JOHNSTOWN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 8, 2023  City Council met in a stated session for the general transaction ofbusiness. Mayor Frank Janakovic called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Britt offered the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The following members of Council were present for roll call: Mr. Arone, Mr. Britt, Ms. Huchel, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King,  Mrs. Mock (6).  Michael Capriotti (1) was absent.  Ethan Imhoff, City Manager; Alex Ashcom, Assistant City Manager; Ronald Repak, Esq., Interim Solicitor; Sara Williams, Executive Secretary; Robert Statler, Fire Chief; Richard Pritchard, Police Chief; Jared Campagna, Director, Public Works; John Dubnansky, Economic Development Director; Dave Williams, Codes Enforcement Manager and Tony Penna were also in attendance.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES  Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2023. The motion was seconded by Mr. Britt and passed by the following Yeas: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock,  vote:  Ms. Huchel (6) Nays: None (0)  PROCLAMATIONS. AWARDS. HONORS, RESOLUTIONS OF RECOGNITION-  None None REPORTS CITY MANAGER:  PUBLICCOMMENT-AGENDA ITEMS ONLY  a. Ethan Imhoff, City Manager, introduced Lisa Rager who had discussion regarding implementation oft the Branding Strategy produced to give a' "fresh face" to  the City and how others view. Johnstown.    Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued  2of11  Ms. Rager, Executive Director, Visit Johnstown, the designated tourist promotion agency for Cambria County, addressed Council regarding the Branding Initiative and the need to remarket the City as ai recreational and tourism destination as well as a desirable place to live, raise a family and do business. Ms. Rager explained the Brand is a "feeling that someone has about our City" and what sets Johnstown apart from all others through visual cues and first impressions. She noted some oft the City's amenities and complimentary She stated the process begins by increasing the population of] Johnstown by putting it on the map as a desirable place and differentiating it from the other The Brand development team was: formed from representatives from tourism, economic development, planning, the Chamber, business, arts, recreation. Outside facilitator, Roger Brooks, was engaged to guide the City in the process. In March of2022 Mr. Brooks provided aj public presentation, launched an online questionnaire about what should Johnstown be noted for and received 1617 responses from the community. Stakeholder interviews were also conducted. Ms. Rager indicated all ideas were filtered down through, and the final Brand direction was determined to be recreation. The water and land trails connect to downtown Johnstown and connect history to Rebuilding al better tomorrow and pushing limits and achieving more, lowering the barrier of entry to recreational activities, stewardship of1 the environment, and mixing art and recreation were crafted as the grand mission. She had discussion regarding the easy accessibility of the biking trails and Ms. Rager commented that consistent downtown spending including shopping, dining and entertainment and a reimagined Central Park and vehicular wayfinding are major components to the plan. She provided a handout, which shows what Branding hopes to portray. An action plan with specific recommendations, estimated costs, potential funding sources, and a rationale of why it all makes sense was developed. She hopes to be working more on product development and marketing by 2025 with a goal to have everyone on the same page speaking with one voice about our community. A copy ofthe entire plan is available at visityohnstownpa.com, Roger Brooks. There were questions and comments regarding progress made thus far, the survey that was circulated and the diversity in the community.  activities, which can draw those to the City.  1100-plus communities inl Pennsylvania.  the modern artisans.  some oft the best whitewater on the Stonycreek River.    Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued  3of11  Ms. Rager added thisi is the very beginning oft the Branding Initiative, thus far following the recommendations oft the consultant, but the plan will change as there is more community participation. She was requested to provide  additional information on the website.  Mrs. Mock commented "there are people making decisions for the City who don't live in the City", and "decisions affecting the City have to have City resident  representation."  Reverend King commented that the Main Street Project design is an example of giving the citizens an opportunity to feel asi if they counted by allowing them  toj provide feedback. forward."  Ms. Huchel commended Ms. Rager and her organization for "taking solid steps Ms. Rager noted the City is the key place to start but that surrounding communities are aj part of. Johnstown as well and should also bei involved. b. Mr. Imhoffintroduced the 2024 Budget Draft, which was submitted to Council on November 1, 2023. A Budget Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, November 21,2023 at 5:00 p.m., and an opportunity for public comment would be provided as well at the workshop. Mr. Imhoff noted this is the first year that the budget would be adopted under the updated rules, adoption and amendment by resolution and not ordinance, approved by the voters in 2021. The City Manager commented it is a balanced budget and does not include a tax increase nor does it require any increased borrowing. He noted the loss of He explained that a little over $1 million in community development block grant funds had been used ini the past to recruit businesses and jobs in the City but that now those funds will have tol be repurposed for some capital expenses. Mr. Imhoffindicated there would be a change proposed for the City's healthcare provider, and additional information would be provided at the The City Manager indicated the Mill Rats have come under a new ownership Renovation work continues at the CamTran Transit Center but one. lane has  the LST tax or approximately $100,000 to the budget.  December meeting.  group, and ai new contract is currently being negotiated.  been opened for traffic.    Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued  4of11  The RFP for solicitor services was released two weeks ago, and the deadline  fori response is November 29, 2023.  MAYOR:  Mayor Janakovic reported that the Christmas tree lighting downtown will be  held on Friday, November 17, 2023 in Central Park. The Veteran's Day Parade will bel held November 11, 2023. Street. He wished them well moving forward.  The Mayor noted his attendance at an event at the State Theater on Main  INTERIM CITY SOLICITOR:  Ronald Repak, Esquire, Dillon, McCandless, King, Coulter and Graham, LLP, reported an Executive Session will be held after this meeting regarding three  pending litigation matters.  CITY ENGINEER:  Members were referred to the attached report. COUNCIL UPDATES/NEIGHBORHOOD LIAISONS:  Mrs. Mock reported the West End Improvement Group held a basket party on Sunday with proceeds going towards the gardens, camera repairs in the West End. She noted the flower boxes are being stored for the winter at Gautier Steel. Reverend King reported receiving an email from Ms. Noll, CamTran, concerning a survey on its website regarding the Transit Center redesign project. She noted spending time with residents at the Towers and commented they have some The next United Neighborhood Meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Christ Centered Community Church. On November 14, 2023 a projects discussion will be held at the Holiday Inn. Reverend King asked everyone to remember Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, She reported that Christ Centered Community Church will hold a dinner on  great ideas regarding the CamTran redesign.  which was destroyed by fire recently. Christmas Day, December 25, 2023.    Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued  5of11  Ms. Huchel reported that the City Planning Commission recently toured this building  for assessment of possible re-usability.  She reported that Melissa Komar attended the County Tax Sale today to acquire additional properties on behalfo oft the LandBank. Ms. Huchel reported the sewer lateral program is still active, and anyone who needs al loan can contact JRA regarding the matter. She commented that JRA staffi is involved as well to help to find a grocery store and reusing pharmacy space to replace the loss downtown. Mr. Britt commended the Johnstown Fire Department and those companies who assisted at the recent Pleasant Hill Baptist Church fire.  He noted attending ai recent meeting at the health clinic regarding keeping that clinic in downtown. Additional information would be provided.  Regarding the GJWA, Mr. Arnone reported, as of the end of October 2023, the City was 65 percent pressure tested. In the month ofOctober, the Customer Service Department received 95 new service applications. 33 pressure tests were completed. The monthly surcharge will increase to $50 per month starting January 2024 for properties, which are not compliant. There may be a six-month extension for existing contracts due to contractor health issues. Mr. Arnone: reported that no new contracts have been accepted since September Mr. Arnone reported 300: feet ofmain line was jetted, for a total ofnearly  2023, which is what JRA hopes to extend. 30,000 feet ofjetting since October of2023.  All reservoirs are full, and water quality is "in great shape."  Regarding the Johnstown Housing Authority, Mr. Arnone provided an update on the statistical information relating to the population oft the public housing communities located within the City of. Johnstown. He noted the total population ofthe. Johnstown housing communities as of October 31, 2023, was 2,229, Section 8 voucher holders totaled 1,170 for ai total of $3,399. He reported JRA is currently assisting 45 percent ofthe people living in poverty in. Johnstown, noting the Prospect relocation has affected these population statistics. Drawings and specifications for repairs to the Prospect Homes are now available for contractors and sealed bids will be opened on December 7, 2023 at the. Johnstown Housing Authority. Six or eight sections will be  completed at a time.    Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued  6of11  Mr. Arnone commented the Johnstown Housing Authority is staying involved in the community by taking part in the Scarecrow display, Trunk or Treat, and He stated that the Prospect Community Room is available to the Pleasant Hill He noted attendance at a ceremony at the Mt Sinai Baptist Church in East Mr. Arnone reported he would be attending the flag and flagpole dedication at the top ofthe Inclined Plane on Saturday morning, November 11, 2023. There will be a 21-gun salute and taps at 11/11, which is the day the armistice was signed. Aj parade will be held on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. The American Legion on Main Street will had an open house to showcase its new meeting room upstairs, which was ai result ofa grant received from the City. He indicated that membership has more than doubled due to the creation of  the Christmas Village in Central Park. Baptist Church for services.  Conemaugh.  the Sons of the American Legion Auxiliary.  PETITIONS: None  ORDINANCES FOR FINAL READ AND ADOPTION  None  ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READ  BILL NO. 10 OF 2023, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE. ZONING ORDINANCE AND MAP OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, ORDINANCE NO. 4964. ADOPTED APRIL 13, 2005 AND AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 5086 PASSED JUNE 22, 2011; ORDINANCE NO. 5119 PASSED JANUARY2 23, 2013; ORDINANCE NO. 5139 PASSED NOVEMBER 27, 2013; ORDINANCE NO.: 5191 PASSED DECEMBER 9, 2015; ORDINANCE! NO. 5330 PASSED MARCH 9, 2022; AND ORDINANCE NO. 5352 PASSED MAY 10, 2023 BY REZONING CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED IN THE 11TH WARD OF  THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWN.  Mr. Arnone made ai motion to remove from table. The motion was seconded by Mr.  Britt and passed by the following vote:    Wednesday, November 8,2023 Stated Meeting, continued  7of11  Yeas: Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel,  Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt (6)  Nays: None (0)  Resolution No. 105632  Al RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPROVING Al MINOR SUBDIVISIONI LOT MERGE OF PROPERTIES LOCATED AT1 147/153 M  STREET.  Mr. Britt made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mr. Arnone and  passed by the following vote:  Yeas: Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel,  Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt (6)  Nays: None (0) NEW BUSINESS None. OLD BUSINESS None.  DEPARTMENT REPORTS Public Works  1.  Mr. Campagna indicated that during the installation of the backflow prevention device at the Public Safety Building a few weeks ago, significant issues were uncovered with the main waterline coming into the building and are awaiting He noted ai meeting would be held on November 15 for discussion ofthe initial design oft the Minersville Playground and after adjustments to come up  an estimated cost for replacement.  with a final plan.  Christmas houses will be installed today at Central Park.    Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued  8of11  Ini response to a concern by Mrs. Mock, the City Manager commented that the new design for Central Park will accommodate all the houses and the Christmas Tree in the park will not be affected by construction. Mr. Campagna indicated that three City properties have not completed the sewer work, including Sargent's Stadium, the Public Safety Building and City The Public Works Director reported a pothole had been fixed in Oakhurst. Mrs. Mock commented that the Roxbury rink "looks great." She asked ifthe ramp could be installed sol handicapped kids can access the rink. Tony Penna talked about the setup for the camera installation at the park.  Hall.  He commented that many volunteers, including Derek Partsch from the Johnstown Tomahawks, and Juvenile Probation, helped toi install the hockey rink. He stated discussion has started regarding hockey leagues at the park as well as other plans. Mr. Penna noted the bigger score boards would take Mr. Penna reported an overall maintenance plan for all playgrounds was emailed to all Council members. He noted that neighborhoods as well as Juvenile Probation would assist with the upkeep at each playground. Mr. Penna noted that he and Mr. Imhoff would be doing a walk-through at the stadium with the Mill Rats for discussion ofs some of the new ownership's ideas. He reported there is also a punch list oft tasks that need to be  about a year to arrive.  completed. Police Department  2.  Richard Pritchard, Police Chief, reported the. Johnstown PD participated in raising  $420 for the Gary Sinise Foundation.  He reported three new police officers will start on November 21, 2023 and two more starting the first two weeks of December. The testing of one A new special operations vehicle, a Mobile Crime Unit, Mobile Crash Investigation Unit, Field Command Post Unit, will arrive shortly. DUI  applicant will be held on the 17th.  checkpoints will be held early this summer.    Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued  9of11  The Chiefreported that he and John Dubnansky had a meeting regarding grant He indicated the Axon Fleet 3 systems have arrived enabling car cameras to  funding.  read plates and set up a "hot" list. Fire Department  3.  Robert Statler, Fire Chief, reported having assistance ofthe. Johnstown PD, the Greater Johnstown Water Authority and Public works at the recent church fire in Prospect. He commented that the water supply in that area is good: for residential use but that a house fire would draw more water. Reverend King commented there may be an issue of water pressure on that side of William Penn. The Chiefindicated there are still some old lines ini that neighborhood. Chief Statler noted a switch to the new 800: radio system, which has been working better than the old system after a few issues were resolved.  4.  Finance  Robert Ritter, Finance Director, provided an update on the new software. He reported that invoices and parking tickets can now be paid on1 the City of Johnstown's website. Codes and Permits is not yet functional due toi technical issues that are being worked through but should be in service within the new Tablets for data entry are being ordered by Mr. Williams for use in the field. In response to an inquiry by Ms. Huchel regarding amusement tax collection Mr. Ritter reported that approximately 30 people have paid, which resulted in about $40,000 in income, but 40 have not responded. Codes officers may get  few weeks.  involved in certain areas. There was further discussion.  5.  Community Development  John Dubnansky, Economic Development Director, attended a meeting involving Highlands Health, which is inj pursuit ofbecoming a federally qualified health center. Aj proposal will be submitted by Highlands in December to get that Mr. Dubnansky commented that the Main Street Project would not be a successful project without successful public input, which resulted in over 1,000 comments from the community. He stated Cumberland, Maryland, is  designation.    Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued  10of11  currently engaging in a large-scale streetscape project and provided Mr. Dubnansky noted being invited to the Moxham Renaissance Group He indicated that on October 26, 2023, that he, Mr. Imhoff, JAHA and CamTran teams participated in at two-hour Zoom call to discuss details oft the Main Street project with the Escape team. He noted many trees are portrayed up and down Main Street, which may not be feasible and the team is working An application will be submitted to the Local Share Accounts Grant Program for upgrades to the West End Fire Station and the purchase oftwo police There was further discussion regarding the positive feedback received as a result ofthe the recent Moxham Renaissance meeting and when the second  information ini that regard.  meeting for discussion of the Main Street Project.  on alternatives.  vehicles.  round of demolitions would occur. Code Enforcement  6.  Dave Williams, Codes Enforcement Manager, reported that 27 permits were issued and there were 92 violations. He will provide a report of what was issued per Hei noted there were 115 rental registration forms sent in the year 2022, and sO far in 2023, 278 were sent, which will be entered into the: new software and Mr. Williams indicated that Shawn covers West End, Coopersdale, Cambria City and Minersville. Reggie covers Moxham, Hornerstown, Roxbury and Walnut Grove. And James covers Woodvale, OCB, Central Business District Mrs. Mock commented that neither Council nor residents should be the ones turning in code violations, that staff should be more proactive in logging code Mr. Williams indicated there were 882 service requests generated in 2020; 1282 in 2021; this year thus far 1,038. There was further discussion regarding code violations and keeping anonymous the names of those who make the reports and code violations that have gone to the magistrate.  code officer at the end of the meeting.  rental inspections are being scheduled.  and Prospect.  violations.    Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued  11of11  Hei noted adhering to the ordinance regarding the two ten-day notices and then following through and over the last few months 2,024 charges have been Reverend King commented that the City has to figure out who the landlords are renting properties and have not registered. Chief Statler commented that the City Fire, while going out on medical calls, smoke detector installations, is asking renters who they're renting from and some renters do not know the answer. Reverend King suggested obtaining aj printout ofr renters and owners  taken to the magistrate.  from the Greater Johnstown Water Authority.  Mayor Janakovic commended Public Works on picking up the leaves promptly. There was discussion regarding the two street-sweepers and there being only  one operator for both. Mr. Campagna indicated PUBLIC COMMENT: NON-AGENDA ITEMS  None.  EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE: HELD WITH REGARDTOLITIGATION MATTERS DIRECTLY FOLLOWING ADJOURNMENT OF THIS  MEETING. RECESS/ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 7:58 p.m.  The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for December 13, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.