Borough of East Washington
Business Council Meeting September 5, 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, Absent Jerad Cypher, President, Mary Taufer, Vice President, Council Members- Charles McHugh, Absent, Matt Boice, Jan Murdoch, Guy Tucci, Jerry Cypher, Absent, Solicitor Dennis Makel, Rich Rush, Widmer Engineering, Secretary, Sandy Motichak
Pledge of Allegiance Lead by President, Jerad Cypher.
Motion Jerad Cypher, second Matt Boice, to approve August 7, 2017 – cont. August 2, 2017 minutes. Motion passed
Motion Guy Tucci, second Matt Boice, to approve bills: General Account $ 17,737.63 and PLGIT-Liquid Fuels Account – $ 905.80 Motion passed.
President Jerad Cypher asked that in light of the recent Hurricane Harvey in Texas, he would like to ask everyone for a moment of silence offering prayers to those victims or anyone affected by the floods.
Joyce Ellis – gave a report on the Citizens Library. Library committees are being formed however, none have met yet. Library needs a vision. The Board is trying to come up with a campaign for funding in order to be self-sustained. (Citizens Library Cornerstone Legacy to build community-wide support for a sustainable future). Ms. Ellis indicated that based on financial reports the library has a budget of approximately 4 million dollars. Discussions about the library bi-laws include a provision to be able to remove members at any time. Using a dollar amount of $5.00 per person was discussed in order for the Library to be self-sustained, however no exact amount has been set by the library board. Ms. Ellis said she would suggest to Board members that she would assist with any Grant Writing if needed.
Public Comment
Residents from Lemoyne Ave (list attached)
Former Mayor and resident, Mark Pacilla spoke on behalf of several residents of Lemoyne Avenue that were concerned about PA American Water line replacement on their street. The residents wanted the brick put back vs. the road being paved. Mr. Pacilla gave council a report and several photos of a road that had been paved over brick in the borough. Mr. Pacilla and others felt that covering the bricks would lower the property value of their homes. He stated PA American is responsible for the pipeline and upgrades and should follow the boroughs ordinance and/or specifications for restoration of roads in the borough. He asked if any leaks or reports of broken lines, etc. were obtained from PA American Water. The road has been there a long time with little maintenance. Mr. Joe Bochna, PA American Water, when asked said if there was a leak, PA American is responsible for the repair. Mr. Bochna stated that the road would cost approximately $350,000 to put the bricks back and there is only so much budgeted for the project and agreed it could jeopardize the project. Mr. Pacilla asked council to reconsider the vote on Lemoyne. President Cypher said the decision was difficult, outweighing the bad with the good, infrastructure and the lines may be about 70 years old and the decision based on 10 houses vs. the entire project. President Cypher said there is a possibility that the other streets which were designated for the water line upgrade project: Lockhart, LeMoyne, Bakewell Alley, and East Wheeling may be cancelled. The reality is the Water Company replaces or upgrades their lines in stages and East Washington Borough has no guarantee of our boroughs water lines being replacement next year, or the year following. President Cypher said Council will discuss further with Mr. Joe Bochna, PA American Water. No action taken.
Mr. Bird – Thayer Street asked Council for calculations of a detention pond that was supposed to design approximately 10-15 years ago. Documents should be at the borough. He then stated our Engineer should have the documents. He is concerned due to his extensive losses to the flood in July. All the water comes from Catfish creek and into the borough. What is council doing about this?
Council Member Matt Boice said all the storm drains start at the top of the borough and runs down into the lower part of the borough. It is a problem. Rich Rush, Widmer Engineering said if a risk assessment is done, everything is undersized. Mr. Makel suggested Mr. Bird send a letter or an email request to the secretary to forward to Widmer Engineering.
Mr. Lingg- Thayer Street, asked about the status is of his property. Mr. Lingg stated he has an estimate to restore his property, wall, etc. to include new sidewalk of approximately $17,550. Nothing has been done to date.
President Cypher stated he received an email from Widmer indicated that the McKenzie’s did not want the wall put back up. Several points were conveyed by the solicitor and engineer and council as to obtaining a permit prior any digging/restoration in the area being defined as an enclosure. Receive a Grant of Easements from the property owners, and violation of ordinance having a wall over pipe.
Solicitor Makel asked Mr. Lingg to provide 3 dates and times he would be available to meet with Council and the Solicitor at his office.
Reca Panian- Chrisman Avenue. Ms. Panian gave a brief report on the Boroughs 125th Anniversary Celebration. Public Officials that attended the event were Representative Brandan Neuman, Representative Camera Bartolotta, and County Commissioner Harlan Shober. East Washington Borough received several Certificates from these officials that will be posted at the Borough Building. She indicated that she received approximately $300.00 in donations, plenty of food, prizes donated for children from East Washington Borough Police Department, the entertainment was great and everyone had a nice time.
President Jerad Cypher wanted to thank Council Member Matt Boice and Reca Panian for doing an excellent job of coordinating and planning the 125th Anniversary Celebration.
Action Items
Motion Jerad Cypher, second Mary Taufer to approve MMO (Minimum Municipal Obligation) Plan Non Uniform and Police Pension Plan $ 2,357.00. Motion passed with unanimous vote.
Motion Matt Boice, second Mary Taufer to amend Rental Policy to change Biennial Inspections to Annual Inspections. Motion passed with unanimous vote.
Motion to authorize Budget workshop Tue, Oct. 17, 2017 at 11:00 am. Tabled, date to be determined.
Discussion
- President Cypher stated a meeting is scheduled with Columbia Gas on September 19, 2017 to discuss the Columbia Gas Co. project. At that meeting items discussed will be a Public Education meeting with residents and Columbia Gas is to announce, construction timeline, and scope of work.
Motion Jerad Cypher, second Mary Taufer, to authorize the ACA Engineering Inspection Agreement – with an added cost to the Sheraton Slide project not to exceed $4,975.00. Any scope of work change would require a change order submitted to Council for approval prior to any other work needed. Motion passed with unanimous vote.
- Council discussed the Salt Lot. President Cypher asked what the project entailed and Council should be informed of any activity at the Salt Lot. He stated that the area at the salt lot is zoned Conservation and was not sure if anything can be built there. There had been some DEP violations in the past. No action taken.
Reports
Secretary – Received correspondence from PA Dept. of Treasury- DD of Local Share-Gaming money for the 2nd quarter $8,915.19. The PSAB Fall Leadership Conference October 13-15, 2017 at Kalahari, Pocono Manor before Sept 15, 2017 for discount. Balanced Accounts and financial information for the month of June, 2017 (in packets)
Public Works – Council Member Boice said Public Works will be street sweeping, and did patching on Morgan Also, trim some trees and inlet cleaning. Upcoming work 595 Lemoyne Ave. Ext. Leaf pick up to begin in October. He also stated he received correspondence from PENNDOT and they will not be changing the speed limit on Beau Street because it is the same in the City of Washington. They did offer a trailer (blinking lights to warn motorists).
Motion Jan Murdoch, second Matt Boice to authorize Bobby Burns to install 2 culvert Inlets at Morgan with the appropriate bond, insurance received by Widmer Engineering at a cost of $12,100. Motion passed with unanimous vote.
Police Department–Chief David Bradley – report on file in the office.
Motion Mary Taufer, second Jerad Cypher to set East Washington Borough Trick or Treat for Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 5:00 – 6:30 pm. Motion passed with unanimous vote.
Motion Matt Boice, second Mary Taufer, to approve proposal for Robinson Pipe to video and clean storm drains/culverts with a 3-man crew at $325.00 /hr. not to exceed $3,000.00. Motion passed with unanimous vote.
Motion Guy Tucci, second Jerad Cypher to approve the Notice of Intent for the MS4 permit application and fee of $500.00 as required by the Department of Environmental Protection. DEP. Widmer Engineering to submit on behalf of the Borough. Motion passed with unanimous vote.
Code Enforcement Officer – Gerald Coleman – report on file in the office.
Mayor – Michael Gomber- Absent
Council Members
Jerad Cypher, President Borough
Mary Taufer, Vice President
Matt Boice
Jerry Cypher-Absent
Jan Murdoch
Chuck McHugh-Absent
Guy Tucci
Unfinished Business
Solicitor -Dennis Makel – Status of Lingg-McKenzie property previously discussed.
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