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 "Birthplace of the Oil Industry" "Tree City, USA" for 20 Consecutive Years 107 North Franklin Street ● Titusville, Pennsylvania ● (814) 827-5300 |
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City Manager *last updated 9/13/06*
February March April May June/Mid-year Report July August September October-December
1. I continue to represent the City of Titusville at Steering Committee organizational meetings for the development of a SHIP (State Health Improvement Plan) for Crawford County. The PA. Dept. of Health (DOH) developed the SHIP process to allow DOH and communities in the Commonwealth more flexibility in working together for the purpose of developing creative solutions through partnerships for local health issues. Community based health improvement partnerships are a collaboration of public, private, and voluntary organizations and individuals within a community and they exist for the purpose of improving the broadly defined health status of the community. Currently I am serving on the By-Laws Committee. Titusville groups are represented at the meeting such as TASD, TAH (Co-chair Sue McDowell), Genesis, the City and others.
2.A tentative date for RDM to present Step IV of the early Intervention Program has been scheduled on Monday, March 27th at 6:00 PM in Benson Library. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Step IV examines and analyzes each department of the City and is a key component of the EIP. RDM analysis will during this Step: a) Examine the flow of information, both input and output, of the various departments, as well as analyzing the flow of information within the departments b) Review the reporting functions of the various departments and the interface the departments have on a daily basis with other city departments c) Conduct an evaluation of municipal services and determine appropriate levels of services d) Review all revenue sources and identify opportunities for enhancement e) Review all cost centers to determine areas where additional cost controls could be implemented f) Study and evaluate the condition of the cities fixed assets, equipment and infrastructure g) Include in the review the condition of departmental equipment and facilities h) Develop recommendation for disposition of fixed assets, as appropriate i) Develop recommendations for a capital budget and maintenance program, j) Evaluate the City's development polices and make recommendations for change, if appropriate k) Review current regional intergovernmental cooperation efforts with a specific focus to identify potential future opportunities l) Develop recommendations for productivity improvements, as deemed necessary, and report findings to the 5 year plan support team m) Compare current practices with recommended best practices fro ICMA (International City Managers Association) and GFOA (Government Finance Officers of America) n) Present best practices to department directors and staff 3. City, Department of Environmental Resources (DEP) and HMM will be having a meeting on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 to discuss on going operation problems at the WWTP. The purpose will be to discuss problems with the WWTP's SCADA (automated) system and to ensure that the plant can be manually overridden and operated so that Titusville doesn't run into trouble in the future with inadequately treated water being discharged or otherwise allowed to flow to the stream. The City’s WWTP Operators have been doing an outstanding job operating the Plant through these problems as noted by DEP.
4. An introductory meeting was conducted on Wednesday, March 8 with representatives of Emergycare Inc., the City Police and Fire Chief and the City Manager. Discussion regarding the coordinated efforts of public safety providers of the community was the topic.
5. The City received two replies to the Water Rate Study RFP and expects to receive one more. The cost thus far indicated to conduct the Study range from a high of $30,000 to $6,750. Once we have received the third and final proposal and have reviewed all a recommendation will be forth coming.
6. The following attached news release re: the City’s adoption of the EMS Tax was prepared and appeared in the area news papers.
7. Replies to Citizen Night inquiries have been prepared and mailed to all of citizens who registered and spoke at the Citizen Night of February 20, 2006. City Council has received copies of the letters.
8. The City and the TASD will be participating in the infield preparation at the Myer Complex in anticipation of the baseball season. The TASD will be purchasing the infield materials and the City will be providing manpower and equipment.
9. The City has provided recycling containers at the City Barn for the area social clubs who wish to bring their materials for recycling. Participating are the VFW, the PNA, and the American Legion. The Moose Club already has a recycling container at their facility. Their participation will help boost the City’s performance and therefore could result in additional grant dollars to support recycling efforts of the City.
10. Part III of the City’s Early Intervention Program stated, “The City during the period of 2000-2005 did an excellent job of controlling the number of employees. However, during the next 12 months it must continue to maintain this excellent record. [Currently the City has 50 full time and 8 part-time employees and in 2000 had 53 full time and 10 part-time.] Therefore, in keeping with Section 516.(a) (7) of the 3rd Class City Code which says “the City Manager shall recommend to the city council for adoption such measures as he/she may deem necessary” and in response to the recommendation of the EIP (Part III, Core Expenditure Corrective Action), the City Administration is recommending also that in 2006 that hiring be curtailed and that vacancies that do occur that are felt to be absolutely essential will be brought back to City Council for authorization before proceeding to fill.
11. Also in response to Part III of the EIP’s recommendation “that the City consider a redesign of its healthcare plan”, preliminary investigative work has been completed by the City’s Insurance Broker regarding Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA). Under this type of plan deductibles are raised, the employer through the HRA makes contributions into the account to cover deductibles for eligible medical expenses incurred on behalf of the employee, their spouse and eligible dependents and as a result of the high deductibles the monthly premiums are substantially reduced. A meeting will be set with the Broker in be set to review his findings. If this is feasible for the City it will require meeting with all bargaining groups to discuss. Other expenditure controls already implemented as recommended by the EIP resulting in cost savings for the City include;
§ All dispatching, as of January 2006 is now being handled by Crawford County Dispatch Center resulting in a reduction of the police overtime budget from $45,000 in 2005 to $30,000 in 2006. § The City’s non-bargaining employee’s contribution to healthcare was raised from 7% in 2005 to 10% in 2006. With the ratification of the Public Works (AFSCME Employees) new contract all employee groups will be contributing toward health care. § All collections for parking violations/ permits are now being taken by the Treasurer with the police department strictly as the enforcer therefore segregating the duties and reducing the need to staff the window at the police department beyond a 40 hour work week. § Fire Department personnel have been issued a directive by the Fire Chief to eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips to conserve fuel costs and to conserve energy by keeping the building bay doors closed.
1. I continue to represent the City of Titusville at Steering Committee organizational meetings for the development of a SHIP (State Health Improvement Plan) for Crawford County. The PA. Dept. of Health (DOH) developed the SHIP process to allow DOH and communities in the Commonwealth more flexibility in working together for the purpose of developing creative solutions through partnerships for local health issues. Community based health improvement partnerships are a collaboration of public, private, and voluntary organizations and individuals within a community and they exist for the purpose of improving the broadly defined health status of the community. Currently I am serving on the By-Laws Committee. Titusville groups are represented at the meeting such as TASD, TAH (Co-chair Sue McDowell), Genesis, the City and others.
2. A tentative date for RDM to meet in a workshop with the Steering Committee made up of Long Range Planning and Finance Committee, City Council, and Department Staff regarding Step IV, V, and VI of the Early Intervention Program has been scheduled for last week of April.
3. The City, Department of Environmental Resources (DEP) and HMM met on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 to discuss on going operation problems at the WWTP. As a result of the meeting, certain steps were agreed upon. A team from Hatch Mott MacDonald (HMM), its subcontractors, and the City will gather at the plant to systematically review trouble spots and adjust, (or make arrangements to adjust), items of concern the week of April 10th. Plant operators will receive detailed attention and training on issues that have been cause for confusion, and HMM will establish a record indicating what training was provided. HMM will cover the cost of training. The City has a grease trap ordinance, but grease remains a problem at the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Better monitoring and enforcement will be implemented including inspecting traps and issuing fines as appropriate. However, education regarding the requirements of the ordinance and the subsequent problems associated with grease will be the line of offense prior to inspections or fines however.
4. The City, as has been the practice for the last five (5) years will be providing assistance with Take Pride Committee planned community clean-up days. Clean-up Days have been scheduled for Scheide Park at 5 PM on Monday, April 17th and Monday, April 24th also at 5 PM in preparation for the annual Arbor Day celebration hosted by the Shade Tree Commission. A downtown clean-up, tentatively planned for Saturday, May 20th, will also require City assistance as we will be providing a truck for bags and debris to be loaded on, trash bags, and manpower. Street sweeping continues to be provided daily in the downtown. Other areas of concern such as community regulatory signage, brush, debris/ junk continue to be addressed by the Zoning Officer with the assistance of the PD.
5. The following attached news release re: the reimbursement of overpayment of the EMS Tax was prepared and submitted for publishing in the area news papers. Also appearing on the City’s web site, GBS, and the Herald are weekly street sweeping schedules.
6. Replies to Citizen Night inquiries have been prepared and mailed to all of citizens who registered and spoke at the Citizen Night of March 20, 2006. City Council has received copies of the letters.
7. The City and the TASD participated in the infield preparation at the Myer Complex in preparation for ball season. The TASD provided the materials/manpower and the City the equipment/ some manpower.
8. The City has provided three (3) 96 gallon recycling containers at the City Barn for the area social clubs who wish to bring their materials for recycling. Participating are the VFW and the American Legion. So far we are getting daily service by Tri-county for empting the containers. The Moose Club already has a recycling container at their facility and the PNA is utilizing 15 blue containers that the City provided. We are hoping that their participation will boost the City’s performance and therefore could result in additional grant dollars to support recycling efforts of the City.
9. Public Works Contract (separate memo)
10. Meeting was conducted with Department Heads to go over the first draft of the Employee Handbook on Tuesday, March 28th. Some changes were identified and a follow-up meeting is planned.
11. The City published a required “Public Notice” in regards to the dry dam. This was a requirement of FEMA in order for the City to receive grant funds for acquisition of the property needed for the footprint of the dam.
12. A meeting of the Implementation Sub-Committee of the Walking Tour Committee is planned for Wednesday, April 12th at 9 AM. This sub-committee is responsible for the placement of the historical marker signage along the prescribed route.
13. Continued improvements of the City web site and the information posted is a daily event. Thanks to Beth Davidson items are posted almost immediately upon their receipt.
14. In response to Part III of the EIP’s recommendation:
§ The City has scheduled a meeting with the City’s Insurance Broker regarding Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA) April 11th. Under this type of plan deductibles are raised, the employer through the HRA makes contributions into the account to cover deductibles for eligible medical expenses incurred on behalf of the employee, their spouse and eligible dependents and as a result of the high deductibles the monthly premiums are substantially reduced. § All dispatching, as of January 2006 is now being handled by Crawford County Dispatch Center resulting in a reduction of the police overtime budget from $45,000 in 2005 to $30,000 in 2006.
§ The City’s non-bargaining employee’s contribution to healthcare was raised from 7% in 2005 to 10% in 2006. With the ratification of the Public Works (AFSCME Employees) new contract all employee groups will be contributing toward health care. § All collections for parking violations/ permits are now being taken by the Treasurer with the police department strictly as the enforcer therefore segregating the duties and reducing the need to staff the window at the police department beyond a 40 hour work week.
§ Fire Department personnel have been issued a directive by the Fire Chief to eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips to conserve fuel costs and to conserve energy by keeping the building bay doors closed. § New public works contract with savings in the first year of $33,415.72 over 2005 costs.
15. Penn Prime Grant Applications are due next week. An application will be filed by Leisure Services under the Liability Trust for safety materials under play equipment and rescue equipment for the pool. A separate application will be filed under the Worker Compensation Trust for equipment identified by the Employee Safety Committee.
16.A letter of congratulations was prepared and transmitted to David Leef, owner of Farley’s Industrial Services. Farley’s recently earned the distinction of being one of the first such businesses to achieve the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification meeting International Standards Organization requirements. “It is wonderful having a business in Titusville achieve such and equally comforting to hear the company’s commitment to reducing waste and other negative impacts on the environment.” This goes a long way in helping the City remain in compliance with EPA standards at our WWTP. Farley’s is celebrating its 60th year in business here in Titusville.
1. Cable negotiations began last week, Thursday, March 27th at 10 AM between the Cable Committee and Armstrong. A revised version of the Agreement with changes will be forth coming. 2. County wide pandemic training was attended by Chief Crotty, Chief Simmons and Board of health member BJ Engleka on Thursday, March 27th, 2006. The City’s Board of Health will be meeting as soon as possible to coordinate a City and Regional approach to educating re: local response to “avian flu. Currently I have solicited both the TASD and UPT for two additional members to the Board. Once appointed, hopefully next Monday, we can begin meeting. The problem could be here as early as this Fall. 3. Grease trap education materials have arrived and a draft letter has been prepared (see attached). This training will be conducted for all food preparation facilities located in Titusville who currently own and operate a grease trap. This is Phase I of the approach to improving and Phase II will involve enforcement. This is mandated per the letter we received from DEP following our meeting re: problems that still exist at our WWTP. 4. Recycling containers/ PNA, VFW, and American Legion- Arrangements with Tri-County have been made and as of last week two (8) yard recycling containers were delivered to the City Garage. We are estimating that these 3 clubs are utilizing at least 6 yards of capacity per week currently. The hauler can not pick-up weekly, so two containers will cover the two week period. The container can be locked on the top if contamination begins and have a side door for access with markings indicating for recycling materials only. Due to the size of the containers and need for access every early in the AM or late PM they will be moved outside the fence. Thus the need to keep them from getting contaminated via a locked top. I have received calls from both the PNA and American Legion thanking us for our efforts. 5. Dry Dam- It appears the location where the gas well was proposed and depicted on drawings is not actually where it ended up. If I am unable to access “as built” drawing the City will need to have our surveyor go back out and plot this addition. Prior to this step, I am pursuing with the help of a resident “as built drawings” per the suggestion of Andrew Reed, DEP from Oil Creek Twp. If we can not access from Oil Creek we may need to contact Bleden and Blake. 6. RDM conducted a workshop on Wednesday, April 26th at 1:00 PM. Step V was the topic (see Power Point presentation). The next Step will be the Long Range Planning and Finance Committee along with the Department Heads to formulate a Plan for presentation to City Council. RDM is available to present again Step V and Step VI to City Council and the public at the Citizen’s Night meeting of Monday, May 15th at 6:00 PM. The City of Titusville, along with eleven other communities is listed in the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services Annual Report for addressing through the EIP financial management and fiscal difficulties in a timely and planned manner to avert an adverse impact on the health, safety, and welfare of its residents. 7. Community Map- I have made initial contact with the Municipal Publications Co. who prepared our last map. Our goal is to have it complete and mailed by year’s end. I have already received merchant inquiry re: participation as an advertiser. 8. Grant applications- Grant applications for Penn Prime Safety Grants have been prepared and filed. WC grant is for a lift for inside the bucket of our high lift for tree trimming etc. (as suggested by the Employee Safety Committee) and the Liability grant is for safety surfacing under play equipment and pool rescue equipment. 9. Randy Nebel status has been changed as of April 10, 2006. I have eliminated the “Acting” status and appointed to the open PW Director position. We will not fill (of course) his position and will continue our relationship for engineering services with HMM for Act 537, Pre-treatment and GIS work (at minimum as long as we are under Consent Order). We will however be looking for general engineering services through RFP for such services as developer review and any other engineering needs we can not handle in-house. 10. Water Rate Study- round two RFP’s were sent out and were due May 1, 2006. We have received three proposals which the Staff will need to review and provide recommendation for the June round of City council meetings. Pricing is competitive but services being provided will need to be scrutinized to determine if all are providing what we requested in the line of services. In addition to receiving the rate study, we need the responders to look at our tap-in fees. We are required by Act 203 (PA Law) to justify what we charge for these fees and if challenged we will be covered. Randy Nebel and Julie Lamberson will be assessing and providing a recommendation. 11. EADS- I received a visit yesterday from Tracy Frampton of the EADS group. They are doing the Act 537 work for Cherrytree. We spoke about establishing a time line and the current needs of the WWTP in order to take more volume at the Plant. We will be looking at some type of grant in conjunction with Cherrytree to accomplish for the expansion of capacity. As I told him, raising rates for a Phase III project was not going to be feasible. We will continue to meet re: and I will keep you apprised. 12. PR- The May City Service Bill will have some new features which we described through a press release. FYI- press releases go to the Derrick, GBS, Herald and to the City’s web site. 13. Park activities- Robert’s Grove has received new safety surface materials under the play equipment in time for the Arbor Day activities. Burgess was mowed in preparation for Earth Day activities there. A pile of reported debris at the Myer Complex was investigated and has been dealt with accordingly. No dumping signs will be posted. LSB will be reviewing a plan for the posting of no parking signs and speed limit signs at the Complex. A plan to address the road bed leading to the Daisy Mae Field is being developed. Randy Nebel, Chief Simmons, Jamie Beechey and I met last week at the Complex on several issues. 14. HRA (Health Reimbursement Accts) - we have had a meeting with Dick Shaffer re: and the City can save money as well as the employees (whose contracts tie employee contributions to cost of Premium). We are meeting (Shaffer, Nau, Lamberson) again the first week of May re: Meetings will then be set up with employee union groups to discuss conversion at time of annual renewal. 15. Letter to Treasurer- I prepared a memo to the Treasurer re: City Council’s request for monthly reports. He has responded and you will find reports in this month’s agenda packet for adoption. 16. Civil Service/ police- (16) application packets were picked up and to (11) have been returned. The Civil Service Commission will be setting a date for the written test to be conducted. 17. Walking Tour Phase I- meeting of the implementation and brochure sub-committees was held this past week. Walking Tour signs will be installed sometime in May 2006. A second walk around was conducted on May 3, 2006 before final calls are made to PA One Call regarding installation. A letter of support for additional signage along bike trails that follow waterways through Oil Heritage was drafted for Marilyn Black (cc. to City Council). 18. Genesis Board- I attended the quarterly board meeting on Thursday at 5:00 PM. The Board will re-organize in July and will move from an advisory to a working board. 19. Employee Safety Committee meeting was held on Monday, April 24th at 11:00 AM. Chief Crotty’s Report should contain information discussed. 20. Father Davis of St. Titus, Karen Jez of TASD, the Police Chief and I will be meeting regarding the safety of crossing for school students and pedestrians on Main St. Speed enforcement lines have been painted and enforcement has begun.
1. State wide pandemic influenza preparedness training- I attended the first of six regional training sessions to be conducted by the Pa. Department of Health on Thursday, May 18th at Clarion University. Representatives of the TAH and the Titusville Board of Health were also present. Following the training, PEMA conducted for the second half of the day table top exercises with the local officials, health care professionals, and educators of anticipated response at each Stage of the Pandemic. A follow-up meeting of local Core Stakeholders (UPT, Titusville Housing Authority, City, TAH and TASD) is being planned. 2. NIM’s training has also been set up for all employees and elected officials by Joe Crotty on June 12 and 13th. The training is required by the federal government and the City will need to certify by City Council action to PEMA that it has been conducted (information in boxes). 3. Grease trap education materials have arrived and training has been set up for Wednesday, June 14. Letters of invitation have been mailed to all conducting food preparation facilities located in Titusville who currently own and operate a grease trap (copies are in your box). This is Phase I. Phase II will involve enforcement. This is per the letter we received from DEP following our meeting re: problems that still exist at our WWTP. 4. Recycling containers/ PNA, VFW, and American Legion- safety glasses have been handed out to all who are participating from the Clubs for use when depositing glass containers. 5. Board of Health met on May 30th, 2006. They requested that in the near future that the entire Code be updated as it exists today to meet the current goals and objectives of the Board of Health in regards to the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the residents. They asked that City Council direct the City Solicitor to construct a new Article 1103 that reflects today’s standards that will be better suited to meet legal challenges in the future; and to redirect the burden of costs for enforcement to the individual(s) wishing to be accommodated. The Board of Health action item is on your agenda this evening. 6. Letter from Municipal Authority- Rich Winkler has responded to Bob Felton re: the letter we received from the Authority dated April 21, 2006 (copy of letter in your mail box). We have not as of this date received a response to the request for all funds in excess of six lease payments be immediately remitted to the City as per Article VII of the Lease Agreement. We did receive a copy of the legal advertisement listing the date, time and place for their quarterly meetings which I have placed in your mailboxes. 7. Community Map- the process has begun. Beth Davidson will be coordinating for the City. Vendor will begin soliciting businesses June 14th while currently the Staff will be working with Beth to update the information. 8. Meeting with Cherrytree Supervisors- the Supervisors talked about the current status of the Act 537 Plan they are working on for their Twp. We explained that through our EIP the Consultants suggested the City conduct a feasibility study to determine the best structural alternative to providing utility services to its citizens. We also will be looking for some type of grant in conjunction with Cherrytree to accomplish any expansion needs for capacity. 9. HRA (Health Reimbursement Accts) - we had our second meeting with Dick Shaffer and this time with a representative of MEIT re: HRA accounts and whether the City can save money as well as the employees (whose contracts tie employee contributions to cost of Premium). At this time it was determined that there are a few more steps the City will need to take before we can launch into a HRA. 10. Civil Service/ police- the written exam has been conducted and the City is in receipt of the scores. Those meeting the criteria will be notified of the next phase of the process which is the Oral Interview. 11. Walking Tour Phase I- see separate attached news release. 12. Walking Tour Phase II- fund raising sub-committee met May 9th with a follow-up meeting on May 31st. Dr. Shields has joined the Committee. The next meeting is Tuesday, June 13th at 9:30 AM. 13. Employee Safety Committee- a meeting was held on Monday, May 22 at 11:00 AM. 14. Citizen Survey- I have begun to gather information re: citizen survey and possible sources of funding. ICMA has developed and is marketing a “National Citizen Survey” for use by local government. I have received information regarding. 15. Joseph E. Fleming, Jr. - Citizen Recognition program draft documents have been delivered to City Council. A meeting will be set up in the near future with City Council to hash out the details. 16. Personnel Handbook- received training offered by PSATs in Meadville. Will work to incorporate relevant information into draft handbook. 17. CCR- is at the printers. Distribution to the community must be done by July 1st deadline. A news release appeared in The Herald regarding the Report (see separate attached). 18. Wellhead Update- letter to Oil Creek Twp. has been sent and we have received a response. This information will be forwarded to DEP in order to meet the requirements of our Annual Update of the Wellhead Protection Plan. 19. West Main St. Traffic Calming- meetings continue with Fr. Davis, Karen Jez, Chief Simmons, and Randy Nebel re: the pedestrian safety on Main St. especially for the school students. A follow-up meeting was conducted on June 5, 2006. Speed enforcement is being conducted by the TPD. Fr. Davis in conjunction with the St. Titus School Board will be conducting a petition drive along West Main St. to gain input from the residents of the area. Phase II of the Walking Tour will concentrate along Main St. so in general pedestrian safety is a priority. 20. Robert’s Grove- insurance funds for the replacement of play equipment and exercise (fitness) equipment damaged as the result of a storm (tree fell) and a vehicle that left TAH lot respectively have been finally received. Therefore, over the next couple of weeks new replacement equipment will be installed by Game Time Inc.
CITY MANAGER’S MID-YEAR REPORT 2006 PROJECTS
Personnel Management
Financial
LONG RANGE PLANNING · Bring CDBG Program administration in-house is a recommendation of the EIP which will be explored through the LRP & F Committee along with other EIP recommendations. · Inter-municipal Water and WW Agreements is another recommendation of the EIP for which a formal feasibility study should be conducted. At the PLCM Conference we learned that a second phase of funding will be available for communities who conduct EIP’s to conduct feasibility studies. A meeting with the City Manager of OC was conducted to learn if they too would be interested in jointly pursuing such. They are not interested at this time. The City may want to partner with the surrounding communities through the COG. Cherrytree and Oil Creek Twp./Venango Supervisors have already expressed an interest in pursuing such. · Dry Dam project is progressing. The City has received approval from PEMA of the FEMA acquisition grant funds. We are awaiting approval from the Dept. of General Services to begin negotiations with property owners. Concurrently the Bureau of Dams and Waters Ways division of DEP will continue to get other approvals needed to move forward with bidding of project. · Early Intervention Plan (Steps IV, V, and VI) have been completed and documents delivered to the City. Long Range Planning and Finance Committee is acting as the Steering Committee for the EIP and have been meeting regularly. A narrative of the purpose of the LRP & F Committee and some formal policies are soon to be delivered to City Council for consideration for adoption. The City through the City Manager is exploring the possibility of doing a Citizen Survey of the entire community as the next step for the City. DCED has indicated that dollars will be set aside for communities who have completed their EIP and have follow-up work to do.
Infrastructure Improvements · The Petroleum Street pressure reduction is under discussion due to logistics of the project, as well as appropriate money. We are discussing with TRA the possibility of changing the CDBG funding to an alternative improvement. · We have been moving forward with design on W. Elm Street milling and paving. Hill Engineers is handling specifications for this, curb cuts, and S. Perry Street storm water improvements. These are CDBG projects with a portion of W. Elm utilizing liquid fuels. · Water meter replacements are on schedule and we will need to re-visit meter stocks for next budget as the supply is projected to be depleted by years end. · Phase II completion and assessment of need for Phase III project. Currently the City has requested through HMM the termination of the Consent Order and Agreement and the issuance of our new NPDES permit to discharge into Oil Creek. The City has remained in compliance with its NPDES permit for the past 18 months.
RECREATION IMPROVEMENTS
IMPROVEMENTS TO COMMUNICATION/ PROGRAMS/SERVICES
Community Development
Community Health and Preparedness
OTHER ISSUES
Weight Limits/ City Streets Certain streets already have established weight limits and weight limit signs are being posted by public works. Per the City police chief, enforcement of weight limits however is going to be difficult since the City does not own portable scales and the State will not be available to come into town to weigh trucks for us every time we ask. The portable scales cost around $30,000 to $40,000. The easiest manner to deal with trucks parked on city streets is to continue to enforce the City’s existing ordinance regarding 24hr. movement.
Overtime/ Police Dept. Overtime is up slightly for June and July. However this was anticipated due to vacations through the summer months. However, it should average out in the fall and we will be close to the $30,000 budgeted amount. This is not unusual for the summer months.
Caldwell Intersection Light Currently the signal no longer meets warrant for placement at that location per a letter of notification received from Penn DOT dated November 12, 2003. The traffic signal has been operating in the flashing yellow mode for almost one year. Due to the age of the controller and equipment at that location the repairs have been impossible. A meeting was conducted with USAP and TRA at which USAP expressed an interest in making the needed improvements to the signal if the cost was within reason. Following the review by the City’s Electrical Contractor and in concert with Penn Dot regarding, a letter was sent to Universal Stainless (USAP) with a cc. to TRA and City Council on June 6, 2006. In order to acquire the needed permit from Penn Dot to make the improvements it was determined that first a traffic study would need to be conducted at a cost of approximately $15,000 and then the cost to replace signal to Penn DOT specifications would range between $60,000 to $80,000. TRA was advised at June's Chamber Transportation Committee meeting of the status, and they have a copy of the correspondence from Penn DOT regarding the steps needed to bring to signal into compliance. Procedural specifications for removal of the traffic signal have been requested from Penn Dot should the City wish to eliminate the signal entirely and replace with a stop sign placed on Caldwell St.
Corner of S. Franklin and Diamond St. The corner at Cochran's Real estate was re-visited recently. We will need to cut the catch basin deeper to allow the water to flow faster from the pooling on Diamond. The asphalt placed last summer is bucking the grade to the basin. Ms. Cochran’s intention here is to have the roof drains from the building discharge in this same area and they should be directed to the catch basin if she has plans to do this project.
Recreation Improvements
300 cubic yards of playground safety surfacing added to Roberts Grove via a loss prevention grant from Penn Prime; Addition of Winter Theater pole barn completed at Burgess Park; Complete painting of structures: Summer Theater Storage Shed, Activities Building, and Tennis Shed at Burgess Park; Re-grounding pool to ensure no stray currents; Removal of most unsafe play equipment (those most hazardous) are various park locations; Addition of 30 truckloads of ball field materials added to 5 ball fields through a cooperative project between City and TASD; and, Drainage added to track and Elks field at the Ed Myer complex through a cooperative project between City and TASD.
1. Avian Task Force The Titusville Board of Health met on July 18, 2006 at the Titusville Area Hospital (TAH) to form a local Avian Flu Task Force and begin local preparations should such an event hit the Titusville area. Even though this is a global event, it will require local response and local plans. This type of information has been disseminated at the various training sessions being offered by the Pennsylvania Health Department that representatives of the Titusville Area Hospital, City and Board of Health have attended. Therefore, at the Board of Health meeting in June 2006, the action taken by the Board of Health was to confer a meeting of various community stakeholders to act as a steering committee.
At the meeting, discussion centered around the identification of all local stakeholder representatives for future planning sessions who would be needed to provide input for the formulation of a workable plan. Other areas such as communication, media, security, existing disaster plans, maintenance of key City services were also topics that the meeting. Representatives of Titusville Area Hospital, University of Pitts-Titusville, Titusville Housing Authority, the City and the Titusville Area School District were in attendance.
The next meeting for the group is Tuesday, August 22, 2006.
Information regarding Avian Flu is posted on the city’s website at www.titusvillecityhall.com.
2. Dry Dam The Finance Officer and I had a conference call with Dave Bollinger of PEMA on Monday, August 7, 2006. Attached is the Fiscal Flow chart for the acquisition process and grant funds. I have also spoken with Andrew Reed of DEP and he is going to get back to us in two weeks with where we are in the DGS (Dept. of General Services) time line. If you review the chart, we are at the yellow box {Offer to Purchase letters to owners}. However, we can not do this until DGS gives us their blessing. I also must complete and return HMGP-1 and Fiscal Disclosure form as the Applicant's Agent noted in green as Step III under the process {formality at this point}.
As far as this project is concerned, barring any delays from this point forward we will be on track (task) to build next Spring / Summer with completion in Fall 2007.
3. Quarterly Report- EPA In summary, the self-monitoring reports submitted by Farley’s, Horn Textile and the Dairy applicable to the 2nd Quarter 2006 indicated compliance with all permit limitations. The City’s sampling event at the Dairy in May indicated permit violations; however a re-sampling event conducted by the City in July indicated the discharge was in compliance. There are currently no industrial users in significant noncompliance status. Additionally, the City has initiated a program to enable better monitoring and enforcement of the Grease Trap Ordinance. This program is intended to reduce grease problems in both the sewer system and the wastewater treatment plant.
4. Revisions to Health Code Board of Health met on May 30th, 2006 and they requested that in the near future that the entire Code be updated as it exists today to meet the current goals and objectives of the Board of Health in regards to the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the residents. The City Solicitor is in the process of constructing a new Article 1103 that reflects today’s standards that will be better suited to meet legal challenges in the future; and to redirect the burden of costs for enforcement to the individual(s) wishing to be accommodated. This document should be ready for City Council in September.
5. Community Map- the process has begun. Beth Davidson will be coordinating for the City. The Vendor has solicited City businesses and had an excellent response. Beth Davidson is completing update to the information. Delivery to City households will be discussed at the Staff Meeting of July 16th.
6. Walking Tour Phase II The Implementation Sub-Committee of the Walking Tour met with Randy Brink of Penn Dot on Friday, July 28 to discuss the installation of mid-block cross walks at two locations. A meeting of the entire Committee is scheduled for Friday, August 17, 2006 to wrap up Phase I and begin Phase II preliminary work.
7. Wellhead Protection Committee The WPC met on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 3:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers.
8. Consent Order and Agreement- DEP The City has requested the termination of the Consent Order and Agreement (CO & A). DEP has agreed as long as one remaining issue is addressed. The installation of a back flow preventor on the WWTP CSO to allow automated operation of the influent gate in high flow conditions. The City has been verbally committed to the Project. The City PW Director will be preparing a letter of commitment for City Council for the September round of meetings that indicates the installation with occur in 2007. Once this letter of commitment is received DEP will reissue the NPDES permit and release the City from the CO & A.
9. Water Rate Study Information gathering has begun as well as meetings with the Consultant Malcolm Pirnie to complete the City’s water rate study. A meeting has been scheduled per Jim Nystrom’s request between the City, Consultant and himself for Monday, August 14th.
10. Meetings for Month of July/ August
§ July 17, 2006 Titusville Hospital- Meet with Consultant re: strategic plan
1. Avian Task Force The second meeting of the Avian Flu Task Force was held on Tuesday, August 22 at the TAH. Local preparations are being discussed and planned should such an event hit the Titusville area. Even though this is a global event, it will require local response and local plans. Below are meeting notes:
Committee reviewed list of possible additional members utilizing the definition of stakeholder developed from last meeting. “STAKEHOLDER” representatives defined as all agencies needed to provide input into the formulation of a workable plan. Further, to educate these agencies as to the implementation criteria and implications of the plan. It was noted that dissemination of information could effectively be done through local churches and that these church communities could play a significant role in the education of the local population. Committee agreed that the following should be contacted and were added to various Committees as listed below. § Department of Health- PA § Titusville Ministerium § Chamber of Commerce § Emergycare Inc. § Area Nursing Homes § Social Service Agencies (YMCA, YWCA, Genesis, LOVE Inc., Associated Charities) § Community Service Groups (Lions, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Elks, VFW, American Legion) § Mental Health § Media (Herald, Derrick, GBS) § Funeral Directors § Oil Creek Area Council of Governments Representatives
COMMITTEE/ MEMBER LIST AND FUNCTION
Communication/ Public Relations Co- Chairs and Members Scott McAllister, Chair, Board of Health Mary Ann Nau, Secretary to Board of Health Terry Kerr, Board of Health and TASD Jackie Wagner, Titusville Ministerium (Email- presby@csonline.com) Holly Mathews, Titusville Herald (Email- hmatthews@titusvilleherald.com) Jim Gross, GBS (Email- jgross@GSBtelevision.com ) Karen Clark, Derrick- (Email- newsroom@usachoice.net ) Representative TBI, Forever Broadcasting
§ Communication/ Public Relations- messages to the general public, development of prevention materials, communication plan development (stakeholders groups and messages), non-emergency updates to general public, establish an emergency communication mechanism to notify key personnel of developing situations, emergency needs and updates. The Titusville Area School District has volunteered their new phone/e-mail system for group messaging. The Titusville Board of Health will be the clearing house for the formulation of the Response Plan and dissemination of information to the public via local media sources.
Workforce Planning/ Employee /Public Education Co Chairs and Members Mary Aukerman, Board of Health and UPT Pat Nosko, TAH Randy Nebel, Titusville PW Paul Lukach, Titusville Senior Director (Email - plukach@hotmail.com ) Lynn Cochran, Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce- (Email - lynnc@usachoice.net ) Kathy Nageotte, Director Billie Brown Building Cheryl Scott, PA. Department of Health (814-755-3564) Area Nursing Home Administrators, TBI
Security/ Incident Coordination Response Co-Chairs and Members Chief Michael Simmons, City of Titusville Chief J. Joseph Crotty, City of Titusville Chief Roger Loker, UPT Paul Clark, Emergycare Randy Nebel, Titusville PW Director Brian McGinnis, TAH Oil Creek Council of Government Representatives, via invitation
Vaccines/ Medication Distribution/Skilled License Personnel Co-Chairs and Members Mary Ellen Peden, Board of Health and TAH TBI Local Pharmacies, List to be generated through Chamber of Commerce Randy Bean, TASD Chief Michael Simmons, City of Titusville Brenda Bernette, TAH Linda Harris, TAH
Treatment Sites/ Isolation and Quarantine Policy/Detention Areas Co-Chairs and Members Bill Shields, UPT Tony Nasrella, TAH Funeral Directors, TBI
Local Support Services Co-Chairs and Members Billie Brown, Titusville Housing Authority Director Kathy Nagoette, Exec. Director Billie Brown Building Barb Ives, US Congressman Peterson’s Office Terry Wig, Titusville United Way Director (Email- titusvilleunitedway@tbscc.com) Social Service Agencies (YMCA, YWCA, Genesis, LOVE Inc., Associated Charities) Community Service Groups (Lions, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Elks, VFW, American Legion) Stairways
2. Zoning Ordinance and Map Amendments A meeting with Tom Graney, Consultant to the City for the upgrades to the new draft zoning ordinance and SALDO was conducted with Staff. These once completed will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for their subsequent action. A public meeting regarding will need to be conducted by the Planning Commission for the both the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance adoption process as outlined in the MPC. City council will then be required to hold similar public hearings regarding the adoption of the SALDO, Oil Creek Region Comprehensive Plan, and City Zoning Ordinance and Map. Notices of such will need to be published in the Herald per the MPC requirements.
3. SHIP In June, David Dowler, Crawford County Extension Office joined the steering committee. Sue McDowell, chairperson, updated Dave on the history of SHIP in Pennsylvania and where the Crawford County committee is to date. Dave explained avenues for the SHIP to get health prevention information to the large agriculture population in Crawford County. He also reported that many of the farm population are without health care. He discussed also a youth audience that could be reached through trainings of regional leaders. There is also a potential for health education during the pesticide certification courses that are required by the state for use of pesticides in farm activities. Dave is also interested in the Strong Women, Strong Bones programs to prevent osteoporosis. Dave was given information on Adult Basic health insurance. He was encouraged to contact DPW or Kit Jaskiewicz at Highmark. He was also given information regarding the mobile dental van-brochures were sent to him.
Also in June, Nancy Rea, NWDO epidemiologist reported on the assessment reports that were done through Slippery Rock University (SRU). She is looking them over to make certain both hospital assessments were considered in the work done by SRU. Dawn Mosbacher reported on the Colo-Rectal Survivors and Families meetings that will be held in Meadville and Titusville.
Next meeting was in August, meeting minutes forth coming. M. Nau reported on the local efforts to form an Avian Flu Task Force in Titusville and the entities involved in the venture.
4. Cable TV Franchise Renewal Cable Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, September 13th to review latest proposal from Armstrong. Document will also undergo legal review. An extension of the Agreement is in place.
5. Community Map Beth Davidson is coordinating for the City. The information is at the printer’s and a first draft is expected shortly. Mailing should occur in October as planned.
6. Walking Tour Committee Phase I was discussed. According to estimated amounts we are within $700.00 of the budget according to Joyce Milberg. Invoices for signs that have been purchased for mid-block crossing will be forwarded to Joyce Milberg from Randy Nebel for possible payment. M. Nau reported that the City has tracked the costs involved for the PW installation and legal (easement agreements) spent on Phase I in addition to the matching monies provided. Mid-block cross walk signs will be able to be posted but no street painting of crosswalks will occur that this time. Randy Nebel will apply to Penn Dot for the posting of the signs. Possible future directional pavement markings will be incorporated. Committee will continue to develop appropriate design.
Brochure needs some minor adjustments to the mapping section. Some vacated roadways are still depicted. Lynn Cochran will correct in the next round of brochure printing during Phase II.
Discussion also took place regarding a community kick-off/ ribbon cutting for Phase I. It was decided that we would hold off and do one with the completion of Phase II. Phase II is fully funded. City has fronted the $800 to ORA for the Project Management fees. Joyce Milberg broke out the cost as follows: $20,000 panels, $5,000 bases, $3,000 brochure, $200 legal, and $500 audit. It was determined that the Interpretive Sign Selection & Brochure/Text/ Photo subcommittee(s) are free to begin meeting and working on the Phase II signage. Those Committee (s) are made up of Barb Zolli (Chair), Chris Fiely, Brian Sanford, Larry Fledderman, Lynn Cochran (Chair), David Weber, Gail Myer. Chairs should continue to coordinate through the City Manager when meetings will begin and determine when future meetings of the entire Committee is needed for approval processes utilized for each step of the Project. It was determined that Phase I is 1.1 miles in length and Phase II another 1 mile. The Phase two brochure and walking tours should be developed in such a way that the tour begins and ends as a loop. Project close out date for Phase II is 2008.
A Phase III was discussed but the Committee felt that it would be better to hold off on an application at this time. With the upcoming 2009 celebration and preparations for it may place a strain all community funding sources.
7. Wellhead Protection Committee
I will be representing the WPC at the 2006 Clean
Water Festival being held at the Linesville State Fish Hatchery on Saturday,
September 16th and Sunday, September 17th from
10am- 4:30 PM. Invitation to attend was from
WPC member Brian S. Pilarcik, Watershed Specialist, Crawford County Conservation
District. Brian has supported many of Titusville’s efforts in the past. 8. Joseph P. Fleming Award Two applications have been submitted and are being evaluated by Department Heads. Department Heads have worked on evaluation criteria and a point system. Recommendations will be forthcoming.
9. Water Rate Study A meeting has been conducted per request Jim Nystrom’s request between the City, Consultant, Gene Mitcham and himself on Monday, August 14th. Consultant continues to gather information and believes Study will be completed as per schedule in October 2006.
10. Meetings for Month of July/ August · August 14, 2006 Meeting Nystrom/ Hartwig/ Water Rate Study · August 15, 2006 Tom Graney/ Tim Lorenz /Zoning Map · August 16, 2006 Staff Meeting · August 17, 2006 Walking Tour Committee · August 17, 2006 2006 Community Map/Guide · August 18, 2006 TASD Superintendents/ Tax Study Commission · August 22, 2006 Arlington/ 2009 Celebration |