Regular Session of Council

Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 05.08.12 BOROUGH OF GREENVILLE www.greenvilleborough.com MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOROUGH OF GREENVILLE COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS Tuesday, May 8, 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: Rev. Bill Kirker, St. Paul’s Council President Pro Tempore Jones read a statement on the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by leading the Flag Salute 3. Roll Call: Brian W. Shipley, Council President Pamela S. Auchter, Council Vice President Theodore E. Jones, Council President Pro Tempore Anthony D’Alfonso, Councilor Thomas D’Alfonso Jr., Councilor Alfred L. Peden, Councilor Donald B. Shaw, Councilor Corey Douglas, Junior Councilor - excused Joshua Stephens, Mayor Jasson W. Urey, Borough Manager Shawn Olson, J. D., Douglas, Joseph & Olson, Solicitor Also present: Fred Arnold Pete Longiotti Frank Vanderslice, Tax Collector George Axtell Vicki McClimans Ben Beck John McDonald Staff: Mark Brest Becky McFadden Dennis Stephens, Police Chief Monica Brest Bryan Mohr Steve Thompson, Fire Chief Mike Cadman Tracy Mohr Scott Graubard, Public Services Becky Candela Amber Poteet David Hetrick, Financial Assistant Peter Candela Joanne Price Nancy Little, Secretary Dennis Cascio Lori Sherman Allison Clapper Dave Starry Darlene Cook Hannah Walker Karen Galus David Walsh Gary Gearhart Dawna Walsh Vivian Gearhart Paul Walsh Megan Heathcote Tom Walsh Media: Scott Kerins Penelope Wickstrom Caleb Stright, Record-Argus Fred Kiser Linda Zuschlag Tom Davidson, Herald 1 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 05.08.12 4. Public Comments/Public Participation George Axtell, 93 Chambers Avenue, suggested a community advisory board, then asked about the fire department contract, Riverside Park restrooms, YMCA agreement, Trinity cleanup, videotaping meetings, starting a voter drive, providing local teens with entertainment and how to contact council. Linda Zuschlag, 21 Lancaster Avenue, requested the York Street playground be maintained. Joanne Price, 76 College Avenue, asked about playground equipment financials and voiced opposition to Resolution 2012-11. Darlene Cook, Hadley, requested York Street playground be maintained, mentioned her involvement with the Committee to Promote the Greenville Area, suggested council meetings be taped, asked how the solicitor and council president were selected and asked who answers questions. Becky McFadden, Hempfield, commented the Conservancy sign was moved in the West Main Hill Community Garden, voiced opposition to Resolution 2012-11 and encouraged Trinity cleanup. Mr. Urey called on Mr. Graubard, who explained the conservancy sign was moved to prominently display the new “Veteran’s Park” sign. Gary Gearhart, 64 North Race Street, voiced opposition to Resolution 2012-11 and commented some people are working their own agenda instead of what’s fair. Becky Candela, 33 Taylor Street, asked about signs in Riverside Park. Dennis Cascio, Sharon, read a prepared statement requesting the solicitor call an executive session. Council President Shipley commented today, May 8th, 2012, is the 10th anniversary of Greenville’s entrance into ACT 47, a catastrophic event Mr. Cascio as councilor facilitated. Dawna Walsh, 28 East Stewart Avenue, voiced opposition to Resolution 2012-11 and suggested the borough repair the fence around Trinity and charge them for it. Monica Brest, 2 Columbia Avenue, suggested groups select one spokesperson and rallying to help the town make it. Paul Walsh, Jamestown, commented on Trinity cleanup. Scott Kerins, 17 York Street, commented on the cable franchise negotiation, requested York Street playground be maintained and commented on Trinity cleanup. Fred Arnold, Hempfield, voiced opposition to Resolution 2012-11 and commented on Trinity cleanup. John McDonald, 56 West Main Street, voiced opposition to Resolution 2012-11. Most questions were answered completely by Council President Shipley, with additional answers provided by Councilor Shaw, Councilor Peden and Mr. Urey. 2 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 05.08.12 5. Approval of Minutes Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Jones, that the April 10, 2012 minutes be approved as written. Motion carried. 6. Budget Report Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to approve the budget report. Motion carried. 7. Bills for Approval Payroll $131,708.23 Administration 16,468.53 Police 18,230.02 Fire 10,805.72 Code 4,841.39 Public Works 42,261.90 Airport 330.63 Park 29,185.38 Sewer 64,171.98 Total $318,003.78 Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Peden, that the bills be paid as presented. Motion carried. 8. April monthly department and staff reports A. Treasurer B. Fire C. Code D. Secretary Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to accept the monthly reports as presented. Motion carried. 9. Reports from Council Committees Councilor Jones reported Greenville Public Library serves 11,293 residents, has a collection of 37,818 and processed 30,873 transactions in 2011. The Farmer’s Market opened May 2nd with normal hours. Strayhaven has 17 cats and 32 dogs at present. Councilor Jones suggests amending the Junior Councilor resolution to include freshman and sophomore candidates and also be a year-long commitment. Councilor Shaw reported Greenville Water Authority East Side Project opened four bids and will award the contract soon. Councilor Auchter reported the next Sanitary Authority meeting is Thursday and the Code Committee has one item on tonight’s agenda. 3 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 05.08.12 10. Unfinished Business A. Motion by Councilor Jones to appoint Scott Graubard as Borough Mayor. Motion failed. Motion by Councilor A D’Alfonso, seconded by Councilor T D’Alfonso, to appoint Joshua Stephens as Borough Mayor. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Jones Yes Councilor Shaw Yes Councilor Auchter Yes Councilor T D’Alfonso Yes Councilor Peden Yes Councilor A D’Alfonso Yes Council President Shipley Yes Motion passed unanimously. B. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor A D’Alfonso, to enact Resolution 2012-10 appointing Joshua Stephens as Borough Mayor. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Jones Yes Councilor Shaw Yes Councilor Auchter Yes Councilor T D’Alfonso Yes Councilor Peden Yes Councilor A D’Alfonso Yes Council President Shipley Yes Motion passed unanimously. New Mayor Joshua Stephens was sworn in by District Magistrate Brian Arthur. C. Motion by Councilor A D’Alfonso, seconded by Councilor D’Alfonso, to grant permission to Heritage Days Committee for primitive camp sites near Nature Center in Riverside Park from July 6-7, 2012. Council President Shipley called on Fred Kiser, who reported camping would be included under the YMCA umbrella of insurance, as is Heritage Day. Motion carried. 11. Mayor comments Mayor Stephens stated he hopes to bring unity to the council. 12. New Business A. Motion by Councilor Jones, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to accept the Tax Collector report of seventeen (17) additions to the Per Capita roll and thirteen (13) exonerations in the amount of $65.00 from the Greenville Tax office. Motion carried. B. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor A D’Alfonso, to advertise the following open board seats, all one seat on each board: Horizon Hospital System Authority for a five year term, Sanitary Authority Board for a 5 year term, Shenango Valley Enterprise Zone for a four year term and Code Appeals board for a 5 year term. Motion carried. 4 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 05.08.12 C. Motion by Councilor Jones, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to appoint Jasson W. Urey to Greenville/Hempfield Consistency Review Committee for a three year term. Motion carried. D. Motion by Councilor A D’Alfonso, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to accept the recommendation from Chief Stephens to hire Vivian D. Gearhart as crossing guard at $7.25/hour effective April 11, 2012. Motion carried. E. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Peden, to accept the recommendation from Public Services Director Scott Graubard to hire Zachary C. Woodson for seasonal mowing at $7.25/hour effective May 9, 2012. Motion carried. F. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to renew contract with Sharp Collections to collect delinquent per capita taxes. Councilor Shaw asked if Sharp is doing a good job now and Mr. Urey replied they have had good collections. Motion carried. G. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to enact Resolution 2012-11 creating policies and procedures for public meetings of council. Councilor Auchter commented there have been other policies in the past, but one of the purposes of this policy is to encourage public comments to be concise, offer structure and also the resolution is not written in stone, so amendment is possible. Councilor Shaw added the resolution is a guideline for council. Councilor Jones commented council meets just twice a month and he’ll vote no. Councilor A D’Alfonso objects to the non-resident standard and will also vote no. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Jones No Councilor Shaw Yes Councilor Auchter Yes Councilor T D’Alfonso No Councilor Peden No Councilor A D’Alfonso No Council President Shipley Yes Motion was defeated, 4-3. H. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to enact Resolution 2012-12 on Police Pension Plan contributions. Motion carried. I. Motion by Councilor A D’Alfonso, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to approve Greenville Chamber of Commerce request to use Central Park for “Concerts in the Park” every Thursday evening beginning June 7 and concluding July 26 beginning at 6:30p. Motion carried. J. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Council A D’Alfonso, to authorize the Borough Manager to approve the low bid and proceed with demolition of 57 Columbia Avenue (bids due May 16th). Motion carried. K. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Peden, to accept the recommendation from Borough Manager to retain Cohen Law Group to negotiate cable franchise agreement. Motion carried. 5 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 05.08.12 L. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor A D’Alfonso, to authorize the solicitor to draft an ordinance to ban tobacco products from the vicinity of Riverside Park’s new playground. Motion carried. M. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, authorizing the disposal of all old Riverside Park playground equipment utilizing an open bid process. Motion carried. N. There was discussion on a request to serve alcohol in Riverside Park. Councilor Jones said he would approve the request. Councilor Peden said he would not approve the event. Councilor Auchter stated there is no need for alcohol in the park and suggested going to local establishments after the event. Councilor A D’Alfonso maintained his opposition to alcohol in the park. Councilor Shaw said it would be difficult to enforce compliance with the rules to serve alcohol. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to deny Sarah Bowser’s request to serve alcohol at a fundraiser in Riverside Park, but encouraged her to work with the YMCA. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Jones Yes Councilor Shaw Yes Councilor Auchter Yes Councilor T D’Alfonso Yes Councilor Peden Yes Councilor A D’Alfonso Yes Council President Shipley Yes Motion carried. 13. Council Comments Councilor Jones commented negativity about council has no truth or substance, and congratulated Mayor Stephens. Councilor Shaw commented the past is good for looking at mistakes to avoid being done again, and congratulated Mayor Stephens. Councilor Auchter commented West Salem and Hempfield Township meetings are held in the morning with poor public attendance and encouraged those residents to go and speak their minds. She also recommended public comments be more concise, and congratulated Mayor Stephens. Councilor T D’Alfonso congratulated Mayor Stephens. Councilor Peden also suggested residents attend their West Salem and Hempfield Township meetings and to pick a spokesman, then congratulated Mayor Stephens. Councilor A D’Alfonso congratulated Mayor Stephens, commenting both he and Mayor Stephens serve on several committees together now. 14. Council President Comments Council President Shipley welcomed Mayor Stephens and encouraged the mayoral candidates and visitors to take an interest in the open seats for borough council committees. Today is the ten 6 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 05.08.12 year anniversary of entering ACT 47, with many difficult decisions made, with the idea of restoring economic stability. Council President Shipley invited all to look at the big picture. 15. Borough Manager Comments Mr. Urey reported he and the Public Services Director evaluated the York Street playground equipment and found it in good shape, with no safety concerns. Mr. Urey hopes to get out and talk to residents in the area in the future. Resident Chris Schultz is working on his Eagle Scout award and will be rebuilding a bridge on Riverside Park’s Nature Trail. Mr. Urey began his inquiry into the cleaning of Riverside Park restrooms, commenting the newly hired seasonal mower will free up park personnel. PennDOT has reported they will begin milling and paving Route 58 beginning May 14th. 16. Adjournment Having no other business before council, motion by Councilor T D’Alfonso, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jasson W. Urey Borough Manager/Secretary 7