Regular Session of Council

Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 12-10-13 BOROUGH OF GREENVILLE www.greenvilleborough.com MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOROUGH OF GREENVILLE COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. 1. Call to Order Brian W. Shipley, Council President 2. Invocation: Pastor David Dobi, First Presbyterian Church Flag Salute led by Councilor Kateri Linn 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 Kateri Linn, Councilor Alfred L. Peden, Councilor Donald B. Shaw, Councilor Joshua Stephens, Mayor Jasson W. Urey, Borough Manager James E. Douglas, J. D., Esquire, Douglas, Joseph & Olson, Solicitor Also present: Gail Jones Linda Snyder Paul Hamill Lisa Hamill Jennifer Nickols Jess Feltenberger Chris Parr Katrynna Amos David Dobi Audra Amos Amy Hollowell Linda Zuschlag Erin Mora Becky McFadden Josh Leskovac Steve Brewer Beth Schuffert Richard Craig, Jr. Gail Fay Mary Jane Hirt Staff: Media: Steve Thompson, Fire Chief Caleb Stright, Record-Argus David Hetrick, Financial Assistant Megan Heathcote, Administrative Assistant Lyle Huffman, Director of Public Services 4. Public Comments 1 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 12-10-13 Linda Snyder, Greenville, spoke on garbage service, leaf pick-up, speeding on East Side, drug problem, and the Public Safety Director position. Josh Leskovac, Greenville, spoke on the Public Safety Director position. Becky McFadden, Greenville, spoke on the Parks Maintenance Worker position and the Public Safety Director position. Rob Robinson, Greenville, spoke on the Public Safety Director position. Erin Mora, Greenville, spoke on the Public Safety Director position and the recycling ordinance. Beth Schuffert, S. Maysville Road, spoke on the Public Safety Director position. Richard Craig, Jr., E. Ridge Avenue, spoke on the Public Safety Director position. Audra Amos, E. Craig Street, spoke on the Public Safety Director position. John McDonald, Greenville, spoke on the Public Safety Director position. Paul Hamill, Greenville, spoke on the Public Safety Director position. Linda Zuschlag, Greenville, spoke on transparency issues and electing people to do a job and to trust them to do it. 5. Approval of Minutes Motion by Councilor Jones, seconded by Councilor Auchter, that the November 12, 2013 and the November 26, 2013 minutes be approved as written. Motion carried. 6. Approval of Budget Report Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Peden, to approve the monthly budget report. Mr. Urey stated that the revenue collection year-to-date are at 106% due to increased EIT collections from Berkheimer. He added that we are watching spending like we always do at this time of year. Motion carried. 7. Bills for Approval Payroll $149,144.96 Administration 282,515.31 Police 15,697.67 Fire 11,907.88 Code 1,228.48 Public Works 16,123.60 Airport 1,349.25 Parks 2,450.37 Sewer 36,764.59 Total $517,182.11 2 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 12-10-13 Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to pay the bills as presented. Motion carried. 8. Approval of department and staff reports A. Financials – November B. Code – November C. Fire – November Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Linn, to accept the monthly reports as presented. Motion carried. 9. Mayor report Mayor Stephens said that he is trying to take the lead on educating about recycling and going to help some of the businesses with recycling. He added that people will hopefully see a shift in the next month or so. 10. Council Committee reports Councilor Jones reported that the Farmer’s Market had a successful year. He added that he couldn’t attend the Strayhaven meeting as it was the same night as the Council special meeting. Councilor Shaw reported that the Water project is moving along on Fredonia Road and that the Water Authority will be the ones doing the inspections and making sure they meet the requirements. He added that they are going to install a second river crossing and are in the process of demolishing a house that they acquired to do the project. Councilor Auchter reported that the Sanitary meeting will be held on Thursday, December 12th at 6pm in Council Chambers. She added that the Code Committee items are already on the agenda. 11. Unfinished Business A. Presentation from Council’s Ad Hoc Recreation Committee. 1. President Shipley stated that Council should’ve received the YMCA recreation report on Friday and that it explains where things are for the future. 2. Councilor Aucther said that the recreation report was in good detail on what money was spent and future programming. She added that they will be meeting again and that a decision hasn’t been made at this time. 3. Councilor Linn said she had a lot of questions answered about the finances. She added that they do need money for programs and that it was a beneficial meeting. B. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, for a first and final reading of Ordinance 1528 on Non-Owner Occupied Property Inspection and Licensing. Motion carried. Mr. Urey read the ordinance aloud. C. Motion by Councilor Aucther, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to enact Ordinance 1528 on Non-Owner Occupied Property Inspection and Licensing. Motion carried. 3 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 12-10-13 D. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Peden, to enact Resolution 2013- 15 Non-Owner Occupied Property and Fire Code Inspection Fees. E. Motion by Councilor Jones, seconded by Councilor Peden, for a first and final reading of Ordinance 1530 on Amending Penn Avenue Parking. Motion carried. Mr. Urey read the ordinance aloud. F. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to enact Ordinance 1530 on Amending Penn Avenue Parking. Motion carried. G. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Peden, for a first and final reading of Ordinance 1531 on Occupancy Registration. Motion carried. Mr. Urey read the ordinance aloud. H. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to enact Ordinance 1531 on Occupancy Registration. Motion carried. 12. New Business A. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Linn, to accept the Tax Collector’s report of zero (0) additions to the Per Capita roll and two (2) permanent exonerations in the amount of $10.00 from the Greenville tax office. Motion carried. B. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Peden, to transfer up to $455,197.34 from general fund to the capital fund account. Councilor Jones asked why it says “up to” and not an exact amount. President Shipley explained that the amount is dependent on the year end fund balance and we will not know the exact number until after the audit. Motion carried. C. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Peden, to authorize Borough Manager to purchase three (3) police cruisers. Motion carried. D. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to set the 2014 Council meeting dates. Motion carried. E. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to adopt five (5) year Capital Improvements Plan. Motion carried. F. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to adopt 2014 capital fund budget. Motion carried. G. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to adopt 2014 liquid fuels fund budget. Motion carried. H. Motion by Councilor Auchter, seconded by Councilor Peden, to advertise Ordinance 1532 Sewer Lateral Inspections. Motion carried. I. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to advertise for bids for sewer lateral inspection services. Motion carried. 4 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 12-10-13 J. Motion by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Peden, to approve FEMA 2013 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for replacement of ladder truck, which has a 5% local match. Motion carried. K. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to accept the recommendation from Personnel Committee to eliminate the Parks Maintenance Worker position effective January 01, 2014. Vote was 5-2 with Councilor Lynn and D’Alfonso voting no to the motion. Motion carried. L. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Shaw, to accept the recommendation from Personnel Committee to advertise for the Skilled Laborer position. Vote was 5-2 with Councilor Lynn and D’Alfonso voting no to the motion. Motion carried. M. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to accept the recommendation from Personnel Committee to hire Jeffrey Crede as the Public Safety Director, effective January 01, 2014. President Shipley read aloud Mr. Crede’s credentials: 1. Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice; 2. 14 years as a state police officer 3. 12 years as a state police fire marshal 4. 8 years as an alternate deputy fire marshal 5. 18 years as an EMA coordinator 6. 19 years as a fire chief 7. A lengthy background of awards and accommodations. Councilor D’Alfonso said he had a speech prepared but felt it was addressed by the public earlier and that he will not be reading it. He added that he will be voting no on this issue. Councilor Linn thanked Josh Leskovac for his e-mail. She stated that she supports change but she has concerns and that she doesn’t know how the different departments feel. Councilor Linn said that she has questions on morale and that she will be voting no. Councilor D’Alfonso added that it seems like Council has found a phenomenal candidate which will be good for the short term. What will Council do when the gentleman is going to retire, doubt we will be lucky to find someone again. President Shipley said that Chief’s don’t stay forever. He added that he is confident that Mr. Crede will be here for awhile and that when he leaves Council will re- evaluate. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Jones Yes Councilor Shaw Yes Councilor Auchter Yes Councilor Linn No Councilor Peden Yes Councilor D’Alfonso No 5 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 12-10-13 Council President Shipley Yes Motion carried, 5-2. N. Motion by Councilor Peden, seconded by Councilor Auchter, to direct the Police Chief and Fire Chief to report to the Public Safety Director. President Shipley said that Council is not taking this lightly and that there will be a transition period. A roll call vote was taken: Councilor Jones Yes Councilor Shaw Yes Councilor Auchter Yes Councilor Linn No Councilor Peden Yes Councilor D’Alfonso No Council President Shipley Yes Motion carried, 5-2. President Shipley introduced Mr. Crede and asked if he would like to make any comments. Mr. Crede said that he has listened to the comments and concerns and that he empathizes and sympathizes. He added that he doesn’t take public safety lightly and that he is here to improve things that need it and keeps things the same that work. Mr. Crede said that he is going to work to make this a safe town and that he will take all the issues into consideration. 13. Council Comments Councilor Jones said that this is his last meeting; he has been on Council for 99 months, on and off since 2004. He said that he started the Junior Councilor Program, was a part of lowering the tax rates, helping to bring the YMCA to Greenville, helping to pave roads in town, and the strategy of getting us out of ACT 47. Councilor Jones gave the following advice for citizens: don’t vote on gender, race, religion, etc. – vote on the character and beliefs of the person running. He also gave the following advice for Council: talk to citizens and business people and when it’s your turn to vote, if it’s not good for businesses and residents then it isn’t worthy of a “yes” vote. Councilor Shaw welcomed Jeffrey Crede and said that he will do a fine job. He also thanked Josh Leskovac for his e-mail. Councilor Auchter welcomed Jeffrey Crede. She also thanked Linda Zuschlag for speaking tonight. Councilor Auchter said that she has been on Council for 12 years and that every issue has been carried out in a positive manner. She said that she understands concerns and sometimes there are reasons to be transparent. She thanked people for running for Council. Councilor Auchter said the best advice she can give is to set your emotions to the side when you walk into the room. She appreciates people being here tonight. She also encouraged people to come to more meetings because public participation is important. Councilor Linn said that it is her last meeting and she thanked Council for giving her the opportunity. She added that there are no close door meetings and no sneakiness. Councilor Linn thanked people for coming. 6 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 12-10-13 Councilor Peden thanked Councilor Jones and Councilor Linn for their time served. He also welcomed Jeffrey Crede. Councilor Peden said that his number is in the book and that he is more than happy to talk to the public about their concerns. 14. Mayor’s Comments Mayor Stephens thanked everyone on the 175th Anniversary committee for their hard work and dedication. He also thanked Councilor Jones and Councilor Linn for their service. Mayor Stephens welcomed Linda Zuschlag and Amy Hollowell to Council. He encourages all of the Council members to come up with an idea that they would like to see happen next year. Mayor Stephens said that the Public Service Director position was a tough one for him. He added that he feels that Chief Stephens did a great job training his staff and that he hopes the department can be even stronger in the future. Mayor Stephens thanked Chief Stephens for everything that he has done. 15. Junior Councilors Comments Junior Councilor Amos welcomed Jeffrey Crede. She thanked Councilor Jones and Councilor Linn for their service. She also thanked all of the volunteers that helped decorate the park for Christmas. Junior Councilor Amos said that she thinks the Public Service Director is a good idea and that change can’t happen if we don’t try. Junior Councilor Fay welcomed Jeffrey Crede. She thanked Councilor Jones and Councilor Linn for their service. 16. Council President Comments President Shipley welcomed Jeffrey Crede and said that they threw some hard questions at him during his interviews. He said that Mr. Crede said he would have an open door policy and that the public will see him out and about. President Shipley said that he thinks Greenville will make him feel welcome. He added that the decision has no reflection on either of the Chiefs. President Shipley thanked Councilor Jones and Councilor Linn for their service and that he didn’t know them before they were appointed/elected to Council and that the community was well served by having them on Council. President Shipley said that he is equally pleased with the two ladies that will be filling their seats. He said that Council has tried to keep them involved as much as legally possible. President Shipley thanked Mayor Stephens, Megan Heathcote, and the 175th Anniversary Committee for their efforts with the events; adding that it was a tremendous celebration. He also wished everyone a Merry Christmas. President Shipley said that we are fortunate to live in a democracy where Council can listen and make the best decision they feel weighs the whole picture. 17. Borough Manager Comments Mr. Urey welcomed Jeffrey Crede. He also thanked Councilor Jones and Councilor Linn for their service. He is also looking forward to working with Linda Zuschlag and Amy Hollowell. Mr. Urey also acknowledged both Chiefs for their hard work and dedication. 18. Adjournment 7 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 12-10-13 Having no other business before council, motion by Councilor Jones, seconded by Councilor Linn, to adjourn the meeting at 8:41pm. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jasson W. Urey Borough Manager/Secretary 8