CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023  129  CALL' TO ORDER  The regular monthly Council meeting oft the City of Saint Marys was called to order by Mayor Lyle Garner on Monday, September 18, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. Notice of this meeting was sent to Council on September 14, 2023, posted at City Hall and  published in the Daily Press.  PLEDGE TO THE FLAG ROLL CALL  Mayor Lyle Garner, Deputy Mayor Bob Roberts, Nedward Jacob, Andrew Mohney, Shane Schneider, Jerome Sorg, Sally Geyer, Manager Joseph Fleming, Solicitor Tom Wagner and City Staff: Tina Gradizzi, Director of Community and Economic Development, Carol Muhitch, Finance Director. Cheryl McCabe, Clythera Hornung, Glen Vollmer, Richard Sadley, Joe Sarginger and Stephen Bagley.  Recording Secretary Lorrie Levenduski.  VISITORS  APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 21, 2023-1 Regular Meeting Motion Passed SESSION Comcast  Sally Geyer made a motion to approve the August 21, 2023 minutes, seconded by Jerome Sorg and all were in favor. *Minutes were listed incorrectly on agenda as August 18th and An Executive Session was held immediately prior to tonight's meeting regarding personnel matters. No decisions were made.  was. later corrected.  REPORT ONI EXECUTIVE  SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Cheryl McCabe from Comcast presented the following  information:  A map of the proposed area of service along with a pamphlet of the current rate structure with channel line up was distributed to She explained the regular rates provided did not include promotional rates that are offered at various times. Comeast also participates in internet income-based programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offsets pricing and may provide free service for some residents. She described the proposed route of installation which would include 233.5 miles of fiber optic line and approximatelyl3,112 They are currently working on the necessary pole permits which  Council members.  homes/businesses.    130  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULARMEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023  may take up to six months to obtain. They are hoping for a start date of. July 2024. The building of the infrastructure would take approximately 30 months and they will activate service as they move from one area to the next. Residents will be contacted as Jerome Sorg wanted to confirm that the area of the Airport would be included, and Ms. McCabe responded she believed SO. Deputy Mayor Bob Roberts questioned if there would be a Franchise Agreement with the City and Ms. McCabe responded Sally Geyer asked if they knew that it would be worth their while to provide the service in this area and Ms. McCabe responded yes, her company did an analysis of that information.  service becomes available.  yes.  Council thanked her for the presentation.  CITIZEN COMMENTS ON There were no citizen comments on agenda  AGENDA TOPICS MAMAGERSREPORT  topics.  Manager Fleming presented the following report:  "I want to thank the Fall Fest Committee for holding another wonderful Fall Fest this past weekend. I saw great crowds and excellent entertainment. As shout out goes to the Crystal Fire Department for another successful pancake breakfast yesterday and to thank all the local volunteers along with the area Girl With the recent announcement that our Finance Director will be retiring next May, we are currently seeking candidates for our next Finance Director. Please see our usual media platforms for more information. The The local emergency responders will again take part in distributing candies to Halloween participants throughout Also, I am looking forward to the Haunted Forest which is being planned at Benzinger Park in the latter part of October. It's an amazing event and the individuals involved spend many hours getting it all together. Street Crew has finished up oil and chipping for the season. They are still doing some ditching in the area. The lower portion of Jackson Road continues to be worked on with our street department installing a new  Scouts.  deadline for applications is October 6th. the city on Halloween Night.    CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023  131  culvert and the contractor doing road repair. Iam hopeful for the opening of the roadway by the first of October. There will be berm work in the industrial park (Delaum Road) along with manhole repairs in the Evergreen/Bayberry area and Theresia St. which may cause some traffic delays. Street sweeping of the downtown area was performed. John Street construction continues, and I am hopeful that the work will be completed by the time Council meets again. Crack sealing work will be done at the downtown Leaf collection is being planned for the latter part of October. An announcement will be made as we get closer The Parks and Recreation activities have concluded for the season, making way for fall sport organizations. All departments are busy getting their budget request in Congratulations to the Christian Food Bank for their 40  parking garage. tot the start date.  for next year's proposed budget. years of service to the area."  TREASURER'S REPORT  Manager Fleming provided the following Treasurer's Report for Total revenue for the General Fund was 74% of budget compared to 2022 of67% of budget and in 2021 revenue was at 75% of budget. Expenditures were at 58% of budget compared to 2022 of 54% of budget and in 2021 expenditures were 59% of budget. Total real estate tax collections as of the end of August was 97% of budget, for 2022 it was 96% of budget and for 2021 real estate collections were at 97% of budget. Earned Income Tax collected as of 8/31/23 was at 61% of budget, for 2022 it was 50% of budget and in 2021 EIT collections as of the end of August was 52% of budget. Pension plans decreased in value in August but are still greater in value than last year at this time. Interest rates for investments are increasing - PLGIT rates  August 31, 2023:  average 5.14% and PLGIT TERM is at 5.49%  LEGISLATIVE ACTION Consider for adoption: Resolution No. 23-14- confirming the City's commitment to a publicly owned water supply system and encouraging the St. Marys  Resolution No. 23-14 - confirming the City's commitment to a publicly owned water supply system and encouraging the St. Marys Area Water Authority to make the same public  commitment was presented for adoption.    132  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023  Area Water Authority to make Solicitor Wagner explained this resolution is a follow-up to the the same public commitment. request from the Water Authority and as previously discussed at  the August 21, 2023 Council meeting. He had sent Council a very detailed memo explaining the issue and a draft of the Resolution that is being presented tonight. The Resolution will publicly confirm Council's commitment and asks the Water Jerome Sorg made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 23-14,  Authority to do the same.  Motion Passed  seconded by Sally Geyer and all were in favor. Resolution No. 23-15-2023 C.D.B.G.  Resolution No. 23-15-2023  Application was  C.D.B.G.  Projects  Projects Application presented for adoption.  Tina Gradizzi, Director of Community and Economic Development presented the following information: As a follow up to the 2023 CDBG Public Hearings and solicitation for projects, the City always requests the maximum percentage for administration (18%-$56,655). and we. have been tackling blight and historic preservation with the maximum percentage (30% - $77,430) of our allocation. The remaining funds (70% -$180,670) needs to be reserved for LMI project(s). Below are the three projects that were requested:  1. Ash Street Reconstruction 2. Little League Infield Turf] Project 3. Parks and Rec. ADA Equipment and  Amenities  The City has been waiting for DCED to post the updated American Census Survey (ACS) numbers to see if any areas of the city qualify automatically as an LMI area or if the city, in general, qualifies since the surveys were done during COVID. Unfortunately, the information isn't posted yet and the CDBG  application is due in October. Therefore, she proposed the following:  Allocate the remaining funds towards the eligible project of Parks and Rec. ADA equipment and amenities as an LMI project ($180,670) benefiting Presumed Limited Clientele for the time being and to get the 2023 CDBG  under contract.  She proposed to work with Public Works to seek funding elsewhere for the Ash Street project, sO they can do the entire project at one time rather than phases. This project is well over  $1,000,000 just for one phase.    CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023  133  The Little League' 's request for a turfinfield ($124,943) does not qualify as an LMI project however, she was working to seek funding elsewhere. In addition, if the ACS numbers are posted and the area of Memorial Park qualifies as LMI or citywide, we will be able to request a Revision or Modification to our CDBG She requested approval of the 2023 projects, and permission to submit the application to DCED via Resolution #23-15. Deputy Mayor Bob Roberts made a motion to adopt resolution Sally Geyer questioned if it was necessary to approve the projects tonight and Ms. Gradizzi responded yes, due to the deadline to submit the application. Revisions and modifications Nedward Jacob asked if Ash Street could be put in as a modification or a revision and Ms. Gradizzi responded yes, Manager Fleming stated it would be best to submit the Sally Geyer confirmed the application must be submitted first.  funds to assist them with their project.  Motion Discussion  No. 23-15, seconded by Andrew Mohney.  could be done ini the future.  depending on the income surveys. application before the deadline.  Motion Passed  All were in favor oft the motion.  Approval of2023 C.D.B.G. Projects (added to agenda)  The following 2023 C.D.B.G. Projects were presented for  approval:  Administration (18%-$ $56,655) percentage (30%-$ $77,430) and Amenities  Blight and historic preservation with the maximum (709-$180,670) for Parks and Rec. ADA Equipment  Motion Passed  Deputy Mayor Bob Roberts made a motion to approve the 2023 C.D.B.G. projects as listed above, seconded by Sally Geyer and  all were in favor.    134  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023  Resolution No. 23-16- Statewide Local Share Assessment Grant Application  Resolution No. 23-16 - Statewide Local Share Assessment Grant Application was presented for adoption. Tina Gradizzi, Director of Community and Economic Development presented the following information: In early 2022, the City submitted a Local Share Statewide Assessment grant for the downtown park development (restrooms, pavilion, amphitheater and amenities) which also included amenities for other parks on the application. In March of 2022 the City made a commitment to allocate $90,784 of the ARPA funds towards the construction of the restroom facility and pavilion. Resolution #23-16 is asking for City Council's approval to re-submit the application. Andrew Mohney made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 23-16, seconded by Shane Schneider and all were in favor. 2024 Minimum Municipal Obligation (M.M.O.'s)  Motion Passed  2024 Minimum Municipal Obligation (M.M.O.'s)  Carol Muhitch, Finance Director, presented the following A copy of the 2024 M.M.O. reports for the pension funds was presented. This report is done every year. Act 205 requires that itbe submitted and approved by the governing body ofthe City The City is required to transfer the M.M.O. to the pension plans through the General Fund. The City receives State Aid from the Commonwealth through ACT 205 to help cover this Total requirement for the police pension is $232,696 and for the non-uniformed employee's pension is $130,686 or a total of $363,382. This is an increase of $17,982 from the total In 2022 the City received from ACT 205, $300,547 to help fund the M.M.O. requirements. The City should receive the 2023 ACT 205 funding in late September - early October of A summary of the requirements for each year along with the amounts received from Act 205 and the City contributions was  information:  of St. Marys by September 30, 2023.  cost.  requirement for 2023.  this year.  also presented.    CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023  135  Nedward Jacob made a motion to approve the 2024 M.M.O. contributions, seconded by Sally Geyer and all were in favor. Unrestricted Fund Balance Transfer request was presented. Carol Muhitch presented the following information:  Motion Passed Transfer  Unrestricted Fund Balance  City of Saint Marys Committing unrestricted fund balance For Year 2021  Fund Balance - Ending 12/31/2021 - Audit Unassigned Unrestricted Fund Balance $2,877,278 Fund Balance Reserve. 20% next year's budget. 0025,6.70.852:2059) $1,183,108 Assigned: OPEB Cost Increase in Medical cost Increase in Pension cost Committed:  This is the amount that. stays in the General Fund and is used to pay for the expenditures before tax dollars are received. Amount allocated is 20% oft the Remaining Fund Balance to be committed or assigned  ($1,694.170)  None None None  Capital Reserve Fund for capital projectss 750,000 Unassigned remaining for future years $ 433,108 Nedward Jacob made a motion to transfer $750,000 from the Unrestricted Fund balance to the Capital Reserve Fund for Capital Projects, seconded by Sally Geyer and all were in favor.  Motion Passed  TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION: There were: no topics for discussion.  CITIZEN COMMENTS ON There were no citizen comments on non-agenda topics.  NON-AGENDA TOPICS COUNCIL COMMENTS  Shane Schneider thanked the Fall Festival committee and those who helped with the Fire Department pancake breakfast. Jerome Sorg commented that the Fall Fest was great, and the Sportsman's Youth Field Day went well with approx. 1301 kids.    136  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULARMEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 volunteers in the City.  Deputy Mayor Bob Roberts thanked all of the numerous Andrew Mohney concurred with the other comments. Sally Geyer also concurred with the other comments and said a resident of South Michael Extension wanted to thank Council for a nice road. She also gave best wishes to recently married Dani Mayor Lyle Garner commented on how proud he is of St. Marys and its residents. He provided a story of a lost wallet during the festival and a gentleman from Carlilse PA that was very  and Joe Kugler.  appreciative of having it returned.  ANNOUNCEMENTS  Mayor Garner made the following announcements:  The next Council regular meeting will be held on Monday, Trick or Treat will be held Tuesday, October 31st from 6 to 8 Nedward Jacob made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Shane Schneider. Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.  October 16, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. p.m. by porchlight invitation.  ADJOURNMENT  Mayor  Recording   Nyab