August 2011 Minutes

BOROUGH OF SOUTHMONT
148 Wonder Street
Johnstown, PA 15905

The pledge of allegiance was conducted and the scheduled August 15, 2011 Council meeting was called to order by President Rodgers at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Attorney Michael Carbonara, Manager Richard Wargo, Asst. Sec./Tres. Amanda Claycomb, President Richard Rodgers, Council Members; Mr. Ed Danyluk, Mr. Herb Ewald, Mr. William Kory, Mr. Kevin Pile, Mr. Tom Strittmatter and Mr. Robert Morgan, Mayor Gregory Paolini, West Hills Police Chief Andrew Havas, Fire Chief Mike Leckey

Absent: Engineer Scott Rughe (excused)

Visitors: Frank Santichen, 590 Harshberger Road

Meeting Agenda
A motion was made by Mr. Morgan to approve the July 18, 2011 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion seconded by Mr. Kory. All in favor, motion carried. A motion was made by Mr. Pile to approve the ratification of payroll from July 19, 2011 through August 15, 2011 in the amount of $83,768.80. Motion seconded by Mr. Ewald. Role call: Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Danyluk, Mr. Ewald, Mr. Kory, Mr. Pile, Mr. Strittmatter and Mr. Morgan in favor. All in favor, motion carried. A motion was made by Mr. Pile to approve the bills from July 20, 2011 through August 16, 2011 in the amount of $14,541.66. Motion seconded by Mr. Ewald. Role call: Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Danyluk, Mr. Ewald, Mr. Kory, Mr. Pile, Mr. Strittmatter and Mr. Morgan in favor. All in favor, motion carried. A motion was made by Mr. Pile to approve the July 2011 treasurer’s report in the amount of $638,151.38. Motion seconded by Mr. Danyluk. All in favor, motion carried. A motion was made by Mr. Pile to note the receipt of the July 2011 tax collector’s report in the amount of $2,943.60. Motion seconded by Mr. Danyluk. All in favor, motion carried.

Police Chief’s Report
Chief Havas reported the Police Department recently received 13 new portable radios and 6 new mobile radios through a grant received by Cambria County. Chief Havas stated Officer West recently attended “Home Town Heroes Day”, along with West Hills Fire Department and EMS personnel, at the request of the Westmont Learning Lamp to talk about the importance of using 911 sensibly. The July 2011 police fines were $127.25 for ordinance fines and $181.25 for vehicle fines.

Fire Company’s Report
Chief Leckey requested a meeting with Council regarding the upcoming consolidation with Upper Yoder Township. Chief Leckey and Mr. Wargo will decide on a date.

Engineer’s Report
Mr. Wargo reported the GIS map was updated to define the properties failing dye testing, those that have been repaired and those that remain to be repaired. Mr. Wargo reported he met with EADS and Solicitor Carbonara to discuss a reply to recent correspondence from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation implying the Borough is responsible for maintenance of the culvert under Menoher Blvd. Mr. Wargo stated the issue is not a storm water drainage issue noting it is considered a tributary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mr. Wargo stated Solicitor Carbonara has drafted a response letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation explaining such. A brief discussion was held regarding sanitary sewer improvement projects. A motion was made by Mr. Strittmatter to approve bidding repairs to Cheney Oak Drive and the easement area between Shady Lane and Peden Lane. Motion seconded by Mr. Pile. Role call: Mr. Strittmatter, Mr. Pile and Mr. Morgan in favor. Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Danyluk, Mr. Ewald and Mr. Kory opposed. Motion not carried (3-4).

Zoning Officer’s Report
Mr. Wargo reported two zoning permits issued to 155 Helen Street and 121 Daisy Street. Mr. Wargo reported one approved sewer compliance certificate for 106 Daisy Street. Mr. Wargo stated he is awaiting a hearing date with the District Magistrate to resolve an issue at 14 and 15 Shady Lane regarding a retaining wall.

Mayor’s Report
Nothing to report.

Manager’s Report
Mr. Wargo reported the Borough will begin installing the new energy efficient lighting in the Municipal Building on November 15, 2011. Mr. Wargo stated the Borough map project is completed and maps have been mailed out to residents. Mr. Wargo reported a new guard rail will be installed around the bend on Southmont Blvd. the week of August 22, 2011. Mr. Wargo discussed recent correspondence received from Ms. Susan Bartle of 445 Orchard Street requesting a feasibility study on curb-side recycling. A motion was made by Mr. Ewald to authorize an internal feasibility study. Motion seconded by Mr. Danyluk. All in favor, motion carried. Mr. Wargo reported a 95 foot section of line between 531 Edward Street and 535 Edward Street needs repaired. A motion was made by Mr. Danyluk to allow Mr. Wargo to obtain quotes for repairs to 95 feet of pipe between 531 Edward Street and 535 Edward Street. Motion seconded by Mr. Ewald. All in favor, motion carried. Mr. Wargo stated a block party was held on August 13, 2011 which closed off a section of Edward Street between Otis Street and Thoburn Street. A motion was made to ratify closing the section of Edward Street for August 13, 2011 during the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Motion seconded by Mr. Danyluk. All in favor, motion carried. Mr. Wargo reported on a dump site located at 538 Harshberger Road noting the Department of Environmental Protection has contacted the property owner, Mr. Michael Danchanko, to inform him he would need a written erosion and sediment pollution control plan.

Solicitor’s Report
An Executive Session was called at 7:43 p.m. to discuss legal matters. Executive Session ended at 8:00 p.m. and Council resumed its regularly scheduled meeting.

Secretary’s Report
Ms. Claycomb reported a quote was received from H.A. Thomson for Worker’s Compensation for 2011-2012 in the amount of $14,145.00, which is a decrease of $3,129.00, noting H.A. Thomson changed carrier from EMC to AmeriHealth Casualty Insurance Co. A motion was made by Mr. Morgan to approve ratification of Worker’s Compensation as of August 1, 2011. Motion seconded by Mr. Ewald. All in favor, motion carried. A motion was made by Mr. Morgan to approve Ordinance No. 488 which modifies and reenacts an earned income tax for residents of the Borough of Southmont. Motion seconded by Mr. Danyluk. All in favor, motion carried. Ms. Claycomb reported a new ordinance to name Berkheimer as the collector for the Act 511 taxes, LST, Per Capita, Business Privilege and Mercantile Taxes. Solicitor Carbonara will prepare a proposal.

1) COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Streets: Nothing to report.

B. Administration: Nothing to report.

C. Personnel: Nothing to report.

D. Police Committee: Nothing to report.

E. Fire Company Committee: Nothing to report.

F. Budget & Tax Collection Committee: Mr. Pile reported income is down approximately $20,000 from 2010 at this time.

G. Shade Tree Committee: Mr. Morgan reported a meeting was held with Mike McNamara to discuss recent residential concerns regarding black spots on leaves. Mr. Morgan stated the spots are caused by tar spot fungus noting the trees will heal on their own.

H. Recreation Committee: Mr. Kory stated a volunteer is placing signs for the upcoming “Craftin & Cruisin” event on properties without permission from the property owner. Mr. Ewald will discuss the issue with the volunteers. Mr. Ewald reported the event is moving along nicely and will be held August 27 & 28, 2011.

I. Buildings & Grounds Committee: Nothing to report.

J. Greater Johnstown Water Authority: Mr. Pile reported a meeting will be held August 17 with the Department of Environmental Protection regarding North Fork Dam. Mr. Pile also reported cash flow is down from 2010.

K. Open Records: No open records requests received.

Visitors: Mr. Santichen requested the Borough assist in installing a sign at the entrance of McCullough House to increase awareness of the entrance for visitors and emergency personnel. Mr. Santichen also inquired whether the part-time employees hours could be increased. Mr. Rodgers informed Mr. Santichen that the Union representative would need to approach Council with an offer.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Morgan for adjournment of the August 15, 2011 meeting at 8:25 P.M. Motion seconded by Mr. Kory. Mr. Pile absent. All in favor, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Amanda D. Claycomb
Asst. Secretary/Treasurer