Call to Order President Jerad Cypher called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Roll Call Attendees: Jerad Cypher, President, Mary Taufer, Vice President, Council Members- Tamara Chacko, Charles McHugh, Matt Boice, Guy Tucci, Chris Mascara-Absent, Solicitor Dennis Makel, Michael Gomber, Mayor, Sarah Boyce, Widmer Engineering, Secretary, Sandy Motichak
Pledge of Allegiance Lead by President, Jerad Cypher.
Motion Tamara Chacko, second Matt Boice to approve March 6, 2017, Continuation Meeting March 13, 2017 and April 3, 2017 Motion passed
Motion Matt Boice, second Jerad Cypher, to approve bills as presents and in the future NO BILLS will be paid without receipts, – General $ 15,875.35. Motion passed.
Report – Joyce Ellis, Citizens Library. Absent – Vice President Mary Taufer gave a brief report on behalf of Joyce Ellis. There was discussion at the board meeting regarding donations and the new administration. She announced that the Library will be having a fund raiser (Wine Tasting Event) on June 16, 2017 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Citizens Library and East Washington Borough will be partnering with the Lemoyne Center to help with their summer program.
Public Comment
Robert Lingg, 33 Thayer Street. Mr. Lingg asked Council when the storm sewer drains were going to be cleaned due to flooding at his home and also when will be Borough be fixing the pipe at the park. The ground is sinking and the junction is not connected and work not finished. He stated last year was to be phase 1 and this year phase 2 to complete the project.
President Cypher was not able to advise Mr. Lingg regarding the status of this issue however, he would look into it further for a solution. Sarah Boyce, Widmer Engineering, Inc. said she would review work done by HLS Landscaping.
Mr. & Mrs. Fine, 177 Lemoyne Ave. Mrs. Fine wanted to know what the status was of her driveway repair.
Sarah Boyce, Widmer Engineering, Inc. received written quotes for the Lemoyne Ave swale ditch and inlet project.
Quotes: $ 11,800.00 $ 12,018.00 $ 18,500.00 $ 7,850.00
Motion Matt Boice, second Mary Taufer to accept the bid of $7,850.00 to HLS Landscaping for the driveway repair project at 177 Lemoyne Ave. subject to the following conditions:
Proof of Workers Comp Insurance, Proof of Liability Insurance, and Performance Bond and Maintenance Bond. Motion passed.
Sarah Boyce-Widmer Engineering, Inc.
Ms. Boyce answered questions from the two residents on Thayer.
One questioned the condition of the inlets. Ms. Boyce explained that yes, maintenance was required regarding the inlet and it’s cover. But that they were installed correctly. There was a concern from the resident on the south side of the road that the piping was too small. The plastic pipe was equivalent to the existing metal pipe that was in their previously. Resident also mentioned the void in the backyard where we stopped the replacement project for the conveyance line from Thayer to the park. Ms. Boyce said she would review the site with the contractor (HLS) and make a recommendation for repair. At this time, the Borough does not have plans to continue the replacement of the existing line, unless further instabilities are found. Follow up review both the inlet and the void the following day with Aaron and Garrett from HLS, and requested that the pipe in the inlet be cut flush with the box wall; the void was due to a size difference between the existing pipe and the newly installed plastic pipe. HLS did not grout the joint between the two pipes. They were instructed to dig up the location, grout the joint to prevent water from exiting the pipe at the joint and restore the area to grade with seed.]
Ms. Boyce provided an update on Sheraton that the geotechnical engineer was still working to finalize the grades for the repair. Widmer would then supply the roadway, storm sewer and sanitary sewer relocation design. Widmer, EWB and representatives from the Water and WEWJA met that morning to discuss the relocation of the utilities along Sheraton. Water is going to relocation their line of the curb line near the homes and install new meter vaults for their customers. They will perform the work under a change order that the Borough will have to pay for. The sanitary sewer relocation will include a new manhole, a 6-inch main and 4 new connections to the existing homes. This work will be done as part of the slide repair.
The Wilmont storm sewer was discussed but no action was taken.
Mike Sherman, 61 Lemoyne Ave. wanted to know about any ordinance or restrictions regarding burning in the borough. He has an enclosed pit and wanted to roast marsh mellows and hot dogs.
Solicitor Makel looked up the No Burning ordinance and if the fire is for cooking, no trash or leaves burning, contained cooking fires are acceptable.
Dan Bird, Thayer Street, Mr. Bird asked Council who is responsible for the tar splattered on his house. Also is the Borough responsible for maintaining and cleaning the storm sewers?
Solicitor Makel explained that the Borough DID NOT do the paving on Thayer. Columbia Gas Company hired subcontractors to do the work in the Borough. Evidently, the petroleum from the paving became airborne and landed on your porch/house. The Borough is not responsible for any repairs to the porch/house because the Borough did not do the work.
Reca Panian, 89 Christman Ave. Ms. Panian said she like the new format for the Newsletter. Also, she will be getting in touch with the Vendor that does the park mulching, landscaping again this year and we are on schedule.
Motion Mary Taufer, second Chuck McHugh, to approve Secretary -Training request- PATH DCED-Comprehensive Training for Municipal Secretaries (Thursday, May 11, 2017 $80-incldes course materials, breakfast, and lunch. Courtyard, Marriott, 1800 Tanger Blvd. Washington, PA Motion passed.
Motion Mary Taufer, second Jerad Cypher to set $500.00 limit for expenses that do not require approval. If expenses exceed the $500.00 limit, they will be subject to Council approval. Exception would be in the event of an Emergency situation, as determined by Mayor or President of Council, an expenditure over $500.00 must be approved by the Mayor or President of Council as needed. Motion passed. (Resolution)
Reports:
Secretary – Ethics Forms due.
*Liquid Fuels Audit (Frank Buckner, Dept. of Auditor General) Tuesday, May 2, 2017 (Period January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016)
* Washington-East Washington Zoning Ordinance-Zoning Map (Final copies received from Mackin Engineers
* Labor & Industry Audit-CodeSys. –Bob Fisher, Commercial Construction scheduled April 30, 2017, completed.
Public Works –Absent
Police Department –
Chief Bradley gave a thorough report of incidents, UCR’s, arrests, and the status of the Police Department. He discussed at length any concerns, complaints and issues that may come before Council should be brought to his attention immediately regarding the Police Department. He is available to discuss these concerns and asked Council to call him directly. A couple of Council Members addressed the visibility of officers in the borough at previous meetings, however, the Chief was not present at those meetings and could not respond to their questions. Chief Bradley explained in great detail the procedures that police must follow regarding drug arrests, domestic issues and traffic violations. He gave scenarios as to what can and cannot be enforced. He once again, stated to Council Members to please bring all issues and concerns to him directly.
Code Enforcement Officer-Absent.
Council Members:
Jerad Cypher, President – Borough Procedures, President Cypher said any problem that comes up in the borough needs to be brought before the board for discussion at a council meeting. Council members are not being informed and decisions are being made without other members being notified. He is working on a procedure policy which will be enforced. Purchases made without approval first and said when does it all end?
Entire Council needs to be informed and approval received prior to work done.
Borough Restoration, President Cypher said before further work is to be done and a list of borough priorities should be discussed at future council meetings. The focus should be to complete one project at a time, confirm budget and finances before moving on to another project.
President Cypher said all departments will be required to have a complete Inventory of items within their department. Suggestions for the inventory list to include Serial No. of item, date purchased, etc. This inventory is necessary for annual borough insurance audits.
Familiarization of DEP – Short Term / Long Term Corrections – Widmer, Sarah Boyce gave status of DEP. President Cypher asked Ms. Boyce to be informed of any problems, and that he and Council need to be informed. He also asked about potential hazards or potential threats regarding DEP requirements, whether the fence or road being filled in over the culvert was stable. President Cypher stated that any future proposal/work is to come before the board before any work is done.
President Cypher said ALL Purchases – Invoices go directly to Secretary for payment. Invoices are to be sent/directed to East Washington Borough. In the future, any invoice without a receipt WILL NOT be paid.
President Cypher suggested the Borough look into purchasing the home at 19 Thayer Street if possible. The Judicial Sale is June 28, 2017 10:00 am. (19 Thayer Street, 29 Aylesworth Ave.) Council to consider a bid not to exceed $5,000.
President Cypher read a few roles and duties of Mayor/Council as requested:
The Roles and Duties of Mayor
- Attend and participate in municipal meetings.
- Administer oaths and affirmations.
- Administer the police department.
- Enforce ordinances and regulations.
- Mayor signs all ordinances. Ability to veto.
The Roles and Duties of President of Council:
- Utilize Parliamentary procedure
- Assign members to borough committees and take part in those committees.
- 3. Delegate responsibility.
- Preside at council meetings.
- Call a special meeting when necessary.
- President signs all ordinances, bids, and contracts.
Attached is complete list of roles and duties.
President Cypher discussed the interview process for hiring new employees, and Vice President Mary Taufer said she thought that President Cypher was in charge of Administration, Chris Mascara was in charge of Public Works and she was in charge of Code Enforcement. However, President Cypher stated that in the job description for Public Works Supervisor, the position reports to the President of Council. President of Council and other Council members should be present to interview candidates, which is a duty of Council members.
Mary Taufer, V. President – Announced Shredding event June 24, 2017 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Matt Boice –
Tamara Chacko – None
Guy Tucci – None
Chris Mascara- Absent
Chuck McHugh – Council Member McHugh asked when the inlets and storm sewers were to be cleaned. They are covered with debris and cause flooding. The Newsletter sent to borough residents listed 2017 EW Projects. Paving Wilmont. Mary Taufer said she did the Newsletter and there were many changes before and after print. Some things may have changed since the printing.
Mary Taufer suggested hiring another part time person for the road department. Council Member McHugh suggested public works follow a schedule, set tasks, and develop a plan for the summer maintenance in the borough.
Council Member Matt Boice thought there should be less time spent on the salt lot and more focus on maintaining the borough. Such as, regular scheduled cleaning of inlets/storm drains, grass cutting and maintenance of borough parks, and putting up stop signs/road signs.
Motion Chuck McHugh, second Mary Taufer to authorize to hire Austin Lusher as a part-time seasonal employee subject to the following conditions:
This letter shall confirm your appointment as the part-time Seasonal Laborer, Public Works Department for East Washington Borough. Your effective date of hire is May 1, 2017. Hourly wage is $10.00 per hour, not to exceed 40 hours per week.
This offer of employment is contingent upon the following conditions:
- A background check conducted by Police Chief David Bradley with copies to the Mayor and Members of Council.
- Obtain a valid Driver’s License within 30 calendar days.
- Provide valid Driver’s License and Social Security Card as verification for Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) as required by the Dept. of Homeland Security
(U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
Failure to comply and/or provide required documentation may result in termination of employment.
Motion Passed.
Guy Tucci – None
Mayor – Michael Gomber – Discussed a concern regarding the knob and tube wiring. He believes there is a misunderstanding about enforcing the ordinance to make people change their wiring. It was noted that if a home owner updates, changes or adds any new construction to their home that the wiring should be in compliance with the current. IPMC-National Electric Code. Mayor Gomber also stated that any future ordinance is to be reviewed prior to passing or he may exercise his right to Veto an ordinance until such time that it is made clear what is being passed. Ordinances require both the President of Council and Mayors signature.
Solicitor – Dennis Makel
Unfinished Business
New Business
Motion Matt Boice, second Chris Mascara to continue the meeting at the call of the President 9:15 pm. Motion passed.
CONTINUATION OF MAY 1, 2017 MEETING: MAY 23, 2017 – 6:30 pm.
Call to Order President Jerad Cypher called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Roll Call Attendees: Jerad Cypher, President, Mary Taufer, Vice President-Absent, Council Members- Tamara Chacko, Charles McHugh, Matt Boice, Guy Tucci, Chris Mascara-Absent, Chris Furman for Solicitor Dennis Makel, Michael Gomber, Mayor-Absent, Sarah Boyce, Widmer Engineering-Absent, Secretary, Sandy Motichak
Pledge of Allegiance Lead by President, Jerad Cypher.
Motion Guy Tucci, second Matt Boice, to approve bills as presents and in the future NO BILLS will be paid without receipts, – General $ 13,667.69. Motion passed
Motion Guy Tucci, second Jerad Cypher to accept resignation of Cheryl Amodei-Mascara, Code Enforcement Officer effective May 28, 2017. Motion passed.
Motion Jerad Cypher, second Matt Boice to schedule an Exit Interview with Cheryl Amodei-Mascara, Code Officer, with President of Council, Jerad Cypher and Solicitor Dennis Makel. Motion passed.
Council Member Tamara Chacko said she would be handing in her resignation also because she moving out of the area. She suggested Kelley Dickson may be appointed to fill her remaining term if she was interested.
President Cypher stated that Jerry Cypher had been appointed as the vacancy board member noting he recalled Mary Taufer making the motion to appoint him. (Refer to January 4, 2016 minutes and motion passed.)
Motion Guy Tucci, second Matt Boice, to table the purchase of an additional lawn/garden tractor and may be addressed in the future. It was confirmed that a new John Deere lawn/garden tractor was purchased in January, 2015. Motion passed.
Also, tabled was the purchase of a basket (platform) that mounts to the Loader machine. Employee is to get into the basket-platform and lifted up by Loader machine operator (employee). The purpose is to trim branches along the roads in the borough. Council members expressed concern for safety.
President Cypher discussed upcoming major projects such as Sheraton Ave, and Wilmont Avenue.
President Cypher will contact Sarah Boyce, Widmer Engineering, to request specifications for the Wilmont Ave. project to be bid out as soon feasibly possible. . Project to include corrective action to storm sewers, culverts, etc. and removal of bricks-base and pave the road from the top of Wilmont to the bottom at the Church.
Also discussed any Budget constraints and necessity for a plan to address borough streets, curbs, signs, and routine maintenance of borough roads and parks.
President Cypher established a committee of three members to meet and prioritize any work or issues of the borough regarding major road projects, street sweeping, signs, curbs, storm drains, etc. Members of the committee are: Jerad Cypher, Chuck McHugh, and Guy Tucci. The committee will orchestrate public work objectives.
Motion Chuck McHugh, second Matt Boice to authorize payment from the General Account when invoice received from Estimate No. 537 payable to Corson Custom Graphics in the amount of $1,303.00 pending receipt of signs. Motion passed.
Motion Jerad Cypher, second Chuck McHugh, to establish a procedure for reviewing payroll summary sheet for employees prior to submission. Secretary to check with the Auditor to see if an electronic copy can be submitted to council for approval. Council Member Matt Boice is the appointed authorized signer of the payroll summary. In the event, Council Member Boice is not available and electronic approval is permitted, Council Member Chuck McHugh will be able to approve payroll summary. Motion passed.
Council authorized Secretary to draft an acknowledgement (reviewed and approved by Council) to be given to all employees acknowledging that if their time sheet is not turned in and approved by appropriate Mayor/President of Council or designated Council Authority by the scheduled due date employee will not be paid that pay date. (Resolution)
Also, during the annual Audit Review with Palermo/Kissinger, the auditors made a suggestion that a limit of $500.00 be put on spending expenditures that do not require approval. Amounts in excess of $500.00 should be presented to Council for approval prior to purchase. However, in the event of an emergency, an expense that exceeds $500.00 must be approved by the Mayor or President of Council as necessary. (Resolution)
Motion Jerad Cypher, second Guy Tucci to authorize an allocation of $400.00 from the General Fund to be used for fruit trays, hot dogs, hamburgers or any other items needed for the East Washington Borough’s 125th Anniversary Celebration to be held on August 20, 2017. Motion passed.
Motion Jerad Cypher, second Guy Tucci, to authorize Solicitor to do research on the properties owned by W&J College that are located in East Washington Borough. Motion passed.
Motion Matt Boice, second Chuck McHugh to continue the meeting at the call of the President 9:07 pm. Motion passed.
Sandra Motichak
Secretary