City Council

CITY OF MCKEESPORT REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY 7:00 PM JUNE 5, 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. President Dellapenna invited Council Vice President LuEthel Nesbit to offer an opening prayer. “Loving and gracious God, we come before you humbled by the trust placed in us by the people of McKeesport. We come before you aware that we are bound to work on behalf of the least able and the most able, the rich and the poor, the healthy and the weak. We are somewhat aware of our power and our weaknesses, and we ask you to help us do our best – despite and because of both. As we deliberate both tonight and throughout the month, help us to be mindful of all that you ask of us, both as individuals and council members. We know that our lives are in your hands. Amen.” The following members of Council were present: RC-1 Present: Mr. Barry Mr. Soles Vice President Nesbit President Dellapenna Ms. Webb Ms. Lape Absent: Mr. Evans APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Dellapenna asked for a Motion to Approve the Minutes of the regular meeting of May 1, 2024. MOTION: MS. NESBIT MOVED, SECONDED BY MR. SOLES, “TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 1, 2024.” 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 May 2024. President Dellapenna said thank you. MAYOR’S REPORT: City Administrator Tom Maglicco stated that Mayor Cherepko apologized for not being present for tonight’s meeting because he is attending his daughter’s graduation from McKeesport Area High School. CITIZENS IN THE AUDIENCE: President Dellapenna called for Citizens in the Audience and stated that all parties have three minutes to speak: 1. John Burton, 2906 Cronemeyer Street Mr. Burton spoke on behalf of his business, BFF Arbor and Lawn. He said they built the business here in McKeesport, and they are currently working in Allegheny, Beaver, and Venango counties. Currently, the company is getting into asbestos abatement and demolition. He said they are interested in working on structures in McKeesport, and they have experience working in Homestead. 2. Regis Mellinger, 711 Franklin Street Mr. Mellinger talked about rebuilding McKeesport using a similar model to New Kensington. He talked about that city’s downtown business district and “Fridays on Fifth” events. He suggested that free parking downtown might increase business. 3. Keith Giles, 336 Penny Street First Step Recovery Homes will be expanding to 416 Olive Street, which will take the facility from 16 to 40 beds, beginning July 1. 4. Keenon Mikell, 336 Penny Street. Mr. Mikell added to Mr. Giles’ remarks. He also spoke about organizing a Community Cleanup Contest with teams and prizes. He also asked about installing trash cans in neighborhoods to encourage the proper disposal of trash, rather than littering. 5. Joanne Welch, 208 Marshall Drive Mrs. Welch spoke about the Haler Heights neighborhood and a Facebook page she created to promote neighborhood activities. She said a recent shooting in the neighborhood brought forth questions in this online forum. She asked about the criteria for a residence becoming a “nuisance residence.” SOLICITOR’S REPORT: Solicitor Elash invited Police Chief Mark Steele to speak on the incident that prompted Mrs. Welch’s questions. The Chief spoke briefly about the incident and said he has been in constant contact with neighbors since it took place. The homeowner was present at the meeting. MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Ms. Lape as requested by Solicitor Elash. RC-3- YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) NEW BUSINESS: BILL #19 – INTRODUCED BY MR. SOLES – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH TRIANGLE ROOFING, INC. FOR THE PURPOSE OF REPLACING THE ROOF AT TUBE CITY CENTER. MOTION: Ms. Nesbit moved, seconded by Ms. Lape “to approve Bill #19.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-4 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #20 – INTRODUCED BY MRS. LAPE – ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- VACATING A PORTION OF DEWMYER ALLEY, A 20’ PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY IN THE EIGHTH WARD OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, WITH SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 3,258.3 SQUARE FEET MORE OR LESS AS SAID RIGHT OF WAY IS NO LONGER NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE. MOTION: Ms. Webb moved, seconded by Mr. Soles “to approve Bill #20.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-5 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #21 – INTRODUCED BY MR. BARRY – ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- PROHIBITING THE SUBMISSION OF RIGHT TO KNOW REQUESTS FROM ANONYMOUS PERSONS OR ENTITIES. MOTION: Ms. Lape moved, seconded by Ms. Nesbit “to approve Bill #21.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-6 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #22 – INTRODUCED BY MS. NESBIT – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- DESIGNATING CITY ADMINISTRATOR THOMAS MAGLICCO AS THE PROPER CITY OFFICIAL TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO ENTER INTO THE ATTACHED AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RELATING TO THE RAMP NO. 1 PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING HIM TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT. MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Ms. Lape “to approve Bill #22.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-6 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #23 – INTRODUCED BY MR. BARRY – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- DESIGNATING CITY ADMINISTRATOR THOMAS MAGLICCO AS THE PROPER CITY OFFICIAL TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO ENTER INTO THE ATTACHED AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RELATING TO THE RAMP NO. 2 PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING HIM TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT. MOTION: Mr. Soles moved, seconded by Ms. Webb “to approve Bill #23.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-6 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) ADJOURNMENT: President Dellapenna closed the Council meeting for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, and thanked the audience for attending. The meeting then adjourned at 7:31 PM. Respectfully submitted, Annette James City Clerk and Clerk of Council APPROVED: Richard Dellapenna President of Council