240 CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULARMEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 CALL TO ORDER The regular monthly Council meeting of the City of Saint Marys was called to order by Mayor Lyle Garner on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Notice of this meeting was sent to Council on December 12, 2024, posted at City Hall and published in the Daily Press. PLEDGE: TOTHE FLAG ROLLCALL MayorLyle Garner, Deputy Mayor Shane Schneider, Jerome Sorg, Nedward. Jacob, Stephen Bagley, Anthony Gregory, Joe Sarginger, City Manager Joseph Fleming, Solicitor Lauren Brennen, and Clythera Hornung, Matthew Pfeufer, Shanea Ehrensberger, Richard Sadley, Amy Cherry, and Martin Dornisch. Anthony Gregory made a motion to approve the November 18, Recording Secretary Rachael Hughes. VISITORS APPROVAL OF MINUTES Meeting Motion Passed AGENDA TOPICS MAMAGERSREPORT November 18, 2024 - Regular 2024 minutes, seconded by Jerome Sorg, and all were in favor. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON There were no citizen comments on agenda topics. Manager Fleming provided the following report: as we look forward to 2025. toensure safe roadways. "The city is in the process of finishing up what is necessary The Street Department is in winter mode and will continue The City would like to announce that K9 Officer Nando, who has served with us for 8 years, is retiring. His dedication, skill, and partnership with Sergeant Shaffer have been invaluable to the police department and community. We are grateful for Nando's years of service Later this week, we will be introducing K9 Officer Draco, who will be taking over the duties and responsibilities. Gingerbread Dash was held yesterday with 141 Feasibility Study for Community Pool to begin January and wish him all the best in retirement. participants. 2025. 241 CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 Pool Memberships for 2025 are currently running through Movin' for Miles Walking Club in partnership with St. Marys Area High School on going with 115 participants. Registration is open throughout the month of] March. Three grants have been submitted which include the LSA Grant for Fire Department's Station 2 Project, PA SITES Program for the Airport Industrial Park, and additional funding for the Rt 120 Connector Project. City offices will be closed December 25th and January 1st inc observance of Christmas and New Years. 1 want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a June 2025. wonderful New Years!" TREASURER'S REPORT Manager Fleming provided the following Treasurer's Report for Total revenue for the General Fund as ofNovember 30th, 2024, is $8.21 million or 93% of Budget. Last year it was $8.38 million (99%) and 2022 was $7.91 million (96%). Expenditures for the General Fund as ofNovember 30th, 2024, are $8.5 million or 96% of Budget. Last year it was $8.22 million (97%) and 2022 was $7.78: million (94%). Total Real Estate tax collections as ofthe end ofl November are at 98% of budget. In 2023 it was 99% and 2022 was 99%. Earned Income tax collection as ofNovember 30, 2024 is at 106% ofbudget. In 2023 it was 113% ofbudget and 2022 was 91% of budget. Pension plans increased in value for November Mayor Garner opened the public hearing for the Conditional Use November 2024: 2024. PUBLIC HEARING: Nero Application- Proposed Expansion ofl Non-coal Surface Mine at 208 Clay Road Opened Hearing Enterprise LLC Conditional Use Application- Proposed Expansion of Non-Coal Surface Mine at 208 Clay Road at 7:04 p.m. Matt Pfeufer, Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer, explained the The applicant is requesting Conditional Use approval forasurface non-coal mining / quarrying use of 5.27 acres at 208 Clay Road. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Conditional Use at its meeting on December 3, 2024. The Zoning Hearing Board granted variances to the applicant for fencing following: 242 CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 (Section 441.5) and Screening and landscaping requirements Councilman Joe Sarginger questioned how deep the excavation will go as he is concerned it will ruin the water supply from Matt Pfeufer responded that he is unsure how deep, but he knows Councilman Joe Sarginger also asked what the plan is after Matt Pfefuer responded that the state has requirements for restoring the site and they plan to restore and level the lot. Joe Sarginger questioned why the Zoning Application was denied. Matt Pfeufer explained that the Zoning Application is typically the first step in a Conditional Use Application, and as the Zoning Officer, he must deny that application because Conditional Use Matt Pfeufer commented that there were questions raised about the proximity of the mine to the powerline, but the applicant was Mayor Garner closed the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Jerome Sorg made a motion to approve the Conditional Use Surface Mine at 208 Clay Road seconded by Anthony Gregory. (Section 441.9) on November 20, 2024. Public Comment surrounding wells. that area is mostly served with public water. excavation. Applications can only be approved by Council. cleared by the power company. Closed Hearing LEGISLATIVE ACTION: Enterprise. LLC-1 Proposed Expansion of Non-Coal Surface Mine at 208 Clay Road Motion Passed PUBLIC HEARING: 2025 City Budget Opened Hearing Closed Hearing LEGISLATIVE ACTION: Consider for adoption: Conditional Use. Application- Application- Enterprise LLC- Proposed Expansion of Non-Coal All were in favor. Mayor Garner opened the public hearing for the 2025 City Budget at 7:09 p.m. There were: no public comments. Mayor Garner closed the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. Ordinance No. 344, providing for the levy and assessment of taxes for the fiscal year 2025 was presented for adoption. 243 CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 Ordinance No. 344, providing Manager Fleming explained there were no increases proposed for the levy and assessment of from the City this year in the Budget and levy of taxes, so this is taxes for the fiscal year 2025 the same tax rate as last year. Motion Passed Jerome Sorg made ai motion to approve Ordinance No. 344 for adoption, seconded by Stephen Bagley. All were in favor oft the motion. Resolution No. 24-24 for the Resolution No. 24-24: for the 2025 City Budget for various funds Manager Fleming clarified that there have been no changes to the Budget since the Budget Workshop in November, or since last Shane Schneider: made a motion to approve. Resolution No. 24-24, seconded by Jerome Sorg, and all were in favor. Resolution No. 24-25, establishing the annual compensation for the Tax Collector and Deputy Tax Collector for the St. Marys Area Nedward Jacob asked to clarify ift this was for the school district only, or ifit was for the City as well. Manager Fleming responded that iti is technically the City ofSt. Marys Tax Collector. Manager Fleming goes on to say that because the position will be open in the upcoming election, there is a committee that discusses and agrees on a wage scale for the next 4 service years. If someone were to run for Tax Collector this coming year, they would know ahead oft time what the compensation would be. Jerome Sorg made a motion to approve Resolution No. 24-25, seconded by Anthony Gregory, and all were in favor. Resolution No. 24-26, Revisions to City Fee Schedule, was Manager Fleming stated this Resolution to the Fee Schedule is annual and decided in advance. There were increases for the Sewage Enforcement Officer, who does percolation tests and inspections; the Zoning Hearing Board for filing fees; and the Police Department for Police Video & Audio Recordings Jerome Sorg asked Matt Pfeufer about the on-lot sewage disposal and ifservices such as aj percolation test could be donel by aj private 2025 City Budget for various was presented for adoption. funds year. Motion Passed Resolution No. 24-25 Establishing the annual compensation for the' Tax Collector and Deputy Tax Collector for the St. Marys Area School District School District, was presented for adoption. Motion Passed Resolution No. 24-26- Discussion Revisions to City Fee Schedule presented for adoption. Requests. 244 CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 Sewage Enforcement Officer. person or outside organization other than the City's contracted Matt Pfeufer replied by stating he unfortunately does not know the answer to that question, butifthat iss something that was permitted, the person or organization would have to be a licensed Sewage Matt Pfeufer stated the filing fee for the Zoning Hearing Board Joe Sarginger asked why that price needed to be changed. Matt Pfeufer explained that the Zoning Hearing Board must advertise each hearing and with the increasing cost of advertising, iti is necessary. The advertisements must be in a newspaper with local distribution, soitisnots something that can be shoppedaround Jerome Sorg wanted confirmation that the City is not making money on the fees, that they were just to cover the cost of the Enforcement Officer. also increased from $300 to $400. for. service. Manager Fleming confirmed that was correct. Shane Schneider asked if an example of Police Recordings would be al hit and run, and insurance would want to see a video? Solicitor Lauren Brennen stated that it is more along the lines of an individual submitting a Right to Know Request instead of a Anthony Gregory made a motion to approve Resolution 24-26, seconded by Shane Schneider, and all were in favor. subpoena. Motion Passed 2025 Wage Schedule for Management Employees The 2025 Wage Schedule for Management Employees was presented for approval. Manager Fleming stated the following: benefits and had a slight larger increase at 5%. employees that do not receive benefits. Basically, by default, the increase in wages for Management Employees was 3%. There are two employees who waived City Nedward Jacob asked for clarification on why there are two 245 CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 Manager Fleming answered that those two employees declined City benefits because they receive benefits from their spouse's Anthony Gregory made a motion to approve the 2025 Wage Schedule for Management Employees, seconded by Nedward employer. Motion Passed Jacob, and all were in favor. Manager Fleming stated the following: Appointment of Director of Community and Economic Development "Council, through searches and applications, Iwant to recommend Matt Pfeufer to be the new Director of Community and Economic Development here at the City of St. Marys. Matt brings much experience in Community and Economic Development, especially through planning, zoning, and subdivision assessments. Also, he previously held the position of CDBG Coordinator for the County ofElk prior to coming to work for the City. His skills in planning, grant management, and stakeholder engagement provide him with the qualities needed toi move this department forward.Ibelieve that Mr. Pfeufer is the ideal choice to lead the department. Iwould like to request that City Council approve of his appointment to this Manager Fleming also stated that Matt Pfeufer agreed to keep working with zoning and subdivision, and a new Code Officer would be needed to fill the position he will be leaving. Anthony Gregory questioned what the pay schedule will look like for Matt Pfeufer and ifhe would be compensated for twoj positions. Manager Fleming stated he would be compensated for only the Director position currently, but that can be discussed in the future. Shane Schneider made a motion to approve Matt Pfeufer as Community and Economic Development Director, seconded by Mayor Garner congratulated Matt Pfeufer on his promotion. position." Motion Passed Anthony Gregory. All were in favor. 246 CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 Appointments to City Authorities, Boards, and Commissions BOARD NUMBER OF TERMS VACANCIES EXPIRING LETTERS RECEIVED FROM RECOMMENDED Benzinger Township Golf Authority (5-year term) 1 J.S Stephen Bagley J. Stephen Bagley J. Stephen Bagley Motion Passed Jerome Sorg made a motion to reappoint J. Stephen Bagley for a 5-year term, seconded by Nedward Jacob, and all were in favor. St. Marys Area Airport Authority (5-year term) Motion Passed StN Marys Area Water Authority (5-year term) Motion Passed Motion Passed St.) Marys Municiapal Authority (5-year term) Motion Passed Board of Health (5-year term) 1 Scott Bennett- - St. Robert Wittman Robert Wittman Marys position Jerome Sorg made a motion to appoint Robert Wittman for a 5- year term, seconded by Nedward Jacob, and all were in favor. 2 Michael Goetz William T. Gerg Michael Goetz Michael Goetz William T. Gerg William T. Gerg Shane Schneider made a motion to reappoint Michael Goetz for a 5-year term, seconded by Anthony Gregory, and all were in favor. Nedward Jacob made a motion to reappoint William T. Gerg fora 5- year term, seconded by Jerome Sorg, and all were in favor. 2 Thaddeus Sorg Thaddeus Sorg Thaddeus Sorg Shane Schneider made a motion to reappoint Thaddeus Sorg for a 5-year term, seconded by Joe Sarginger, and all were in favor. George Castellano, George Castellano, George Castellano, 1 MD MD MD 247 CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 Motion Passed Shane Schneider made a motion to reappoint George Castellano, MD for a 5-year term, seconded by Jerome Sorg, and all were in favor. Michael Gelsick Zoning Hearing Board (5-year term) Motion Passed Planning Commission (4-year term) 1 Michael Gelsick Michael Gelsick Shanea Ehrensberger Jerome Sorg made a motion to reappoint Michael Gelsick for a 5- year term followed by Shane Schneider, and all were ini favor. 3 Bruce Gerber Brian M. Fleming Bruce Gerber Shanea Ehrensberger Bruce Gerber Brian M. Fleming Brian M. Fleming Rebecca. A. Schatz Rebecca A. Schatz Rebecca A. Schatz Motion Passed Motion Passed Motion Passed Police Civil Service Commission (3-year term) Motion Passed Shade Tree Commission of the City of St. Marys (3-year term) Motion Passed Motion Passed Jerome Sorg made ai motion to reappoint Bruce Gerber for a 4-year term, seconded by Shane Schneider, and all were in favor. Jerome Sorg made a motion to reappoint Brian M. Fleming for a 4-year term, seconded by Shane Schneider, and all were in favor. Stephen Bagley made ai motion to reappoint Rebecca A. Schatz for a4 4-year term, seconded by Joe Sarginger, and all were in favor. 1 Derek Hansen Derek Hansen Ashley Gerg Shanea Ehrensberger Derek Hansen Shane Schneider made a motion to reappoint Derek Hansen fora a 3-year term, seconded by Joe Sarginger, and all were in favor. Clythera Hornung Clythera Hornung Clythera Hornung Robert M. Bauer II Robert M. BauerII Robert M. Bauerl II 2 Stephen Bagley made ai motion to reappoint Clythera Hornung for a3-year term, seconded' by Anthony Gregory, and all werei ini favor. Jerome Sorg made a motion to reappoint Robert M. Bauer II fora 3-year term, seconded by Joe Sarginger, and all were in favor. 248 CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION: Nedward Jacob stated that the owner of the West Wind restaurant proposed the idea of erecting a sign for the Industrial Park and he would like to add it to the next meeting agenda. Manager Fleming explained that the funds to cover the installation oft the sign were included in the City's 2025 budget. Joe Sarginger questioned where the sign would go. Manager Fleming stated the sign will be erected at the entrance off of Airport Road, but placement would be dependent on the size of the sign to ensure visibility and to not disturb the Airport fencing. Nedward Jacob asked Matt Pfeufer ifhe could look into a visibility issue with the airport's fence due to a complaint he heard about the intersection of South Michael and Airport Roads. Matt Pfeufer said he would look into the matter. Nedward Jacob also asked Manager Fleming for an update on the progress oft the pathway parallel to the highway. Manager Fleming stated that during this time of the year, it is difficult to assess because of the weather. It is a favorable project that will be submitted soon as soon as funding opens. The City wants to ensure the best material is used with the least amount of Nedward Jacob commented that in previous years, it was decided not to construct a pathway due to maintenance concerns. Manager Fleming responded that those opinions have changed. People now want the pathway and there is infrastructure in place for pedestrian walkability. It will be a great project and allow pedestrians to safely walk or bike off the highway. In addition, Nedward Jacob mentioned the need for the airport runway to be paved, which is a $2 million project. He stated that the Airport. Authority is already using $700,000 in funds, including airport improvement money, which goes through 2028, for the project. He explained that funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is not available for small airports such as Stephen Bagley questioned if paving the runway is a requirement maintenance. the one in St. Marys. at this time. 249 CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 Nedward Jacob explained that there is a test for the runway, and St. Marys Airport is on the lower end of the spectrum. 100% is a brand-new runway and St. Marys is at 34%, sO within the next 5 Jerome Sorg suggested that the Airport Authority look into whether any grants are available from the State Transportation Nedward Jacob cautioned that they need to be careful about the grants that are secured for the project because grants are: sometimes 50/50 or 75/25 and that is al lot of money to match. Manager Fleming indicated that the City will look into the matter years it will need to be completed. Authority. and see how they can help. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON There were no citizen comments on non-agenda topics. NON-AGENDA TOPICS COUNCIL COMMENTS Joe Sarginger, Stephen Bagley, Nedward Jacob, and Anthony Gregory wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Shane Schneider wished everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy Jerome Sorg wished everyone a Merry Christmas and extended a thank you to those who volunteer for the Authorities, Boards, and Commissions. He also mentioned that there is still one opening for Mayor Garner wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Mayor Garner made the following announcements: Year. New Year, and safe travels over the holidays. the Municipal Authority. New Year. ANNOUNCEMENTS Council will hold their next regular meeting on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Room at City Stephen Bagley made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Shane Schneider, and all were in favor. Meeting adjourned at Hall. ADJOURNMENT 7:43 p.m. 250 CITY OF SAINT MARYS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2024 lhkx Recording Secretary spasus