September 2011 Minutes

BOROUGH OF SOUTHMONT
148 Wonder Street
Johnstown, PA 15905

The pledge of allegiance was conducted and the scheduled September 20, 2011 Council meeting was called to order by President Rodgers at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Manager Richard Wargo, Asst. Sec./Tres. Amanda Claycomb, President Richard Rodgers, Council Members; 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: Attorney Michael Carbonara, Council Member Mr. Ed Danyluk, Engineer Scott Rughe (excused)

Meeting Agenda
A motion was made by Mr. Morgan to approve the August 15, 2011 Council Meeting Minutes. Motion seconded by Mr. Pile. Mr. Danyluk absent. All in favor, motion carried (6-0). A motion was made by Mr. Strittmatter to approve the ratification of payroll from August 16, 2011 through September 21, 2011 in the amount of $20,692.30. Motion seconded by Mr. Pile. Role call: Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Ewald, Mr. Kory, Mr. Pile, Mr. Strittmatter and Mr. Morgan in favor. Mr. Danyluk absent. All in favor, motion carried (6-0). A motion was made by Mr. Kory to approve the bills from August 17, 2011 through September 20, 2011 in the amount of $60,317.70. Motion seconded by Mr. Pile. Role call: Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Ewald, Mr. Kory, Mr. Pile, Mr. Strittmatter and Mr. Morgan in favor. Mr. Danyluk absent. All in favor, motion carried (6-0). A motion was made by Mr. Kory to approve the August 2011 treasurer’s report in the amount of $625,558.79. Motion seconded by Mr. Pile. Mr. Danyluk absent. All in favor, motion carried (6-0). A motion was made by Mr. Kory to note the receipt of the August 2011 tax collector’s report in the amount of $2,096.08. Motion seconded by Mr. Pile. Mr. Danyluk absent. All in favor, motion carried (6-0).

Police Chief’s Report
Chief Havas reported the West Hills Police participated in the Recreation Commission’s Craftin’ & Cruisin’ festivities that were held at The Ridge on August 27 & 28, 2011 noting Officer West fingerprinted children and gave handouts to children and adults. The police fines for August 2011 were $152.58 for vehicle fines and $81.30 for ordinance fines.

Fire Company’s Report
Council agreed to set up a Workshop Meeting with the Fire Company. Chief Leckey stated the Fire Company will be hosting the annual boot drive on October 1, 2011 at the intersection of Harshberger Road and Goucher Street and possibly at the intersection of Menoher Boulevard and Goucher Street. The Hilltop Ambulance Report was received and is on file.

Engineer’s Report
Nothing to report.

Zoning Officer’s Report
Mr. Wargo reported five zoning permits issued to 901 Menoher Blvd.- sign, 519 Edward Street - shed, 203 Mabel Street - deck, 100 Susan Drive – remodel. Mr. Wargo reported five approved sanitary sewer compliance certificates to 943 Pine Grove Lane, 308 Thoburn Street, Stillray Street Storage Building, 439 Southmont Blvd. Mr. Wargo stated a hearing was held regarding a retaining wall issue with 14 Shady Lane and 15 Shady Lane noting District Magistrate John Barron decided both parties are to each repair their half of the wall.

Mayor’s Report
Nothing to report.

Manager’s Report
Mr. Wargo reported dye testing is expected to be completed by the end of September 2011. Mr. Wargo reported the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has inspected and approved the recent paving project. Mr. Wargo reported he obtained quotes for repairs to 95 feet of pipe between 531 Edward Street and 535 Edward Street. Mr. Wargo noted State Pipe Services quoted $7,200.00 and Roto Rooter quoted $8,500.00. A motion was made by Mr. Morgan to approve State Pipe Services to perform the repairs to 95 feet of pipe between 531 Edward Street and 535 Edward Street. Motion seconded by Mr. Ewald. Mr. Danyluk absent. All in favor, motion carried (6-0). Mr. Wargo reported brush pick up is scheduled for September 26, 27 and 28. Mr. Wargo reported a dump site located on Harshberger Road has been closed until it complies with the Department of Environmental Protection’s mandates. Mr. Wargo reminded Council of a meeting the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will hold on September 28 at the Westmont Middle School to provide information on the Rt. 271 Menoher Stabilization Project to improve roadway and drainage improvements. Mr. Wargo stated he applied to have the Laurel Highland Correctional Institution complete stop bars, curb painting, brush clean up, and painting in the Borough building noting they have reviewed the projects and approved. Mr. Morgan requested Council to commend Solicitor Carbonara for his expertise and professionalism at the September 13 Workshop Meeting with Wessel & Company. A motion was made by Mr. Morgan to send a letter to Solicitor Carbonara commending his conduct during the September 13 Workshop Meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Pile. Mr. Danyluk absent. All in favor, motion carried (6-0).

Solicitor’s Report
Solicitor Carbonara absent. An Executive Session was called at 7:35 p.m. to discuss legal matters. Executive Session ended at 7:46 p.m. and Council resumed its regularly scheduled meeting.

Secretary’s Report
A motion was made by Mr. Pile to approve Council attendance to the Cambria County Borough’s Association Annual Fall Dinner Meeting on October 25, 2011. Motion seconded by Mr. Kory. Mr. Danyluk absent. All in favor, motion carried (6-0). A motion was made by Mr. Pile to approve Council attendance to the Pennsylvania State Association of Borough’s Fall Leadership Conference on October 21-23, 2011. Motion seconded by Mr. Kory. Mr. Danyluk absent. All in favor, motion carried (6-0). Ms. Claycomb reported an auditor for the Non-Uniformed Pension Plan was in to do an audit for 2008, 2009, and 2010 noting in 2008, $7,901.25 was received in State Pension Funds and only the MMO amount of $5,631.00 was paid to Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement Systems. Ms. Claycomb stated a check will be written in the amount of $2,270.25 to make up the difference to the Non-Uniform Pension Plan. Ms. Claycomb reported two tax assessment appeal notices were received 111/113 Wonder Street on September 20 and 942 Pine Grove Lane on October 11. Mr. Wargo and Mr. Pile will attend. A brief discussion was held regarding obtaining an appraisal on 942 Pine Grove Lane to have for the appeal. A motion was made by Mr. Pile to obtain an appraisal for 942 Pine Grove Lane at a cost of no more than $500.00. Motion seconded by Mr. Morgan. Mr. Danyluk absent. All in favor, motion carried (6-0).

1) COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Streets: Nothing to report.

B. Administration: Mr. Danyluk absent. Nothing to report.

C. Personnel: Nothing to report.

D. Police Committee: Nothing to report.

E. Fire Company Committee: Mr. Strittmatter reported the Finance Committee agreed to prepare a proposed consolidated operating budget at the September 18 meeting. Mr. Strittmatter stated an updated draft of bylaws was handed out at the meeting.

F. Budget & Tax Collection Committee: Mr. Pile reported the next Cambria County Tax Collection Committee meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2011 at 7 p.m.

G. Shade Tree Committee: Mr. Morgan reported he and Mr. Wargo met with Gary Lichtenfels to review tree planting areas and types of trees to plant.

H. Recreation Committee: Mr. Kory commended Mr. Ewald for his work with the first annual Craftin & Cruisin event.

I. Buildings & Grounds Committee: Nothing to report.

J. Greater Johnstown Water Authority: Mr. Pile reported 20,000 feet of line for the interconnection has been installed at an average rate of 1,000 feet per day. Mr. Pile reported the project is expected to be completed in 18 months.

K. Open Records: No open records requests received.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Morgan for adjournment of the September 19, 2011 meeting at 8:07 P.M. Motion seconded by Mr. Pile. Mr. Danyluk absent. All in favor, motion carried (6-0).

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