Regular Session of Council

Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.12.11 BOROUGH OF GREENVILLE www.greenvilleborough.com MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOROUGH OF GREENVILLE COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. 1. Call to Order Council President Shipley called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Invocation: Stephen May, First United Methodist Church Flag Salute 3. Roll Call: Brian W. Shipley, Council President Pamela S. Auchter, Council Vice President - excused Thomas D’Alfonso Jr., Councilor Theodore Jones, Councilor Stephen May, Councilor Alfred L. Peden, Councilor Jasson W. Urey, Councilor Anthony D’Alfonso, Junior Councilor Peter A. Candela, Mayor Scott J. Andrejchak, Borough Manager James Douglas, Solicitor Also present: Staff: Mary Jane Hirt, ACT 47 Coordinator Denny Stephens, Police Chief Frank Vanderslice, Tax Collector Steve Thompson, Fire Chief Tracey Vale, Treasurer Todd Adams Scott Graubard, Public Services Director Joellen Chiodo Arena Nancy Little, Borough Secretary Cassey Crawford Lucia D’Alfonso Melody Hoffman Wes Hoffman Media: Bill Kennedy Caleb Stright, Record-Argus Becky McFadden Monica Pryts, Herald Henry Mueller Don Shaw Pat Vought Kate Yasgur 1 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.12.11 4. Public Comments/Public Participation Henry Mueller, 266 Clinton Street, requested council not vote to reduce the residential sewer rate calculation from 77% to 72%. The Greenville Sanitary Authority board is working on a capital improvement plan. Dr. Mueller added the board is giving consideration to making the sewer billings independent of the water company and the improvement plan provides a rational mechanism to do that. For example, the sewer line replacement on Saul Run bridge project was estimated at $250,000, and most every capital improvement is expensive. Dr. Mueller commended the plant’s management for being able to proceed with a tight budget, and concluded the extra funds are necessary. Kate Yasgur, 193 Clinton Street, asked how the new YMCA agreement compares with current expenses. Council President Shipley replied it is comparable to last year and council must consent to any new expenditure. Lucia D’Alfonso, 124 West Main Street, asked who negotiated the new YMCA agreement. Council President Shipley replied the solicitor, borough manager and himself. Ms. D’Alfonso asked what happened to the old YMCA agreement. Council President Shipley replied it was replaced with the new agreement. Ms. D’Alfonso asked if the YMCA would be paying the recreation center electric and why not. Council President Shipley replied they are not paying the electric because they are paying all staffing and programming costs, adding that all previous outstanding bills are paid. Ms. D’Alfonso concluded with a request that council takes a good look at the agreement. Becky McFadden, Hempfield Township, reiterated the history of the Sports Complex and asked who will maintain the fields. Council President Shipley replied the YMCA and added they have cut operating costs in administering recreation in Greenville. Mrs. McFadden said GALSA had about $20,000 in their accounts when they were dissolved. Council President Shipley said that money was turned over to the YMCA to provide start up costs on staffing the recreation center and developing programs. Bill Kennedy, 9 South Diamond Street and Director of Greenville Girl’s Softball, said running programs is the YMCA’s area of expertise and the first year may be rough. Wes Hoffman, 10 Rooney Street, said he is opposed to eliminating parking on Rooney Street and added even if residents could park in the adjacent church lot they may be interfering with church activities. Todd Adams, 6 Rooney Street, reported the police were called to tow his vehicle after parking in the church lot. There could be as many as 10-15 vehicles parked in the church lot if on-street parking is eliminated. He personally has four cars and no driveway and pointed out the church lot is not lighted at night. Mr. Adams said parking in the church lot and carrying groceries would be cumbersome. Mayor Candela replied the police chief said residents could park on the street to unload their vehicles or drop off passengers. Councilor Peden said no letter from church officials allowing residents to park in their lot would be forthcoming. Mr. Adams asked who would be held liable for damage to vehicles in the unlit church lot and asked why the upper part of Rooney Street is not included in the parking ban. No replies were made. 2 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.12.11 5. Approval of Minutes Motion by Councilor Jones, seconded by Councilor Urey, that the March 8, 2011 council meeting minutes be approved as written. Motion carried. 6. Budget Report Council President announced the first quarter budget report was distributed to council. On file. Motion by Councilor Urey, seconded by Councilor Peden, to approve the budget report. Motion carried. 7. Bills for Approval Payroll $176,953.92 Administration/Buildings 18,265.72 Tax Expense 3,407.91 Douglas and Joseph 1,250.00 Police 22,045.46 Fire 13,749.82 Code, Zoning & COG Department 3,578.12 Streets/Public Works 22,414.34 Airport 451.28 Park 2,742.14 Refunds 900.00 Sewer System Operating Fund 39,261.98 Total $305,020.69 Motion by Councilor Jones, seconded by Councilor Urey, that the bills be paid as presented. Motion carried. 8. Mayor’s items Mayor Candela reported the Main Street flag banner project is moving forward and the Greenville Chamber of Commerce is accepting donations. ACT 90, which addresses blight properties in Pennsylvania, will take effect on April 25th and he is looking forward to this kicking in. The Shenango River Watchers will be reopening the river from Jamestown to Riverside Park. 9. Council reports A. Treasurer’s report for March 2011 B. Police report for February & March 2011 C. Fire report for March 2011 D. Public Works report for March 2011 E. Code/Zoning report for March 2011 F. Borough Secretary report for March 2011 Motion by Councilor Urey, seconded by Councilor Peden, to accept the monthly reports as presented. Motion carried. 3 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.12.11 10. Reports from Council Committees Councilor Jones reported the Library participated in the March 15th Business Expo, had their annual bagged lunch fundraiser and a Childhood Fair at Thiel’s new dome. A library consultant has concluded his study and submitted his final report, which celebrated the warm atmosphere of the facility as well as numerous recommendations for change. Mr. Jones said the 2011 Farmers Market is set to open on Wednesday, May 4th. Looking ahead, new candidates for Junior Councilor are welcome for next year. Councilor D’Alfonso reported the Greenville Water Authority has their monthly meeting tomorrow at 5:30. He also attended the Railroad Park meeting and they are getting ready to open for the season. Councilor Urey reported the Airport Commission met but had no significant news. 11. Unfinished Business A. Motion by Councilor Jones, seconded by Councilor Urey, to enter into a recreation agreement with the Shenango Valley YMCA. Councilor May commented a different approach to Greenville recreation should have happened 20 years ago, but council is committed to the future and the YMCA agreement is the most reasonable choice. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Jones Yes Councilor May Yes Councilor D’Alfonso No Councilor Peden Yes Councilor Urey Yes Council President Shipley Yes Motion carried, 5-1. 12. New Business A. Motion by Councilor Jones, seconded by Councilor May, to instruct the Borough Manager to request DCED grant modification of the pool grant for use on a playground at Riverside Park. Motion carried. B. Motion by Councilor Jones, seconded by Councilor Peden, to authorize advertising amendment of Ordinance 1452 to reduce residential sewer rate calculation from 77% to 72%. Councilor Urey stated the borough is still under a corrective action plan, which expires in 2013, for the sewage facilities and many projects remain to be done. A reduction of revenue would delay full compliance of the corrective action plan and suggested the DEP may not approve postponement. Councilor Urey added the Borough expects residents to make repairs to sewer laterals and we should fix our lines as well. Councilor Jones asked if there is a master (capital improvement) plan. Councilor Urey replied yes, the board has it. Councilor May commented the plan is needed to justify expenses to sewer customers. Councilor Urey replied he predicts rates will go back up to generate revenue. Council President Shipley called on 4 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.12.11 current seated Sanitary Authority board member Don Shaw, who reviewed his memo recommending the calculation reduction. Councilor Urey stated there are two issues, 1. How the rates are calculated is flawed and 2. Lowering the percentage. Councilor May suggested dropping the rate to motivate others to proceed with a final capital improvement plan, justifying the additional revenue. Council President Shipley agreed with Mr. Andrejchak’s comment at the last council work session, to commission a sewer rate study. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Jones Yes Councilor May Yes Councilor D’Alfonso Yes Councilor Peden Yes Councilor Urey No Council President Shipley Yes Motion carried, 5-1. C. There was discussion on Rooney Street parking. Councilor Jones asked about parking on the other side of the street. Councilor Peden replied that wouldn’t eliminate the safety issue. Councilor Jones commented another safety issue is the unlit church parking lot. Councilor May concurred, saying we’re forcing people to park there. Councilor D’Alfonso said residents can park in the alley that runs parallel to Rooney or in their driveway. Councilor Peden pointed out that Mr. Adams, with four vehicles, would need a driveway 35’ long and he has no driveway. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor D’Alfonso, to accept the recommendation from the Street Committee to advertise an amendment of Ordinance 1490 to include no parking on Rooney Street from North High to North Third Streets. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Jones No Councilor May No Councilor D’Alfonso Yes Councilor Peden Abstain Councilor Urey Yes Council President Shipley No Motion failed, 3-2. D. Motion by Councilor May, seconded by Councilor Urey, to accept the tax collector’s report of 149 additions to the Per Capita roll and 186 exonerations in the amount of $930.00 from the Greenville Tax office. Motion carried. E. Motion by Councilor May, seconded by Councilor Urey, to approve the agreement granting permission to Shenango River Watcher’s to cross borough owned land. Councilor May asked if the group will make any repairs to borough property they may damage and the reply was yes. Motion carried. 5 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.12.11 F. Motion by Councilor May, seconded by Councilor Jones, to approve Kiwanis Club of Greenville request to use Central Park for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5, 2011 from 10:00a-2:00p. Motion carried. G. Motion by Councilor Urey, seconded by Councilor May, to approve Linda Henry request to use Central Park on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 6:00p. Motion carried. H. Motion by Councilor May, seconded by Councilor Urey, to accept the recommendation from the Street Committee to grant the request from Fresh Grounds to close their adjoining alley on April 15th from 6:30p-9:30p. Motion carried. I. Motion by Councilor May, seconded by Councilor Urey, to enact Resolution 2011-02 on the Emergency Operations Plan. Councilor May commended Chief Thompson for his work on the plan. Motion carried. J. Motion by Councilor Urey, seconded by Councilor May, to enact Resolution 2011-03 on police pension contributions. Motion carried. K. Motion by Councilor Urey, seconded by Councilor May, to enter into an addendum to the collective bargaining agreement between the Borough of Greenville and IAFF Local 1976 for purposes of securing a Safer Grant Award. Motion carried. 13. Council Comments Councilor Jones stated he was glad to have the agreement with the YMCA. He recommended forming a bi-monthly committee from the community to keep council informed. Councilor May said he’s glad to welcome the YMCA. Councilor D’Alfonso commended Chief Thompson on his outstanding job on the Emergency Operations Plan. Councilor Urey said council brought resolution to many issues today and welcomes the YMCA agreement. Council President Shipley added his thanks to Chief Thompson on preparing the Emergency Operations Plan, a long, tedious process. He thanked the Chamber of Commerce for spearheading the downtown flag banners. Former Council President Pete Longiotti proposed flag banners after Streetscape II was completed and we are pleased to honor those who have served and are currently in service to our country. Council President Shipley said coming to agreement with the YMCA was not always an easy process, but intentions were always to be able to play ball and offer a safe recreation center to residents. He thanked the YMCA for their patience and looks forward to a long and productive relationship that benefits everyone. 6 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.12.11 14. Borough Manager Comments None. 15. Adjournment Having no other business before council, motion by Councilor Jones, seconded by Councilor Peden, to adjourn the meeting at 7:45p.m. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Scott J. Andrejchak Borough Manager 7