Approved minutes - Regular Meeting 5/1912085 RHENLED FRoM Approved minutes = 513120.5) Special Meeting Approved minutes = Special/Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Rescheduled from May 13, 2025 to May 19, 2025 7:00 P.M. The regular monthly meeting oft the Meyersdale Borough Council was called to order by President Irwin, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. The meeting was rescheduled from May 13, 2025 due to major flooding. Mr. Ackerman, Mr. Baer, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Gnagey, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Smith, Solicitor Valentine, and Smith were present. Mrs. Knieriem and Olivia Baker (Junior Council Member) were absent. Brion Reiber Mayor Street Foreman, was present. There was no police officer present. Mr. Ackerman extended his thank you to Mrs. Gnagey, and Mayor Smith for taking charge during the recent flooding and thanked Mr. Baker, Brion Reiber and Harold Hotchkiss for their part in taking care ofthe flood control during the flooding. Mayor Smith reported that there was a lot ofwater in a short amount of time. There were dozens of car rescues made by the Volunteer Fire Department. Officials from the Red Cross, Salvation Army, PEMA, FEMA Somerset County Commissioners, State Representative Carl Walker Metzger were available for assistance. Neighbors were helping neighbors. He extended his thank you to the first responders as well. Mr. Kevin Broadwater, Emergency Management Coordinator reported that there were no lives lost. The community came together to help one another as well as assist with other communities in the surrounding area. Mrs. Gnagey reported that grant writing services have been offered at no cost. She suggests getting a meeting together with the Borough, Summit Township, Army Corp and DEP to attempt to obtain grant funds for restoration. Due to the weather pattern changes, an event to this magnitude could happen again. She would like to apply for grants for storm mapping, storm drain cleaning and assessment. It was reported that a multi agency resource center will be set up in the Meyersdale Firehall. Mr. Baker and Mr. Reiber reported that the flood control performed as it should. DEP the flood control inspected after the flooding and found that there are large trees that need to be removed, the debris basin should be cleaned out. The Army Corp of Engineers are to come to re-evaluate the embankment erosion on 23, 2025 at 2 May PM. Dumpsters were brought in for flood victims to dispose of items. DONATION TO FIRE DEPARTMENT Mr. Baer made the motion to release the second payment of$5,000.00 to the Meyersdale Fire Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. Department. MINUTES: Mr. Ackerman made the motion to approve the minutes of the April 8, 2025 Regular Meeting and the 2025 April 22, Special Meeting as presented. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. FINANCIAL REPORT/ BILLS: Mr. Baker made the motion to accept the financial report and pay the bills as presented. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. It was reported that a higher interest rate for the General Fund Money Market Account at Somerset Trust could be gained by switching this account to a Certificate of Deposit. No action was taken to change the account. Regular Meeting -May 19, 2025 - Rescheduled from May 13, 2025 Page 1 GUESTS: A.) Mr. Larry Philip from Somerset Engineering was present regarding the proposal to complete a comprehensive plan for ADA accessibility of the Community Center. The proposal was $5,700.00 and would include: Perform an initial walk through ofthe building to make a rough assessment of the issues that may need addressed to bring the building into compliance. Field measuring and the preparation of as-built, existing conditions, drawings of the facility. Perform a thorough review oft the 2018 IBC Code, the 2018 IEBC Code, and the 2018 ANSI Code to determine the level of compliance required for this type of facility. Prepare a summary outlining the alterations required to comply with the above listed codes. Attend one meeting onsite to review the above listed summary, should it be deemed necessary. Questions were addressed by Mr. Philip. Mr. Baer made the motion to accept the proposal from Somerset Engineering in the amount of $7,500.00. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Philip estimated that the work could be completed by the June meeting but no later then the July meeting. B.) Mrs. Mardiann Vincent was present to provide an overview of the Summer Food Program. The food distribution in Meyersdale is scheduled for every Monday and Thursday from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM and will be held at the Paul E. Fuller Playground beginning June 2, 2025 and ending August 21, 2025. Mrs. Sarah Jones is the local supervisor. The meals are free to anyone from newborn to 18 years of age. Mrs. Vincent thanked Council for allowing the pavilion facility to be utilized for the program. PUBLIC COMMENT: A.) Mrs. Wendy Kelly was present to request that the ADA parking spots be painted. After some discussion, it was decided to add this to the list of work to be performed by the summer youth workers or prison workers. B.) Mrs. Melissa Blocher Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to grant Mrs. Melissa Blocher permission to block the roadway for a car cruise, July 6, 2025. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. C.) Mr. Robert Hufford was present to report a water issue at his residence at 412 Seventh Avenue. When Columbia Gas repaved the roadway they paved it six inches higher, and now when it rains heavily, he gets water in his basement. Mr. Hufford has had several losses. After some discussion, Council thought that milling the road down or putting in a curb would eliminate the problem. Solicitor Valentine was authorized to assist with contacting Columbia Gas to find out ifthey would correct the problem. Mr. Hufford also noted that the drain on Ridge Alley is also plugged. The Borough Crew was to investigate. D.) Mrs. Gnagey reported that students from Frostburg State University planted flowers in memory of Mrs. Brooke Kirchner. It was also noted that Mrs. Wendy Kelly and Mr. Nathan Swauger donated the flowers and supplies to decorate the bicycles in the uptown park. E.) Mr. Robert Munion was present to introduce himself as a candidate for Council and that he looks forward to working with everyone. Mr. Munion was concerned if the bridges had been inspected since the flooding. Regular Meeting May 19, 2025 - Rescheduled from May 13, 2025 Page 2 It was reported that the bridges in the Borough are owned by the State or Somerset It was that the Somerset County Commissioners are working hard to get something done with County. the North St. noted bridge. F.) Mrs. Gnagey reported that the Veterans banners will be completed within the next few days. Mr. Terry Hackney is willing to install them. No action was taken. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: President Irwin reported that an executive session would need to be held for the purpose of discussing a personnel and legal matter. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Smith reported that the police station sustained some water damage and asked that the carpet be removed. There was no fine report presented. JUNIOR COUNCIL MEMBER: No report was given. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR: Mr. Kevin Broadwater, Emergency Management Coordinator was present to report that twelve will be available to help the flood victims. The office will be set upi in the Fire hall and open 10 AM = 7 agencies PM. Mr. Broadwater reported that the rain came at two feet per hour. The public was notified via all forms of social media and signage. Mr. Smith made the motion to keep the dumpsters available until the end of May for disposal of flood items. Mr. Ackerman seconded. Motion passed. ENGINEER'S REPORT: No report was given. SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Solicitor Valentine reported on the following: Paperwork has been filed with the Somerset County Redevelopment Authority to have the house at 326 Salisbury Street razed. The ATV signs need to be installed. President Irwin suggested hiring Benjamin Reiber for the summer to assist with mowing SO that the Borough crew could devote 4 hours per day to installing ATV and street name signs. Solicitor Valentine advised to advertise for the position. A complaint has been filed by Carl Robb with DEP regarding a refuse pickup issue on Large St. Solicitor Valentine did not have an update on the complaint. Mr. Baer made the motion to amend the Agenda to add an executive session to discuss a personnel matter and two litigation issues. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. After an investigation regarding Sunset Lane, it was found that this is not a Borough roadway and therefore is a civil matter. Through the search it was found that Mr. & Mrs. Broadwater havelegal access to Sunset Lane. Solicitor Valentine was given permission to correspond with Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Broadwater with his findings. Research ofH House Bill 65 requires Boroughs to accept cash payments, even if there is a cashless policy. Regular Meeting - May 19, 2025 - Rescheduled from May 13, 2025 Page 3 Verizon was contacted regarding installation of a mirror on Dale Street. There would need to be an agreement with Verizon, a band and insurance policy would be needed for that pole. A must be completed, a Verizon approved contractor would need to install the mirror and Verizon study could the Borough a rental fee for the use ofthe pole. Solicitor Valentine suggested changing the traffic charge pattern and make the street a one way. No action was taken. The Social Media Policy was to be reviewed for the June 2025 meeting. There was no update on the Grant Street wall. To date, no grant funds have been found. An inspection was conducted on the High Street bridge. The decking is in serious condition. PennDOT is taking the lead on this matter. It was estimated to cost ten million dollars to replace the bridge. Mr. Smith reported that it appears that some ofthe wood has been replaced. An investigation on a yard waste site revealed permitting requirements, must be located in a non floodplain area. The area must be large enough and zoned for yard waste disposal. Solicitor suggested speaking to the County recycling coordinator and look into an inter municpal site. Revisions to the zoning ordinance to consider are livestock ordinance with zoning involved, fence portion of zoning ordinance should be revisited. Salisbury police coverage was tabled until Meyersdale Borough can maintain a police force size large enough to accommodate both entities. CODE ENFORCEMENT: No report was given. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Municipal Authority Mr. Brian Witherite, Chairman ofMMA Board reported on the following: The MMA Office is officially moved Employees working through the flood event. President Irwin suggested allowing water payments to be dropped at the Community Center outside box. The MMA is talking about installing an outside payment box at the new location. Street Foreman Mr. Reiber reported on the following: Pine Street ditch Mr. Ackerman made the motion to add two sections of pipe to the Pine Street drain ditch. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. Meyersdale Area Merchants Association Mrs. Denise Gehringer reported that the Farmers Market is scheduled to open June 5, 2025 from 8 AM - 1 PM and will be held at the Paul E. Fuller Playground pavilion. The weekly event will end in September. The annual MAMA meeting is scheduled to be held at the Levi Deal Mansion, June 26, 2025 and a is scheduled for August 23, 2025. golf outing Public Library No report was given. Meyersdale Community Events Committee No report was given Regular Meeting - May 19, 2025 = Rescheduled from May 13, 2025 Page 4 Meyersdale Renaissance Committee No report was given. COUNCIL MEMBERS = STANDING COMMITTEES: Police/Public Safety No report was given. Personnel Council decided not to participate in hosting a community service worker. Finance No report was given. Refuse An agreement has not been received from Harbaugh Trucking for the refuse contract extension. Streets/Buildings No report was given. Flood Control Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to work with Somerset County on flood control mapping. Mr. Baer Motion passed. seconded. Farmer's Market No report was given. UNFINISHED BUSINESSS: A.) Social Media Policy This item was to be kept on the Agenda for the June 2025 meeting. B.) Darr Construction = Window replacement project change order Mr. Smith made the motion to approve a change order in the amount of $30,000.00 to include: Add mini split units into borough office, adjoining room and lower level police station. Including removing the existing unit from front oft the building and locating the new larger unit on the side ofthe building. Open an addition doorway with a framed and trimmed opening from borough office to adjoining room. Replace exterior double door in gymnasium. Steel painted doors with panic hardware, hold closers, threshold, weather stripping and door sweeps. open Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed. C.) Miscellaneous New e-mail address, docusign and all call was to be added to the Agenda for the June meeting. Regular Meeting - May 19, 2025 - Rescheduled from May 13, 2025 Page 5 NEW BUSINESS: A.) Announcements There were no announcements. B.) Access to former MMA office & utilize space for record storage The Secretary was granted permission to store records on a temporary basis during the installation ofthe windows in the Borough office. C.) Under video surveillance signs for playground & security for playground Council decided to utilize any signs available. Mr. Smith suggested considering an age limit for the playground area. D.) Bridge sign changes It was noted that all changes were made to the signage per the inspection report. E.) Supplement Tableland workers hourly rate and work hours Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to supplement the tableland workers hourly rate and work hours, the same as last year. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed. Tableland will pay $9.00 per hour for 30 hours per week. Borough will supplement $3.00 per hour for 30 hours per week and $12.00 per hour for 6 additional hours per week. The Borough is scheduled to receive two workers and this supplement shall apply to both. F.) Hire additional Part Time seasonal summer worker Mr. Smith made the motion to advertise for a Part Time seasonal summer worker at a rate of$12.00 hour for 35 hours per week. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. per G.) Ambulance service Mrs. Gnagey reported that she was invited to attend a PSAT conference in Hershey, PA. She aj presentation on the pilot program started to support the Ambulance Service with a local cost gave sharing agreement. H.) Somerset Trust dump truck loan Mr. Ackerman made the motion to pay off a loan at Somerset Trust for the F-350 truck. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. It was noted that the payoff was included in the 2025 budget. I.) Finalization of Agendas and posting Mr. Baer made the motion to have a draft Agenda out to Council for review by the Thursday before the scheduled meeting. Mrs. Gnagey seconded. Motion passed. GOALS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR Flood Control rip rap ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: Regular Meeting - May 19, 2025 - Rescheduled from May 13, 2025 Page 6 There were no additional items to be discussed. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mr. Ackerman made the motion to enter into executive session to discuss a personnel matter and two matters at 9:17P.M. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed. litigation Mr. Ackerman made the motion to return to regular session at 9:38 P.M. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed. Discussion and motions: Mrs. Gnagey made the motion to move forward with a personnel case involving litigation with Mr. Matthew Wright, former Chief of Police. Mr. Baer seconded. Motion passed. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Ackerman made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:39 PM. Mr. Baker seconded. Motion passed. Atriis C.OCbrnaiV Patricia C. Ackerman Borough Secretary Regular Meeting - May 19, 2025 - Rescheduled from May 13, 2025 Page 7 MEYERSDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL RESHULED Regular Meeting 5/1912025 Special Meeting GUEST SIGN IN PLEASE PRINT NAME ADDRESS TOPIC Marouay Vinen 338man Aepk PA Summer food- 2 BoB Muyiss daidpkt 3 K 6m 4 AKe d KVs Mk 5 Denuago Gehrins /06 Meyces Ave 6 Aohev A Huffaa 41Z 764AVe KIDGE ST,PAVEMENT 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 GUESTS MUST STAND WHILE SPEAKING GUEST SIGN IN ON EXCEL