Call to Order President Jerad Cypher called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Roll Call Attendees: Michael Gomber, Mayor, Jerad Cypher, President, Mary Taufer, Vice President, Council Members- Charles McHugh, Matt Boice, Guy Tucci, Jerry Cypher, Solicitor Dennis Makel, Rich Rush, Sarah Boyce, Widmer Engineering, Secretary, Sandy Motichak
Pledge of Allegiance Lead by President, Jerad Cypher.
Motion Matt Boice, second Guy Tucci, to approve July 17, 2017 minutes. Motion passed
Motion Chuck McHugh, second Matt Boice, to approve bills: General Account $ 30,836.57 Motion passed.
Public Comment
Dan Bird-34 Thayer Street. Mr. Bird expressed frustration and needed help regarding the flooding and the damage to his property. His losses were very significant. Mr. Bird had loss of power, furnace, hot water heater and many other items. He asked why the borough has not addressed the storm drains, and the pipe is too small at the salt shed location to handle the water. He stated he has come to many council meetings requesting something be done.
Mr. Lingg, 33 Thayer Street. Mr. Lingg had flooding damage and stated the storm drain pipe that runs on his property and under the borough Thayer Park has separated at all the joints and sunk. This is a serious issue due to children/residents using the park. It has to be addressed immediately. He called the county, Red Cross and was told to contact the Borough for any flood damage assistance. He asked the Council what can be done to assist and correct this major issue.
President Cypher wanted to thank the Public Works department for a job well done and their immediate response to the flooding in the Borough. President Cypher stated his heartfelt concern and prayers go out to the residents of the Borough effected by the storm over the weekend.
President Cypher and Council Members responded that due to the significant amount of rainfall, which was abnormal (appx 7.3 million gallons of water flowed through that pipe) and many residents at higher elevations in the borough also got flooded. We are trying to find a solution. Council will be checking into any assistance through the county, PEMA and FEMA that may be available to residents.
Continued discussion as to no instructions given to HLS for installation, inspection of pipe at the site. Material that should be used as base under the pipe and the retaining wall. President Cypher stated the borough will not pay for the entire repair. Solicitor Makel, Engineer Sarah Boyce, President Jerad Cypher and Mr. Lingg will meet this week to discuss easement, scope of work, etc. Council Member Matt Boice also said in accordance with the borough ordinance no structure is to be built over a storm drain so here is question as to why the wall was erected over the storm drain and is a violation of our ordinance.
Solicitor -Dennis Makel. Solicitor Makel is meeting with Shirl Barnhart Morgan Township, Greene County this week and will discuss options for repairing Wilmont. Mr. Barnhart is member of the LTAP and has experience working with road repairs. Jerry Cypher stated that he is setting up a meeting with Columbia Gas this week to determine scope of work, construction schedule and proposed roads for the installation of new gas lines in the borough. Wilmont is slated to be one of the roads. He will advise council at the next meeting. The consensus is that Columbia Gas representatives and the East Washington Borough Council want to work together on this project.
Unfinished Business
Discuss-MS4 Updates – Sarah Boyce gave a thorough update on the progress of the MS4 requirements. She compiled a complete booklet and maps for the Pollution Reduction Plan in the Borough. Four (4) locations in the borough have been identified to reduce the sediment by 10% by the best management practice. This will be done over a 5 year period. Several options are available to pay for this plan such as LSA Funds, Gen Fund, impose a Storm Water Fee (Coordinate with WEWJA) and possibly qualify for a Gravel/Conservation Grant. This has been advertised for public comment at the August 7, 2017.
Discuss-Randy Durr–Area Manager, First Energy LED Street lights-Cost Estimate-Agreement
President Cypher discussed the Agreement with First Energy (West Penn) regarding the street lights in the borough. He stated the Agreement is needed so that First Energy can provide an estimate of the costs of LED street lights, determine the age of the street lights, and can be cancelled if Council does not agree with the terms.
Motion Jerad Cypher, second Chuck McHugh to enter into an agreement to authorize First Energy (West Penn) to provide cost estimates, age of current street light fixtures for current and/or future replacement to LED lighting. East Washington Borough can cancel agreement at any time. Motion passed.
New Business
Sheraton Bid Correction. Motion Jerad Cypher, second Guy Tucci, to award the Sheraton Slide Bid to Custom Contracting as the lowest bidder in the amount of $199,168. This correction is due to a tabulation error from, Slusarczyk. Motion passed. Notice of award to be sent to Custom Contracting along with request for Performance Bond, Certificates of Insurance, Maintenance Bonds, proper bid requirement documentation etc. by Widmer Engineering, Inc. Notice to Proceed with be issued upon receipt of all the required items.
Council discussed the Speed Humps in the borough. After reviewing the PENNDOT Calming Device Manual, President Cypher believes the Borough has complied with all the regulations for Speed Humps in the Borough. Rick Skovensky, PENNDOT Municipal Services Representative will meet with Borough officials this week to discuss the Speed Humps.
Motion Matt Boice, second Guy Tucci, approve Engineer to present bid specifications for Wilmont to be available at the August 7, 2017 meeting. Rich Rush said estimate cost/specifications will be presented for a short term fix on Wilmont. Matt Boice-yes, Mary Taufer-yes, Jerry Cypher-yes, Guy Tucci-yes. Jerad Cypher-no, Chuck McHugh-no. Motion passed.
Reca Panian gave an update on the Borough’s 125th Anniversary Celebration to be held on August 20, 2017 from 2:00 – 8:00 pm. Food served at 4:00 pm.
Adjournment Motion to continue the meeting at the call of the President.
Next Borough Council Meeting Monday August 7, 2017 – 6:00 pm.
Sandra Motichak
Secretary