City Council

Borough of Beaver, PA Council Meeting June 8, 2021 Minutes • A regular scheduled meeting of Beaver Borough Council was held in the Community Room and was called to order on June 8, 2021 at 7:00 PM by Council President, Sean Snowden. • Council Representatives in attendance: Alexander Andres, Frank Bovalino, Michael Deelo, Chris King, Margaret McKean, Jim Perini, Alex Sebastian, and Sean Snowden. Borough officials in attendance: Mayor Thomas Hamilton, Solicitor Garen Fedeles, Borough Manager/Chief of Police Dan Madgar, Borough Secretary Debbie Hindman, and Finance Manager Andy Kennedy. Absent: Adam Rathbun. • Visitors in attendance (signed in): Midge Sefton, Rick Sprecker, Robert Snider, and Roberta Good. Approval of minutes Motion by Ms. McKean to accept the May 11, 2021 Council meeting minutes and the May 25, 2021 Work Session minutes. Seconded by Mr. Bovalino. Voice vote passed unanimously. Treasurer’s Report –  Report included in Council packet.  Discussed slight decrease in business privilege tax revenue. Review invoice and authorization to pay bills Motion by Mr. Bovalino to authorize and pay submitted invoices for the Borough. Seconded by Mr. Sebastian. Voice vote passed unanimously. Public Participation –  Midge Sefton, 1360 River Road – Asked Council which side of East End Avenue would be repaired and if the bricks were being replaced. o Mr. Madgar – The section in front of the Train Station (river side) will be repaired, the bricks will be replaced in the sunken portions to make the road level.  Ms. King – Was approached by residents on Buffalo Street asking that a stop sign be placed at the intersection of Buffalo and Corporation to slow traffic down. What needs to be done to place a stop sign there? o Mr. Madgar – In order to put a stop sign somewhere a traffic study must be completed. o Solicitor Fedeles – Without a traffic study, the stop sign cannot be enforced. Typically, a traffic study costs a couple thousand dollars. o Mr. Snowden – They are seeing this problem all over town due to the construction and cars trying to go around. o Ms. McKean – Suggested looking into placing speed bumps. June 8, 2021 Page 1  o Mayor Hamilton – Does not want to place speed bumps all over town. Stop signs are not meant to slow traffic down. If a study was done, it would look at the accident potential. o Mr. Madgar – The Borough of Beaver was not designed to hold this amount of traffic. Traffic may decrease within the next few years. o Mr. Snowden – Asked that this be put on the agenda for the next work session and for Borough Engineer Dan Martone to address the issue. Reports – Commissions / Authorities Council of Governments (COG) – Reported by Mr. Andres  May 2021 meeting report enclosed in council packet.  Discussed potentially regionalizing fire departments to be able to work together with other communities, share and buy equipment, the decline of volunteers, and the decline of EMS. o Mr. Madgar – Ambulance calls are now falling onto the police department because there are no ambulances available. This is an ongoing problem.  Discussed the Familywize prescription savings cards now available to Beaver County residents.  Gave condolences to former Councilwoman Kay Nester, as her son had recently passed away unexpectedly. Civil Service Commission – No report Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) – No report Planning Commission – No report Tree Commission – Reported by Mr. Madgar  The Tree Commission was contacted to look at a tree along Dravo Avenue and they recommended that the tree not be taken down. The home owner then contacted the Borough asking to reconsider the Tree Commission’s recommendation and allow that the tree be taken down due to a number of reasons including uneven sidewalks, foundation concerns and handicapped access to the home. The issue was then brought to the Borough Solicitor to review. o Solicitor Fedeles – Concerned after reviewing the photos of the property and tree of safety issues and the Borough’s liability if someone would get hurt or property would be damaged. If the tree is not allowed to be taken down by the Borough, the Borough would then be responsible if something happened. o Mr. Bovalino – Asked if the Tree Commission is allowed to have jurisdiction over trees that were planted by the home owner.  Mayor Hamilton – Residents are only able to remove trees from their back yard without consulting the Tree Commission, not their front yard even if the home owner planted it. June 8, 2021 Page 2   Mr. Snowden – This information can be put in the next magazine to inform residents. o Ms. McKean – Concerned that if the resident removes the trees, it will damage the brick sidewalks more. Ms. McKean sent an email to ask Chuck Copeland to assist in resetting the bricks in front of the resident’s home. Also believes that if the resident is claiming that pipes and foundation are being damaged, they should provide proof from a contractor. o Mr. Madgar – Understands that trees need to be protected within the borough but ultimately safety should be the top priority. o Mr. Snowden – Can be discussed further at the work session if needed. Suggested that Nancy Lonnett Roman attend to speak on behalf of the Tree Commission. Code Enforcement Officer Report –  May 2021 report from Code Enforcement Officer enclosed in council packet.  Ms. King – Asked for an update regarding the ongoing issue with Jet Jack Construction. o Mr. Sprecker – Currently withholding $20,000 from Jet Jack Construction until repairs are made on Laura Street. Will provide an update at the Work Session. Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) –  Presentation scheduled for the June 22, 2021 Work Session Municipal Authority – Reported by Mr. Deelo  May 19, 2021 meeting minutes enclosed in council packet.  Borough Municipal Authority Engineer report for mid-April 2021 through mid-May 2021 enclosed in council packet.  Discussed concerns of a potential additional air monitor installed by Carnegie Mellon University. o Borough Engineer Dan Martone will be the contact for DEP and will be meeting with DEP soon to discuss the monitor further. A report will be given to council after the meeting is set. o A discussion will need to be had to go over the advantages and disadvantages of the monitor once there is more information. o Ms. McKean – Suggested that Beaver High School students get involved with this project. Council Committee Reports Shaw Park/Pool – Reported by Mr. Andres  Meeting was held June 7, 2021 to discuss funding options for a potential pool. o Ideas of smaller scaled projects were discussed. o Discussed potential partnerships with other communities and what their commitment would be. June 8, 2021 Page 3  o Continuing to look for funding options outside of Beaver Borough.  Ms. McKean – Asked to attend the next meeting to discuss DCNR grants. o Mr. Madgar – Asked for future meeting dates be shared. Public Safety / Code Enforcement – No report Finance – No report Highways – No report General Government – No report Recreation – Reported by Mr. Andres  Asked about the event held in Quay Park. o Mr. Madgar – A private event hosted by the county was held for Judges across the state and was not advertised for security reasons.  A resident asked why signs for the Beaver High School seniors were not allowed to be placed along Third Street. o Mr. Madgar – The Borough allowed signs to be placed last year due to the pandemic. This cannot be continued as it causes issues while maintaining parks and can cause traffic and a potential accident as residents may drive slowly past or take a photo with the sign. o Mayor Hamilton – Placing the signs last year for the students was the right thing to do but signs are typically not allowed to be placed. o Mr. Snowden – The signs were placed around the school, which was more appropriate. This was a good call by the Borough Manager and was not a Council matter. o Mr. Andres – No one attended a Council meeting to request the signs from Council.  Ms. McKean – Would like to discuss at the next Work Session to consider selling alcohol at future events and its potential revenue. o Mr. Sebastian – Would need to consider the expense of a license and the liability of serving alcohol. o Solicitor Fedeles – The Borough would need to purchase insurance and a liquor license to be able to serve alcohol at events.  Mr. Snowden – Would like to continue a discussion of a potential pickle ball court. Reports Manager’s/Police Report – Reported by Mr. Madgar  Reviewed Borough Manager report provided in council packet.  Memorial Day Parade was a success. June 8, 2021 Page 4  Pool Auction revenue approximately $13,000 - $14,000.  Awarded the 902A Recycling Grant: $112,000 for the leaf vac, the Borough will be responsible for 10%. o Recycling area underway. Perimeter is set, clearing completed and prepped. Catch basins will start soon. This project will also be submitted for the Recycling Grant. o Able to receive 2,000 recycling bins for residents. o Costs $13,000 to recycle once a month, the cost is significantly higher to have recycling twice a month. o Borough is able to apply for grants with the tonnage Beaver Borough recycles.  Thanked Midge Sefton and Josh Eckleburg for repairing and getting the fountains running.  Received approximately $135,000 from the 2011 Liquid Fuels on March 1, 2021.  Dan Martone requesting a preconstruction meeting regarding Clark Park.  HARB will be making a presentation at the next Work Session meeting regarding the Historic District recommendations.  Shade Tree Commission planted 27 trees, 14 were planted in the parks and Business District and 13 memorial trees were planted that were paid by residents. o Would like to discuss with the Shade Tree Commission a way to incentivize residents to plant trees. Potentially having the Borough help residents plant trees. Will discuss at a future meeting.  Would like to activate the Civil Service Committee to create an active eligibility list. The Borough currently does not have an active list. It typically takes approximately 6 months to create an active list. The Borough typically always has an active list. Motion – Activate Civil Service Commission Motion by Mr. Sebastian, I move that Beaver Borough Council activate the Civil Service Commission to start the testing process creating an eligibility list. Seconded by Mr. Bovalino. Voice vote passed unanimously.  Beaver Borough received a plaque that identified Beaver as a destination around Pittsburgh.  Mr. Perini – Asked for more information regarding a bill for $7,900 from Sully’s Towing. o Mr. Madgar - This bill was a pass-through and the Borough has been reimbursed. The insurance company asked the Borough to pay the bill upfront – the street sweeper was in storage. The street sweeper is now repaired.  Mr. Perini – Asked for more information regarding a bill for $3,000 from Sully’s Towing. o Mr. Madgar – This was also a pass-through. Sully’s picked up concrete barriers for the Recycling area. The receipts have been itemized for reimbursement. June 8, 2021 Page 5 President’s Report – Reported by Mr. Snowden  Received positive feedback on the Memorial Day Parade and complimented the Heritage Foundation.  Acknowledged businesses that were able to keep their businesses open during the pandemic. Mayor Hamilton –  Complimented the Heritage Foundation for their organization of the Memorial Day Parade.  Was interviewed by KDKA to discuss how the businesses in the Borough were able to do so well during the pandemic.  Read letter received by a resident complimenting and thanking Mr. Rick Sprecker. Police Department – No report Fire Department – No report Emergency Management Coordinator – No report Borough Engineer and Borough Municipal Authority Engineer – Reported by Mr. Madgar  Borough Engineer’s May 2021 report included in council packet.  Expecting for paving to start within the next few weeks.  PennDot completed the paving in front of Wendy’s/McDonalds. Solicitor Report – Reported by Solicitor Fedeles  Contract negotiations are still ongoing with the Highway Department and Municipal Authority. Delays have been caused by a post-retirement healthcare issue.  Discussed potential money from the American Rescue Plan. This money is going directly to municipal governments and Beaver Borough is expected to get $446,000. There are limitations as to what this money can be used for such as water, stormwater and sewer projects. Money can be spent within a 3-year period.  The county wide reassessment that was originally scheduled for 2023 has now been postponed until 2024. The new tax assessed values will not be used until 2024. o Mr. Perini – The Borough raised taxes 2 mils in anticipation of the reassessment black out phase. Is the Borough able to raise taxes again since the assessment has been postponed?  Solicitor Fedeles – Yes, as long as the Borough does not go over 30 mils. The Borough tax rate is currently at 29 mils.  Mr. Perini - The Borough may need to consider raising taxes again. June 8, 2021 Page 6 Motions Motion – Clark Park Monument Motion by Ms. McKean, I move that Beaver Borough Council authorize an additional $5,000 of expense to the restoration of the Clark Park memorial based on the information provided by Councilwoman McKean’s attempt to obtain quotes for the project. Also, authorize Wilson Restoration to complete the project based on, and not to exceed the May 6, 2021 attached quote. Seconded by Mr. Perini. Voice vote passed unanimously. Motion – Repair to portions of East End Avenue Motion by Mr. Deelo, I move that Beaver Borough Council authorize the Borough Manager, Engineer, and Solicitor to work with Beaver Hometown Fund non-profit organization to repair portions of East End Avenue. All costs of the repair will be paid for by Beaver Hometown Fund. Seconded by Ms. McKean. Voice vote passed unanimously. Motion – Resignation of Emergency Management Coordinator Motion by Mr. Perini, based on the attached letter, I move that Beaver Borough Council accept the resignation of Dave Linkimer as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Beaver Borough effective May 26, 2021. Seconded by Mr. Bovalino. Voice vote passed unanimously. Motion – Appointment of Emergency Management Coordinator Motion by Mr. Perini, I move that Beaver Borough Council appoint Dave Meers as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Beaver Borough effective immediately. Seconded by Mr. Bovalino. Voice vote passed unanimously. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Sebastian. Seconded by Ms. King. Voice vote passed unanimously. Adjourned at 8:56 PM Submitted by Rebecca Phillips June 8, 2021 Page 7