Borough of Sykesville Council Meeting  September 3, 2024  The regularly scheduled meeting of the Sykesville Borough Council was called to order at 7:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance by President Michele Yamrick. In attendance were Michele Yamrick, President; Elaine Fike, Vice President; Council Members: Sherry Pruzinsky, Don Reid, and Gabriel "Butch" Sweka; Mayor Gail Cunningham; Solicitor Nicholas Gianvito. Absent were President ProTem Visitors present were Dustie Dahl, Dena Haupt, Estelle Alvetro, Beth Simmers, Denise Dixon, Scarlett Dixon, Monica Walker (Assistant Secretary), Brian Williams  Nathan Alvetro and Councilman Ron Morris.  (Foreman), and Earl Campbell (Police).  VISITORS CONCERNS:  Dustie Dahl proposed the idea of bringing back the traditional Trick or Treating rather than Trunk or Treating. She stated that she knows a lot of people who would like this brought back including elders and children (willing to get a petition if needed). After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Don Reid and seconded by Councilman Butch Sweka to bring back Trick or Treating (door to door) for Sunday, October 27th from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Denise Dixon requested that Stahl Park be donated on October 12th to hold a fundraising event (Dogs to Dogs). There will be food, Chineise Auction, and donation bins. All proceeds will be donated to the Gateway Humane Society. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Reid and seconded by Councilman Sweka to donate/waive rental fee for Stahl Park on October 12th  Motion carried.  for this event. Motion carried. CORRESPONDENCE:  President Michele Yamrick presented an invite from The Authorities for the Region 7 Fall Meeting held on Thursday, October 24th at The Allegheny Grille. Cost is $27/person and RSVPS must be in by October 9th. More details will be President Yamrick informed that the 2023 Audit has been completed (copies available to all forr review). A motion was made by Councilman Reid and seconded by Councilman Sweka to sign the management representation letter. Motion carried. A motion was made by Councilwoman Sherry Pruzinsky and seconded by Councilman Butch Sweka to pay Sharkey, Piccirillo, and Keen LLP $14,400 (split General, Water, & Sewer) for their auditing services. Motion carried.  located at the Borough Office.  1    OLD BUSINESS:  An motion to approve August 19, 2024, minutes was made by Councilman Don Reid and seconded by Councilman Butch Sweka. Motion carried. President Yamrick informed Council that the construction for the Borough Building roof has been completed. She informed (discussed a few meetings ago) that the library's ceiling has water damage in an area. Secretary Neale informed that the Borough'sinsuronce carrier was informed, however, the deductible would have been more than what it costs to replace the ceiling tiles. Council decided to table this topic until next meeting when more information is Secretary Walker and Councilman Reid informed Council that last week they met with Matt from Jefferson County (CDBG Projects) to discuss both parks in Sykesville. They were informed that there is a good chance of getting money through this funding for the parks (highlighted mostly on new equipment). The County would like a commitment/cent/contribution which would be budgeted for next year ($5,000). Secretary Walker informed that Matt will be meeting with her again to further discuss. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Sweka and seconded by Counciwoman Pruzinsky to send a commitment letter to the County for the mentioned project. Motion carried.  gathered.  CREW FOREMAN REPORT: Nothing to report. COMITTEE REPORTS:  Public Works: Presented by Councilman Don Reid.  Councilman Don Reid informed that the roads are completed by the Borough There are two catch basins that need to be installed on Sykes Street (will be The Borough Crew will be ditching Coolspring Avenue hopefully by next week. Councilman Reid informed that a couple ton of black top (hot mix) is still  Crew.  placed tomorrow).  needed to fill in potholes in town.  The Borough Crew are aware and will be replacing some grates around town.  2    inance/Personnel:  Ar motion was made by Councilman Sweka and seconded by Councilman Reid to accept and pay J&M Accounting & Tax Services Inc. $1,236.30 for their  monthly retainer for August 2024. Motion carried.  Amotion was made by Councilman Sweka and seconded by Councilman Reid to approve Jaysa Neale's paid time off for August 30th. Motion carried. A motion was made by Councilman Sweka and seconded by Counciwoman Pruzinsky to approve Brian Williams paid time off for August 22nd (4 hours), October 24th, October 31st, November 1st, November 7th, November 8th, November 14th, November 15th, November 21st, and November 22nd. Motion  carried.  Ordinance, Health & Safety  Counciwoman Pruzinsky raised questions on if the Borough has an ordinance about living in campers/squdtters and if not, she proposed that one be adopted. It was confirmed that there was not one. Councilman Reid stated that Reynoldsville (Tammy) was supposed to fax an ordinance to the office. OIC Campbell stated that he will ask Tammy for a copy of their ordinance and Vice President Fike informed OIC Campbell that there is a house on Shaffer Street (yellow) that has junk all over the yard. She also stated that the weeds at Smyers (12 East Main) are SO high that the neighbors are complaining that they are getting rodents. OIC Campbell informed that he wouldinvestigate these  forward it to Solicitor Gianvito for review.  issues. Utilities:  Nothing to report.  Parks, Recreation and Planning:  Counciwoman Sherry Pruzinsky reminded Council that the Block Party will be at Stahl Park on Saturday, September 7th from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The roads will  be closed from 1:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Police, Mayor, Fire, Code Enforcement  Attached is the August 2024 Police Summary Report.  3    Councilman Reid presented invoices from Flynn'sTire (discounted) for a total of $270 and West End Tire Center LLC for a total of $699.95. These invoices were for purchase of new tires, parts, inspection & sticker, and labor charges for the police car. A motion was made by Councilman Reid and seconded by Councilman Sweka to pay the mentioned invoice amounts to West End Tire Center LLC and Flynn's Tire. Motion carried. These amounts will be taken out of  the Police Car Fund. Solicitor Gianvito:  Solicitor Nicholas Gianviorequested an executive session.  NEW BUSINESS: Nothing to report. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Council went into executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters at  7:37 P.M.  ACTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Council reconvened from executive session at 8:09 P.M.  Amotion was made by Councilman Butch Sweka and seconded by Vice President Elaine Fike to reimburse half of Winslow Township's overage fees (total fees $16,446) which would be a onetime only motion of good faith in exchange for which we demand that Winslow Township drop their demand of arbitration of this matter. Also, any future penalties will be charged at full rate. Motion carried. Winslow Township paid a total of $12,778 (did not pay $3,668 in overage  fees) making the reimbursement check $4,555.  ADJOURNMENT:  Ar motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Butch Sweka and seconded by President Michele Yamrick. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 P.M.  Respectfully submitted: Vyar Tle Jaysa Neale  Borough Secrelary/reasurer  4    Sykesville Borough Monthly Police Summary  August 2024  Incidents Handled Traffic Citations Issued Criminal Citations Issued  4 3 0 0 5 0 3 0 0 3 1 1 175  Borough Ordinance Violdtions/Warings  Written Warnings Issued  Parking Tickets ssued/Warnings Issued  Summary Offenses Misdemeanor Offenses Felony Offenses  Charges Filed at Magistrates MS/POlce/Pre/ASS Court Hearings Miles Patrolled  5