JOHNSTOWN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 8, 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. Mr. Britt offered thei invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The following members ofCouncil were present for roll call: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock (6). Ms. Huchel (1) entered the meeting after roll call was taken. Ethan Imhoff, City Manager; Alex Ashcom, Assistant City Manager; Robert Ritter, Finance Director; John Dubnansky, Economic Development Director; Dave Williams, Codes Enforcement Manager; Tony Penna, Recreation; Elizabeth Benjamin, Esquire, City Solicitor; Robert Statler, Fire Chief; Richard Pritchard, Police Chief; Jared Campagna, Public Works Director, were also in (Whereupon at 6:01 p.m. Council entered into Executive Session. Council returned attendance. to Open Session at 6:50 p.m. ) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Arnone made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes ofl February 8, 2023. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock and passed by the following Yeas: Mr, Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel (7) vote: Nays: None (0). PROCLAMATIONS. AWARDS, HONORS, RESOLUTIONS OF RECOGNITION Mayor Janakovic invited Mr. Skelley toj join him while reading the following Proclamation for Irish American Heritage Month into the record: The Ancient Order ofHibernians is a Catholic Irish American fraternal group that traces its roots back to the Defenders oft the men inl Ireland in the 18th Century. As existed formerly in the United States and which seeks to preserve Irish culture and heritage in art, dance, music, and sports. Cambria County has had several Ancient Order ofHibernian divisions dating back to 1876 and the current Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 2of18 existing division one, Cambria County, was formed in. June 1994 and was named inl honor of Our Lady of Knock ini the County ofl Mayo, Ireland. Since 1991 American presidents of both parties and numerous acts of Congress have designated March as Irish American Heritage Month, at time to honor the numerous contributions that Irish immigrants and their decedents have made to President John F. Kennedy expressed his support to the Irish nation, its people, and the deep cultural connections to American Society and in 1963 addressed to Irish Parliament that Ireland already has set an example for other small nations to follow. This has never been ai rich powerful country and yet, since its earliest times, its influence has been rich and powerful. No large nation did more to keep Christianity and Western culture alive ini their darkest centuries. Nol larger nation did more to spark the cause ofi independence in America, indeed around the world. And no larger nation has ever provided more literary and artistic Now, Therefore, I, Mayor Frank J.. Janakovic, Mayor of the City of Johnstown, on behalf of City Council declare the month ofMarch 2023 ini the City of Johnstown tol bel known as Irish American Heritage Month. The City has generations of citizens ofIrish descendent and respects and celebrates their Mayor Janakovic read the following Proclamation for Bleeding Disorders Awareness Bleeding Disorders are: rare, dangerous, and often painful disorders affecting 30,000 to33,000 persons in the United States with roughly 1 in 100 persons suffering their effects. These bleeding disorders, which share the inability to forma proper blood clot, are characterized by extended bleeding after injury, surgery, trauma, menstruation, and can lead to significant morbidity and be fatal ifi not The City of. Johnstown wishes to formalize and expand upon the federal designation 30 years ago in March 1986 its Hemophilia Awareness Month and in 2016 when the entirety oft the bleeding disorder community came together to encompass all Awareness will bring light to the great scientific achievements in the treatment of bleeding disorders in which there is no cure in the greater pursuit of advanced our: nation. genius. history, culture, and hard work. Month into the record: treated effectively. bleeding disorders. therapies and cures from these disorders. Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 3of18 The City of. Johnstown's highest priority is health, safety and well--being ofits residents. And in collaboration with the Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorder's foundation which toi increase awareness ofb bleeding disorders and the need for proper diagnosing and treatment for these disorders. Therefore, I, Mayor Frank J.. Janakovic, Mayor of the City of Johnstown, on behalfof City Council declare the month of! March 2023 in the City of] Johnstown to be known as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. We sympathize with those under the effects ofthese debilitating disorders. We encourage our residents to seek proper medical diagnoses and treatments for these disorders. And we stand in solidarity with organizations such as the Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation in finding safe, effective, and painless treatments for bleeding disorders. PUBLIC COMMENT-AGENDA ITEMS ONLY Robin Kmetz, 125 Spring Street, Johnstown, addressed Council was saddened to see that Mom's House was not receiving "their share oft the pie". She asked Council to reconsider the matter and give them the opportunity to continue to help families and children. John DeBartola, 1197 Bedford Street, Johnstown, addressed Council regarding the contract with SCAPE Landscape Architects for the Main Street project design and engineering at a cost of$1,612,321 which would not benefit the entire city. He inquired what happened to the committee selected to oversee this plan, why were they appointed and why was not the ARPA money distributed Mr. DeBartola commented that with regard tol Mom's House, Council is playing ping-pong bureaucracy" with much red tape and roadblocks. He asked that Mom's House be given the opportunity to continue tol help the for the entire community. families ofthis community. REPORTS CITY MANAGER: Ethan Imhoff, City Manager, mentioned that al kick-offi meeting was held with regard to the RAISE grant projects and environmental historic preservation clearances that required consultant, Michael Baker, to spend the day in town Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 4of18 doing at tour ofall the project sites. Meetings were also held with local, county, and federal legislators as well as ai media briefing. Mr. Imhoff reported that he, thel Mayor and Mr. Dubnansky had a well- received presentation for the Chamber regarding the State oft the City moving forward with projects. MAYOR: Frank Janakovic, Mayor, noted some events taking place int the City, including the Chamber dinner at the Conference Center, week-end hockey and wrestling He extended well wishes to Roots Kitchen and. Juicery, a new business Roxbury Band Shell recently held ai raffle to raise funds. The Mayor attended ai recent GuntherLeadership Group event. Mr. Janakovic noted the opportunity to sit in on phone call with Senator Casey's office on projects he would be supporting this year. The Mayor was invited to participate in ai telephone conversation fora a presentation by the Governor regarding aj prerequisite of projects he is working on for needs throughout the state and the. Johnstown community. tournaments, and the Mardi-Gras Crawl. recently opened downtown. CITY SOLICITOR: Elizabeth Benjamin, Esquire, noted for the record that the Executive Session held earlier was for active and current litigation which will bei identified as a federal action in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Caption No. 323CD27 and a declaratory action pending in the Cambria Court of Common Pleas at] No. 2023-077. CITY ENGINEER: None. COUNCILUPDATESNESNEIGHBORHOOD LIAISONS: Mr. Capriotti noted his attendance at many oft the events the Mayor had already mentioned. He'll reserve further comments for agenda items. Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued Mr. Britt had no report. 5of18 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 February 28, 2023, the population oft the public housing communities was 2,605 and Section Eight voucher holders total 1,082 which amounts to at total of3,687 families. Currently 49 percent oft the people living He stated the. Johnstown Housing Authority's new Family Self-Sufficiency coordinator will be coming onboard this month to begin connecting residents with employment opportunities and other local resources. Career Link, JARI, and Penn Highlands are already scheduling workshops int the JHA As Council's representative on the GJWA, 23 lead service lines have been replaced in February. All reservoirs are: full and working. During the month ofFebruary nearly 17,000 feet of mainline was inspected, and 2,000 feet was He reported that Snyder is approximately 98 percent completed with the construction oft the whole sewer project, 98 of pipeline rehabilitation, 94 percent completed with viewports, 95 percent completed with conversions. AsofJanuary 31, 2023 the City of. Johnstown is 62.57 percent pressure tested. inj poverty int the City ofJ Johnstown arel being assisted. communities. jetted, and 63 pressure tests were also witnessed. Mrs. Mock had no report. Reverend King noted her attendance at ai recent meeting ofthe Cambria County Planning Commission regarding the work to be done by PennDOT on the She noted her attendance at the recent United Neighborhood meeting. Reverend King is helping to plan next year's MLK celebration with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra as well as the. Juneteenth Celebration with Ms. Huchel reported that JRA will be sending ai representative in their capacity as William Penn Corridor. the NAACP. land bank to the next county tax sale. Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 6of18 Mayor Janakovic offered a moment ofs silence for Lance Ross, the owner of the Freight Station who tragically passed away recently. A memorial will be held sometime during March. PETITIONS None. 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 TAXTOI BE CODIFIED WITHIN CHAPTER EIGHT (BUSINESS REGULATION AND TAXATION CODE) TITLE. FOUR (TAXATION) OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN CODIFIED ORDINANCES AS Al NEW CHAPTER 804 ENTITLED MECHANICAL AMUSEMENT DEVICES". Mr. Arnone made a motion toi remove from table. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock and passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel (7). Nays: None (0). The City Manager explained that Council had adopted the first read at the November 2022 meeting, followed by a couple months off furtheri investigation. He noted one ofthe key items was regarding whether or not skill machines are subject to regulation, which Council determined they are, which obviously increases the enforcement oft the need for this particular ordinance. After consideration ofdifferent options, it was decided that the Finance Department will be the Mr. Ritter reported that Sargent's was contacted regarding a temporary worker for that job and they stated one can be furnished 201 hours a week working 10:001 to 2:00, going to certain areas each day and getting names, addresses, locations and inventory ofmachines and a tax would be paid on those machines. Mr. Ritter stated doing this for three months would cost the City approximately $5,300 and he projects the City would bring in approximately Mr. Arnone suggested that the properties be reinspected in six months to see that no other machines were added. He also recommended that the individual hired department charged with enforcement oft the ordinance. $50,000 ini machine fees. Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 7of18 for the job provides identification which verifies employment with the City to Mr. Imhoff noted an additional database listing is available oft the properties paying Mr. Britt was concerned that only one person would bel hired to perform the job. Reverend King inquired what type oft training the individual would have. Mr. Ritter noted he may go along initially for aj period oftime. Mrs. Mock inquired if there was direction from the state regarding the matter and suggested that Mr. Ritter contact other municipalities or contact one oft the state's representatives perform thej job. the tax. regarding the matter. Mr. Capriotti commented that hei is not comfortable with voting on an ordinance without first having a clear understanding or plan puti in force. Mr. Capriotti made ai motion to table pending additional information presented at a workshop prior to a Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Yeas: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel (7). Mock and passed by the following vote: Nays: None (0). ORDINANCES FOR FIRSTE READ: BILL NO. 1 OF 2023, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWIN, ORDINANCE NO. 4964 ADOPTED APRIL 13, 2005, AND AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCEI NO. 5086, PASSED JUNE 22, 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. 53301 PASSED MARCH 9, 2022, BY REZONING CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED IN THE 8TH WARD OF THE Mr. Arnone made a motion to remove from table. The motion was seconded by Mrs. CITY OF JOHNSTOWN (TABLED). Mock and passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone (7). Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued Nays: None (0). 8of18 Ms. Benjamin explained that pert the City's zoning and planning code and regulations, once an item has been presented in the form of a report and recommendation from the City Planning Commission, the City's next obligation is tos schedule itf for public hearing and publish notice oft the proposed amendment and the Mr. Amone that ai notice ofj public hearing and the proposed amendment information bej published. The motion was seconded by Reverend King and passed by the Yeas: Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Amone (7). day after that public hearing and then taking a vote. following vote: Nays: None (0). hearing. Ms. Benjamin noted the ordinance can remain tabled pending publication and public Mr. Capriotti made ai motion to table pending publication and public hearing on1 the matter. The motion was seconded by Mr. Arnone and passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Arnone, Ms. Huchel. Mrs. Mock, Reverend King, Mayor. Janakovic, Mr. Capriotti, Mr. Britt (7). Nays: None (0). BILLI NO.2OF1 2023, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 5008 ADOPTED DECEMBER 12, 2007 AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 5871 ADOPTED NOVEMBER 12, 2015 AND CODIFIED WITHIN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWN ATTITLE FOUR, TAXATION, CHAPTER 882, ENTITLED "LOCAL SERVICES TAX" TO. AMEND THE ANNUAL RATE FOR THE LOCAL SERVICES TAX. AND. ADJUST THE EXEMPTIONS THERETO IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAME BYLOWERING THE CURRENT TAX: RATE TO: FORTY- SEVEN DOLLARS ($47) EFFECTIVE APRIL 29, 2023. Mrs. Mock made a: motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Reverend King. The City Manager explained that out oft the $52 charge, $5 ofthat is for the school district. The motion passed by the following vote: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 9of18 Yeas: Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt (7). Nays: None (0). RESOLUTIONS: Resolution No. 10555 Al RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTINGTHE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH SCAPELANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IN THE. AMOUNT OF $1,612,321 FOR DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE MANI STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT. Mrs. Mock made a motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Reverend King. Mrs. Mock explained the project includes some oft the funding from the RAISE grant. She mentioned this company was picked based on an RFP and the committee will be brought in to work with LANDSCAPE. There was further discussion. Mr. Dubnansky noted the committee was established under the former city manager and one initial meeting was held. That now the committee will be engaged going forward with the process. Mr. Capriotti requested the meetings be advertised and open to the public for comment and minutes be taken tol keep track of whati is going on. He suggested that Community and Economic Development keep the minutes and run the meeting. Mr. Imhoff there will be a' "very robust effort" to keep the public informed and to involve the public. Information would be placed on the website for public review. There was further discussion. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti (7). Nays: None (0). Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 10of18 Resolution No. 10556 Al RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZINGTHE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN ALL: DOCUMENTS NECESSARYTOPURCHASE OF 2024 10-TON MACK CHASSIS FROM M&K TRUCK CENTER AND AN II'ALUMINUM DUMP BED WITH SNOW EQUIPMENT FROM Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock and A&H EQUIPMENT. passed by the following vote: Yeas: Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic (7). Nays: None (0). Resolution No. 10557 ARESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWIN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE. A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH STACKHOUSE PARK, INC. FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF DCNR GRANT FUNDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MASTER PLAN AT STACKHOUSE PARK. Reverend King made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mr. Arnone. The City Manager explained Stackhouse Park, a nonprofit organization, already has a contract with the City to oversee and manage the park. That the City applied tol DCNR to do ai master plan oft the park as a way to set goals for future investments that need to be made. DCNR awarded that funding and requires a service agreement. Mr. Dubnansky explained the City would be the administrator of those funds. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Amone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King (7). Nays: None (0). Resolution No. 10558 Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 11of18 AR RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING THE DEDICATION ANDI NAMING OF THE. AAABA FIELD ATI ROXBURY PARK TO1 DEE DEE OSBORNE FIELD AT ROXBURY PARK INI HONOR OF HIS COMMITMENT TO BASEBALL IN. JOHNSTOWN. Mr. Britt made ar motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mr. Arnone. Tony Penna stated early this past winter, Mr. Campagna was contacted by the coach at Wake Forest, Tom Walter, and some local guys contacted both) himself and Mr. Campagna regarding their strong desire to do some improvements to the AAABA field. They wanted to do something nice for the coach in appreciation for all the things he had done for them and approached us about making al large donation themselves and then raising additional funds to do improvements approved by Council and naming it after Mr. Osborne. Suggestions included an upgrade to the lighting, a new press box and maybe some infield improvements depending on the amount ofi funds raised. Mr. Arnone indicated the American Legion will provide a flagpole and flag with 24- hour lighting and will maintain the property around it. Mr. Penna is also hoping for an upgrade to the scoreboard and the press box would be able tol house some sound equipment. He indicated a ceremony will take place sometime in late spring and Mr. Walter is planning on making the trip for the event. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Ms. Huchel, Mr.. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock (7). Nays: None (0). Resolution No. 10559 A. RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPROVING SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT NO.1TOT THEI FY2022 CDBG PROGRAM. Mr. Arnone: made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Reverend King. Mr. Imhoff explained this is a Community Development Block Grant fund that the City receives an annual allocation of funding for and unspent funds currently listed for business assistance are being reprogrammed for use in eligible Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 12of18 programs such as Flood City Youth Academy, Sandyvale Memorial Gardens, Forest Avenue and Somerset Street Playground improvements. He noted Reverend King withdrew her motion to second due toj personal involvement ini the timeliness with regard to use of the funds. projects. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel (6). Nays: None (0). Abstention: Reverend King (1). Resolution No. 10560 AR RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH UNIFIED BOARD OPERATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $67,4001 FOR UPDATES TOTHE SARGENT'S STADIUM VIDEO BOARD. Mr. Arnone made a motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mr. Capriotti. Mr. Dubnansky noted this involves a software program called MotionRocket LaunchPad which uses cameras and stated two additional cameras would be purchased for outdoor use. He further noted when the video board was first purchased it was lacking ai number of things and the software program would make it more user friendly and accessible and would provide an interactive experience showing replays and audience in attendance. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone (7). Nays: None (0). NEW BUSINESS None. OLD BUSINESS Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 13of18 Draft City ofJohnstown Fee Schedule Review oft the Home Rule Charter and City Manager Imhoff requested another month to: review this matter. Two parts of the draft would include an ordinance to update all the language in the Home Rule Charter and a resolution passing the actual fee: schedule with further Code ofOrdinances discussion regarding the matter at the next meeting. DEPARTMENT REPORTS 1. Public Works Jared Campagna, Public Works Director, reported the job posting for the additional mechanic's position will be advertised in the newspaper this weekend. 2023 Paving Project ini inj progress with the bulk being in the Walnut Grove area and portions ofHornerstown where the sewer project initially started. Funding would come out of the liquid fuels funding. Mr. Capriotti had concerns that Dominion was now digging up and haphazardly patching areas oft roadways that had already been paved as part of the sewer project. Hei inquired ifall these areas were being tracked sO that company can come back and correct the areas. Mr. Campagna stated a spreadsheet is kept regarding the matter. There was further discussion. 2. Police Department ChiefRichard Pritchard noted testing will be announced Friday, March 10, 2023, and noted few applicants. Five IUP recruits are interested in aj position with the City of Johnstown Police Department, the. Johnstown Academy has 12 or 13 candidates and the Westmoreland County Police Academy will also be contacted regarding recruits. There are currently eight vacancies in the department. Testing is scheduled for Saturday, April 1,2023. Chief Pritchard reported officers will be wearing body cameras starting Monday, March 13, 2023. Hardware issues were: resolved. Axon, the company from which the cameras were purchased, has tutorials available for officers to learn about the cameras before the equipment is being issued. Chiefr noted ai meeting with the 1889 Foundation regarding funding for some cameras and Flock, a company who sells stationary license plate reading equipment and artificial intelligence recognition of bumper stickers tol help Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 14of18 track vehicles. Any IP camera from any business such as Dollar General can bei integrated into the system. ChiefPritchard indicated a vendor will be presenting at the Chief's meeting later this month which will hopefully provide additional information tol bring back to the committee. Mr. Arnone commended the Chief and his staff for working with the school board and for the situation this past Monday when shots were: fired in the Moxham/iomerstown area. Chief Pritchard noted the SRO at the school acted quickly to acknowledge the call and start a shelter inj place. Chief Pritchard explained how the in-car camera system and body cameras work. Fire Department 3. Chief Robert Statler indicated the old cameras that were: in the cruisers previously will be installed int the fire trucks for use. Remodeling ofthe training facility is moving forward and the department is working with Johnstown Welding on putting the building back up. He noted the RFP for concrete came in fairly high sO the department along with Public Works will save money by doing the jobt themselves. The spring is the timeframe for the concrete project as well as lot cleanup. Mr. Arnone suggested the owner of Right Elevator, a nearby business, be contracted tol help with the cleanup. Finance 4. Robert Ritter reported that staff has started converting data into the new. Enterprise Software. The new software for Payroll and Finance should be working by Staffi is also going back three years and updating the business privilege tax by matching up construction permits to the contractors and then sending that data the end ofMay. to Berkheimer Tax Administrator. Community Development 5. John Dubnansky, Economic Development Director, reported. aj public hearing was held yesterday, March 7, 2023, for HUD dollars which are American Rescue Plan dollars received through HUD ini the amount of $881,000. A draft plan Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 15of18 for spending oft those funds has been adjusted and an update would be Mr. Dubnansky noted that HUD announced funding allocations for the 2023 fiscal year in the amount of$1,268,362 of Community Development Block Grant funding and $237,876 ofhome funds for ai total ofa approximately $1.5 million. New applications are not being accepted as the old applications are being considered. Information regarding the matter will be updated on the Hei indicated that applications are actively being sought for the sewer lateral assistance program as there are plenty of funds" tol help residents. Mr. Arnone commented that thej program is not well known. Ms. Huchel was asked toj promote the program with Mr. Arnone noting that' "she touches base with more oft those people than would walk into City Hall". Mr. Dubnansky provided an update with regard to new businesses coming in to downtown. He noted the opening of Roots Juicery and some current projects such as the Grub Shack, in the former Tower of Pizza site and the Write Cup on Gazebo Park. Mayor. Janakovic asked that the new businesses Mr. Arnone mentioned the new Dollar Store in Hornerstown has a slanted parking lot with no guardrail. There was discussion regarding the placement Mr. Dubnansky invited Council members to all CDBG meetings. provided. City's website. be supported. ofag guardrail at the location. 6. Code Enforcement Dave Williams, Codes Enforcement Manager, reported that ini the month ofl February there were 361 building permits issued, 17 commercial contractor licenses, and Three codes personnel were hired and will start April 3, 2023 and there are two more. interviews scheduled within the next few weeks. Equipment is currently being cleaned by himself and Public Works. Three to four properties ready tol be taken to court came into compliance 168 service requests for violations. within the last week. Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 16of18 Mr. Williams reported the City has been registered for Pick Up PA, the Great American Cleanup, for April 2023. He noted meeting with the Moxham Community Group, residents in Walnut Grove, Woodvale and will meet with Mr. Britt and members! had discussion regarding ai residence or business in the 900 block of Ash Street and whether an abandoned vehicle located on private property can be taken. Mr. Imhoff noted the matter would be investigated other groups throughout the City. further. Recreation 7. Tony Penna reported working in conjunction with the 1st Summit Arena staff with regard to aj possible concert for August on a larger scale. He indicated the Mill Rats are: interested in a summer exercise "walk around" from 7:001 to 9:00 int the morning at Sargent's Stadium. Also some nonprofit groups are interested in using the field for baseball and football activities. The new sound and scoreboard are currently being installed. Al left field scoreboard composing of 8 different scoreboards put together will bei installed Several walkthroughs were conducted at the stadium to install 18 cameras in the important corridors. Additional cameras could be added ifn necessary. A plan to develop the grassy area out in the deep center is being considered to Some events considered for the stadium include rental for baseball practices. Mr. Penna disclosed that the stadium is a possible site for PIAA District Baseball but that would depend on matchups. He noted the fees at the Curve He noted the pervious discussion with regard tol Roxbury Park. Resurfacing and lighting oft the tennis courts in the approximate amount of $200,000is also being discussed. Grant funds are being sought for the project. The hockey rink will bei installed this spring at Roxbury. Aj ponding issue under the rink will need attention. Mr. Penna noted the Tomahawks will help to coordinate all the hockey staff to get the project started. before UPJ's opening day. add the AAABA Hall ofl Fame. Stadium is the reason for the change. Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 17of18 A couple is interested in donating al bench along the walking trail atl Roxbury Park. Other donations would be sought sO people would be able to: rest along Mr. Arnone referred to seats located att the light in Dale Borough which are: made of concrete but look like wood and require no maintenance and stated he would recommend that kind ofs seating. Mr. Arnone suggested that the cost ofc one of these benches be made public for those persons or organizations interested in the trail. purchasing one. Mr. Penna reported that a code of conduct is being designed by the umpires for players and coaches ofbaseball leagues. Second game suspensions would be reviewed ifas second game or further discipline was necessary. Hei indicated plans for the Minersville, Somerset Street and Village Street Playgrounds are being reviewed. Additional funding left over would be put to use by replacing those no longeri in operation with grassy areas. Volunteer Dayi is scheduled for April 15 to work on five playgrounds including Wood Street, Park. Avenue, Oakhurst, Dorothy Avenue and Cambria City. Visions, Juvenile Probation and Mr. Quan Britt's group are all involved ini the project to spread mulch, paint, power wash and cut grass. The Mayor suggested contacting the 18891 Foundation and also to offera "teach and coach" type program for the kids. PUBLIC COMMENT-NONAGENDA ITEMS John DeBartola, 1197 Bedford Street, Johnstown, inquired if there was an agency under the Sunshine Act for the Main Street committee, do board members have term limits, what are their hours and further inquired ifthel boards were created per the Home Charter Rule. He wondered ifby creating al board, Hei noted not seeing zoning's promise to change a section on any oft the agendas over the last year and some. local bar owners are considering protest Mr. DeBartola inquired about the status of the complaint he filed with the Attorney General's Office inl November of 2022 regarding the ARPA money. Ai full investigation was promised by that office but hel has heard nothing. Council created a "monster". and legal action. Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Stated Meeting, continued 18of18 He noted the City's lawsuit regarding the man who died falling on the river wall and wondered why that had not been addressed previously. He asked that Council change its] public participation policy and talked about a Planning Commission meeting where Mr. DeBartola offered public comment and was "cut off". He is requesting a public apology from Mr. Davis and reimbursement oft the $104 filing fee and Council address this matter. Mayor Janakovic requested an account of all active and inactive commissions. RECESS/ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 8:43 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION WAS HELD WITH REGARD TO: LITIGATION The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for April 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.