Borough of East Washington
Business Council Meeting November 6, 2017 – 6:00 pm
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, Jan Murdoch, Guy Tucci, Jerry Cypher, Solicitor Dennis Makel, Rich Rush, Widmer Engineering, Joyce Ellis, Absent, Secretary, Sandy Motichak
Pledge of Allegiance Lead by President, Jerad Cypher.
Motion Matt Boice , second Jerad Cypher, to approve October 2, 2017 minutes. Motion passed
Motion Jerry Cypher , second Matt Boice, to approve bills: General Account $157,823.26 and Liq. Fuels PLGIT $ 221.12 Motion passed.
Public Comment
Ms. Kendra Casella, Assistant Director, Transitional Employment Consultants (TEC), asked Council if they would consider a joint partnership to fix the sink hole at Ford Lane where their facility is located. TEC would appreciate any assistance as to the boroughs recommendation for contractors to do the repair. Council Member Boice stated that he met with the Borough Engineer. There is no official documentation that the sink hole is located on Borough property, however the storm water inlet does connect into the public sewer system. Council does not want to set a precedent. Council will discuss later and follow up with an email to Ms. Casella.
Mrs. Silbaugh, 610 North Wade Avenue. Ms. Silbaugh asked Council if any change to the Burning Ordinance was decided. President Cypher stated the Fire, smoke is the Nuisance Law and it is a common tort law and to call the police. The fire has to be self-contained. Resident must file a complaint before any action can take place. The complaint will be handled under the police officer’s discretion who is on duty.
Dave Stotka, 620 North Wade Avenue, also expressed concern about the smoke from burning.
Mr. & Mrs. Terry Cloonan, 665 Lemoyne Ave. are concerned about any possible erosion from the landslide and safety on Sheraton Drive Project. Rich Ruch, Widmer Engineering responded to all of their questions. He stated the project is to be milled on the left side, added 4 foot section, overlaid at one and one half to two inches of course wearing. There is estimated 900 to 1,000 tons of soil and 4 inch open stone, consistent with PENNDOT specifications. The Geotech engineers have advised of a 2:1 less ratio of soil which then gets seeded and should be no run-off. He discussed the lower and upper inlets of Sheraton and locations of the pipes.
There was a brief discussion about the salt lot and the NPDES permit. Permit tabled and may be discussed next year with new council. No action taken.
Action Items
1. Motion Matt Boice, second Jerad Cypher, to authorize Treasurer to transfer $102,669.00 from Local Share Account to the General Account for payment to Custom Contracting (Pay Application #2) for the Sheraton Drive Slide Repair Project. (Approved by Widmer Engineering) Motion passed
2. Ordinance Discussion. Item tabled.
3. Motion Matt Boice, second to authorize Treasurer to pay from the General Account $11, 850.00 payable to Robert C. Burns Co. for the Storm Sewer inlet and repair on Lockhart. Motion withdrawn.
It was brought to council’s attention that there was a crack in the cement work done on Lockhart.
Motion Matt Boice, second Jerad Cypher, to approve payment pending receipt of a written notification from PA American Water (Hufnagel) or Robert C. Burns as to who will repair the crack in the concrete and subject to Widmer Engineering (Rich Rush) approval and receipt of two year maintenance bond. Motion passed.
4. Motion Jerry Cypher, second Mary Taufer to authorize Secretary to advertise 2018 Budget for Public Inspection. Motion passed.
Discussion
Ø Mr. Rob Phillips, Washington Co. Redevelopment Authority discussed the option for receiving the 2018 Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $50,000. The Community Development Block Grant can only be utilized for projects that meet the 51% low/moderate income population. In order qualify municipalities can survey the total persons who occupy a housing unit and must meet the income eligibility guidelines. Some possible eligible projects are: Street improvement, Sidewalk Improvements, Water/Sewer Improvements, Flood & Drainage Facilities, Home Rehabilitation and Clearance & Demolition. Council to discuss projects and notify Mr. Phillips.
Ø President Cypher indicated the next Columbia Gas Co. Project meeting will be November 30, 2017 at 3:30 pm.
Reports
Secretary
Public Works-Matt Boice- 2017 Leaf Season
Police Department–Chief David Bradley
Code Officer-Gerald Coleman
Mayor Michael Gomber told Council he has been in touch with PENNDOT regarding the speed limit sign and/or flashing light at the Faith Christian School on Beau Street. Hopefully, this will slow traffic on Beau Street. Mayor Gomber asked Council to re-consider the request to the purchase of cameras to be placed throughout the borough for the safety of the citizens. The request is to aid the police department in 2018.
Engineer (Widmer Engineering)-Status Sheraton Drive Project
Council Members
Jerad Cypher, President
Mary Taufer, Vice President –Mary Taufer stated she has not received any reply from the Army Corp of Engineers.
Matt Boice, Leaf pickup throughout the borough ongoing. The light at the flag pole has been fixed. New shed has been delivered and installed at the salt lot. Road Department personnel are cleaning out the garage and will be putting the two tractors and the garden tools, etc. in the new shed. Some street signs placed on Harrison. New street signs are approximately $100.00 each and will be purchased throughout 2018.
Jerry Cypher
Jan Murdoch
Chuck McHugh
Guy Tucci
Unfinished Business
Solicitor (Dennis Makel
Adjournment
Motion Jerad Cypher, second Mary Taufer to continue the meeting at the call of the President.
Motion passed with unanimous vote.
Sandra Motichak
Secretary