Committee Meeting Minutes

Borough of Avalon Engineering & Infrastructure and Streets Committee Meetings Thursday, July 9, 2026 Meeting called to order at 5:00 pm with Council Member Pascale presiding. Present: Council members Olivia Chambers, Luke Meyer, Tia Morris (arrived 5:30 pm), Jason Mosley, Lee Nelson, William Pascale, and Maxwell Swartwout. Also Present: Engineer John Heyl, Public Works Superintendent Dale Regrut II, Manager Lorraine Makatura, and Assistant Manager Leanne McLaughlin. Absent: Council Members Bryan Davis. Engineering & Infrastructure Committee • Phyllis Kapela, 215 Oak Street o A paper street/right-of-way runs behind Ms. Kapela’s property; the right- of-way extends from Jackman Avenue to Starr Avenue. Ms. Kapela explained that the right-of-way is overgrown. Weeds are beginning to overtake her forsythia. However, her primary concern is the trees. o Council Member Pascale and Engineer Heyl explained that, although the Borough has a right-of-way, it does not necessarily own the property. The Borough would need to review the deeds; the adjacent property owners’ lots may extend to the centerline of the right-of-way. Without doing more research, it is impossible to determine who is responsible for maintenance and upkeeping of that land. o The Borough has ordinances in place to require private property owners to maintain their property – for example, grass and weeds cannot impede access to the sidewalks or encroach onto others’ properties. If the Borough learns that this property is, in fact, owned by private residents, efforts will be made to ensure these ordinances are enforced. ▪ The ordinances do not require property owners to remove plants such as poison ivy that are contained on their lots o Mr. Pascale made sure that Council has Ms. Kapela’s contact information; someone will reach out once Borough staff and council members have an opportunity to learn more about this property. • Borough Land Development Projects o O’Brien Art Institute – The contractors are still trying to determine where the new building should connect to the sanitary system. When the funeral 1  home was demolished, the location of the connection was not marked or recorded. Efforts by the Public Works crew to camera the line were inconclusive. Superintendent Regrut recommends hiring a contractor to complete further CCTV work. ▪ Other locations for CCTV work include: • Union Avenue – The Borough is still trying to determine the cause of the sinkhole. The homeowners at 525 Union Avenue recently repaired their sanitary line, which the Borough initially believed to be causing the sinkhole. However, the problem persists. • Alley B (Orchard/Florence) • Alley D ▪ Superintendent Regrut contacted Insight Pipe but has not received a return phone call. Engineer Heyl suggested that he could also call Robinson Pipe Cleaning, Jet Jack, or Roto Rooter. o 7 Brews Coffee ▪ Assistant Manager McLaughlin previously shared all files for the project with Council Members. However, she recently added additional documents: • Zoning Hearing Board Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Final Adjudication, dated July 1, 2026. The Zoning Hearing Board: o Granted the requested variance to the required buffer zone along the north line of the Property not to exceed 10 feet subject to the following conditions: ▪ That all plantings in the buffer zone shall be native to Pennsylvania; and ▪ That arbor vitae planted in the buffer zone shall be of a deer-resistant variety. o Granted the variance to eliminate the requirement of a dedicated loading dock, subject to the condition that the delivery vehicles to the property be limited to box vans not longer than 26 feet with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 18,000 pounds. o Granted the special exception to use Block and Lot 159-M-51 as a private parking lot. o All residents who attended the meeting and voiced objections received a copy of the decision. Residents have thirty days to appeal this decision to the Court of Common Pleas. • Representatives from 7 Brews attended the Joint Planning Commission meeting on June 22, 2026, and gave a brief presentation about their lot consolidation and land development applications. Following the presentation and a 2  question-and-answer period, the JPC recommended that Council approve the applications, conditioned upon providing satisfactory responses to all items in LSSE’s response letters. The JPC also recommended that the developers have a traffic study done, given the potential effect the business will have on Elizabeth Avenue and Prospect Street. The JPC has not provided their recommendations to the Borough in writing. ▪ 7 Brews submitted an updated application package on July 2, 2026. LSSE will have their review completed by next week. • In the application package, 7 Brews submitted a letter opposing a traffic study, as neither the Joint Zoning Ordinance nor Avalon’s Subdivision and Land Ordinance require one. • They also requested a waiver of the Borough’s curb-to-curb paving requirements. 7 Brew will have to tap into the sanitary main on Elizabeth Avenue. They anticipate only digging up one lane and have asked that they be allowed to pave only to the center line. After discussion, Council agreed to deny this request. • 7 Brew also requested a waiver of the requirement to provide stamped and sealed drawings as part of the Land Development application. Engineer Heyl explained that this requirement is imposed by the grading ordinance, rather than the SALDO. Communities frequently grant these “waiver” requests, allowing developers to submit the stamped and sealed plans after a contractor has been hired. Each contractor typically has a wall system they prefer to use (such as Versa lock versus Redi-Rock). Engineer Heyl noted that they will still review the drawings before the wall is built. Council agreed to grant this request. ▪ Engineer Heyl explained that Council has three options when voting on the lot consolidation and land development applications: grant the application with conditions, deny the application, or table the application to allow more time for revisions. If Council wishes to table the application, the applicants will have to agree to an extension of time. Otherwise, given the timelines in the SALDO, the applications will be deemed approved before Council’s August meeting. • Assistant Manager McLaughlin further noted that, if the development is approved, 7 Brew will need to sign a developer’s agreement and a storm water management agreement. Solicitor Conlon will prepare these documents. • Utility Projects Update 3  o West View Water Authority ▪ WVWA is completing an emergency repair of a valve leak on Jackman Avenue; residents in the area currently do not have water. o Columbia Gas ▪ The next update meeting is on Monday, July 20, 2026. ▪ Paving on Orchard Avenue and Spruce Street has been completed. ▪ West View Water has approximately 200 feet of repairs to complete on Ohio River Boulevard before paving is done. ▪ Chester Avenue Project – Approximately 3,700 feet of main line has been installed; crews continue to connect service lines on Sedalia Avenue and Sylvan Avenue. Paving will be done in late 2026 or early 2027. o Duquesne Light – Pole replacement work continues. ▪ Council Member Mosley asked about the installation of new LED streetlights around the Borough. • Manager Makatura explained that the Borough continued to pay for streetlights that had been removed. Once Duquesne Light discovered this discrepancy, they began to replace the streetlights. • Council Member Mosley asked if it was possible to adjust the temperature, as the bright blue lights are more appropriate for parking lots than neighborhood streets. o The light fixtures are 4,000 kelvins; adjusting them to 3,000 kelvins would provide a warmer, softer light. o Most residential light fixtures allow people to adjust the temperature of the light; however, it is unclear whether the light poles would require a simple adjustment or new/different fixtures. o The Borough can ask Duquesne Light about the possibility of using softer lighting. It is not clear what, if any, options exist. • Grant Updates o Multi-Modal Grants ▪ Elizabeth Avenue Roadway and Sidewalk Improvement Project ($458,863.00) • Elizabeth Avenue opened to traffic on July 2, 2026. • Speed Limit Sign – The Elizabeth Avenue speed sign was sold by a different vendor than the Semple Avenue speed sign, and Superintendent Regrut continues to familiarize 4  himself with the new technology. He completed the online training classes and is now waiting to receive system log-in information from the manufacturer. • Engineer Heyl hopes to have the final invoices prepared for approval at the July Council meeting. Council Member Pascale asked to have the invoice for review at the July 16, 2026, Finance Committee meeting if possible. LSSE has also prepared the punch list for N&N Landscaping, which is available for Council’s review in SharePoint. o Line painting was included in the contract. N&N plans to complete the line painting on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – street sweeping parking restrictions will be in effect that morning, but the police department will also post No Parking signs. • Manager Makatura submitted the first grant reimbursement request for $265,340.99 to the state. ▪ Avalon Borough was awarded a Multi-Modal Grant of $102,000 to upgrade pedestrian crossings on New Brighton Road and Union Avenue. The grant documents have been signed. • LSSE is finalizing documents to submit to PennDOT for the HOP. This is required for all signage with blinking lights. o Green Light-Go Grant ▪ The grant application was submitted on March 27, 2026. LSSE anticipates that grants will be awarded in the fall. • The match is 20% of the project costs. LSSE has estimated a cost of $373,825.00; thus, the Borough will need to contribute up to $74,765.00. Council will have to decide how to fund this project if a grant award is offered. o LSA Grant ▪ N. Birmingham Wall ($221,350.00) • Surveying work has been completed. • LSSE met with representatives from Verizon and Duquesne Light to discuss relocating the utility poles, so the equipment does not interfere with the wires. One utility pole will have to be moved into the right-of-way across the street, but the guide wires will go over private property. This will require an easement. o This will be a permanent move. o O-18 Phase II COA Source Flow Reduction Project ▪ Part 1 - ALCOSAN Grow Grant ($89,200.00) 5  • Part 1 of the project is complete. LSSE is finalizing the documents to request reimbursement from the ALCOSAN Grow Grant funds. ▪ Part 2 – Other Funding Sources • The Borough received a Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer grant of $350,000 for this project. o Engineering costs can be included in this award • Additionally, the Borough was awarded $40,000 in GEDTF funding for this project. These funds have been allocated from construction costs. • Finally, the Borough received $100,000.00 in 2023 for the N. Birmingham Wall repair project; the requested amount was $400,000.00. On January 29, 2026, GEDTF approved a request by Manager Makatura to change the scope of the project and reallocate the funds to the Phase II COA project. There is a deadline of November 19, 2026, to use this funding, which has been allocated for land/infrastructure repairs. ▪ Part 2 – Work on Sedalia Avenue • Dye testing was completed at 1019 Sedalia Avenue, confirming that all sanitary connects at the rear manhole. Based on these results, LSSE confirmed that the Borough can proceed with a shallower dig. LSSE is finalizing the specifications for the bid package. o The GEDTF application window opens within the next few weeks, with applications due before the end of August. Council will discuss possible project options at future meetings. Council Member Pascale requested a brief recess at 5:49 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 5:53 p.m. Streets Committee • DPW Maintenance o Clean and repair three catch basins at Avalon Loop – Superintendent Regrut noted that the biggest concern will be traffic at the bend. A crew member will serve as a flagger while this project is completed. Crew members also have handheld radios, and signage will be in place. o Pothole repairs will be completed in the next several weeks. o Alley vegetation – The Borough has received several complaints about overgrowth in alleyways. Crews will cut back vegetation that impedes traffic through the alleys. 6 • North Boroughs Community Day – July 11, 2026 o North Boroughs Community Day Chairperson Lee Nelson confirmed that the committee is on track to have a successful event, provided the weather cooperates. o The Northgate Band Boosters planned to use a grill. The Borough’s flattop is no longer functional; after 16 years, it is fully rusted, and several burners no longer work. The only grill currently available is a small household grill. Council briefly researched options for purchasing a new grill. Superintendent Regrut shared that Tractor Supply has a flattop grill in stock for $400. Council authorized the purchase. o The Public Works crew will hang banners from LSSE and Tucker Arensberg on Friday. They also have tables from the fire department loaded into the trucks. Large, black extensions cords are also readily available for the event. o Bellevue plans to have a public works crew member and a police officer to help staff the event. • Full-Time Public Works Employee Applications – The Borough received 11 applications, all of which have been added to a SharePoint file for Council to review. Council Member Mosley asked for a copy of the job description; Manager Makatura will include that file on SharePoint. o Council plans to interview candidates at the end of the month. • Equipment Repairs o Truck 5 – All outside repairs have been completed by Shults Ford. The remaining repairs will be done in-house on a natural maintenance cycle. o The street sweeper has also been repaired, and it is picking up debris well. o New dump truck – The dealer received the truck on June 17, 2026; they delivered the truck to be equipped with the upfit package at A&H Equipment. The upfit package includes a Western Pro Plow and salt spreader. The truck should be ready for delivery in late September or early October. • SHACOG Salt Estimate o SHACOG did not receive any bids for Rock Salt in 2026-2027. However, Compass Minerals, American Rock Salt and Cargill provided feedback letters and indicated a willingness to bid if the specs are modified. ▪ This is the first time that Manager Makatura can recall that SHACOG did not receive any bids. o SHACOG made two significant changes in their bid documents this year: 7  ▪ Under previous contracts, each participating municipality agreed to purchase a minimum of 80% of its total estimated annual tonnage. This bid package lowered the minimum purchase requirement to 60% of the total estimated annual tonnage. The specs also included a tiered maximum purchase of between 140% and 160% of the estimated annual tonnage, with pricing escalators that increased costs for deliveries above specified thresholds. • Compass Minerals noted that the 60% minimum is far below market standard and no longer in line with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s contract. Both Compass Minerals and American Rock Salt expressed concern that these terms put too much risk on the supplier. ▪ The bid documents specified that municipalities should remit payment within sixty days of receiving the invoice; previously, all payments were due within 30 days of invoice receipt. • American Rock Salt commented that the industry standard is Net 30. o Council discussed the difficulties experienced last winter. The salt shortage was due, in part, to transportation issues caused by barrages trying to navigate frozen rivers to reach delivery destinations. o SHACOG intends to rebid the contract. o Council Member Pascale proposed a two-track approach – Council can continue to participate in the SHACOG’s bidding process but can also explore options for entering its own contract for salt. ▪ Superintendent Regrut recommends that the Borough purchase 600 tons of salt. Currently, 300 tons are stored in the salt building. ▪ If the Borough chooses to purchase salt independently of the SHACOG Purchasing Alliance, Council will have to engage in a formal bidding process unless an agreement can be reached with a COSTARS vendor. • New Public Works Building o Superintendent Regrut received an estimate from N&N Landscaping of $35,200 for digging the footer, setting the catch basins, and laying the conduits. The estimate is for time and labor, and does not include materials, such as concrete, rebar, and forms. o He plans to call several other contractors for estimates. • Trees o Spruce Run Road – A tree recently fell from Borough property onto 348 Spruce Run Road, including considerable damage to the property owner’s 8  mother’s vehicle. This is the third time a tree has fallen from Borough property onto this specific property. ▪ Another tree is in danger of falling from Borough property, and the owner of 348 Spruce Run is rightfully worried that it will crush her entire home if it falls. Council Member Pascale and Manager Makatura have similar concerns, given the conditions on Spruce Run Road. • Engineer Heyl and Council Member Mosley noted they are hesitant to remove trees that are not dead. However, after further discussion, all those present agreed that the tree poses a danger to the residents on Spruce Run Road. ▪ Superintendent Regrut received estimates for removing that tree from Pittsburgh Lumberjack Tree Service and Perkins Tree Service. The Lumberjack Tree Service quote is significantly higher than that Perkins quote. However, Perkins requested payment by check immediately upon completion of the project. The Borough cannot accommodate this, so other arrangements will have to be made. Pascale moved: To approve the Perkins Tree Service estimate to remove a tree at or near Parcel 214-L-304 in the vicinity of 348 Spruce Run Road for $5,500.00, pending Perkins Tree’s agreement to modify its request for payment immediately upon completion of the project. Nelson 2nd CARRIED o 2nd Alley – During one of the severe storms, a tree fell in 2nd Alley, damaging property at 647 Park Avenue. There are numerous large, dead locust trees lining the alleyway. o It is unclear if these trees are in the Borough’s right-of-way. Manager Makatura’s preliminary research has not revealed any details regarding when 2nd Alley was created or the width of the Borough’s right-of-way. o Locust trees can spread like weeds, so it is possible that the trees were not intentionally planted. o Borough staff will do additional research to determine whether maintenance of these trees is the Borough’s responsibility or that of the owners of property adjacent to the alley. 9  • Other Items o A resident inquired about the possibility of closing Norwood Avenue from Grandview Avenue to City View Avenue during Community Day to allow residents to safely view the fireworks. Every year, a crowd gathers in that area, with more residents joining each year. As the trees have grown, fewer people can see fireworks from their own homes and so they gather in a central location. ▪ Council Member Pascale expressed concern about logistics – signage, horses, and manpower. All safety personnel will be monitoring the Community Day event at the ballfields. On such short notice, there is likely not anyone available to be stationed on Norwood Ave to monitor and enforce the road closure. ▪ Council declined to move forward with the closure this year, due to the limited amount of time to implement a safe, workable plan and provide notice. However, this is something that will be discussed for the 2027 Community Day event. Council Member Pascale adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lorraine Makatura Lorraine Makatura Borough Secretary 10