City Council

CITY OF MCKEESPORT REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY 7:00 PM April 3, 2024 The regular meeting of Council was called to order on the above-stated date at the above-stated time by Council President Richard J. Dellapenna after the Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence in memory of McKeesport Constable Joe Clemente. President Dellapenna read the opening prayer: “Heavenly Father, thank you for being a god of love who is with us now in our Council Chambers. We seek your guidance to conduct tonight’s meeting with the spirit of peace and harmony, respect and understanding, always seeking common ground. We pray for open hearts and minds. We thank you for your servants – our mayor, city staff, and our city council. Grant them wisdom, strength, and the courage to do what is right and good for all the citizens of McKeesport. We give you all the praise in the name of our Lord and Savior. Amen.” The following members of Council were present: RC-1 Present: Mr. Evans President Dellapenna Mr. Soles Ms. Lape Ms. Webb Mr. Barry Absent: Vice President Nesbit APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Dellapenna asked for a Motion to Approve the Minutes of the regular meeting of March 6, 2024. MOTION: MR. EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY MS. LAPE, “TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 6, 2023.” RC-2 YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) COMMUNICATIONS: Annette James reported that we received both the Fire and Police reports for the month of March 2024. President Dellapenna said thank you. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Cherepko stated that he gave a report during the Work Session. He reflected on the Moment of Silence that took place at the start of the Council Meeting. “Joe Clemente will be sorely missed in this City. He was a constable for a few decades. He was very involved in our Lions Club, who obviously are an organization made up of volunteers who put forth such an effort to make our city events a success. We are very grateful for the Lions Club, and for Joe Clemente and everything he contributed to our community. May he rest in peace.” .” CITIZENS IN THE AUDIENCE: President Dellapenna called for Citizens in the Audience and stated that all parties have three minutes to speak: 1. Keenon Mikell, Build N Block program for community case management. Mr. Mikell spoke about going door to door to work with community members with his own brand of hip-hop social work. He noted that violence prevention walks reveal a number of areas that are dark on city streets: Union at Beaver, etc. He asked for the City’s assistance in contacting Duquesne Light to report burnt-out street lights. He also noticed heavy trash build-up in some areas, and offered to gather volunteers for community cleanup days. Thirdly, Mr. Mikell offered a compliment to the McKeesport Police Department, stating that officers are handling gun arrests well. 2. Courtney Thompkins, 1806 Freemont St. Ms. Thompkins spoke about difficult issues involving safety measures, including demolition standards. Mayor Cherepko confirmed McKeesport’s bid specifications include all proper asbestos abatement and environmental procedures. She also asked how to report unsafe conditions at an occupied property, with the answer being the Code Enforcement Department. She spoke about community-police relations, community service opportunities, and engagement opportunities. She also spoke about her daughter’s death in a hit-and-run incident in Atlanta, which led her to realize this is a problem all over the country. She offered to volunteer her time for pedestrian safety issues here in McKeesport. SOLICITOR’S REPORT: Solicitor Elash announced that Council met in Executive Session to discuss legal matters between the Work Session and Voting Meeting. He requested a motion to settle the “Brophy legal matter according to the terms discussed in chambers.” MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Ms. Lape as requested by Solicitor Elash. RC-3- YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) NEW BUSINESS: BILL #9 – INTRODUCED BY MRS. LAPE – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH KRAKEN CHEMICALS FOR WEED & VEGETATION CONTROL FOR A ONE YEAR TERM. MOTION: Mr. Evans moved, seconded by Mr. Soles “to approve Bill #9.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-4 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #10 – INTRODUCED BY MR. BARRY – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2024 AS “FAIR HOUSING MONTH” IN THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT. MOTION: Ms. Webb moved, seconded by Ms. Lape “to approve Bill #10.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-5 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #11 – INTRODUCED BY MR. EVANS – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2021 AND 2022 CDBG PROGRAMS. MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Mr. Soles “to approve Bill #11.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-6 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #12 – INTRODUCED BY MR. BARRY – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - APPROVING A REVERSE SUBDIVISION REQUEST FROM ANNA PEDOS, 229 WAINWRIGHT DRIVE, TO COMBINE LOT & BLOCKS 463-M-031 & 463-M-025. THE PROPERTY EXISTS IN A R-1 ZONING DISTRICT. MOTION: Mr. Soles moved, seconded by Mr. Evans “to approve Bill #12.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-7 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #13 – INTRODUCED BY MS. LAPE – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- APPROVING A REVERSE SUBDIVISION REQUEST FROM TIMOTHY TAYLOR, 3725 WALNUT STREET, TO COMBINE LOT & BLOCKS 555-C-395 & 555-C-389. THE PROPERTY EXISTS IN A C-3 ZONING DISTRICT. MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Mr. Soles “to approve Bill #13.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-8 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #14 – INTRODUCED BY MR. SOLES – ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- AMENDING ORDINANCE #04-21M AS AMENDED, TO INCREASE THE FEE TO BE PAID FOR RENTALS OF BALLFIELDS WITHIN THE CITY. MOTION: Ms. Lape moved, seconded by Mr. Evans “to approve Bill #14.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. Mayor Cherepko reminded Council that the listed prices do not affect youth play, as they reference adult field reservations. RC-9 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #15 – INTRODUCED BY MS. LAPE – ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- AMENDING ORDINANCE #86-34 OF 1986, TO INCREASE THE FEE TO BE PAID IN ADVANCE FOR EACH “NO-LIEN” LETTER ISSUED BY THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT. MOTION: Mr. Soles moved, seconded by Mr. Barry “to approve Bill #15.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-10 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) ADJOURNMENT: President Dellapenna closed the Council meeting for Wednesday, April 3, 2024, and thanked the audience for attending. The meeting then adjourned at 7:19 PM. Respectfully submitted, Annette James City Clerk and Clerk of Council APPROVED: Richard Dellapenna President of Council