JOHNSTOWN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 10, 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. The following members of Council were present for roll call: Frank Janakovic called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Ms. Huchel, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Ethan Imhoff, City Manager; Alex Ashcom, Assistant City Manager; Robert Ritter, Finance Director; Randall C. Rodkey, Esquire, Solicitor; Robert Statler, Fire Chief; Richard Pritchard, Police Chief; Jared Campagna, Director, Public Works; AND Dave Williams, Codes Enforcement Manager, were also in Mrs. Mock (7). attendance. Mayor Jankovic: noted for the record that an Executive Session was held after the Council meeting on. January 2, 2024, with regard toj personnel matters. APPROVALOFI MINUTES Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve the! Regular Meeting Minutes of December 13, 2023. The motion was seconded by Mr. Capriotti and passed by the following Yeas: Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, vote: Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt (7) Nays: None (0) ROCLAMATOASAWARDS HONORS. RESOLUTIONS OF RECOGNITION- Al Proclamation recognizing Charles Gundlach will be read into the record at the next meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT-AGENDA ITEMSO ONLY None REPORTS Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued CITY MANAGER: 2of13 Ethan Imhoff, City Manager, reported four interviews will be conducted for the Director, Community Economic Development position. He noted a meeting was: recently held with the PennDOT Deputy Secretary, Multi-Modal Transportation for discussion oft the RAISE grant. PennDOT will provide administrative support for the grant to the City and its project partners. Mr. Imhoff called this a' "big win for the City." An agreement will be formalized for all projects, including the train station, Main Street project, He noted a discussion at the last Planning Commission meeting regarding the grant secured from the Department of Community and Economic Development for the City's comprehension plan. Ar representative was present to answer questions regarding the comprehensive planning process. A committee composed oft the Planning Commission, Council, and staff members will be assembled regarding the selection process for a consultant for that plan. Reverend King and Mrs. Mock volunteered to serve on that Mr. Imhoffi introduced Ralph Forcey from Vision Together 2025, who provided an update on its] planning process, which goes "hand-in-hand" with transit center, and inclined plane. committee. the City's comprehensive plan. Robert Forcey, Executive Director, Vision Together 2025, noted that on February 19 and 20, 2024 a strategic planning session will bel held at the Holiday Inn downtown. He verbally invited City Council and staff to attend, but noted a formal invitation would be sent. Reverend King commented that she appreciates Vision considering the City's vision, Mrs. Mock reiterated her suggestion of scheduling sessions after 5:00 p.m. as most Mr. Forcey indicated that all of 2024 involves planning. He noted one oft the local nonprofits was considering hiring a compliance officer for all available grants. Tree planting projects were discussed. A committee allowing for public input will be formed. Mr. Forcey noted for the record, "we're not putting anything ina anybody's yard that they don't want." Mr. Forcey indicated that written into that we are "all working together" for one cause. people work until then. Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 3of13 the grant was two years of maintenance on every tree put into the ground. He Mrs. Mock asked Mr. Forcey toj post this information update on the website. Reverend King suggested utilizing some leaders from the United welcomed feedback. Neighborhood Groups to provide input. Mr. Capriotti inquired ifthere would be some way to create ai more public forum. Mr. Forcey responded by noting that every quarter ai report would be drafted regarding efforts put into the area. removal the past few days. Mr. Imhoff commended Mr. Campagna and thel Public Works Department on snow PUBLIC COMMENT: AGENDA ITEMS ONLY Eric Reighard, 320 Main Street, presented before Council for an update regarding the State Theater Minor Subdivision Plan. He noted the theatre, built in 1926, became an available project, which he saw as an opportunity to enter into entrepreneurship, save a historic building, and bring in new and exciting Mr. Reighard provided al history of the theatre starting in 1926. He commented that it was. his desire to bring hope back to this region for young people. Hei thanked Council for their timely efforts regarding the subdivision opportunities to the area. plan. Mayor Janakovic commended Mr. Reighard for his efforts and urged everyone attend events or showings at the theatre. MAYOR: Mayor Janakovic: noted his attendance at Celebration Johnstown activities on New Year's Eve. He commended Mrs. Mock, Ms. Howarth, Mr. Slezak and others for their efforts toj put the event together, which brought many people downtown. He noted the opportunity to speak as ai reader at the recent Lessons and Carols The Mayor reported recent meetings with the City Manager on Council service at the Grand Halle in Cambria City. matters and as Council's representative. Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 4of13 He reported receiving an invitation to the Governor's residence over the Holidays, along with mayors from across the state and others, which gave him an opportunity to speak directly to the Governor and thanked him for all he was doing for the. Johnstown community. CITY SOLICITOR: Information will be provided under Resolutions. CITY ENGINEER: Members were: referred to the attached report. COUNCILUPDATESNEIGHBORIOODLIAISONS: Mrs. Mock reported the West End Improvement Group is working on two grants for additional work at the community garden and other work through the United She expressed her appreciation oft the volunteers at the recent Celebration Johnstown event on New Year's Eve and commended churches and businesses Neighborhoods for the West End community. that stayed open for the festivities. Reverend King thanked the community for making Christ Centered Community Church's 14th Annual Christmas Dinner a huge success. She noted Christ Centered Community Church participated in Celebration Johnstown and thanked Mrs. Mock and Ms., Howarth for the invitation. Reverend King indicated January 31, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. was the tentative date for the next United Neighborhood meeting. Ms. Huchel recommends the Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert on Sunday January 14, 2024 held by the. Johnstown Symphony Orchestra at the Johnstown High She noted attendance at the meetings with those who work in animal welfare and invited anyone who has a concern regarding the matter to contact her. School Auditorium. Mr. Capriotti had no report. Mr. Britt commended Mr. Campagna and Public Works for their cleanup efforts during the recent snowfall. Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 5of13 Mr. Arnone, the City's. Johnstown Housing Authority representative, updated statistical information related to the population of the public housing communities located within the City of. Johnstown. He reported that as of December 31,2023, the public housing population was 2,232; Section 8 voucher holders, 1,180, which amounted to ai total of3,412. Currently 45 percent of those living inj poverty in the City were being assisted. Mr. Arnone indicated the Prospect relocations affected the population statistics. He noted the Housing Authority was proceeding with repairs in the Prospect Homes. Sealed bids for electric and plumbing would be open on Section Eight Program was assisting over 100 more families than this time last year. 862 families currently participate in this program, and residents are able ton make a quality home from aj private landlord with Section Eight rental assistance. Section Eight leased out 862 of 960 or 90 percent, the City has January 16, 2024. 504, County 310, 48 outside the County. As the City's representative on the GJWA, Mr. Arnone reported that as oft the end of November 2023 the City was 66 percent pressure tested. The Customer Service Department had received 128 new service applications, and 35 inactive accounts were reactivated during that month. He noted the completion of 6: service renewals, and 129: fire hydrants were winterized. Over 1,936 sewer: mains were, jetted, and 12,699 feet of the main was In the recent months, 42 pressure tests were completed for a total of5 573 for the year thus far. Currently there was one active overflow in the system. All Mr. Arnone noted the City will address approval for maintenance of 100 fire hydrants by the Johnstown Fire Department at its next meeting. Mrs. Mock inquired ofMr. Imhoff the costs savings against the RAISE grant with PennDOT's assistance. He noted the cost savings was hundreds of thousands of dollars. but the details oft the contract still need to be worked out. inspected. reservoirs are: full and water quality was great. PETITIONS: None Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 6of13 ORDINANCES FOR FINAL READ AND ADOPTION None ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READ None RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 105644 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWIN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPOINTING LEVENTRY, HASCHAK AND RODKEY AS THE SOLICITOR FOR THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN. Mr. Arnone: made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Reverend King and passed by the following vote: Yeas: Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic (7) Nays: None (0) Mayor Janakovic welcomed the law firm. Mr. Rodkey introduced himself to Council and thanked all for their confidence in the firm. Heintroduced associate Dennis Very. who would be the most familiar face on Council, but stated full resources oft the entire firm would be provided. Resolution No. 105645 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWIN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPROVING A MINOR SUBDIVISION OF TWO PARCELS ON MAIN STREET IN THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN. Mr. Arnone made a motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock. Ms. Huchel indicated the Planning Commission vote and passed this unanimously and had been considered previously. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 7of13 Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone (7) Nays: None (0) Resolution No. 105646 Al RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO CLOSE OUT THE COMMUNITY CONSERVATION GRANT PROJECT BRC-RCD-25-189. Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock and passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti (7) Nays: None (0) Resolution No. 105647 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWIN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO: SIGN ALL: DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TOI PURCHASE A 2017 DODGE RAM: 2500 4WD PICKUP FROM COURTESY MOTORS. Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mr. Britt. The City Manager explained that this resolution and the following one were bid per requirements under the PennDOT: Liquid Fuels Program. The motion passed by the following vote: Yeas: Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King (7). Nays: None (0). Resolution No. 105648 Al RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TOSIGN. ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARYTOPURCHASE A 2013 DODGE RAM: 2500 4WD PICKUP WITH A SNOWPLOW/FROM COURTESY MOTORS. Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 8of13 Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mr. Britt. 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. 105649 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITYTO SIGN ALLI DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO. APPLY FOR FUNDING ASSISTANCE FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA REDEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE CAPITAL PROGRAM TO! BE USED TOWARDS PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION IN THE CITY OF JOHNSTOWN. Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve. The motion was seconded by Mr. Capriotti. City Manager Imhoff explained this was: for $2.5 million going towards construction ofthe new Public Safety Building, which would be filed on Friday, January 12, 2024. This would be an ARPA: money match that had been set aside. 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 Tax Assessment Appeal Settlement Mayor Janakovic noted there was one tax appeal settlement that needed Council's approval, which is located at 225-27 Franklin Street owned by Zinn Realty. The fair market settlement agreed to was $887,500. which is between the tax payer's appraisal of $800,000 and the taxing body's appraised value of $975,000. The City Manager. noted that this had been approved by the County and School District. Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 9of13 Mr. Arnone made ai motion to approve settlement at the fair market value of $887,500. The motion was seconded by Ms. Huchel and passed by the Yeas: Mayor Janakovic, Reverend King, Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, following vote: Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti (7) Nays: None (0) Mayor Janakovic commented that some major corporations across the state were filing tax assessment appeals. Solicitor Rodkey explained the City had the right to independently challenge the appraisal and have the full hearing process before the Board. Ifnot satisfied there, there would be al hearing before the Common Pleas Court. Mr. Imhoffindicated that he and Mr. Ritter discussed the matter with the Beard Legal Group, the City's current attorneys who facilitated this particular appeal, regarding the litigation process and were awaiting ai response. Mrs. Mock commented that this should not become al budget issue ifmoney had not been allocated. Fee Schedule Mr. Imhoff referred tot the Comprehensive Fee Schedule adopted in 2023, which worked out pretty well for 2023, but he noted there were ai few minor updates staffwill propose next month in the form ofal First Read Ordinance for Council to review and make suggestions. OLD BUSINESS Greater Johnstown Water Authority Appointment Mayor Janakovic noted the term of. John Follansbee expired on December 31, 2023, and Mr. Follansbee expressed an interest in being re-appointed. Mr. Arnone stated the appointment was approved by both Westmont and Southmont. Reverend King made ai motion to tablei the appointment and readvertise. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mock. Yeas: Mrs. Mock, Ms. Huchel, Mr. Arnone, Mr. Britt, Mr. Capriotti, Mayor. Janakovic, Reverend King (7) Nays: None (0) Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued DEPARTMENT REPORTS Public Works 10of13 1. Mr. Campagna reported the Honan Avenue playground project went out for bid on December 22, 2023. Aj pre-bid meeting was scheduled for. January 11, 2024 at The contractor will start the demo portion oft the Village Street Playground this week. Mr. Campagna will provide as set oft the plans. Mayor Janakovic commended the snow cleanup efforts ofl Public Works. Mrs. Mock noted a warranty for the scoreboard for Roxbury Park would be explored. Mr. Arnone noted the light on the flag needed to replaced. Mayor Janakovic noted the lights on Main Street were out the whole way up on the right side. Mr. Campagna indicated the underground wiring was bad. Mr. Arnone noted 10:00 a.m. to review the plans. the light was also out on the pole in: front ofhis building. Reverend King expressed concerns with being able to see oncoming traffic at the intersection of] Franklin and Somerset Streets due to cars being parked too close to that area. No parking here to corner: signs were suggested. 2. Police Department Richard Pritchard, Police Chief, reported the power DMS digital policy software had been implemented to give tests and maintain records for the police officers. He noted there was at transition to the CODY Records Management System in order to eventually be NIBRS reporting compliant and then transition to Body worn cameras were fully operational and in use working in conjunction with a fleet mobile video recorder. Clear technology to conduct lookups was Chiefnoted the cruise-mode function had been implemented to increase He reported that eight new officers had been hired out of3 34 applicants. Five were currently in training. The new group will be rotated through the schools, so they can become familiar with the students and staffi ini the school. The Chiefnoted that police officer staff was currently down four. Pathfinder. added. awareness in the community. Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 11of13 Supervisor and service training was conducted, and another truck safety Chief] Pritchard reported 51 homicides in 2023, down from 12 due inj part to "our dog at work" in narcotics enforcement. He noted that in 2023, there were 141 controlled buys ofillegal narcotics, and 28 search warrants resulting in seizure of 6 semi-automatic firearms. Crystal meth (the highest quantity) bath salts, fentanyl, heroin, crack, and regular cocaine were also seized. The officer was added to conduct safety checks. approximate value oft the crystal meth was $13,000. Mrs. Mock indicated that she would be talking with Sue Mann regarding the application for LPRs, which needed to be submitted in February. She will discuss matching funds with Mr. Imhoff. There was discussion regarding AI spatial recognition information, which provides the ability to solve crimes quicker. Reverend King suggested that new officers have the opportunity to be introduced to Council at one ofits meetings. Mr. Capriotti noted the new officers used to be informally sworn in by the Mayor, but he opined that Magistrate Subich could be asked to do the same. Mrs. Mock reiterated Mr. Capriotti's suggestion of handing out business cards. Fire Department major fires last year. rental property inspections. 3. Robert Statler, Fire Chief, reported on an uneventful December 2023 and indicated no He noted trainings were ongoing, and he was working with Mr. Williams on 4. Finance Robert Ritter, Finance Director, reported being completely off the old software and totally on the new software. Hei noted that Mr. Williams will be supplying tablets to the Codes officers for use ini the field. All departments are connected directly to accounts receivable. The Edmunds Company provided There was discussion regarding the confusion created by Highmark not making a changeover to the new healthcare plan for retirees and employees. training. Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 12of13 5. Community Development Mr. Imhoff reported a large number of applications were received, and four applicants currently being interviewed do not reside in Pennsylvania. He reported that one oft the websites where it was most likely to get qualified candidates had technical difficulties, but that had been resolved. The City Manager indicated the position was advertised as an in-person position. 6. Code Enforcement Dave Williams, Codes Enforcement Manager, reported that as of December 2023, 146 Code violations were issued for ai total ofa approximately 1,3001 to 1,350 for 2023. 18 building permits were issued; 350 total rental registrations for 2023; and 16-unit inspections, 1 ofwhich failed. Mr. Williams indicated the rental inspections were: made in conjunction with the GJWA. Mr. Arnone suggested Mr. Williams contact Mike Alberts at the Johnstown Housing Mr. Williams reported two units to the magistrate in December 2023, and a few: more Authority for help regarding the inspections. were going to the magistrate in January. Hei noted reaching out to the Johnstown School District and Vo-Tech to He will register for the Pick-Up Pa or Cleanup Pa as done in the past. Mrs. Mock inquired about aj property on Boyer Street. Mr. Williams indicated the house was boarded up, and there were no footprints found. There was discussion regarding property demolitions. Mr. Imhoffindicated the Glenn Street demolition contract had not been awarded yet. Mr. Williams reported on investigating a complaint that people were living in the Save a Lot property and noted that he, Chief Statler, and a Codes officer entered the premises. There was no beds, no clothes, no beds, nothing to indicate that someone was living there. With no food, no rats were noted. He commented that pest control had been done. He noted that Save a Lot recruit seasonal help. terminated the lease with the property owner. Mr. Imhoff explained the process to turn a commercial property into ai residential property, which included application for a building permit, and engineering Wednesday January 10, 2024, Stated Meeting, continued 13of13 drawings per UCC guidelines to change the occupancy and bring the property upi to code as well as rezoning oft the property. isc cracked. Chief Statler will investigate. PUBLIC COMMINTENOK-AGENDA ITEMS Reverend King reported ground under the fire hydrant at Dibert and Somerset Streets None. RECESS/ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 7:22 p.m. The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for February 14, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.