JOHNSTOWN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 11, 2023 City Council met in a stated session for the general transaction of business. Mayor Janakovic called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Reverend King offered the invocation previously. The Pledge of Allegiance was Mayor Janakovic, on behalfof Council, expressed condolences and offered ai moment of silence to the family of Elmo Laslo who had recently passed away, recited. The following members of Council were present for roll call: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Capriotti, Ms. Huchel, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock (6). Absent: Ricky Britt (1) due to illness. Ethan Imhoff, City Manager; Alex Ashcom, Assistant City Manager; John Dubnansky, Economic Development Director; Elizabeth Benjamin, Esquire, City Solicitor; Robert Statler, Fire Chief; Dave Williams, Codes Enforcement Manager; Brandon Palmer, were also in attendance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Arnone made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes ofI December 14, 2022, and Special Meeting Minutes ofNovember 28, 2022. The motion was seconded by Mr. Capriotti and passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone (6) Nays: None (0). ROCLAMATOASANARDS HONORS, RESOLUTIONS OF RECOGNITION Mayor Janakovic noted presentation of a proclamation to Beginnings earlier in the month on the celebration ofi its 25th anniversary for services to children, the court system and families in general throughout Cambria and Somerset Counties. PUBLIC COMMENI-AGENDA ITEMSONLY None. Wednesday, January 11,2023 Stated Meeting, continued REPORTS CITY MANAGER: 2of11 Ethan Imhoff, City Manager, reported that one week from tonight, January 18, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. a codes workshop will be held. Mike Bellvia, Pro Disposal, will bej present and staff will review how codes violations are processed and prosecuted. An update on the codes court will also be provided. Hei noted an opportunity to work with Michael Baker ini regard to moving forward on the environmental and preservation reviews. Several proposals have been received for the Main Street design that staff will be reviewing in the next few weeks for Council's approval. MAYOR: Frank Janakovic, Mayor, invited all to attend the State of the City, which will be presented February 28, 2023, 8:00 a.m. at. Aces. The mayor noted his participation in the New Year's celebration and thanked all groups and organizations including Public Works, Marie, Rose and John Mayor reported his attendance at the State oft the County presentation on December 20, 2022 regarding all matters taking place in the County. for their efforts to make the event a success. CITY SOLICITOR: Elizabeth Benjamin, Esquire, reported a petition has been filed regarding the local services tax through the exit date of April 2023, that al hearing has been set in that matter for. January 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. She will provide a further update following that hearing. Mr. Imhoffr noted aj public hearing with the Department of Community and Economic Development will bel held on January 26, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. regarding the City's exit from Act47. CITY ENGINEER: Brandon Palmer, City Engineer, referred to his monthly report for further discussion. Mr. Palmer that he, Mr. Imhoffand Mr. Campagna did a site visit to the Walker residence on Fronheiser Street regarding the resident's water pressure concerns and a groundwater issue in the basement. Wednesday, January 11,2023 Stated Meeting, continued 3of11 Mr. Palmer indicated the water service into her building had been replaced by the GJWA, and ift there were any continued low water pressure, neither the Ity was felt that downspouts are: not away from the house far enough, which may be causing the groundwater issue. Mr. Palmer indicated the homeowner Mr. Palmer reported that Ligonier Construction had been working on the Elk Run Debris Basin inl December. A final review will be done to make sure the project was completed satisfactorily. There was discussion regarding a The City Engineer indicated the City's storm mapping is on the GIS. An application for a PA Small Water Grant was submitted at the end of December for the St. Clair Run project, which has a 15 percent match. Mr. Palmer noted that he, Mr. Campagna and Mr. Imhoffi have been discussing MS4 requirements that will need fulfilled. City nor the GJWA was responsible. wasi not open to any suggestions offered. maintenance schedule oft the basin. EGHBOREOODLABONS: Mr. Capriotti had no report. As Council's representative on the GJWA Mr. Arnone reported that 225 lead lines were eliminated in 2022. New lead copper rules will go into effect October Ai report will be submitted to DEP regarding all that the City has done, amount ofmoney spent, piping completed. One major project down in the West End is still pending. It is hopeful an extension would be granted after Currently by the end of 2023 residents must be hooked up or under contract, and the only way the GJWA will offer an extension isi ifDEP allows it. 24, 2022. receipt ofinformation by DEP. All reservoirs are full. Customers with high water consumption are now being sent direct notification through email, texts and telephone calls as a courtesy to inform them of their usage. Wednesday, January 11,2023 Stated Meeting, continued 4of11 Snyder is 98 percent compete with construction in the Central Business District, 92 percent complete with the main pipeline, 88 percent complete with AsofDecember 2022, the City was 60.1 percent pressure tested and Mr. Arnone provided an update on statistical information related to the population of public housing communities located within the City of Johnstown. He reported that as. December 31,2022, the population oft the public housing communities was 2,595 and Section Eight voucher holders total 1,060, which totals 3,655 families. Currently, 49 percent of the people living in poverty in the City of. Johnstown were being assisted. He commented that the Johnstown Housing Authority hopes in the new year to continue consideration for long-term housing replacement plans. Mr. The. JHA is expanding the use ofits new ap and is excited about the opportunity tol have ai mobile medical clinic parked at various JHA communities on ai regular basis to provide healthcare assistance. viewports and 78 percent oft the conversions. approximately 3,700 still need tol be completed. Arnone offered further explanation ofthat plan. Mrs. Mock had no report. Reverend King commended the community fori its support over this past holiday season. The Christmas giveaway and holiday dinner on Christmas were both asuccess. She reported a dinner was. held for first responders on duty Christmas Eve. The events will continue to be held. Ms. Huchel reported aj piano and violin duo will be held at Grand Halle this weekend and the. Johnstown Symphony will provide a Celebration ofMusic honoring She noted that the Welcoming Johnstown event organized last year celebrating all immigrant communities in. Johnstown will be held again this year. Details will be provided in the future. All those interested in helping Martin Luther King, Jr. with this project are welcome to contact Ms. Huchel. PETITIONS None. Wednesday, January 11, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 5of11 ORDINANCES FOR FINAL READ AND ADOPTION BILL NO. 23 OF 2022, (TABLED) AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND SETTING FORTH REQUIREMENTS FOR MECHANICAL AMUSEMENT DEVICE AND LICENSING TAX TO: BE CODIFIED WITHIN CHAPTER EIGHT (BUSINESS REGULATION AND TAXATION CODE) TITLE FOUR (TAXATION) OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN CODIFIED ORDINANCES AS A NEW CHAPTER 804 ENTITLED MECHANICAL AMUSEMENT) DEVICES". Mrs. Mock made ai motion to remove from table. The motion was seconded by Mr. Arnone and passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mayor. Janakovic, Mr. Arnone, Ms. Huchel, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Mr. Capriotti (6). Nays: None (0). Arnone. Mrs. Mock made ai motion to approve as read. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mr. Imhoff provided further information regarding how this ordinance would be enforced, the fee schedule and licensing. He noted since there are approximately 501 to 75 ofthese licenses, staff can make site visits to each establishment. A fee schedule is still being developed. Mr. Imhoffnoted conversations about the skill machines are ongoing and suggested this ordinance be tabled for final adoption at the February meeting. There was further discussion regarding the enforcement date ofl March 1, 2023. Ms. Benjamin explained it did not matter ifit was retroactive or not, it was an annual fee. Once they are required to pay, they are required to pay whether it is by January or February. She noted that other areas oft the amendment need to be clarified before adoption in February. There was further discussion regarding the number of machines in establishments and whether there might be too many for stafft to site visit. Mr. Capriotti inquired ifthere was some way information could be obtained from the state to get a more accurate number. Mr. Imhoff noted that after further investigation there was no state agency or comprehensive database to determine those types of numbers. Mr. Arnone suggested using those with retail licenses within the City. Wednesday, January 11,2023 Stated Meeting, continued 6of11 Mrs. Mock made ai motion to table. The motion was seconded by Mr. Arnone and passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mayor Janakovic, Mr. Capriotti, Mr. Arnone, Ms. Huchel, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock (6). Nays: None (0). BILL: NO.25 OF 2022, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE SALE OF A CITY-OWNED PROPEIYLOCATED: IN THE 6TH WARD OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN ONNAPOLEON STREET TO THE GREATER JOHNSTOWN WATER AUTHORITY (THE AUTHORITY"). AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE PROPER OFFICERS OF THE CITY TOI DO. ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE ORDINANCE, AND ANY/ALL ACTIONS INCIDENTAL TO: SAID SALE. AS REFERENCED IN THE AGREEMENT ENTERED BETWEEN THEI PARTIES. Mr. Arnone made a motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock. Mr. Arnone stated the small piece of property is adjacent to the new building. The property would go into taxation. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mayor Janakovic, Mr. Capriotti, Mr. Arnone, Ms. Huchel, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock (6). Nays: None (0). ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READ BILL NO.1 1 OF 2023, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING1 THEZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWIN, ORDINANCE: NO. 4964 ADOPTED APRIL 13, 2005, AND AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 5086, PASSED JUNE21, 2011; ORDINANCE: NO. 5119 PASSED JANUARY: 23, 2013; ORDINANCE NO. 5139 PASSED NOVEMBER 27, 2013; ORDINANCE NO. 5191 PASSED DECEMBER 9, 2015; AND ORDINANCE NO. 5330 PASSED MARCH 9, 2022, BY REZONING CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED IN THE 8TH WARD OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN. Reverend King made a motion to approve. Wednesday, January 11,2023 Stated Meeting, continued 7of11 Mrs. Mock made a motion to table. The motion was seconded by Ms. Huchel and passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Capriotti, Mr. Arnone, Ms. Huchel, Mrs. Mock (4). Nays: MayorJanakovic, Reverend King (2). RESOLUTIONS: Resolution No. 10548 Al RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWIN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF APPLICATIONS WITH THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION, AN OPERATING ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED BY 49 U.S.C. CHAPTER 53, TITLE23, UNITED STATED CODE OR OTHER FEDERAL STATUTES ADMINISTERED BYTHE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION. Mr. Arnone made a motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock and passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mayor Janakovic, Mr. Capriotti, Mr. Arnone, Ms. Huchel, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock (6). Nays: None (0). Resolution No. 10549 Al RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPROVING A MINOR SUBDIVISION MERGING THREE PARCELS AT THE CORNER OF MESSENGER STREET AND WOOD STREET INTHE: HORNERSTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD. Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mr. Capriotti. Mr. Arnone explained the Johnstown Veterinary Clinic has cleaned up a big part of that neighborhood and would like to merge three properties into one lot. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mayor Janakovic, Mr. Capriotti, Mr. Arnone, Ms. Huchel, Wednesday, January 11,2023 Stated Meeting, continued 8of11 Reverend King, Mrs. Mock (6). Nays: None (0). Resolution No. 10550 AI RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWIN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED. ANDTAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY FOR THE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF CARPETING ATTHE RANKI,PASQUERIIA CONFERENCE CENTER. Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Reverend King. Mr. Arnone noted he had used the business to replace carpeting at his own business and they do an "excellent job". Mr. Capriotti commented that he can't in "good conscience" put money into the Conference Center until there's some sort of' "break even" here. Reverend King suggested that the City receive monthly financials, which would show the Center is scheduling events and there is revenue. Mr. Imhoff will provide that information. Naming rights were discussed which: might help recoup some of the costs. Ms. Huchel called for the question. Mr. Capriotti suggested dialog with organizations within the City with regard to what the Conference Center has to offer. There was further discussion. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mayor. Janakovic, Mr. Arnone, Ms. Huchel, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock (5). Nays: Mr. Capriotti (1). NEW BUSINESS None. OLD BUSINESS Wednesday, January 11,2023 Stated Meeting, continued Loan Review Committee Appointment 9of11 Resolution No. 10551 ARESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPROVING AN APPOINTMENT TOTHEI LOAN REVIEW COMMITTEE. AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY MANAGER. Reverend King made a motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mr. Capriotti. Mr. Imhoff noted two vacant seats on the loan review committee, that Jancy Kasper, Regional Vice President of] Northwest Bank, has volunteered to serve. He noted there is a volunteer, Thomas Boyd, for the other vacant position, which will be reviewed at the February meeting. Mr. Imhoffrecommended the appointment of] Ms. Kasper to a three-year term that expires November 27, 2025. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mayor Janakovic, Mr. Capriotti, Mr. Arnone, Ms. Huchel, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock (6). Nays: None (0). DEPARTMENT REPORTS 1. 2. 3. Public Works- -No Report. Police Department - No Report Fire Department ChiefRobert Statler reported approximately 3,200 incidents last year, including 48 structure fires, some EMS related and 10i involving mutual aid. 4. 5. Finance No Report Community Development John Dubnansky, Economic Development Director, noted there are several new staff members that are currently being trained. Hei is working on a substantial budget amendment with HUD dollars and a spending goal that needs to be hit by mid-May,rededicating some funding to park improvement projects Wednesday, January 11,2023 Stated Meeting, continued 10of11 including the Forest Avenue Playground Project and other park RFPs are also being prepared for some stadium projects including the concessions contract that needs rebidding and paperwork is being completed for continuation of the RAISE grant. Mr. Dubnansky noted several Economic Development grant applications are being reviewed, which affect several potential new businesses over the next few months. Demolition projects were discussed. He noted an average of over 100 demos a year throughout the City. Mr. Arnone was in receipt oft topographical maps of the different parts oft the City, and he would try to isolate the ones that are livable, questionable or should be torn down tol have a "better picture" of what needs to be done. The Mayor improvements. suggested that Council be able toj provide input also. Mrs. Mock requested a meeting with Mr. Dubnansky, herself and Reverend King to discuss the playgrounds. Mr. Dubnansky indicated that Urban Designs is one oft the groups that responded to an RFP. 6. Code Enforcement Dave Williams, Codes Enforcement Manager, reported that in the month of December, there were 69 service requests or code violations, 421 building permits, 18 commercial contractor licenses and 136 plumber licenses issued. He noted thej plumber's test is scheduled for the 19th. Cleanup will bel held Thursday, January 19,2023 when Codes will assist Public Works to clean up an area oft the City, which this time may include the West End, Coopersdale, Codes will register for the Great American Cleanup in April assisted by Public Works. Fliers will be put out as well as on social media regarding the Mr. Williams will start looking for summer seasonal help in the near future. and Minersville. cleanup. PUBLIC COMMENT- NONAGENDA ITEMS None. RECESS/ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 7:06 p.m. Wednesday, January 11,2 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 11of11 EXECUTIVE SESSION WAS HELD WITH REGARD TO PERSONNEL The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for February 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.