City Council

Borough of Beaver, PA Council Meeting August 14, 2018 Minutes • A regular scheduled meeting of Beaver Borough Council was held in the Community Room and called to order on August 14, 2018 at 7:00PM by Council President, Sean Snowden. • Pledge of Allegiance • Council Representatives in attendance: Alexander Andres, Michael Deelo, Chris King, Margaret McKean, Jim Perini, Adam Rathbun, Sean Snowden, Jarrod Thomas. Borough officials in attendance: Mayor Tom Hamilton, Chief Dan Madgar and Solicitor Garen Fedeles. Absent: Alex Sebastian. • Visitors in attendance (signed in): Judith Cashdollar, George Kauffman, Midge Sefton, Rick Sprecker, Bob Rich, Jo Johnson, Donna Hudson, David and Pamela Kuhns, and Cheryl Hansen. Approval of minutes Motion by Ms. King to accept the July 10, 2018 Council meeting minutes and the July 24, 2018 Working Session meeting minutes. Seconded by Mr. Rathbun. Voice vote passed unanimously. Treasurer’s Report • July 2018 end of month reports and balances reviewed. • Reports will be filed for annual audit Review invoice and authorization to pay bills Motion by Mr. Andres to authorize and pay submitted invoices for the Borough. Seconded by Mr. Thomas. Voice vote passed unanimously. Mr. Snowden announced that there will be an Executive Session regarding a real estate purchase and a personnel matter. Motions are expected after the Executive Session Public Participation –  Judith Cashdollar, 899 7th Street – Spoke earlier to Mr. Deelo and Mr. Sprecker about the construction work on 7th Street and the residents’ concerns of safety. o Mr. Sprecker assured Ms. Cashdollar that they are keeping a close watch on the construction.  Donna Hudson, 511 Beaver Street – Concerned with the amount of vehicles using Leopard Lane as a short cut to avoid 5th Street and Sharon Road intersection. Vehicles are traveling too fast on Spring Lane and Leopard Lane. Leopard Lane is narrow with a lot of vehicles parked. Asked if it could be made into a One Way or Local Traffic only. August 14, 2018 Page 1  • Bob Rich, 585 Spring Lane - Also shared concerns about the traffic on Beaver Street and Spring Lane. Believes that the problem began when 5th street was paved and blocked off, then Leopard Lance was discovered as a shortcut therefor creating heavier traffic. • Mr. Snowden has received similar complaints, regarding this location and others in the past. • Chief Madgar stated that the Borough Engineer would need to conduct a traffic study in order to consider making the street One Way. The issue would be discussed among council at the work session and brought to the attention of the Borough Engineer to explore any options. • Ms. Mckean asked if having a "local traffic only" sign enforced during rush hour would be legal to have in Pennsylvania. • Mr. McCoy suggested having police presence as a short term solution. • Mr. Snowden agreed that Chief Madgar should discuss this issue and any possible solutions with the Borough Engineer. • David Kuhns, 1111 4th Street - Appealing a decision made by the Shade Tree Commission that denied Mr. Kuhn of removing a tree in his front yard. Mr. Kuhn believes the tree is a safety hazard and his willing to plant another tree in its place. o Mr. Sprecker agreed and believed that the tree should be removed. o Mr. Deelo stated that the decision could possibly be overruled by the Borough Manager and/or Council. o Solicitor Fedeles recommended that Mr. Kuhns give the Borough Manager his request in writing and it will then be discussed at the following work session meeting. • George Kauffman, 100 Oak Street – o Recommended the borough begin leaf removal earlier this year o Concerned about the equipment parked on the corner of Chestnut Street and 2 nd Street, it is taking up resident parking spaces and would like the borough to look into the issue. • Mr. Sprecker explained that an ordinance states that any vehicle over ½ ton is not permitted to park on the street. Although, this ordinance is difficult to enforce because newer models of pickup trucks may weigh more than this and may cause issues. • Mr. Rathbun discussed how the parked equipment is a safety hazard, as it blocks the sight of traffic. • Mr. Snowden thanked Mr. Sprecker for bringing this issue to council's attention. • Steve Cable, 895 Chapel Road - Asked if there were any updates regarding an issue with a member of the Shade Tree Commission o Mr. Snowden explained there are no new updates and the issue will be discussed at the next work session meeting, as there were not enough member to discuss at the previous meeting. August 14, 2018 Page 2 Reports – Commissions / Authorities Council of Governments (COG) – Reported by Mr. Andres • Attended a legislative reception at CCBC sponsored by the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce on August 8th. Former members of Congress and other state elected officials also attended the event. • Also attended the Local Government conference on August 9th at CCBC sponsored by COG. Multiple speakers were at the event to discuss revamping the airport and making the Pittsburgh area a desired destination, rural issues and ways to better our communities. Business District Authority – Inactive Civil Service Commission – Reported by Ms. Sefton • Reviewed the June 14, 2018 and July 17, 2018 meeting minutes enclosed in council packet. • Mr. Snowden thanked Ms. Sefton and the Civil Service Commission. Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) – Reported by Mr. Sprecker • Zoning Hearing Board met on August 6, 2018 regarding business located at 469 Market Street. Variance request for sign was approved. Planning Commission – • July 16, 2018 meeting minutes enclosed in council packet Tree Commission – No report Code Enforcement Officer Report – Reported by Mr. Sprecker • July 2018 report enclosed in council packet • Discussed concern of properties in town that are owned by people that live out of town and the difficulties of getting in contact with them. • Brought attention to brick sidewalks that need repaired in town, residents need to maintain them. • Mr. Thomas discussed the grass and weeds growing in the road on Taylor Ave. • Mr. Snowden thanked Mr. Sprecker for his work for the town. Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) – Reported by Mr. Deelo • Mr. Deelo asked on behalf of Mr. Rice if there was any feedback on the recommendations that were given by HARB regarding a house on 5th Street. • Solicitor Fedeles said that it was given to MDIA and is now in their hands for review. Drawings for the home were also submitted to MDIA to be reviewed. • Mr. Sprecker noted that citations have been submitted for the demolition portion of the property, and that the drawings did include some of the suggestions made by HARB. Municipal Authority – Reported by Mr. Deelo • July 18, 2018 meeting minutes and Special Notice of Smoke Test from August 13-17 enclosed in council packet. August 14, 2018 Page 3 • Council asked the Municipal Authority to take the lead on air monitoring, and an air monitor was installed June 21st near the lift station. • Mr. Deelo stated that it would need to be discussed on how to get information generated by the air monitor reported to the public effectively. • Mr. Deelo commented that the swimming pool, the drinking water and sewage plant are treated with a disinfectant. Instead of using what the borough previously used, chlorine gas, Mr. Deelo suggested using sodium hypochlorite for all three. However, this will need approval from the DEP prior to switching over. The study is currently being completed, will keep council informed. • Mr. Andres asked if there was any update regarding the water break on 5th Street. • Chief Madgar stated that parts of 5th Street would be closed off for at least 2-3 weeks for the safety of the residents due to a 10” line break • Mr. Rathbun stated the Municipal Authority will discuss if the entire 10” line needs to be replaced or will the line be abandoned • Options will be discussed to effectively communicate emergency information to residents in a timely manner. Council Committee Reports Public Safety/Code Enforcement – No Report Finance – Reported by Mr. Perini  Budget discussions will start at the next Work Session Highway – Reported by Mr. Thomas • Mr. Martone advertised the bid out for the curbs and sidewalks for Wayne, Park, Laura and Turnpike Streets. • Chief Madgar discuss the possibility of splitting up the bids between contractors to get the project done faster. • Mayor Hamilton agreed with the idea of splitting up the bids if possible • Chief Madgar stated that a walkthrough will be done to review with Columbia Gas. • The road paving bid is still being worked on and is separate from the curbs and sidewalks. Columbia Gas may take over the restoration of 2nd Street. Nothing has been determined yet and is still being discussed. • Mr. Deelo asked what the turnaround time is that Columbia Gas provides funding. • Solicitor Fedeles and Mr. Snowden stated that on a monthly basis the borough should be reimbursed based off of their submitted invoices. No submitted invoices have occurred as of yet. • Mr. Perini – Stated Mr. Martone need to have the letter to the residents as quickly as possible regarding the amount required for curbs and sidewalks. General Government – No report Code Enforcement – No report August 14, 2018 Page 4 Recreation – Reported by Ms. King • Thanked the borough employees for making the town look so nice for the car cruise • Mayor Hamilton – Thanked Dan Nahas and all the volunteers for making the car cruise a success Reports Manager’s Report – Reported by Chief Madgar • Reviewed the July 2018 Managers report. • There has been an increase of $17,000 to last year in the pool's revenue. The pool has had a lot of positive feedback. • Recycling grant – was informed the award announcement was pushed out to the end of August • Navigation and 3rd Street traffic study came to the conclusion of realigning the intersection of Buffalo Street so the town does not lose parking spaces. The borough will only be responsible for some of the changes. • It was brought to the borough's attention that during the 5th Street project, a plastic fence post was used for drainage and posed a safety issue. The fencing was replaced with steel to prevent any safety issues and cost approximately $4,000. • 28 Georgetown Lane – closing date is August 16, 2018 • Employee updates:  Officer Kryder and Hogan should return by the end of October  Two of our part time officers, which both worked 40 hours a week, have accepted full time positions in neighboring towns. President’s Report – Reported by Sean Snowden • Next Work Session will discuss the monument request in Quay Park • Mr. Snowden attended the Beaver Area School District School Board Meeting to represent the safety committee to discuss ideas to make schools in our district safer. Dr. Rowe complimented the Beaver Borough and Beaver Police Department at the meeting for working so well with her and the school district to keep the school district safe. Mayor Hamilton – No report Police Chief Madgar – No report Fire Department – No report Emergency Management Coordinator – No report Borough Engineer – July 2018 Beaver Municipal Authority Engineer monthly report enclosed in council packet Solicitor Report – Reported by Solicitor Fedeles • Announced that there will be an Executive Session regarding a real estate purchase and a personnel matter. Motions are expected after the Executive Session. August 14, 2018 Page 5 • Street performances – The borough does not have an ordinance regulating restrictions. Suggests council to consider requesting the solicitors to put something in place. • Mayor Hamilton – We want to encourage performances we just need to regulate them • Ms. McKean – This will be useful especially with Quay Park transformation • Mr. Fedeles – Target date for the ordinance should be by next spring • Motion by Mr. Thomas that Borough Council direct the Solicitors to draft a Street Performance Ordinance within Beaver Borough. Seconded by Mr. Rathbun. Voice vote passed unanimously. Old Business Motion – Rental Registration Checklist Motion by Mr. Andres that Beaver Borough Council approve the attached Rental Registration Checklist, effective January 1, 2019. Seconded by Mr. Perini.  Mr. Rathbun – Should be a signature page for the Inspector and Homeowner to sign along with any added notes. Voice vote passed unanimously. Motion – Zoning Ordinance amendment Motion by Ms. King that Beaver Borough Council authorize scheduling a hearing on the Zoning Ordinance Amendment proposal for 6:30PM on September 11, 2019. Seconded by Mr. Perini. Voice vote passed unanimously. New Business Motion – 2019 Minimum Obligation (MMO) for Police and Municipal Employees Motion by Mr. Perini that Beaver Borough Council approve the attached Resolution relating to the 2019 Financial Requirement and Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) for Police and Municipal Employees. Seconded by Mr. Deelo. Voice vote passed unanimously. Motion – Dumpster Regulations & Permit Requirements Motion by Mr. Thomas that Beaver Borough Council authorize the Solicitor to prepare an ordinance regarding regulations and permit requirements concerning Dumpsters, POD’s and Dumpster Bags. Seconded by Ms. McKean. Voice vote passed unanimously. Motion – Prepare lease with Vanport Township for Salt Shed Motion by Mr. Andres that Beaver Borough Council authorize the Solicitor to prepare a lease with Vanport Township Municipal Authority for the leasing of the salt shed on the Authority’s property. Seconded by Mr. Rathbun. Voice vote passed unanimously. Motion - Temporarily Suspend Time Constraints for Executive Sessions Motion by Mr. Deelo that Beaver Borough suspends the rules regarding time restriction on this Executive Session only. Seconded by Ms. McKean. Voice vote passed, Mr. Andres – No vote. August 14, 2018 Page 6 8:57 PM- Entered into Executive Session regarding two personnel matters, real estate and litigation and police contract 10:14PM Executive Session ended Motion – 28 Georgetown Lane Motion by Mr. Thomas to authorize the Borough Manager on behalf of Beaver Borough to attend the closing and sign the necessary documents to close on the property located at 28 Georgetown Lane, Beaver. Seconded by Ms. McKean. Voice vote passed unanimously. Motion to adjourn by Ms. McKean. Seconded by Mr. Deelo. Voice vote passed unanimously. Adjourned at 10:20PM. Submitted by Rebecca Roberts August 14, 2018 Page 7