitable events all year long. Bigger business allows me and the many businesses in town to donate bigger as well.  bills from heating etc.  and extending our bumper months longer.  businesses and again bring new businesses to town.  Respectful Regards, Melissa Donges Drive-In