Council Meeting Minutes will be posted after they are approved at the following meeting.
The Borough of Somerset Council Meeting
July 27th, 2026 - 5:00 p.m.
1. Meeting Called to Order– President Pam Ream.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
a) Borough Council Members present: Pam Ream, Lori Barnhart, Sue Opp, Steve Shaulis and Mario Dirienzo.
b) Borough Council Members absent: Ian Mandichak and Lee Hoffman.
c) Also present: Mayor Fred Rosemeyer.
d) Also present were the following: Borough Manager, Michele Enos; Borough Manager In Training, Roger Bailey; Director of Finance, Brett Peters; Assistant Director of Finance, Matthew Franciscus; Chief of Police, Rich Appel; Consulting Engineer, Jake Bolby.
e) Public Attendance: Various family members of the Police Officers who were receiving the “Oath of Office” office.
4. Approval of Agenda: Consider approving the agenda with the addition of the “Swearing-In” of new Borough Police Officers.
Motion
Ms. Barnhart moved, Mrs. Opp seconded, to approve the agenda with the addition of the “Swearing-In” of new Borough Police Officers.
Motion Unanimously Carried
5. Announcements:
a) None
6. “Swearing-In” of new Borough Police Officers:
Mayor Rosemeyer took the lead in the “Swearing-In” of three new Borough Police
Officers.
Each new Officer introduced himself to the Borough Council.
Borough Council welcomed them all and thanked them for their service.
7. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting(s)
a) June 22nd, 2026 – Borough Council Meeting Minutes.
Motion
Mr. Shaulis moved, Mrs. Opp seconded, to approve the June 22nd, 2026Borough Council Meeting Minutes as presented.
Motion Unanimously Carried
8. Award of Bids:
a) None
9. General Public Comments:
a) None requested
10. Administrative Business:
a) Communications – (none)
b) Payment of Bills – Month of July 2026.
Motion:
Mrs. Opp moved, Ms. Barnhart seconded, to approve the payment of bills for the month of July 2026 numbered 45114 – 45230 totaling $1,446,932.56.
Motion Unanimously Carried
c) Department Reports – Consider approving the Departmental Reports for the month of June 2026.
Motion
Mr. Dirienzo moved, Ms. Barnhart seconded, to approve the Departmental Reports for the month of June 2026.
Motion Unanimously Carried
11. Policy Agenda:
Old Business:
a) None
New Business:
a) Ordinance – Consider authorizing adoption of an Ordinance authorizing the incurrence of lease/rental debt for lease/purchase of a Street Sweeper through the Commonwealth’s Co-Stars Program. Total amount is $396,607.13.
Ms. Enos stated this lease/purchase of a street sweeper has to be passed by Ordinance due to the amount of the cost.
Council’s approval was requested by Ms. Enos until the requirements of advertisement are met. Thereafter, the lease/purchase Ordinance for the street sweeper will be brought before Council again for adoption.
b) Department of Army – Consider approving the language required by the US Dept. of the Army to secure the cannon on Tayman Avenue.
Ms. Enos explained that the Borough was asked to handle the required paperwork to secure the deed of transfer for the cannon on Tayman Avenue.
Ms. Enos read the following to Borough Council, stating beforehand, that the US Dept of the Army has specific language that has to be in the Borough Minutes and approved by Borough Council:
“There is a US Army owned M114A2 Series Towed Howitzer on display (through the Department of the Amy’s Donation Static Display Program) at the vicinity of 281 Tayman Avenue known as the “Somerset Welcome Howitzer”. It is conditionally on loan to the American Legion Post #181 although the property is owned by the Commonwealth of PA, Department of Transportation within the Borough of Somerset.
The American Legion has not been compliant in the mandatory reporting of this piece of equipment and as such are in violation of the Conditional Deed of Gift.
As such, the subject howitzer must be reissued to a qualified organization. Due to the howitzer’s current location and background, the Department of the Army is offering it to the Borough so that it may remain at its present location, or else it would be offered and relocated to a qualified organization within the Department of the Army’s repository system.
Additionally, that upon qualifying, the Army will initiate a Conditional Deed of Gift for the conditional loan to the Borough of Somerset. The Borough of Somerset will then be the custodian, with title of the asset with the US Army. The Borough of Somerset will be responsible for the maintenance of the howitzer, annual electronic certification and the asset can’t be relocated without the Army’s approval”.
We will need a motion to have the proper officials execute the necessary documents to accept the Conditional Deed of Gift for the US Army owned M114A2 Series Towed Howitzer.
Motion
Ms. Barnhart moved, Mrs. Opp seconded, to approve the language required by the US Department of Army to secure the cannon.
Motion Unanimously Carried
c) Handicap Parking Sign – Consider a request to remove the handicap parking space and required signage along the 100 Block of East Sanner Street.
Ms. Enos explained that this handicap parking space was authorized by Council in 2018 to accommodate a handicapped individual along the street. Several years ago, the person had passed away and the space has not been utilized for handicap parking in that area. The adjoining resident has requested, in writing, that Council authorize the removal of the handicap parking sign. The parking space would go back to a “normal” parking space.
Motion
Mr. Dirienzo moved, Mr. Shaulis seconded, to approve the removal of the handicap parking space and required signage along the 100 Block of East Sanner Street.
Motion Unanimously Carried
Committee Business/Reports:
d) Borough Manager’s Report – Given by Michele Enos.
Ms. Enos noted that she attended a meeting sponsored by Senator Fetterman’s office, which also included Mr. Dirienzo, Mr. Mandichak and Mr. Shaulis.
Senator Fetterman’s office discussed what federal funding might be available for Borough’s sidewalks, renovations, local street paving, Capital Projects for Public Safety buildings, including fire and police, and water & sewer projects.
Aspire Grant is working with Officer Huzsak for equipment, training and other things needed by the Police Department.
e) Finance Report – Given by Matt Franciscus.
Mr. Franciscus provided Borough Council with the year-to-date Financial Report through June 2026. We are half way through the year.
General Fund: Water Fund: Sewer Fund: Stormsewer Fund:
Revenues – 71.13% Revenues – 63.78% Revenues – 55.34% Revenues – 51.95%
Expenses – 47.15% Expenses – 47.43% Expenses – 53.15% Expenses – 10.88%
f) Municipal Authority Manager’s Report – Given by Jess Sizemore.
Mrs. Sizemore was not in attendance so no report was given.
g) President’s Report – Given by Pam Ream.
Mrs. Ream mentioned that “Chalk the Block” was a very nice, successful event and was well attended.
h) Somerset Inc. Report – Given by Lee Hoffman.
Mr. Hoffman was not in attendance so no report was given.
i) PSAB Report – Given by Fred Rosemeyer.
Mayor Rosemeyer had nothing to report for PSAB.
j) Somerset Volunteer Fire Dept. Report – Given by Steve Shaulis.
Mr. Shaulis said that between the two fire stations, they have answered 533 calls to date.
He mentioned that the Fire Department participated in “Chalk the Block”.
Mr. Shaulis noted that the “25th/250th” remembrance and Western PA Fireman’s Convention is coming up on August 7-9th, 2026. He added that the Borough’s help in setting things up for the event is greatly appreciated.
He said that the golf outing fundraiser will take place in September 2026.
Lastly, Mr. Shaulis mentioned that the Fire Department is selling tickets on a Polaris side-by-side for all who are interested in obtaining tickets.
k) Engineer’s Report – Given by Jake Bolby.
Mr. Bolby presented the Updates to the Engineer’s Report.
SEWER:
1) Assessment, Repair, and Abatement Plan (Hydraulic Overload):
Mr. Bolby mentioned that all projects are moving along.
The one project where there will be earth moved, that would occupy the “25/250” Event area, will not be done until August 10th. The other active project area will be cleaned up for the “25/250” Event.
The funding application for the last project area, Phase 1D, will be submitted approximately August 29th after DEP gives us permission to submit it.
i) Mayor’s Report – Given by Fred Rosemeyer.
Mayor Rosemeyer said that traffic stops have increased in the Borough because there are more Officers on staff. He added that a lot of warnings are being given out to individuals unless it is a serious offense.
Mayor Rosemeyer stated that the “25/250” Event is coming up and disclosed how the Police Department is preparing for that. They are being mindful of possibly protesters on site for the event, and will be monitoring things every day. A meeting will be held for the public and different department heads for all First Responders on July 30th, 2026 so the whole County is aware of what is happening.
He also mentioned that “Chalk the Block” was quite an event. He thanked the Public Works Department for all their hard work in getting everything ready on time. He added that there were no incidents that occurred during the event.
A discussion occurred among Council Members regarding individuals driving golf carts on the roads of the Borough. E-bikes, e-scooters and motorized scooters for the handicapped was also discussed, and the dangers that they all impose.
Chief Appel explained that there are provisions for the handicapped that must exist, and the law cannot restrict their ability to move around.
It was noted that there are no specific laws in PA to impede e-bike and e-scooter limitations on the street, but they are to obey all traffic laws while riding on the streets.
It was also mentioned that “Night Out” at the Police Department is Tuesday August 11th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Before Executive Session, Borough Council presented Ms. Enos with 2 awards from the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs for her Distinguished Service and for 10 years of service to Somerset Borough as its Manager. Mrs. Opp mentioned that Ms. Enos’ role as Somerset Borough’s Assistant Manager, followed by her role as Manager, has benefitted the Borough Council Members, employees, staff and residents.
Mrs. Opp & Mrs. Ream both mentioned that former Borough Manager, Mr. Benedict Vinzani, was extremely instrumental in Ms. Enos winning these awards, because he composed the paper and submitted it to the PSAB on the Borough’s behalf. There were over 300 applicants who competed for these awards that Ms. Enos won.
Mrs. Ream, President of Borough Council, presented the PSAB awards to Ms. Enos. All of Borough Council congratulated Ms. Enos on this accomplishment. Ms. Enos expressed her appreciation, and added that what meant more to her was the thought of Borough Council presenting it, and the thought behind it, than the awards themselves. She said that she greatly values the support of Council, and thanked Mr. Vinzani for all he has done for her throughout her years at Somerset Borough. She also thanked all of Borough Council and Mr. Jake Bolby.
Mr. Vinzani added that this Statewide Award is given out very meticulously, and that Ms. Enos earned every bit of it. He said that working with her through the years has been a pleasure for him.
12. Executive Session: To discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters.
Motion
Mr. Dirienzo moved, seconded by Mr. Shaulis, to go into Executive Session to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters.
Motion Unanimously Carried
5:58 p.m.
Back in Session
6:15 p.m.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Motion
Mr. Shaulis moved to adjourn; motion seconded by Mrs. Ream.
Motion Unanimously Carried
6:17 p.m.
_____________________________________________
Michele A. Enos, Borough Manager/ Secretary