Meeting Minutes

Mercer County Regional Planning Commission
TUESDAY, January 25, 2005
7:30pm, MCRPC Office, Hermitage

MUNICIPALITY	PRESENT	ABSENT
FARRELL CITY		Jerry Miller
		William Morocco
HERMITAGE CITY	Rita Ferringer
	James Pat White	James A. Rollinson
SHARON CITY	Stephen Theiss	Vic Heutsche
		Darin Flower
CLARK BOROUGH	James Carucci, Sr.
	Richard Dunlap
FREDONIA BOROUGH	Patricia McAdams	Ron Boyd
GREENVILLE BOROUGH	Burroughs Price	Robin Douglas
GROVE CITY BOROUGH		Thomas D. Shaffer, Jr.
		Clifford McCandless
JACKSON CENTER BOROUGH		Debbi Stevenson
		Marvin R. McAfoose
JAMESTOWN BOROUGH		Doug McElhaney
		Darryl Pinney
MERCER BOROUGH	Jerry Johnson
	Jim Carnes
NEW LEBANON BOROUGH		Janice Good
		Mary A. Ziegler
SANDY LAKE BOROUGH		Robert W. Kaltenbaugh
		Brad Martin
SHARPSVILLE BOROUGH		Bob Piccirilli
		Alex Kovach
STONEBORO BOROUGH	Samuel A. Scott
WEST MIDDLESEX BOROUGH		Mark David
		Tracy Thompson
WHEATLAND BOROUGH	Thomas R. Stanton	Bob Davis
COOLSPRING TOWNSHIP	Robert L. McGhee
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP		Donald Kremm
		Caroline Stoyer
EAST LACKAWANNOCK TOWNSHIP		Nancy Givens
FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP		Jane Clark
		Mont Clark
FINDLEY TOWNSHIP		Elliott Lengel
		John B. Courtney
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP		Pamela Brown
		Russell L. Dawes
JACKSON TOWNSHIP		Linda L. Baun
		Mary Gealy
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP	Bert Weston	Richard H. McCullough
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP	Dave Beatty	Ron Faull
NEW VERNON TOWNSHIP		John Martin
OTTER CREEK TOWNSHIP	Paulette Young	Richard Straub
PERRY TOWNSHIP		Richard Marshall
PINE TOWNSHIP	H. Thomas Paxton
	Fred Brenner
PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP		Walter L. Weir, Jr.
		Richard Witten
SHENANGO TOWNSHIP	Charles Gilliland
	James Eakin
S. PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP	Mike Nashtock	David Lapikas
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP	Judy L. Hassler
	Larry T. Gruntz
WILMINGTON TOWNSHIP	Charles Garrett
	Jeff Hoy
WOLF CREEK TOWNSHIP		Ray Penland
		Mark Smith
MERCER COUNTY	Larry McAdams	Julie Widel
	Patty McClusky	Jean Hodge
	James Hughes	Jeff Fiedler
		James L. Hogan
BOROUGHS ASSOCIATION	David George
SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION		Robert Birtciel
COUNTY COMMISSIONER	Michele Brooks

 

STAFF	OTHERS PRESENT
Dan Gracenin, Executive Director Jeremy Coxe, Senior Planner Andrew Dash, Planner Chris Conti, Senior Planner Carmen Reichard, Senior Program Administrator Jill Boozer, Program Administrator Don Blakesley, Senior Program Administrator	Robert Kochems, Solicitor Barb Brown, Springfield Twp. Angelo Stamoolis, Community Counseling Center Albert Boland, Community Health Partnership/MC Lizette Olsen, AWARE Jim DeCapua, Mercer County Regional COG

CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Tom Stanton, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mr. Tom Stanton, Chairman, led the Commission in the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

ATTENDANCE SIGN-IN

An attendance sign-in sheet was passed around and representatives present were asked to mark their attendance. A quorum was present.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEM

There were no public comments.

PRESENTATION OF GAVEL TO 2004 CHAIRMAN PAT WHITE

Mr. Stanton, 2005 Chairman presented the gavel to Mr. Pat White, 2004 Chairman and thanked him for doing a good job during the past year. Mr. White thanked everyone.

MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 21, 2004 MEETING

A motion was made by Mr. Beatty and seconded by Mr. Lengel to approve the Minutes of the December 21, 2004 meeting with no additions, corrections, or deletions. The motion passed.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

A motion was made by Mr. George and seconded by Ms. Ferringer to approve the December 2004 Financial Statement as presented. The motion passed.

FINANCE-PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT

Dr. Brenner, Committee Chairman reported that the Committee tabled all action pending more information on employee health care. Hopefully, the Committee will have a report next month.

PROPOSED PROJECTS FOR MERCER COUNTY 2005 CDBG FUNDING

Mr. Gracenin explained that MCRPC administers Mercer County’s CDBG program. Tonight’s purpose was to discuss and review project proposals and make a recommendation for consideration to the Mercer County Board of Commissioners for their February meeting. Mr. Conti explained that Mercer County would receive an entitlement of $345,355 for FY 2005 CDBG, or roughly $300,000 after admin expenses. Since 1986, the County has asked the Commission to make a recommendation to them in terms of the projects that they may select for CDBG funding. MCRPC sent out a solicitation by mail for project proposals to municipalities that do not receive their own annual entitlement of CDBG monies as well as other interested organizations in Mercer County. He noted that 10 project proposals were submitted. (A copy is attached and is to become part of the permanent record of the Minutes.)

Three proposals were received for planning projects: 1) Mercer Borough Inflow and Infiltration Analysis Study ($71,000 requested) to identify areas where future inflow/infiltration work could reduce flows into the borough system; 2) Mercer County Comprehensive Plan ($17,268 requested) to develop complimentary GIS data for the comprehensive plan; and 3) Community Health Partnership Behavior Rick Factor Surveillance System Plan ($15,000 requested) to measure health behaviors and practices of county residents and identify how these behaviors determine potential health risks. He stated that the total planning funds available for the three projects are limited to approximately 5% of the grant or up to $15,000.

Three proposals were received for brick and mortar projects: 1) Wheatland Borough ($311,375 requested) for road reconstruction for 4 streets; 2) Jamestown Borough ($46,350 requested) for installation of an emergency power generator to serve the water pollution control plant; and 3) Mercer Borough ($168,000 requested) for sanitary and storm sewer work. This project ties in with the inflow and infiltration analysis study for Mercer Borough. He noted that when we initially talked to the Borough about this project, census data indicated the block group where this project is located was more than 51% low-mod. However, the State came back and stated that an income survey would be necessary to qualify the project. He stated that up to 86-87% of the grant could be used for the brick and mortar projects.

Four proposals were received for public service projects: 1) Shenango Valley Shuttle Service ($15,000 requested) for transportation for LMI persons to enjoy recreation facilities at their various sites; 2) Literacy Council of Mercer County ($42,702 requested) would be for a continuation of a public service program the County funded in previous years for funding for family center activities in Lakeview, West Middlesex, and Grove City (except for Grove City Borough) school district areas. These activities include education, tutoring, health care, early intervention and referrals to other health agencies; 3) Community Counseling Center ($50,000 requested) to increase their current program by 20% in outpatient mental health and drug/alcohol services to residents in designated areas; and 4) AWARE ($12,007 requested) to establish a legal advocacy program to serve rural victims of domestic and sexual violence who reside in designated areas. The total funds available for these four public service projects are limited to approximately 15% of the grant or up to $50,000 available.

Next, Mr. Gracenin gave each representative present that wanted to speak on behalf of their project 5 minutes to give a little more detail. Mr. Jerry Johnson and Jim Carnes spoke on behalf of the inflow and infiltration analysis study for Mercer Borough. They stressed that this study is necessary to determine what the inflow is in the Borough. The Borough is permitted by PaDEP 1M gallons/day, they use about 250,000 gallons/day, and when it rains, it goes to 2-3M gallons/day, which is a tremendous inflow/infiltration. Mercer Borough is involved in the Neshannock Watershed Authority Study comprising the municipalities of Mercer, Findley, East Lackawannock, Coolspring and Springfield. Mr. Johnson explained that Mercer Borough needs to reduce storm water flows into the borough system and identify future funding programs. Mr. Carnes stated that they found one major infiltration problem and the Borough is making plans to deal with that.

Mr. Gracenin explained that Mercer County is looking to supplement funds for the Federal dollars already in place to implement the next stage of the GIS. Stage one of the GIS was done, which was the aerial imagery. Match monies are needed to the Federal highway dollars so work can get started on parcelization for the County, creating road files and some other files that are necessary to start operating a GIS. He noted that the GIS would benefit everybody/community/agency in Mercer County and would in particular compliment the new County Comprehensive Plan update.

Mr. Boland from Community Health Partnership (CHP) explained that over the next couple of years, CHP is looking to improve the health of Mercer County residents. Census data and other statistics show that the health of County residents is declining. CHP would like to implement certain projects, but also assist local health and human service agencies within the county to assist them in receiving grant dollars to help reach their clientele. In order to see if the goals that they are projecting are making progress in the disparity population, they need to assess the county. One of the ways the state is assisting is through the behavior risk factor surveillance system plan surveys, which contain approximately 80 questions to track behaviors.

Mr. Davis from Wheatland Borough stated that 4 roads in the Borough badly need replaced. Mr. Stanton stated one road has curbing, because of storm sewers. Road reconstruction would benefit homeowners on Beechwood Avenue (73% LMI); Chestnut Street (61% LMI); Laird Street (59% LMI); and Morton Street (58% LMI). Mr. Stanton stated that if funding could not be in full, try to fund the highest priority streets, which would be Laird and either Chestnut or Beechwood Avenue. Laird Street is a smaller street, but the most traveled.

No one was present from Jamestown Borough to speak on behalf of their project proposal. It was noted that in prior years, Jamestown received sewer monies. Commissioner Brooks, from Jamestown Borough, abstained from the conversation/vote. Mr. Coxe stated that a sewer treatment plant project would benefit the Borough by installing an emergency power generator to ensure that raw sewage discharge in the Shenango River during power outages would be eliminated.

Mr. Johnson from Mercer Borough stated that the Borough is looking at replacing the sanitary sewer on East Beaver Street and replacing various laterals on East Butler Street, which are a problem in the Borough due to infiltration problems.

Mr. DeCapua from Mercer County COG stated that they are requesting $15,000 for costs of transporting LMI persons and persons 65 and over to enjoy recreation facilities at Chestnut Run Swim Beach, West Middlesex Pool and the Shenango Valley Softball Complex. He stated that they are requesting funds from entitlement communities also to help support this type of an appropriation.

No one was present from the Literacy Council of Mercer County to speak on behalf of their project proposal.

Mr. Angelo Stamoolis from the Community Counseling Center stated that there has been an increase in mental health disorders throughout Mercer County, and that treatment of these disorders benefits from this public service. He noted that any help that they could receive would benefit this program.

Ms. Lizette Olsen from AWARE stated that they are asking for money to help continue a legal advocacy program to serve rural victims of domestic and sexual violence in designated areas. Clients served will be 100% LMI based on income screening.

Mr. Gracenin asked if there were any more comments from anyone who wanted to speak on behalf of their project. He noted that there is $298,732 available for project expenses. He then asked for a recommendation for one or multiple projects and amounts of funding from Commission representatives. Various Commission representatives spoke on behalf of projects they felt should be funded. A motion was made by Mr. Hoy to recommend to the Mercer County Commissioners that we fully fund 4.5% of the grant or $15,000+ to develop the GIS program; that we fully fund AWARE $12,007; and we divide the remaining monies to Wheatland Borough (60%) and Mercer Borough sanitary sewer project (40%). Mr. Gilliland seconded. Mr. Stanton, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion on the motion. Someone stated that they were concerned about the raw sewage being discharged in the Shenango Valley River during power outages in Jamestown Borough, which they feel is a health issue. There was question on funding the GIS fully. Mr. Gracenin stated that the flight that was done becomes time sensitive. The longer we wait to create the next layer of data, the older the aerials get, the less value they would have over a period of time. Mr. White stated that he feels each request from every agency is worthwhile and none should be left out.

Mr. Gracenin stated that a motion is on the floor to fund the GIS at 4.5%; to fully fund the AWARE project at $12,007 and to put the remaining funds to Wheatland Borough (60%) and Mercer Borough (40%) projects. Mr. Stanton then asked for all in favor to say yes and those not in favor of the motion on the floor to say no. It was determined that a roll call vote is necessary. Mr. Gracenin conducted a roll call vote on the motion. After the roll call vote was taken, it was determined that there were 22 votes for the motion and 9 votes against the motion on the floor. The motion passed. Mr. Gracenin stated that this is only a recommendation to the County Commissioners. The Commissioners will hold a public hearing, at which time each agency will have a chance to speak on behalf of their project, with their final decision to be held a week later at the Commissioner’s meeting.

CDBG COOPERATION AGREEMENTS – GREENVILLE, PINE & COUNTY

Mr. Conti, Senior Planner, explained that authorization is needed to enter into the standard cooperation agreements with Greenville Borough, Pine Township and Mercer County to provide for full administration by MCRPC of their FY 2005 CDBG Programs. It was explained that these are standard agreements adopted yearly. A motion was made by Mr. Price and seconded by Mr. Dunlap to approve entering into Cooperation Agreements with Greenville, Pine and Mercer County for administration of FY 2005 CDBG Programs. The motion passed.

AUTHORIZATION FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT CONTRACT

Mr. Gracenin, Executive Director, explained that a simple resolution is needed authorizing the chairman (or vice-chairman or secretary respectively if chairman is not available) to sign the annual grant agreement with PennDOT for transportation planning. A motion was made by Mr. Price and seconded by Mr. Lengel to sign the annual grant agreement with PennDOT for transportation planning. The motion passed.

ANNUAL WORK PROGRAM FOR 2005

Mr. Gracenin, Executive Director, explained that the Commission must approve a list of projects and work activities to be undertaken by the staff in 2005. (A copy is attached to and made a part of the permanent record of Minutes.) After Mr. Gracenin highlighted some of the projects and work activities, a motion was made by Mr. White and seconded by Mr. Lengel to approve the Annual Work Program for 2005. The motion passed.

APPOINTMENT OF SOLICITOR

A motion was made by Mr. Brenner and seconded by Mr. McAdams to reappoint Robert Kochems as Solicitor of the Commission for 2005. This action is required annually by the Commission’s Bylaws. The motion passed.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES

Mr. Gracenin explained that a list of committees was mailed to all Commission members in their meeting packet. Mr. James Hughes and Mr. Elliott Lengel asked that they be added to the Zoning and Subdivision Review Committee. Mr. Stanton asked if there were any other representatives who wanted to be added to or deleted from any committee. There being none, the committee appointments were approved as read.

AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF APPROVAL OF MINOR SUBDIVISIONS

Mr. Gracenin explained that this action is to be taken annually, which authorizes the approval by MCRPC staff on behalf of the full Commission to approve minor subdivisions under the Mercer County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. A motion was made by Mr. Price and seconded by Mr. Brenner to approve the authorization for staff to approve minor subdivisions. The motion passed.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business or discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

 

Submitted and Certified By:

Patricia McAdams, Secretary - MCRPC

 

Mercer County Regional Planning Commission
2491 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA 16148
mail@mcrpc.com    www.mcrpc.com

 

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