JOHNSTOWN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 13, 2024 City Council met in a stated session for the general transaction of business. Mayor Reverend King offered the invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Mayor Janakovic announced that a Workshop and Executive Session were. held prior Frank Janakovic called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. tot the commencement of the meeting. The following members of Council were present for roll call: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Ms. Huchel, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock (6). Absent: Mr. Capriotti (1). Ethan Imhoff, City Manager; Dennis R. Very, Esquire, Solicitor; Robert Statler, Fire Chief; James McCann, Assistant Fire Chief; Richard Pritchard, Police Chief; Jared Campagna, Public Works Director; Dave Williams, Codes Enforcement Manager; Tony Penna, Recreation Director; and Sara Williams, Executive Secretary were also present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mrs. Mock made ai motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of] February 14, 2024. The motion was seconded by Mr. Arnone and passed by the following Yeas: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, vote: Ms. Huchel (6). Nays: None (0) ROCLAMAIONSAWADS. HONORS, RESOLUTIONS OF RECOGNITION- Al Proclamation recognizing Clyde Williams for his service on the Civil Service Commission was read into the record as follows: One person of esteemed note was born in Sanford, Florida and moved to the Johnstown area when he was a teenager. Mr. Williams managed the. Johnstown Boys' League and played in the AAABA Tournament and received ai ring in 1958. Wednesday March 13, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 2of17 Mr. Williams was ai freelance photographer for the University of Pittsburgh and the Tribune Democrat. Mr. Williams also was the Chairman of deacons at his Mr. Williams donated to many local businesses and nonprofits in the Johnstown Now, Therefore, I, Mayor Frank J.. Janakovic, on behalfof] Johnstown City Council, honor Mr. Williams for his service to our city and thank his surviving family for his service. We commit to: remembering his honorable deeds for our city and hereby record him in the annals of. Johnstown history. In Witness Therefore, on the 13th day of March 2024, Ihereby do set my hand and cause the seal oft the City of Johnstown to be affixed, Frank J. Janakovic, Mayor of. Johnstown. The proclamation was accepted by Councilman Britt. church at St. James Baptist throughout his life. area. Mr. Williams loved his family and loved his church. (Round of Applause) Aj proclamation recognizing K-9. Jake was: read into the record as follows: The City of. Johnstown recognizes the need to preserve history and to celebrate those who serve in the: military and law enforcement. One person ofe esteemed note, Mark Smoot, and K-9. Jake, performed acts ofduty for the United States Mr. Smoot with his experience in the military for 17 years with. Jake and his service from 1966: and the end watch in 1975. Mr. Smoot and K-9. Jake served their country and the City of. Johnstown wants to thank and remember K-9. Jake. Now, Therefore, I, Mayor Frank J.. Janakovic, on behalf of City Council, honor Mr. Smoot and K-9. Jake for his service to our country and thank his surviving handler for his service. We commit to remembering his honorable deeds for our country forever and hereby record him in the annals of. Johnstown history. In Witness Therefore, on the 13th day of March, 2024, II hereby set my hand and cause the seal of the City of. Johnstown be affixed, Frank J.. Janakovic, Mayor of Mr. Smoot accepted the proclamation noting his career started at the age of19 working around the world in many countries, but the one with the most impact was. Jake, his first military working dog. He stated, at that time, he was not given the opportunity for them to rotate back with us and has lived with that guilt for over 50 years. Mr. Smoot indicated, in. July of2023, the United States Airl Force Military. Johnstown. Wednesday March 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 3of17 at Dover Air Force Base honored Jake with full military recognition. Mr. Smoot still does it today because it is the right thing to do all voluntarily out ofhis own pocket. He thanked the Mayor and Council for the proclamation. (Round of Applause) PUBLICC COMMENT-AGENDA ITEMS ONLY Charlene Stanton, 184 Sell Street, Johnstown, addressed Council regarding Bill No. 2, prohibition on tethering and declawing pets. She noted the ordinance would prohibit the decline of cats ini the City, and the Johnstown Police Mrs. Stanton commented that the JPD has enough to do without monitoring declawing of cats, and inquired if police would be going door to door finding out ifresidents own a cat and requesting to see the cat's claws. She further opined the ordinance would be unenforceable and the police should not be She referred to the Comprehensive Animal Cruelty Act 10, or Libre's Law, which was passed in. July of2017, which explains that a dog cannot remain outside for more than 30 minutes ift the temp is above 90 degrees or below 32 degrees, and it also addresses tethering restrictions. She commented there are bigger issues with regard to cats than prohibiting them to be declawed, including abandonment of stray cats and feral cats. Mrs. Stanton suggested allocation of City funds to ai nonprofit sponsor who holds free TNR clinics such as the Seven Hearts Project, contact the County Humane Society and contract for trapping and TNR services or start a voucher program for residents to take cats to be fixed. She will provide additional information Department would be enforcing the ordinance. tasked with its enforcement. regarding the TNR to those interested. Mrs. Mock noted al lengthy discussion was held at the recent Workshop regarding this matter, and more information will become available in the future. REPORTS CITY MANAGER: Ethan Imhoff, City Manager, provided an update on the RAISE Grant by noting he met with former PennDOT multimodal consultant, Jen Granger who is now working for WSP. He commented that Ms. Granger is very familiar with Johnstown having been multimodal secretary when the train statin engineering study was performed in 2020 and was instrumental in obtaining funding for Wednesday March 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 4of17 that project. Mr. Imhoffi noted Ms. Granger would be in town on March 25, 2024: for a site visit and to meet with the City, CamTran, JAHA and other local stakeholders. Mr. Imhoff reported the SCAPE design engineers will present the City with a 75 percent complete design plan on Friday, March 15, 2024. The City Manager noted receipt ofa $150,000 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development for the City's Comprehensive Plan, and RFPS for that plan will be released before the end oft the month. Eric Miller, Johnstown Fire Department, provided an update on the Firefighters' Memorial Park reporting that Barclay is working in conjunction with Penelec to get some issues sorted out, and digging should begin by the end of April, beginning ofN May for completion in September or October. He had a final Mr. Miller noted he and the Johnstown Fire Department Union will spearhead Operation Warm, formerly called Coats for Kids, with a goal of$10,000 to supply approximately 450 coats for the kids. They will work with the Johnstown Elementary School with regard to sizes and need. Coats would cost either $22 for a child or $25 for an adult size. Flyers with QR codes will be available for scanning and donating right to the Operation Warm site, which will keep a tally oft the total. Other means of donations are being considered such as corporate sponsorships and fundraisers. drawing available for review. Mr. Arnone requested information be sent to the American Legion on Main Street. There were further comments regarding the matter. Mr. Miller provided fliers, which contained information regarding the project. There was discussion regarding the status oft the Inclined Plane Project. Mr. Imhoff will contact Ms. Lucey-Noll and request information regarding the status. Ini response to a question regarding the RAISE grant, Mr. Imhoff explained the consultant would lead the City through the comprehensive planning process, setting goals and figuring out an action plan to accomplish those goals. There was discussion regarding an update to the City's website to make it more user friendly. Mr. Imhoff: noted staffis working on a listofimprovements for the website. Mrs. Mock suggested a community calendar be placed on the website. as soon as possible, and one person should be designated for that purpose. There was discussion regarding links and vendor information on1 the website. Wednesday March 13, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued MAYOR: 5of17 Mayor Janakovic noted his attendance at the recent Conemaugh ribbon cutting for the new cardiovascular unit. Upgrades to the ER waiting times are future plans. He noted his attendance at a recent event in Ebensburg withl Lieutenant Governor Davis for discussion of thel Main Street Project across Pennsylvania. The Mayor reported meeting with Artist Blacksmith's Association ofNorth America (ABANA), which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on June 6 and June 9, 2024 with a kickoffin Central Park. Mrs. Mock would like further information regarding Elm Street Projects. CITY SOLICITOR: Dennis Very, Esquire, Solicitor, Leventry, Haschak, & Rodkey, LLC, reported working on the following items, which include preparing notices for intention to file liens, preparation ofliens and filing once notice period has expired. He indicated that notice was sent to parties regarding the zoning board hearing scheduled for March 21, 2024. He noted meeting with the City Manager to discuss City issues such as employment matters, hej participated in the call with the City Manager regarding follow up to the February 2024 Council Meeting and upcoming issues and focused on variance matters, which included research oft the zoning code. Attorney Very explained that discussion continues regarding the amusement tax enforcement. CITY ENGINEER: Members were referred to the attached report. COUNCILI UPDATES/NEIHBORHOODLIAISONS: Mr. Britt had no report. Mr. Arnone, the City's. Johnstown Housing Authority representative, updated statistical information related to the population oft the public housing communities located within the City of. Johnstown, He reported that as of February 29, 2024, public housing population is 2,308; Section 8 voucher holders, 1,194, which amounts to a total of3,502. Currently 40 percent of Mr. Arnone indicated the Prospect relocations has affected the population statistics. Hei noted February 2, 2024 was the start date for repairs at the those living inj poverty in the City are being assisted, Wednesday March 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 6of17 Prospect Homes, which includes demolition insides the apartments and roof repairs. When residents can move back in has not yet been determined. Mr. Arnone indicated the apartment stoves would all be electric. He reported the On the Rise Family Self Sufficiency Program has entered its second year. HUD Pittsburgh Field Office Michael Horvath visited Johnstown on February 23 to present the. Johnstown Housing Authority with a check recognizing grant renewal. The program has 60 participants working towards becoming self-sufficient by increasing income, reducing dependency Mr. Arnone reported the Department of Housing and' Urban Development will utilize the new inspection standard this year known as National Standard for Physical Inspection ofl Real Estate (NSPIRE) and noted the first two places that were inspected were. Nanty Glo and Portage earning 96 out of100. As the City's representative on the GJWA, Mr. Arnone reported that as of the end of February 20241 the City was 68 percent pressure tested. The customer service department received 74: new service applications and 28 inactive accounts were activated during the month. Mr. Arnone indicated that one property did not comply with the 2023 annual backflow testing and is awaiting that testing. No accounts had tol be eliminated during compliance. He reported that during the month of February 2024 there were 24 service agreements, one: new All reservoirs are full and serving great water. Property liens will be addressed at the next GJWA meeting and would be done on a case-by-case Mr. Arnone noted the reservation for fee would be increased to $75 per month in. June, and possibly by the end of2024 may reach $100. Water lines would be capped for noncomplance. He noted information regarding available funds has been supplied to customers. A DEP extension may be likely for on welfare and housing assistançe. service contract. basis. municipalities but not for individuals. Ms. Huchel reported working with several groups on the animal crisis in the City including the Seven Hearts Project and Fat Cats Group, the Humane Society of Cambria County. She noted the Eighth Ward Neighborhood Group has been working on a TNR neighborhood grant. Ms. Huchel noted challenges include housing for the rescues during recovery as well as the lack of an animal control contract. Wednesday March 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 7of17 Ms. Huchel pointed out that Westmoreland County will be hosting its Third She thanked Mr. Imhoff for noting RFPs for the comprehensive plan would be going out. Ms. Huchel indicated that Jim Carthew, Chairman of the Planning Commission, has prepared an estimate ofthe renovations to the Public Safety Building, which might be worth comparing to the cost ofar new building. Regarding the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority Ms. Huchel referred She noted her attendance along with) her dog at the recent Pucks and Paws event where the Tomahawks and the Cambria Veterinary Carel held a The Ashley Jones exhibit currently at the Gallery on Gazebo will close on March 21, 2024. All were: invited to attend that free event. Ms. Huchel reported the Humane Society is awaiting response on a grant for Annual Blight Summit on April 18, 2024. members to a letter regarding updates. fundraiser for the humane society. purchase ofa a building on Franklin Street. Mr. Imhoffnoted application was submitted to the state for additional funds for the Public Safety Building and requests will be submitted to federal legislators for earmarks in 2024. Reverend King noted her attendance at the recent Commission on Poverty. She stated out of the 32 people signed up, 25 showed up, and the other 7 sent word as to why they could not attend, which she indicated shows how much people are invested in this issue. The next meeting will be held on March 21, 2024 at The next United Neighborhood Meeting will be held on April 4, 2024, 6:00 p.m. at Christ Centered Community Church. Dave Williams will bej present at that meeting regarding the scheduling of cleanup coordination dates. Reverend King had discussion of an article regarding Detroit's blight and what She referred toi information in the packet regarding Hope for Johnstown and community events that will start on. May 18, 2024 and throughout the rest of Christ Centered Community Church. helped the city turn around. the summer. Wednesday March 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 8of17 On March 30, 2024, a Showcase for Women's Events will be held at the Artwork Center to honor a few women. Mayor Janakovic noted his attendance at a conference this past summer in Detroit and referred to the City as "amazing and pieces have been put in place." Mrs. Mock reported a scoreboard for the Roxbury Hockey Rink will be donated by a former Roxbury resident. Other information regarding the rink will be given There has been fundraising and grant writing for new raised beds for the Laurel Avenue Community Garden. The trees grant willl help to replace some Mrs. Mock talked about a neighborhood project that involves al hold harmless by Mr. Penna in his report. trees, which have died. form signed by the owners. The Mayor noted the Chamber of Commerce changed a dinner date from last night to this evening due to a concert at the War Memorial. Hel has been inquiring of our congressmen and the newspaper as to why Breezeline alleges that FCC had made them remove Channel 41 noting hel has been receiving complaints from consumers regarding the matter. The Mayor recommended that everyone call and inquire about the matter. Mr. Arnone inquired about the length oft the Breezeline contract and whether it is due for renewal. Reverend King explain there wasi nothing the City could do because they owned the fiber optic line, that because of that, no one else could bid against them. Mayor Janakovic suggested the matter be reviewed further. PETITIONS: None ORDINANCES FOR FINAL READ AND ADOPTION BILLNO10F: 2024, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY,PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 5354. PASSED MAY31,2023 UPDATING THE FEE SCHEDULE OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWIN. passed by the following vote: Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock and Wednesday March 13, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 9of17 Yeas: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel (6). Nays: None (0). ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READ BILL: NO.2OF 2024 (TABLED), AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING PART 6, SECTION 614 OF THE CITY OF. JOHNSTOWN CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING. NEW SECTIONS 56 AND 57 PROHIBITING THE. DECLAWING AND TETHERING OF CATS; AND TO: PROHIBIT UNATTENDED DOGS AND CATS BEING LEFT OUTSIDE! DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER AND' TO DESIGNATE THE ENFORCEMENT TOTHE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN POLICE. Britt and passed by the following vote: Mrs. Mock made a motion to remove from table. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yeas: Mr. Britt, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone (6). Nays: None (0). Ms. Huchel made ai motion to amend the ordinance removing Part 6, Chapter 614, Section 56(a) and elevating Part B into Part A, which removes the declawing prohibition. Ms. Huchel commented she makes the motion "with a heavy heart" and addressed comments made by Mrs. Stanton whereby she characterized declawing cats as aj personal preference when it is actually considered an abusive practice and is illegal in multiple cities. Ms. Huchel noted that Mrs. Stanton stated the interpretation of this legislation was redundant to Libre's Law, but upon closer read, it actually fills gaps inl Libre's Law and no other part oft this legislation is redundant either to state law or to the City's ordinance regarding the matter. Ms. Huchel did agree that funds need to be allocated to TNR. Ms. Huchel made ai motion to amend the ordinance to remove Part 6, Chapter 614, Section 56(a) and elevating Part B into Part A, which removes the declawing prohibition. The motion was seconded by Mr. Arnone and passed by the Yeas: Mr. Britt, Mayor Janakovic, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone following vote: (5). Nays: Reverend King (1). Wednesday March 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 10of17 Reverend King made ai motion to withdraw the whole ordinance and start from Ms. Huchel made ai motion to adopt the ordinance as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Arnone and passed by the following vote: scratch. The motion died for lack of as second. Yeas: Mr. Britt, Mayor. Janakovic, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone (5). Nays: Reverend King (1). RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 105652 AI RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWIN, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TOSIGN A CONTRACT WITH! LECKEY DEMOLITION SERVICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,500.00 FOR CONTRACT #2023-11, CDBG STRUCTURE DEMOLITION PROGRAMTO! DEMOLISH EIGHT STRUCTURES THROUGHOUTTHE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN. Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock. Mrs. Mock inquired ift there was language in the contract regarding the type of fill used to make it easy to maintain. Mr. Imhoffwill write that language into the contract and the properties will bei inspected. Mr. Arnone suggested that once the properties are demolished, that neighbors should be asked whether they would like to purchase the properties. Mr. Britt commented that the contractor did al beautiful job on the Hornerstown property recently demolished. Mayor Janakovic commented that the contractor who demolished properties in the Coopersdale section did a great job also. The motion 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. Wednesday March 13, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued OLDI BUSINESS None 11of17 DEPARIMENTREPORIS 1. Public Works/Recreation Mr. Campagna reported wall repair on the tennis courts was started in February and should be completed by the end oft the week. Hei is compiling a list of 2024 paving projects commencing the end of summer and will provide that list for approval. There was discussion regarding a gas company restoration project on Locust Street. Mr. Campagna noted that cold patch could be applied while awaiting the opening of the asphalt plant. Reverend King inquired about the wall repair on Morgan Place. Mr. Campagna noted that he and Mr. Williams talked to the property owner and there may be a solution. Debris and tires were cleaned up on the property across the Prospect Bridge. He is working on locating a deed for aj property in Mrs. Mock noted the roof on the Laurel Avenue underpass is falling down and bricks are falling down. He will request that Penelec install a lighted sign Mr. Arnone commended Public Works staff for cleaning up around town. Mr. Campagna indicated that divots put in the road by a recent garbage truck accident under the Stone Bridge have not been fixed, but iti is a state road and itv would be up to them to repair. He noted the light at Laurel Avenue has been Mrs. Mock inquired about the blue lights on Roosevelt Boulevard and Broad Street. Penelec, who is responsible for those lights, has no clue how they were installed and they are: not Penelec specs. Mr. Campagna will investigate Hornerstown. indicating the height oft the underpass. repaired. the matter. for his report. Tony Penna, Recreation Director, referred members to their packets for information He reported hosting pony and colt baseball meetings. Anew Code ofConduct was created emphasizing that kids and assistant coaches do not call across to Wednesday March 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 12of17 each other, that the manager is ultimately in charge. Any incidents would be addressed by the umpire. Punishment was increased from one game to: maybe He noted favorable bids have been received for a total of ten concrete and wooden benches, eight for Roxbury and two for Somerset Street, which will Mr. Penna reported meeting with Representative Burns recently regarding matching funds for new bids for Roxbury. Matching funds is also being sought for the baseball group at] Roxbury. and new bids have been submitted. Mr. Penna noted backstops need addressed and a new scoreboard with as sound system is necessary when AAABA uses the park. Mr. Campagna is in dialog with the Dee Dee Osborne group regarding funding for that. Kids from the schools are available tol help out at the park. Grants from the Community Mr. Penna noted lighting on the first tennis court has been replaced, and the second court needs updated as well. He reported that. JWF is to work on fabricating ai new cover for the left field scoreboard at Sargent's Stadium. He April 6, 2024, is opening date for hockey at Roxbury and ai ribbon-cutting will be held, 3 20-minute games, one: middle school, one high school and one adult exhibition. The YMCA will have al hockey league and basketball league at the Mr. Penna indicated that meetings have begun concerning Rumble in the Valley, which will be a one-day affair held in Loraine Park and a some in the City, and in 2025, the stadium will bei included as part ofthe festivities. Mr. Arnone noted his attendance at the meetings as ai representative for the American Legion Riders, and three businesses involved include Woodside, two or three at the discretion of Recreation. be installed. Foundation and DCNR are possible. stated the sound system is "fantastic." park. Jim and Jimmies and the Stadium Pub. Representatives from the Mill Rats who were present at the meeting were Ryan Gindlesperger, Bart Vickroy, Michael and Jaclyn McKenry, Pittsburgh, Chad and Jill Gontkovic. Mr. Arnone suggested that different associations within the City be contacted to do memorials on the benches. Mr. Penna indicated that's something on the radar for next year. Wednesday March 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 13of17 Reverend King spoke about the Adopt a Playground program started by the United Neighborhood Group. Mr. Penna noted he is aware and will follow up. 2. Police Department Richard Pritchard, Police Chief, noted five applications were received, that one out of five applicants failed to show, one failed the physical and one: failed the written leaving two qualified candidates. He stated three officers in the academy will graduate in. June, but one officer will be lost in May. The Chief indicated another ad was placed in today's paper for a second list and included multiple testing dates including Saturdays. He is hopeful that five applicants The Chiefnoted hei is working on a chaplaincy program for any mental wellness matters that may arise in the department. Father Timothy Harris has volunteered to kick things off. He indicated that one would have tol be certified by the American Police Chaplain Association, and any ordained Chief] Pritchard discussed the license plate readers (LPRs) and Plate Smart, which provides service to Westmoreland and parts of Allegheny County and Northern Cambria, and once the program is up and running, the. JPD will be tied into all those other checkpoints to monitor drug trafficking from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Mrs. Mock: reported $35,000 has been received from the Community Foundation, and another $50,000: needed to be obtained. She indicated there may be $20,000 available, but another $30,000 is needed. will attend the academy in June. clergy would qualify. 3. Fire Department Robert Statler, Fire Chief, and. James McCann, Assistant Chief, presented before Council toj provide updates within the department. Chiefnoted the fire truck is expected tol be delivered the beginning ofMay. Assistant ChiefMcCann reported the training facility formerly housed on Iron Street is now located at Oak and Murdock Street. He noted that. JWF has completed installation oft the newi facility and it is operational. An RFP for fencing will be put out and bids will be opened next week. He reported a grant has been received from the State Fire Commissioners" Office to offset Assistant ChiefMcCann noted thel line available at the site is not big enough tos supply the facility with water, and ai meeting was scheduled with the costs. Wednesday March 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 14of17 Cambria-Somerset Water Authority regarding tapping into their line that crosses the trail on the other side of Solomon Run. He awaits aj price for the Assistant Chief McCann further noted the JPD and the County SERT Team project. have previously trained as well. 4. Finance Mr. Imhoffnoted that Mr. Ritter will retire on April 26, 2024 and ai new finance director, Melissa Millard, was hired and will start as the City's Finance Director on March 26, 2024. Ms. Millard is currently the Westmont Borough Administrator. Community Development 5. Mr. Imhoffn noted that Nina Ndichu was hired as the Community and Economic Development Director and will start in that position in April. 6. Code Enforcement Dave Williams, Codes Enforcement Manager, reported that inl February, 2024, 27 building permits and 96 code violations were: issued, 51 rental registrations were done and another 4 done this month as well, 81 to 101 business licenses and to date for 2024 approximately 100-plus plumbing licenses were issued. Mr. Williams noted that 13 ofthe 14 individuals who took the test for master Mr. Williams reported three seasonal individuals were hired and will start April 1,2024. Equipment isi in the process of getting ready to go. He noted speaking last night at the Woodvale Community Group and will speak at the United Neighborhood meeting on April 4 regarding the Pick-Up PA] project. Reverend King stated the playground will be one oft the topics that will be brought up. Mr. Williams will meet with Mr. Campagna and Mr. Mr. Williams reported that Codes would be attending the Westmoreland Mrs. Mock suggested that violations be monitored street by street. There was further discussion regarding how: rental code violations are addressed, how often inspections are done and the difficulty involved in doing LLCS. Mr. plumber and journeyman this past Saturday passed. Penna regarding that matter. Blight conference as well. Wednesday March 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 15of17 Williams noted meeting with Magistrate Subich and scheduling ai meeting with Attorney Very regarding the violations. There was additional discussion regarding the ordinance pertaining to the matter. Mr. Arnone explained therei is another billi in the State of Pennsylvania that al lien can be placed against an individual's home and not against the property, which was passed 40 years ago. Mr. Williams will explore that option. Mrs. Mock inquired about the machines in business establishments. The City Manager will provide that information to Council. He noted staffi has been visiting every establishment over the past month to inventory the number of machines, pool tables andj juke boxes. He indicated that final notices were then sent to those establishments that ifr not paid as of] Friday, March 15,2024, Mr. Arnone noted that it was brought up before that there is a large number of establishments that letters were not sent to that dol have these machine. The point ofhiring somebody from the outside to canvass each neighborhood with business licenses is to see ifthose machines were int those licensed premises. Mr. Imhoff explained that was not done due to the time element involved to hire someone. He would provide al list for Council to review and any additions tot the list would be sent al letter. Mr. Imhoffwas very confident that at least 901 to 95 percent oft the businesses in the City are on the list. Across enforcement measures would be put into place. reference will be done in the future. PUBLIC COMMENT: NON-AGENDA ITEMS Deacon Jeffrey Wilson, 170 Prospect Street, addressed Council regarding the Flood City Youth Fitness Academy located in downtown Johnstown. Deacon read a letter into the record and attached a stocking horse agreement for the sale of the former Atrium Manor. He was seeking the support oft the Johnstown City Council as he will be bidding against the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority Deacon Wilson noted, "it's al blessing" that more than one entity is interested in the. Atrium Manor and further noted the Academy counts on the partnerships it has throughout the City. He commented the Academy has been able to increase the proficiency of reading and math requirements for students Deacon Wilson stated the. Atrium Manor location gives the Academy the opportunity to expand its campus including its 56 employees, an for acquisition oft that facility. who attend. Wednesday March 13,2024, Stated Meeting, continued 16of17 approximately 1501 to 220 children daily. He asked Council toj provide al letter ofs support in favor of the. Academy. Oscar Cashaw, 200 Lincoln Street, addressed Council as owner and operator of Flood City Youth Fitness Academy advocating on behalfo ofthe youth ofthe community. He commented the Academy "just needs more space" and how someone else had the opportunity to bid on the property, and he did not know he also had that opportunity. Mr. Cashaw asked for Council's support in the matter. community. Mayor. Janakovic thanked Mr. Cashaw and noted his work was appreciated in our Melissa Komar, Executive Director, Johnstown Redevelopment Authority, 416 Main Street, commented on Deacon Jeff's and Mr. Cashaw's public comments regarding what opportunities there can be with the Atrium Manor acquisition. Mrs. Komar clarified that the Atrium Manor was vacant for a1 time, went through al local auctioneer and then moved on to bankruptcy court. She stated, throughout that time, JRA was not interested in thej property, but it was more that this property needed tol be brought back into reuse in some way. She stated a group: reached out to the JRA, and the asbestos survey and quotes fori improvements were completed by that group and not the. JRA. She discussed funding opportunities that were available including the Brownfield funding, which was applied for to remove tanks at the bus barn owned by JRA and excess dollars from that Brownfield funding could be utilized to remove the asbestos in properties for economic development projects. Pert the stalking horse agreement JRA did not confirm whether this money could be used regardless of who the winner might be, that there's still aj process that JRA will have to go through withl EPA because it was not written into the original grant Mrs. Komar indicated that JRA would work with whatever organization acquires the property on Friday and present their economic development plan tol EPA because EPA would like to see economic development projects moved toi the top and not utilize those dollars for an Actl or Act2. She noted that JRAI has shown true job numbers and economic development impact ini the City and this would be another great project "regardless of who acquires the application. property." Mrs. Komar clarified that anyone can bid on this property in bankruptcy court on Grant Street in] Pittsburgh. She stated the postings are still on1 the window. Wednesday March 13, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 17of17 Quan Britt, Community Development Director, Vision Together 2025 and program manager, Hope for. Johnstown. Mr. Britt invited Council to come out to upcoming community events and "see what's going on" and learn about the people involved. Event dates were provided. Executive board meetings are scheduled for 12:00 and board meetings are scheduled for 2:00. Ryan Gindlesperger, part owner ofthe. Johnstown Mill Rats Team, noted the group submitted a donation to Richland Township for LPRs and will donate to the City in the amount of$1,000 towards the LPR project. He suggested that a fund be set at the Community Foundation for others to donate. Mr. Gindlesperger noted that it was theiri intention to sign a short-term lease with the City for this season, but after signing that, would like to begin discussions about al long-term arrangement. The group would like to "bring dollars to the table" for improvements to the stadium. Michael McKenry, part owner, introduced himself and commented he is not a resident, but feels "like Johnstown's taken a big piece of my heart." He played in the AAABA at the Point Stadium in' '04. He stated he "wants to help this town" and knows that these people that he's teamed up with "have the City's best interests." Mr. McKenry indicated the "Point Stadium is an advantage. Johnstown has." He had further discussion regarding tournaments that could be held at the stadium, including an MLB event on its 100th anniversary. Mayor Janakovic commented that Council would like to get together at the stadium for further discussion. RECESS/ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 8:03 p.m. The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.