121  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST21,2023  CALLTOORDER  The regular monthly Council meeting oft the City of Saint Marys was called to order by Mayor Lyle Garner on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. Notice oft this meeting was sent to Council on August 17, 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, Dani Schneider, Parks and Recreation, and Tom Dwight Hoare, Amy Cherry, Clythera Hornung, Bob Grimm, Jason Powell, Debbie Constable, Joe Goetz, Terri Cunkle, Richard Sadley, Joe Sarginger and Stephen Bagley. Heather Cuyler via conference phone.  Recording Secretary Lorrie Levenduski.  Nicklas, ChiefofPolice.  VISITORS  APPROVAL OF MINUTES July 17, 2023 - Regular Meeting Motion Passed YEARS OF SERVICE  Sally Geyer made a motion to approve the July 17, 2023 minutes, seconded by Shane Schneider and all were in favor.  Tom Nicklas, Chief of Police, acknowledged Debbie Constable  AWARD - Debbie Constable for her 20 years of service as the Animal Control Officer for the  City.  Mayor Garner presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation. explained his company was engaged to review and analyze the management and financial operation of the City of Saint Marys. He presented the following Strategic Management Planning The City was approved for the initiative by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to participate in the Strategic Management Planning Program with a 50j percent match. In addition to the engagement objectives consistent with the Strategic Management Planning Program, two special conditions  SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Bob Grimm, Senior Management Consultant from HRG  HRG Group - Strategic Management Study  Program and Five-Year Plan details:    122  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST: 21,2023  were identified by the City and incorporated in the Request for Proposal. Those special conditions, incorporated into the Plan,  include:  The operation oft the Bavarian Hills Golf Course Consideration of Transfer of Sewer operation to a  municipal authority  The Strategic Management Planning Program establishes five specific measures for a local government to manage its financial position and attain long-term economic stability. These five  program factors include: Expenditure Reduction Revenue Enhancement strategy operational efficiency  Implementation of a long-term economic development Adoption of best management practices to achieve Pursuit ofinter-govermental cost sharing  Over the course oft this project, HRG:  Analyzed the City's financial history from 2016 through 2021 focusing on such factors as revenues, expenditures, tax base, operating position, and debt structure. Examined the 2021, 2022 and 2023 budgets in relation to ongoing operations, salary and benefit requirements and Reviewed all tax bases and revenues, major user fees and Projected, to the extent possible based on known factors and available data, revenues, and expenditures for 2023 through 2026, post pandemic, assuming a continuation of obligated levels of wages and operations, existing revenue patterns, and overall operating trends. Conducted interviews of key staff members and reviewed policies, labor agreements and other pertinent documents Offered recommendations toward cost containment, exploring potential monetization of assets, and continued efforts with community and economic development The Revenue and Expense Projections Chart show that revenues have historically exceeded expenditures and with the millage increase in 2022 will continue to do sO throughout the period of our projection. Although, the projection does show that expenditures will use more of  other obligations oft the City. other revenue sources.  initiatives.    123  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST21, 2023  the revenue and will thus reduce the City's ability to make transfers into the Capital Fund as has been done in past years. The City will need to look to other sources of revenue to continue to fund capital improvements at the Described the revenue by fund and provided a percentage He explained out of the approximately 50 recommendations he then listed the priority recommendations as follows: Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of transterring sewage system assets to the Municipal Authority and restructuring the Authority to be an operating authority, overseeing all aspects of sewage operation for the City similar to Develop a coordinated long-term economic development strategic plan. This plan should consider marketing, land development regulations and if opportunities for collaboration exist, a coordinated effort with surrounding communities. Develop and implement a retail recruitment plan to attract businesses to the area where a gap or need exists to make sure residents' needs can be met within the community. Additionally, to make the area more attractive to people or families looking to Develop a service fee for recycling and yard waste collection services. This fee would offset the expenses incurred by public works to perform this service and free up approximately $100,000 in general funds for transfer to capital expenses and Study the creation of an Authority structure to implement a Stormwater Fee that would be used to repair and upgrade the City's existing aging stormwater infrastructure while not placing Develop a clear organizational structure for the Recreation Director SO that the position can function efficiently and effectively. Longer term, establish a Department of Parks and Council briefly discussed the presentation and agreed there was at the need to revise the current zoning ordinance. Terri Cunkle of DCED noted there are additional phases to this study that the City can apply for additional grants and/or funding Joseph Goetz, Chairman of the Municipal Authority, questioned the restructuring of the sewer authority and if there was a timeline already established and Mr. Grimm responded the  current levels. breakdown  the water authority.  relocate to the area.  projects.  undo strain on the City's general fund budget.  Recreation as a separate department.  with a 50 % match.    124  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 21,2023  recommendation was for the City to take the next step and engage a consultant and perform a study to start the process, which would create a timeline and provide specific details. Solicitor Wagner commented that he recommended Council consider the recommendation to review the zoning ordinance.  CITIZEN COMMENTS ON There were no citizen comments on agenda topics.  AGENDA TOPICS MANAGER'S REPORT  Manager Fleming presented the following report:  "I want to thank Debbie Constable for her many years of service of being the City's Dog Officer. As the summer season is coming to a close, I want to also thank all the summer employees for all their help at the parks, street department, and here in city hall. Also, I want to welcome Emily Reed our new Iwanted to advise that we are currently seeking a Deputy Director for our Community and Economic Development department due to the resignation of. Joe Kugler who took Iwant to remind residents that the school year will be starting up this week with students heading back this Thursday. I urge motorists to use caution especially in the school zone areas. Our police force willl be increasing their presence in these areas, sO please slow down. John Street project is proceeding pretty well with most of the underground work being completed. They are currently performing surface work to get the project Wrapping up the oil and chip schedule, along with Cul de sac was placed at the end of South Michael ext which will qualify it for liquid fuel funds. Rock Street manhole repairs should be completed by Jackson Road project has started and may take about 21 to 3 weeks for completion, once it is safe to do so, the road The Benzinger Park Pedestrian Pathway has been surveyed and mapped out on the Wehler Road property. Also, Ir reached out to the railroad about the crossing in front of City Hall in hope they will do repair work soon. The annual budget process is underway and department  Administrative Assistant.  aposition in the private sector.  completed. ditching and mowing.  Thursday. will be re-opened.    125  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST21,2023  heads are currently working on it.  Finally, I wanted to send out a job well done with our recent events of National Night Out and the Airport's Aviation Day. Each event continues to grow every year and it is wonderful bringing the community together." Manager Fleming provided the following Treasurer's Report for Total revenue collected for the general fund was $5.4 million, last year was $4.7 million and in 2021 we collected $5 million. Total Expenditures for the general fund as of July 31, was at $4.2 million, last year it was $3.9 million and in 2021 expenditures were $4 million. Revenues collected for the general fund were 64% of the budget and expenditures were 50% of the budget. Last year at this time revenues were at 56% and expenditures were at 47% of the budget. Earned Income tax collected is at 63% ofbudget for 2022 it was 47% and for 2021 it was 55% of budget. Pension plans increased in value for the  TREASURER'S REPORT  July 31, 2023:  month of July.  LEGISLATIVE ACTION Consider for adoption: Grant Agreement  Resolution No. 23-12-DCNR Resolution No. 23-12 - DCNR Grant Agreement was presented  for adoption.  Tina Gradizzi. Dani Schneider and Heather Cuyler (via phone) explained the Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan was completed but was now finalized. The Resolution being presented tonight was a requirement of D.C.N.R. to formally Sally Geyer made a motion to approve Resolution No. 23-12, seconded by Andrew Mohney and all were in favor, except Resolution No. 23-13 - Multimodal Transportation Fund grant Tina Gradizzi explained as a request of D.C.E.D. this was an updated Resolution from the one done in 2022. (120 Connector Itv was clarified that the project is still in planning phase. Jerome Sorg made a motion to approve Resolution 23-13,  accept the plan.  Motion Passed  Nedward Jacob who opposed. was presented for adoption.  Resolution No. 23-13- Multimodal Transportation Fund grant  Project)  Motion Passed    126  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST21,2023  seconded by Deputy Mayor Bob Roberts and all were ini favor. ChiefTom Nicklas presented Jason Powell as the recommended candidate for the appointment of Animal Control Officer. He explained Mr. Powell had the right background, skills and Sally Geyer made a motion to appoint Jason Powell as the City's Animal Control Officer, seconded by Shane Schneider. Solicitor Wagner commented that the recommendation contained a start date of September 1,2 2023. Sally Geyer amended her motion to include a start date of September 1,2023, and Shane Schneider amended his second.  Appointment of Animal Control Officer  personality for the position.  Motion  Amended Motion Motion Passed PML Voting Delegate Resolutions Committee Appointment  All were in favor oft the amended motion.  PML Voting Delegate Resolutions Committee Appointment was Manager Fleming explained he was attending the Annual Shane Schneider mase a motion to appoint Manager Fleming as the 2023 PML voting delegate, seconded by Deputy Mayor Bob  presented for approval.  Conference and requested to be appointed.  Motion Passed  Roberts and all were ini favor.  Request from Water Authority A request from the Water Authority for Council to oppose sale for Council to oppose sale of of water system to private investor-owned company was  water system to private investor-owned company  presented.  Manager Fleming explained he wanted to provide some background to this agenda item. The St. Marys Water Authority approached the City requesting for a resolution to prohibit any discussion with a private organization for the potential of privatization of our City's water supply. The Water Authority through their Association recommended this action as a proactive approach to ensure local ownership of the water supply. Fortunately, the City of Saint Marys Home Rule Charter and procedures prevent any one individual from this form of decision-making without a public forum or community response. He wanted to tell the public that no such discussion is currently being held and never was under this administration. When this item was placed on the agenda, he feared that the public would portray it differently than what the intention of the Water Authority had in mind. He noted that he cannot predict in the    127  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST21,2023  future (10-15 years) if a discussion will be held, but there are certain policies and procedures inj place for this type of situation. Also, any action by Council this evening can be voided in the Solicitor Wagner suggested, due to the uncertainty of the future and that the next Council could think differently, a letter confirming Council's support of the current water system under the control ofaj public entity is an option to consider. Dwight Hoare, Manager of the St. Marys Area Water Authority, explained in other municipalities the Mayor had signed an agreement (non-disclosure) with a private company without any public notice or consent of Council, then the matter is placed on an agenda and is approved. Their request was based on guidance from the PA Municipal Authorities Association. He described other instances where large amounts are offered for the purchase oft the water system. In 2016 Act 12 changed the way a valuation Solicitor Wagner agreed Council can adopt a Resolution that states their agreement to keep the water system in the hands of the citizens as publicly owned. He suggested Council table this matter until he can present something to Council that incorporates the Water Authority's concerns with the proper Shane Schneider made a motion to table the matter until the Solicitor can draft a Resolution to address the request and work with the Water Authority to develop the Resolution, seconded by  future.  for an asset is determined.  structure.  Motion to Table Passed  Sally Geyer and all were in favor.  TOPICS. FOR DISCUSSION: There were no topics for discussion.  CITIZEN COMMENTS ON Floyd MacAfoose of 102 Jackson Road described an issue with  NON-AGENDA TOPICS COUNCIL COMMENTS  stormwater and Manager Fleming responded he would look into Deputy Mayor Bob Roberts commented he would like the recommendation from HRG be reviewed and work with the Sally Geyer was glad to see the numerous family-oriented events Shane Schneider welcomed Jason Powell and reminded everyone  it.  Planning Commission and Zoning.  int town.    128  CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST: 21,2023 ofschool starting soon.  Jerome Sorg commented on the good turnout for the Aviation festival and believed more events were needed in the future to Nedward Jacob also commented that the Aviation Festival and the Car Show was a great success, and he thanked all those Mayor Garner commented the Airport was cleaned up for the festival and noted ai total of205 cars registered for the car show. Mayor Garner made the following announcements:  continue support oft the Airport.  involved.  ANNOUNCEMENTS  The next Council regular meeting will be held on Monday, Trick or Treat will be held Tuesday, October 31st from 6to 8 Nedward Jacob made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Sally Geyer. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.  September 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. p.m. by porchlight invitation.  ADJOURNMENT  dk Recording Secretary  Mayor  pah