City Council

CITY OF MCKEESPORT REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY 7:00 PM January 3, 2024 Prior to calling the meeting to order and taking roll, Judge Thomas Brletic administered oaths of office to newly elected Councilwoman Amber Webb and re-elected Councilors Richard Dellapenna, LuEthel Nesbit, and Keith Soles. “The people of this community have put their trust in you. You cannot fail. You were elected to serve all the people all the time. If you remember that, you will have a successful term,” Judge Brletic said. The regular meeting of Council then was called to order on the above-stated date at the above-stated time after the Pledge of Allegiance by Solicitor J. Jason Elash and a Moment of Silence. Solicitor Elash introduced the Reverend Dr. Moni McIntyre of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. “Let us pray. Loving and gracious God, in this new year that we hope will be happy and prosperous, let us remember how, and where, and whom we serve. Let us resolve to follow the best advice of our parents, and the best advice we give to our children and grandchildren. On this night, we are grateful for Annette James, Keith Soles, Richard Dellapenna, LuEthel Nesbit, Amber Webb, and all those who serve this community. We ask your blessing on them and all of us who share the life in this city of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Amen.” Solicitor Elash began with nominations for Council President. MOTION: Mr. Soles nominated Mr. Dellapenna. Mr. Barry seconded the motion. Solicitor Elash asked if there were any other nominations. There were not. RC-1 YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) ABSTENTION: One (1), Mr. Dellapenna President Dellapenna asked for nominations for Council Vice President. MOTION: Mr. Soles nominated Ms. Nesbit. Mr. Barry seconded the motion. President Dellapenna asked if there were any other nominations. There were not. RC-1 YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) The following members of Council were present: RC-3 Present: President Dellapenna Mr. Soles Mr. Barry Ms. Lape Vice President Nesbit Mr. Evans Ms. Webb Absent: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Dellapenna asked for a Motion to Approve the Minutes of the regular meeting of December 6, 2023. MOTION: Ms. Nesbit moved, seconded by Mr. Barry, “to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 6, 2023.” RC-4 YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) COMMUNICATIONS: Annette James reported that we received both the Police and Fire reports for the month of December 2023. President Dellapenna said thank you. MAYORS REPORT: Mayor Cherepko thanked President Dellapenna and congratulated councilors who accepted their oath of office. “I was sworn in yesterday, and I couldn’t be more proud of you today. It is truly an honor and privilege to serve this city for four more years and to serve with a council that is so committed to serving each and every one of McKeesport’s residents with the best interest of our city at heart. That’s all we could ever ask for. It doesn’t mean we are always going to agree on everything, but you know that when you have the best interest of your city at heart, we professionally can agree to disagree at times.” “When it comes to department heads, it’s not a decision that comes lightly. We added Mark Steele as our Chief (of Police) a couple of months ago. This month, New Year’s Eve wrapped up an incredible career for our Public Works Director, who obviously did not start in public works as the director. He had many different roles in the city over the years. I can tell you I’m so unbelievably honored to have had the opportunity to work with Steve Kondrosky – not only to work with him on a professional level, but to have someone who I can truly call a friend. When you talk about someone who bleeds red and blue, as we say here in McKeesport, he most certainly does not fall short. Steve, I see you there in the background and I want to congratulate you on your retirement. Thank you for everything you’ve done. CITIZENS IN THE AUDIENCE: President Dellapenna called for Citizens in the Audience and said that when you hear your name called please come up to the podium, state your name and address, then proceed on with your concerns.  Keenon Mikell, 2508 Riverview Street – Spoke on behalf of First-Step Recovery Homes, thanking the Mayor and City for support of this nonprofit organization and for community events, and informed Council that the organization is looking to purchase the former Whale’s Tale outreach facility. He asked formally for continued support. NEW BUSINESS: BILL #1 – INTRODUCED BY MR. SOLES – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF McKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPOINTING ANNETTE JAMES AS CITY CLERK FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM. MOTION: Ms. Nesbit moved, seconded by Ms. Lape “to approve Bill #1.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-4 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #2 – INTRODUCED BY MS. LAPE – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF McKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH JUST CLEAN INC. FOR THE 2024 PORTABLE RESTROOM RENTAL PROGRAM. MOTION: Mr. Soles moved, seconded by Mr. Barry “to approve Bill #2.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments. There were none. RC-5 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #3 – INTRODUCED BY MS. NESBIT – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF McKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH PLAVCHAK CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. FOR THE JACOB WOLL PAVILION RESTORATION PROJECT. MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Ms. Lape “to approve Bill #3.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments. There were none. RC-6 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) ADJOURNMENT: President Dellapenna closed the Council meeting for Wednesday, January 3, 2024, and thanked the audience for attending. The meeting then adjourned at 7:36 PM. Respectfully submitted, Annette James City Clerk and Clerk of Council APPROVED: Richard Dellapenna President of Council