City Council

Borough of Beaver, PA Council Meeting July 9, 2024 Minutes • A regular scheduled meeting of Beaver Borough Council was held at the Pool House Civic Center and was called to order on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 7:00 PM by Council President, Sean Snowden. • Council Representatives in attendance: Alexander Andres, Michael Deelo, Roberta Good, Todd Hindman, Whitney Learn-Conjeski, Margaret McKean, Alex Sebastian, Sean Snowden, and Amy Stettler. • Borough officials in attendance: Mayor Thomas Hamilton, Chief of Police and Borough Manager Dan Madgar, Solicitor Garen Fedeles, Sergeant Ken McCoy, Code Enforcement Officer Rick Sprecker, and Debbie Hindman. • Absent: None • Visitors in attendance (signed in): Pam Learn, Jeff Hamilton, Ellen Kretchmar, Jim Woolley, Lincoln Kretchmar, and Midge Sefton. Approval of Minutes Motion by Ms. Learn-Conjeski to accept the June 25, 2024 Council Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Ms. Good. Voice vote passed unanimously. Treasurer’s Report – • The June Treasurer’s report was provided in the Council packet. Review invoices and authorization to pay bills Motion by Ms. Stettler to authorize and pay submitted invoices for the Borough. Seconded by Ms. Good. Voice vote passed unanimously. Public Participation – Ellen Kretchmar, Ward 2 • Objected how public comments were reflected in meeting minutes and asked that they be amended to include comments made about lack of confidence in Council and request for immediate action to be taken after pedestrian death. Also, that it is the Borough’s responsibility for crosswalk maintenance per PennDot. Ms. Kretchmar also believes that it is a conflict of interest that the Chief of Police is also the Borough Manager and that there should be public Council committee meetings. July 9, 2024 Council Meeting Page 1 Vivian Mahli, 1199 7th Street • Complimented those who were part of the construction of the Pool House Civic Center building. • Notified Council that there has been more skateboarding activity at the Pool House Civic Center building and more activity at the new parking lot. Ms. Mahli suggested additional lighting in the darker parts of Shaw Park to prevent unwanted late-night activity. • Addressed concerns of pickleball being played on the tennis courts and concerns of speeding along Buffalo Street. Council Committees Finance – Reported by Ms. Stettler • Continuing to work with Mr. Kennedy to prepare for the draft 2025 budget. General Government – • Ms. McKean suggested that the Shade Tree Commission be involved in any discussions regarding an appeal to a decision made by the Shade Tree Commission. o Mr. Snowden requested that the Shade Tree Commission submit reports or meeting minutes to Council so that communication with Council can improve. o Mr. Madgar suggested more communication with the Borough office staff so operations can be more efficient. o Ms. McKean has asked that the Shade Tree Commission submit a request to Council to increase the number of members that can be on the Shade Tree Commission to help with the workload. o Mr. Hindman suggested that clarification be made if the Shade Tree Commission is an advisory commission or if their determinations are final. o Mr. Deelo stated that the Shade Tree Commission has authority over trees located within the Borough strip. Highways – Reported by Mr. Madgar • Columbia Gas has completed the ramps and paving is expected to be completed by the end of the month. • Outflows along River Road have been inspected via camera and passed inspection. Suggested doing this type of inspection every 3-5 years. Public Safety / Code Enforcement – Reported by Mr. Sebastian • Collective Bargaining Agreement discussions are ongoing. Recreation – • Ms. McKean asked if the dog waste issue in Linn Park had been resolved. o Mr. Madgar stated that dog waste bags and signage have been posted in all of the parks and there have been no other complaints received. July 9, 2024 Council Meeting Page 2 Reports Manager/Secretary Report – Reported by Mr. Madgar • Council will need to charge the Planning Commission to update the Comprehensive Plan. • Reviewed the Carnival and thanked the Dutch Ridge PTA for stepping up to host the event this year on short notice. • Mr. Snowden will write a letter on behalf of Borough Council in support of the proposed back-lit/digital signage to be placed by the Beaver Area School District at the intersection of 5th and Buffalo Street. The letter will be presented to the Zoning Hearing Board. Council was in agreement. • Reviewed the echo and sound inside the Pool House. Working with Brighten Music to help resolve this problem by absorbing the sound. • Partnering with the Beaver Area Memorial Library to host a children’s zoo event at the Pool House. This will be a free event organized by the Library. • Upcoming concert organized by Larry Renninger to be held at the Pool House this Saturday. • Continuing to research grants to improve the outdoor lighting at Shaw Park. • Police Department to apply for a grant for new body cameras because current cameras are outdated. The grant is a 50/50 grant. If awarded the grant, the Borough would be responsible for approximately $50,000. If the grant is not awarded, the Borough will need to budget for this expense. Mayor Hamilton – • Reviewed free concert in the park organized by the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation. • Notified Council that the Beaver Supermarket was sold. The new owner stated he would keep business functioning as a supermarket. President’s Report – No report Police Department – • Mr. Andres recognized the efficiency of the Beaver Police Department. Fire Department – No report Emergency Management Coordinator – No report Borough Engineer – • The June 2024 Engineer report was included in the Council packet. Solicitor Report – • Continuing to draft 3-strike ordinance for disruptive residential rental properties. Expecting to have a draft to Council soon. July 9, 2024 Council Meeting Page 3 Motions Update of Comprehensive Plan Motion by Ms. Good, I move that Beaver Borough Council authorize the Planning Commission to commence the update of the Beaver Borough Comprehensive Plan. Seconded by Ms. Stettler. Voice vote passed unanimously. Motion by Ms. Stettler to adjourn. Seconded by Ms. Learn-Conjeski. Voice vote passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m. Submitted by Rebecca Phillips July 9, 2024 Council Meeting Page 4