Regular Session of Council

Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.10.12 BOROUGH OF GREENVILLE www.greenvilleborough.com MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOROUGH OF GREENVILLE COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. 1. Call to Order Council President Shipley called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Invocation: Pastor Bill Bixby, Thiel College Campus Ministry Sean Oros, Thiel College student Flag Salute 3. Roll Call: Brian W. Shipley, Council President Pamela S. Auchter, Council Vice President Theodore E. Jones, Council President Pro Tempore - excused Anthony D’Alfonso, Councilor Thomas D’Alfonso Jr., Councilor - excused Alfred L. Peden, Councilor Donald B. Shaw, Councilor Corey Douglas, Junior Councilor - excused Peter A. Candela, Mayor Jasson W. Urey, Borough Manager James E. Douglas, J. D., Douglas & Joseph, Solicitor Also present: Frank Vanderslice, Tax Collector Sue Brennan Dennis Cascio Staff: Dee Gearhart Dennis Stephens, Police Chief Gary Gearhart Steve Thompson, Fire Chief Mary Jane Hirt Scott Graubard, Public Services Director John McDonald David Hetrick, Financial Assistant David Morgan Don Patterson, Code Maddy Morgan Nancy Little, Secretary Sarah Palmer Robert Perrotti Media: Joanne Price Caleb Stright, Record-Argus David Starry Kelly Thompson Tom Walsh Greenville Girl Scout Troop 30488 1 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.10.12 4. Public Comments/Public Participation Joanne Price, 76 College Avenue, asked about the $20,000 advance for Playground Project funding. Council President Shipley replied the total project is about $120,000, with $100,000 raised and $20,000 in pledges. The draw-down of funds advance has been approved in the past by Council for other projects. Mr. Graubard added Leathers Associates will supervise the work site and about 1,800 volunteers will build the playground. Dennis Cascio, Sharon, asked about the $50,000 grant originally designated for the swimming pool. Council President Shipley reviewed the re-allocation process Council utilized, with the grant now assigned to the Playground Project. Mr. Urey added the Borough is accountable only for the $50,000 grant, as the Playground Committee raised the remainder needed for the project. Mr. Cascio said Councilor A D'Alfonso made request to Mr. Graubard for playground financials. Mr. Graubard responded that he has no record of Councilor A D'Alfonso's contacting him. Councilor A D'Alfonso stated that he sent two emails, to which Mr. Graubard responded that he has no record of contact. Mr. Cascio asked about the removal of Riverside Park’s old playground equipment. Mr. Douglas replied Council discussed it in Executive Session and he recommended the equipment be removed immediately due to liability issues. Beth Schuffert, West Salem Township, asked about camping in Riverside Park. Council President Shipley replied the topic was discussed by Council at the April Work Session, citing lack of facilities, safety issues and virtual assurance of heavy damage to park grounds, leading to the conclusion of denying the request on the agenda. A request was made to table the motion for a month. Gary Gearhart, 64 North Race Street, asked what guidelines are available for Riverside Park camping. Council President Shipley replied camping is prohibited in the park but Council has allowed very small groups stay overnight for specific events only. Robert Perrotti, 70 Columbia Avenue, appealed to Council to require the owner of 134-138 Main Street to repair and paint the front of the building. Council President Shipley replied borough officials have discussed the building with the owner, but there is no code violation, so the owner cannot be compelled to comply. The owner has been encouraged to make repairs. Tom Walsh, Jamestown, asked the status of the Dietrich Estate endowment. Council President Shipley replied he contacted estate administrators, who are in the process of choosing board members and deciding requirements for application guidelines. Mr. Walsh suggested appointing an official from Council to be a liaison to the estate. Council President Shipley said the borough will probably not be eligible for consideration and the foundation will be awarding the interest only of the fund. 5. Approval of Minutes Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Peden, that the March 13, 2012 minutes be approved as written. Motion carried. 2 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.10.12 6. Budget Report Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to approve the budget report. Motion carried. 7. Bills for Approval Payroll $126,597.65 Administration 23,708.48 Police 19,481.79 Fire 12,031.43 Code 3,073.76 Public Works 26,286.20 Airport 536.10 Park 25,289.04 Sewer 48,206.42 Total $285,210.87 Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Peden, that the bills be paid as presented. Motion carried. 8. Mayor’s items Mayor Candela thanked folks for questioning Council on current issues, and then read a letter of resignation as mayor effective immediately. 9. March monthly department and staff reports A. Treasurer B. Police C. Fire D. Public Works E. Code F. Greenville YMCA G. Secretary Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to accept the monthly reports as presented. Motion carried. 10. Reports from Council Committees Councilor Shaw reported Greenville Water Authority is moving forward with the East Side Project and will install sidewalk handicap ramps. Bids should go out the first of the month. Councilor Auchter reported the Sanitary Authority chairman cancelled the March meeting, but the board is meeting on Thursday at 6:00p. They are recommending Ordinance 1513, on the agenda. Councilor Peden reported Street Committee is slow, with no meetings the last two months. 3 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.10.12 Councilor A D’Alfonso reported the Canal Museum board met March 27. The Railroad Park board met April 2 and has 17 new volunteers to assist in operating the facility with normal visiting hours. Mr. Urey reported the Airport Commission has begun the engineering phase of the Tie-Down Project. The Runway Extension Project is still being reviewed, with a start date in 2013. 11. Unfinished Business A. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor A D’Alfonso, to accept the recommendation from the solicitor on preparing easement of 22 Sylvan Way by securing right of way and proceed to vacate roadway. Motion carried. B. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to rescind motion on accepting bids for Dodge Charger and Chevrolet S-10 truck. Motion carried. C. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to authorize Borough Manager to dispose of Dodge Charger, Chevrolet S-10 truck, Chevrolet Blazer and 2007 Crown Victoria. Motion carried. D. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Auchter, for a first and final reading of Ordinance 1513 on sewer lateral repair permitting. Motion carried. Mr. Urey read the ordinance. E. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to enact Ordinance 1513 on sewer lateral repair permitting. Motion carried. F. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to grant permission for placement of Community Project sign in front of borough building and proceed with installation. Motion carried. G. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to authorize Borough Manager to advance up to $20,000 in borough funds to the Riverside Park Playground Project, which is to be repaid as remaining pledged funds are collected by the Playground Committee. Motion carried 4-1, with Councilor A D’Alfonso dissenting. H. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to authorize the Borough Manager to proceed with the removal and placement into storage of the old playground equipment at Riverside Park. Motion carried. 12. New Business A. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Peden, to accept the Tax Collector report of fifty-nine (59) additions to the Per Capita roll and one hundred fifty-eight (158) exonerations in the amount of $790.00 from the Greenville Tax office. Motion carried. B. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to rescind Resolution 2011-09 on Earned Income Tax collection. Motion carried. 4 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.10.12 C. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to enact Resolution 2012-09 on Earned Income Tax (EIT) & Local Services Tax (LST) collections and authorized representatives. Motion carried. D. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to re-name a portion of Strawberry Alley to “Lipani Lane” to honor retiring St. Michael School Principal Mary Jo Lipani after 40 years of service. Motion carried. E. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor A D’Alfonso, to approve Kiwanis Club of Greenville request to use Central Park for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 3, 2012 from 10:00a-2:00p. Motion carried. F. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to accept the recommendation from the Code Committee to modify the FY 2009 Greenville Borough Community Development Block Grant by transferring $44,000 from the Street Improvement line item to the Sidewalks line item. Motion carried. G. Motion by Councilor A D’Alfonso, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to approve Heritage Day street closings. Motion carried. H. Motion by Councilor A D’Alfonso, seconded by Councilor Peden to table the request from "You KNOW You’re From Greenville, If" to camp overnight in Riverside Park from July 5th through July 8th, 2012. Councilor Peden specifically requested the group provide proof of damage control, sewage facilities and consider hiring an outside security firm. Councilor Auchter suggested the borough use this time to investigate the legality of allowing camping in the park. A plan for restoring property damage and a count of campers is also recommended. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Shaw Yes Councilor Auchter Yes Councilor Peden Yes Councilor A D’Alfonso Yes Council President Shipley Yes Motion carried unanimously, 5-0. I. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to approve the recommendation from Chief Stephens to accept the resignation of crossing guard Sviatlana Stseshyk effective March 30, 2012. Motion carried. J. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to accept the recommendation from Public Works Director Scott Graubard to hire Erik J. Travaglini for seasonal mowing at $7.25/hour effective April 11, 2012. Motion carried. K. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to ratify tentative agreement with AFSCME employees for a four year contract. Motion carried. L. Motion by Councilor A D’Alfonso, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to accept with regret the resignation of Mayor Peter A. Candela effective immediately. Motion carried. M. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to authorize advertising the open seat of Mayor. Motion carried. 5 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 04.10.12 13. Council Comments Councilor Shaw commented the West Main Hill road repair is done and they did fine work. Councilor Auchter thanked the public for expressing their opinions and welcomed them to the monthly Work Session, where Council discusses agenda items. She thanked the Girl Scouts for attending the meeting and commented involvement will keep Greenville growing. Councilor Peden expressed regret about the mayor’s resignation, adding he wished he would have stayed. He thanked the Girl Scouts for attending the meeting and encouraged the folks wishing to camp in Riverside Park to bring more information to council. Councilor A D’Alfonso gave a warm welcome to the Girl Scouts. 14. Council President Comments Council President Shipley thanked the Girl Scouts for attending the meeting and explained that agenda items are already deliberated at the Work Session. He offered best wishes to the Playground Project and was pleased to see the community come forward to support it. Council President Shipley commended Community to Promote the Greenville Area Chair Mrs. Little on completing the funding on the Community Sign. He noted fundraising began several years ago when Chairman John O’Malley attended a Council meeting to introduce the project. Council President Shipley asked to publicly express appreciation for the cooperation by AFSCME employees during contract negotiations. The document is fair to them and features significant cost savings to the borough. 15. Borough Manager Comments Mr. Urey thanked the Girl Scouts, Community Sign and Playground Project committees. He announced the borough realized a year-end surplus of $50,471 after audit. 16. Adjournment Having no other business before council, motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jasson W. Urey Borough Manager/Secretary 6