JOHNSTOWN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 13,2024 City Council met in a stated session for the general transaction oft business. Mayor Frank Janakovic called the meeting to order at: 5:58 p.m. Mr. Britt offered the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Mayor. Janakovic noted anl Executive Session with regard to personnel was held prior tot the commencement ofthis meeting. AJ Budget Workshop was also held. The following members of Council were present for roll call: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Artl Martynuska, City Manager; Dave Andrews, Esquire, Solicitor; Sara Williams, Executive Secretary; Robert Statler, Fire Chief, Melissa Millard, Finance Director; Jennifer Burkhart, Accounting Assistant; Nina Ndichu, Economic Development Director; Officer David Price; Tony Penna, Recreation Director; and Robert Forcey, Executive Director, Vision' Together 2025, were also Ms. Huchel (7). present. APPROVALOF) MINUTES Mr. Arnone made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 9, 2024. Thei motion was: seconded by Mr. Britt and passed by the: following Yeas: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King, Ms. Huchel, Mrs. Mock (7). vote: Nays: None (0). PROCLAMATIONS. AWARDS. HONORSRESOLUTONS OFI RECOGNITION None. PUBLIC COMMENI-AGENDAITEMSONEY None. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued REPORTS CITY MANAGER 2of14 Art Martynuska, City Manager, referred Council members to his budget message for 2025 to review. He thanked staff who assisted him with the budget process. He noted a Veteran's Day Parade and Halloween Parade were held, both of The City Manager looked forward to working with Council and staff on all which he called' "well done." projects. MAYOR Mayor Frank. Janakovic commended Ms, Ndichu and all involvedi in the recent Unity ini the Park presentation. He and a few Council members attended the JWF Industry's ribbon cutting on Mayor. Janakovic noted speaking during campaigns throughout the City, Hei noted his attendance at thel Halloween Parade and thanked all who sponsored, supported, and participated in that parade. ofEducation, at Eastside Elementary School in October. He also met with Senator Casey prior to the election. Cramer Pike with Mr. Polacek and his staff. including President Clinton. Mayor. Janakovic attended. a visit by Dr. Cindy Martin, U. S. Deputy Secretary The Mayor noted his attendance at the Cambria County Housing Summit at Aces Lounge in Cambria City to address homelessness and! housing stock He did a welcome introduction for about 301 Harvard Loeb Fellows, a group of mid-career urban planners from all over the world, who study how cities rebuild themselves. They chose to come to. Johnstown. Approximately 50 students and 10 faculties from Columbia Urban Design Program were welcomed to. Johnstown, tol learn about the Rust Belt and throughout Johnstown as well as the county. revitalization strategies and providing pointers. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 3of14 The Mayor and JRA's Executive Director Komar are optimistic that two local entrepreneurs hoped to open a small grocery and food: shop on Main Street across from Central Park. CITY SOLICITOR Dave Andrews, Solicitor, reported there were two tax assessment appeals in litigation that the City is contesting. One is JPN Holdings (the Atrium building), and a pretrial conference is scheduled for this Monday, November 18, 2024 with Judge Kiniry. Another one: is the Rasheed Deeb appeal, 142 Walnut Street, the old] FNB building, and ani initial conference is scheduled for December 20, 2024, with Judge Kiniry. CITY ENGINEER No report. COUNCIL UPDATESNEIGIBORIBORIOODLIAISONS Deputy Mayor Capriotti noted his attendance at the Unity event and the Halloween Parade. He will provide further comment during the meeting motions. Mr. Britt reported his attendance at the JWF event as well as Veteran's Day events Mr. Arnone thanked the City for ajob well done on the Veteran's Parade and considered it the "best one we've ever had." The. American Legion group passed out flags. The group gave away $100 worth of candy during the Mr. Arone, as representative oft the Johnstown Housing Authority, provided statistical information related to the population oft the public housing communities within the City of Johnstown. As of September 30, 2024, the total population oft thej public housing community was 2,403, and the Section 47j percent oft the peoplel living inj poverty in the City of. Johnstown were being assisted. The Prospect relocation affected thej population statistics. He reported no set dates on when families will bei invited back tol Prospect, but there had been no time delays as contractors are working on interior finishes. downtown. Halloween Parade. 8v voucher population was 1,101. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 4of14 Hei reported. JRAn recently received: al Best Practices Award from the Pennsylvania Association of] Housing and Redevelopment Authority (PAHRA) for collaborative training employment program with partners JARI, Penn Highlands, and PA Career Link, the first such award received by JHA JHA was awaiting ai response from HUD regarding steps for the choice neighborhood planning grants, which may include aj physical site visit by the end ofthe 2024. Expected to be considered during the process are: ideas prepared by the students who visited from Columbia University reçently to discuss resources in our area and explore new initiatives for the City of since 2006. Johnstown. Mr. Arnone, as representative on the Greater Johnstown Water Authority, reported the customer service department received 111 new: service applications for properties. 26 inactive accounts were reactivated during the month ofOctober 2024. There were four service: renewals and three main line services completed. Five out ofs six variations ofl lead service letters were recently sent to 9,700 customers. He noted that President. Biden mandated that in 10 years, all lead line services needed to be removed to the home's meter. There was no expense to the property owner or the City of Johnstown. GJWAisI making ag grant application regarding the matter. Staff from the GJWA will verify Pressure testing is currently at approximately 70, 71 percent. Mrs. Mock reported the West End Improvement Group held a successful annual whether ori noti iti is al lead line. basket party. improvement grant. Next on1 the agenda the group willl be working on ai neighborhood Mr. Arnone noted the Minersville Playground was completed. A few pieces of playground equipment was purchased with leftover money. He commended Reverend King reported having the opportunity to attend a banquet in honor ofN Ms. the group on al beautiful job. Linda Thomson. She noted her attendance at the. JWF ribbon cutting, the Veteran's Day Parade, the Unity event, and thel Harvard Loeb Fellows session. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 5of14 Reverend King met with the United Neighborhood Group and discussed completing a neighborhood analysis for eachi neighborhood. Reverend King and the Poverty Commission met with thel local Department of Public She noted being honored to recently receive a community award from Vision. Welfare. Reverend King noted attending a community resource fair. Ms. Huchel reported on also participating int the Loeb. Fellow Columbia event. Current Loeb: fellowship and Loeb. alumni werei in attendance, so notj just mid- career professionals but those who are top housing experts in the country. Remote meetings are scheduled. Columbia students reviewed some projects She noted the Johnstown Symphony had a great season opener and captured the steel industry with: music. A candlelight concert will bel held this Saturday, November 16, 2024, in the Grand Halle. The. Johnstown Animal Welfare Society recently held a successful basket party. Volunteers are always welcome to. help make services accessible to the community. The City budget may allocate funds devoted to animal welfare, and aj program would be needed regarding who is qualified to receive those She also commented the Unity event, the Veteran's. Day Parade, and Ms. Huchel, as ai member of. JRA, reported transitions ofl land bank properties continue. She: noted that outstanding water and sewer liens may provide circumstances that JRAis forgiving thel liens, but the GJWA: may not be. Inframark, operations and maintenance for JRA, is considering the installation ofa SCADA system, which helps to automate the chemistry ofthes sewer and Ms. Huchel noted her attendance at aj recent Woodvale meeting regarding some upcoming demolitions int that neighborhood and making sure some and provided: ideas. funds. Halloween Parade were a great success. would save money on chemicals and repairs. properties can bes saved before demolition. PETITIONS None. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 6of14 ORDINANCES FOR FIRSTREAD. AND ADOPTION AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE. AN. ALLEY KNOWN AS CROATIAN ALLEY ADJACENT TO612) BROAD. STREET IN. JOHNSTOWIN, PENNSYLVANIA, AS A PUBLICTHOROROUGHFARE. Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mr. Capriotti. Mr. Arnone explained the alley is between the Croatian Hall and the park on Broad Street. An individual came out the door on the alley side and almost got hit by a car, which is why they want to make it ai non-traffic area. The City Manager noted Council was: misspelled on the document. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King, Ms. Huchel, Mrs. Mock (7). Nays: None (0). AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE SALARIES AND WAGES TO: BEI PAID ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND BUREAUS OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWNFOR THE CALENDAR YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY1,2025. Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock and passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Amone (7). Nays: None (0). AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZINGLEVY AND. ASSESSMENT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES ON PROPERTY SITUATED IN" THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, AND FURTHER PROVIDING FOR THE: IMPOSITION OF CERTAIN. DISCOUNTS AND PENALTIES EPECTIVEJANUARYI, 2025. Mr. Mock made ai motion to approve. The: motion was: seconded by Mr. Arnone. Mrs. Mock commended Ms. Millard, Finance Director, and staffi forajob well done ont the budget and noted there would be no tax increase for this year. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued The motion passed by the following vote: 7of14 Yeas: Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt (7). Nays: None (0). ORDINANCES FOR FINAL READ AND ADOPTION AN ORDINANCE TO PARTIALLY VACATE AN. ABANDONED ALLEY BETWEEN 152. AND 160 WESS STREET INJOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, AS Al PUBLICTHOROROUGHFARE. Mrs. Mock and passed by thei following vote. Mr. Arnone made a: motion to approve the ordinance. The: motion was seconded by Yeas: Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti (7). Nays: None (0). AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE DOLPHIN PLACEI BETWEEN 1321 AND 1323 TENNESSEE, AVENUE. INJOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, ASA A PUBLICT THOROUGHFARE. passed by the following vote: Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock and Yeas: Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic (7). Nays: None (0). RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 105682 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWIN, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING AND. DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER AND/OR. ANY OF HIS: DESIGNEES TO: ENTER INTO. AND TOI EFFECTUATE. A CONTRACT WITH WHOLESALE ENERGY COMPANY FOR THE PURPOSE OF] DISCOUNTED BLECTRICITY. Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Ms. Huchel. Thisisacontinuation ofap previous contract. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued The motion passed by the: following vote: 8of14 Yeas: Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King (7). Nays: None (0). Resolution' No. 105683 ARESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWIN, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING' THE CITY MANAGER AND/OR. ANY OF HIS DESIGNEES TO. MAKE IMPROVEMENIS TO1 THE WOOD STREETI PARK. AND SKATB PARK, THE SKATEPARK ONJSTREET AND THE POINT STADIUM OUTFIELD. THE CITY HAS REVIEWED AND WISHES TO. ACCEPT THE. PROPOSAL OF THE: EADS GROUP FOR CIVIL: ENGINEERING Mr. Arnone made a motion to approve. The motion was: seconded by Mr. Britt and FOR THESE PROJECTS. 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. 105684 A. RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPROVING. Al LOTI MERGER OF3E EXISTING: PROPERTIES ALONG IOLITE AVENUE. Mrs. Mock made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mr. Arone. Ms. Huchel noted the lot merger received approval from the Planning Commission. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, MayorJanakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel (7). Nays: None (0). Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 9of14 Resolution No. 105685 AI RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER AND/OR ANY OF HIS DESIGNEES TO. ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF RICHARD PRITCHARD SUBMITTED ON OCTOBER 23, 2024 WHICH WAS: EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded' by Mr. Britt. Attorney. Andrews explained the City Manager is authorized to accept the resignation and City Council can ratify that action' but it's not: required. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Amone (7). Nays: None (0). Resolution No. 105686 ARESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO: EXECUTE ALLDOCUMENIS REQUIRED1 TOSIGN AN AGREEMENT WITHJOHNSTOWNI FAMILYENTERTAINMENTTO USE SARGENT'S STADIUM. FORTHE. JOHNSTOWNMILLRATS Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was: seconded by Mr. Britt. TEAM: INTHE PROSPECTLEAGUE. It was noted this is for the 2025 season. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt (7). Nays: None (0). Resolution No. 105687 AI RESOLUTION OF CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, ENTERINGI INTOAN AGRBEMENT WITH ASPIRE GRANT. AND DEVELOPMENTTO Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 10of14 PROVIDE GRANT SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TOTAKE. ACTIONS: NECESSARYTO. EFFECTUATE SAME. Mr. Capriotti made ai motion to approve, The motion was seconded by Mr. Arnone. Mrs. Mock suggested it might be more appropriate ifi it was aj percentage oft the grant received agreed upon by both parties. It was noted some grants will not: allow to: split a percentage. Mrs. Mock made ai motion to table. There was no second to the motion. The motion to approve as read passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti (6). Nays: Mrs. Mock (1). NEW BUSINESS None OLDBUSINESS None. DEPARTMENT REPORTS 1. Community Development Ninal Ndichu, Community Development Director, reiterated the presence of the Columbia students and Loeb fellows in the City, who sent presentations regarding housing, art, and a waterfront accessibilityl hybrid system for public housing. Anyone interested in seeing those were asked to contact. Ms. November 1,2024, a meeting was. held with all department heads regarding recommendations for gathering additional data. A table was set up at the Unity event on November 2nd, 2024, and approximately 200 survey responses were received from community members. The survey is available in City Hall ifa anyone is interested. There are weekly check-ins with thet team every Ndichu. Thursday, 8:30 a.m. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 11of14 Aj professional assessment was received on. August 15, 2024, regarding the Public Safety Building. The estimated cost is approximately $10.78 million to $12.661 million. Quotes received for construction ofar newi three-story building were between $16.7: million and $20.2 million due to space limitations, FEMA requirements, and topographical issues. Her recommendation is still "we can do something for this building," and suggested some renderings or designs to envision how this building would Mayor Janakovic suggested meters for the parking lot across the street from the Ms. Ndichu: noted assessments were done for the two fire stations. The. Ash Street Fire Station cost ofr rehabilitation would bel between $130,000 and $195,000. The West End Fire Station rehabilitation would be approximately $590,000 and $845,000. There was discussion with regard to moving that particular fire station to al new location that already has the inside build, so the cost may not Ms. Ndichu reported meeting with WSP tor review the current status oft the RAISE grant project. The consultants have met with JAHA and finalized a project description, which is being reviewed by FTA1 to provide feedback. Thej project may be delayed until Summer. An RFP will be sent outi for construction administration part oft the project early in 2025. She reported 100 people submitted for the RFQ. Anyone interested in sitting on the art panel should contact Ms. Ndichu. High school and UPJ students AT Title VIcoordinator is still needed as part oft the RAISE grant project. Itis necessary that CamTran and JAHA have a' Title VI program. The coordinator position will perform monitoring, reporting, policy implementation, any required education and training, documentation and recordkeeping, and community relations. It can be attached to someone who has already been Ms. Ndichu noted her attendance at a Community Transformation Workshop inl Iowa where strategy oft transforming the downtown areai focusing on economic mobility was discussed. Community serving and place making are two strategies, which will tiei in with the RAISE grant goals. Many residential programs, on hold since 2019, have been reinstated, including thel Healthy Homes initiative to: make sure everyone has access to look. Public Safety Building. bet that high. will bei invited to become part oft the project. hired by the City. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 12of14 radon mitigation, lead abatement, carbon monoxide detections, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and asbestos removals. She referred to al listo of She reported coordinating with the Center for Population Health to ensure that lead abatement services are available: for the community and is working with the Greater Johnstown Landlord. Association regarding the matter. Ns. Ndichu reported receiving feedback regarding the Home. ARP and stated funds cannot be awarded just yet as additional technical assistance needed to bej provided to Victim Services and the Women's Health Center for them to receive their packages in compliant with HUD rules. Feedback will be She discussed state-funded facade programs. She reported Unity in the Park hosted by the City was held on November 2, 2024, and attended by 300 people. She thanked stakeholders, those from Vision, and sponsors for their The Economic Empowerment Centerisa aj program Ms. Ndichu developed for entrepreneurship focus. She explained how the program assists with coaching and making sure the process is transparent, effective, and fair. Ms. Ndichu discussed working with Penn Highlands on thel Local Climate Action Program (LCAP) program on data collected by the Greater homes completed or under construction. provided after an upcoming meeting. support. More sponsors are anticipated for 2025. Johnstown Water Authority. There was further discussion regarding the Title VIjob description. Mr. Capriotti inquired ift there was some criteria that says this falls on the City as one oft the RAISE grant recipients. Ms. Ndichu noted the City is the grant recipient, and an entity like CamTran is a subrecipient. 2. Code Enforcement -No Report 3. Police Department Officer Dan Price reported four cadets were, going through the academy and will graduate the end ofNovember 2024. An additional academy will start in Officer Price noted department staff! has been working events ini the City including the Halloween and Veteran's Day Parades, and the Clinton visit. He stated, in December, officers, along with the fire department and the Cambria January 2025, and three cadets will enter at that time. Wednesday November 13, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 13of14 County SERTteam, will participate in the. Johnstown First Responder Christmas on December 17,2024. Donations are being accepted. 4. Fire Chief ChiefRobert Statler reported work on the training site continues with negotiating with the Cambria Somerset Authority regarding the waterline. Hose and pump apparatus have passed testing, and rigs are kepti in good shape with good maintenance, which costs less to maintain them. He noted that Levergood Street is currently closed due to the facade collapsing on Buck's Hobby last week. The building willl be assessed by the owner. Mr. Capriotti commented that barricades are: not stopping pedestrian traffic in the parking lots. Chief Statler suggested the: facade bei removed, but we, as the City, cannot stepi in and do anything. The owner has 30 days to comply. Finance 5. Mayor. Janakovic noted a budget workshop was held prior to this meeting. 6. Public Works Tony Penna, Recreation, reported, after meeting with the City Manager, it was concluded toj propose an RTF for the stadium for ai management agreement. He: noted being fortunate to take care ofthe turf all these years but indicated Mr. Penna referred to thel Mill Rats contract for review. He noted, after meeting with the City Manager, this is a one-year contract and changes would He stated one ofthe confusing pieces with the Mill Rats is AAABA took over some oft the advertising that week. Ameeting was. held with Bishop) McCort, UPJ, and the Mill Rats regarding having the AAABA grandfathered in. Mr. Penna noted two big major areas of concern, thej padding which can be donei inj phases in a completely brick stadium. A second concern is the pitch clock, which is not required yet but may be coming in the future. He noted it isaclock that the umpire can manage, and there is as subscription involvedi in that. He has been looking at different models, which are pretty pricy. the turflife is approximately 10 years. be necessary going forward. Wednesday November 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 14of14 Mr. Penna opined there will bei interest regarding ai management agreement and asked City Council and the City Manager to determine ifit was ai matter ofinterest. PUBIICCOMMENTNONTNONAGENDAITEM Robert Forcey, Executive Director, Vision Together 2025, referred members to information regarding a taxi rebate program. He stated the Main Street Manager position can bei funded through this program, and an advisory committee, including the City, JRA, Discover Downtown, Visit. Johnstown, and. JARI, will help manage this position. The committee came up with ajob description and started recruiting fori it. He noted 15 different resumes have been received so far, and al hiring committee will help review resumes. Mr. Forcey mentioned houses will be built with a goal tol have the first one He referred to three different grant programs, including the Home Repair Grant, $50,000 ay year for six years; Facade Grant program, $50,000 for six years; and a New Business Recruitment Grant program. A wayfaring finding sign program mentioned in the Roger Brooks International Study was actually put into place in 2005. He suggested working with local vendors to replace the signs ini town. He: noted contracting with al local landscaping company in the amount of $15,000 a year, which will: mow identified blighted property lots. He commented that nine companies contributed to the program, $3 million over the six years, $500,000 per year. Some oft the businesses want to remain Mr. Forcey indicated quarterly meetings are obligated to bel held. He noted subrecipient grants are: not] permitted per. DCED, but the grants are good for the entire City ofJohnstown, but qualifies if defined in the City limits. built by. June of2025. anonymous. RECESS/ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting concluded at' 7:06 p.m. The next Council Meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.