Nov 15, 2013 By Meg Thompson for The 3 min read

CALIFORNIA — Borough council on Thursday approved enlisting a form of technology to map the infrastructure of the borough.

“We don’t have a master plan of all subsurface utilities, and this proposal will do that,” said Bill Johnson, representing Fayette Engineering of Uniontown.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a tool used for undertaking civil, infrastructure and planning projects. It could aid with decision making in regard to site, environmental, master and transportation planning projects in the future. For municipalities, it is a way of collecting and compiling information for their use.

For example, if a manhole is located, photos can be documented as well as the data, including what year it was installed, the depth and what kind of pipe was used.

The purpose of the GIS proposal for California is to map the infrastructure of the borough, including storm sewers, sanitary sewers and manholes. The technology also can be used to map street signs, inlets and park benches if council would require it in the future.

“We will locate every one of those you want. The proposal has layers,” Johnson said.

Over time, the plan can be altered easily if the borough decides to make changes regarding the town features they wish to document using the technology.

California University of Pennsylvania also has been contacted by Fayette Engineering, hoping to have students gain experience by being involved in the mapping process and also to keep the costs down.

Council approved a motion to accept the GIS proposal not to exceed $48,000. The money will be taken from the sewer fund.

In other business, council approved a motion to authorize the solicitor to prepare an ordinance to increase the salaries of council members from $75 a month to $150 a month.

Councilman Patsy Alfano said he served his first term on council 40 years ago, and the salary was the same at that time.

“If we would have got a basic cost-of-living raise, we would be much in excess of what we’re going to propose,” he said.

During public comment on agenda items, Jim Maddiex of Second Street had spoken about the issue. He said, “I am against it. I don’t think you need to raise your salaries. You have run for office and are elected. It’s a public service.”

Alfano said he discovered that nearby communities with a council of equal size are receiving similar payments to what he proposed.

In other matters:

n Councilman Ryan Encampera recommended council to hire a borough manager. He stated there is money in the budget for an employee in that capacity, and it would help the borough run more efficiently. The idea will be discussed further.

n Council approved a motion to hire Alyssa Haines as a full-time police officer as the force has been strained, according to Encampera. Haines is currently a part-time police officer.

n Dan Fowkes of Knob Street told council about his poor experiences with building inspectors from McMillen Engineering during the building of his home. The borough has hired the firm for building inspections. Fowkes said, “I don’t think you’re getting your bang for your buck. I just wanted to make you aware.”

n The public is invited to Bright Night, a light-up night for California, on Dec. 6 at the municipal building with treats and surprises for children, courtesy of the recreation authority.