City Council

CITY OF MCKEESPORT REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY 7:00 PM JULY 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. President Dellapenna invited the Rev. Dr. Moni McIntyre of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church to offer the opening prayer. “Let us pray. Loving and gracious God, on this night, the eve of our celebration of our Independence Day, we remember that most of us are descended from people who were so desperate ... whose circumstances were so dire that they were compelled to leave everything that they held precious – family, homeland, friends, language, and culture – and strike out for the unknown. Some of our people came in chains. Poverty, war, famine, and oppression literally propelled many of our forebearers across the seas to find sanctuary in another place. Help us never to forget our courageous ancestors who chose life amid death and desolation. Help us to be light in darkness for our children and grandchildren. Help us to be models of those who seek liberty and justice for all. Amen.” The following members of Council were present: RC-1 Present: Ms. Webb Vice President Nesbit President Dellapenna Mr. Evans Mr. Soles Absent: Ms. Lape Mr. Barry APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Dellapenna asked for a Motion to Approve the Minutes of the regular meeting of June 5, 2024. MOTION: MS. NESBIT MOVED, SECONDED BY MR. EVANS, “TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 5, 2024.” RC-2 YEAS: Five (5) NAYS: None (0) COMMUNICATIONS: Annette James reported that we received both the Fire and Police reports for the month of June 2024. President Dellapenna said thank you. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Cherepko stated that he gave his report during the Work Session. CITIZENS IN THE AUDIENCE: President Dellapenna called for Citizens in the Audience and stated that all parties have three minutes to speak: 1. Regis Mellinger, 711 Franklin Street Mr. Mellinger talked about painting a mural on the side of one of the remaining buildings in the 500 block of Fifth Avenue – visible to traffic on Lysle Boulevard. He suggested fencing in the currently open lawn to use it as multi-purpose parklet. 2. V. Fawn Walker-Montgomery, 3509 Mayfair Street Ms. Walker-Montgomery spoke about meeting with Mayor’s Assistant Jennifer Vertullo regarding Environmental Justice programming, including the “Get the Lead Out, McKeesport” campaign. She asked that a broader committee (steering committee, resident representation) be created to weigh in on McKeesport’s pending Environmental Justice grant through the EPA. Take Action Advocacy Group is also working on Community Benefits Agreements which guarantee citizen voices in various projects. 3. Ahmonique Washington, East Pittsburgh Councilwoman Ms. Washington spoke about a police incident from approximately two years ago involving members of her family. She asked that members of council or the administration accompany her for a meeting with the McKeesport Police Department, as issues related to this incident are continuing to impact her life. 4. Courtney Thompkins, 1806 Freemont Street Ms. Thompkins spoke about Environmental Justice work with TAAG. She also spoke about conditions on Freemont Street. She said the city responds to complaints and does cleanup work, but the community is not doing their part. She said education (partnership with the school district, possibly signage) is needed to get community members involved in keeping the area cleaner and safer. 5. Keenon Mikell, 336 Penny Street. Mr. Mikell proposed the Community Cleanup Contest take place in July through September, with at least three color-coded teams. He suggested sponsorships and prizes for positive reinforcement and to give the project momentum in the community. Additionally, he spoke on behalf of the Crawford Village community, who asked him to speak to the Mayor and Council. He said Crawford’s residents feel ostracized from the community, and they are asking for improved engagement. 6. Kim Robinson, 1800 Scott Street Ms. Robinson spoke on behalf of residents of the upper portion of Scott Street, from Jenny Lind to Beaver Street. She said many residents take very good care of their homes, and they are asking for several abandoned houses in that area to be demolished. She also cited potholes and overgrowth in the same area. NEW BUSINESS: BILL #24 – INTRODUCED BY MR. EVANS – ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO TAKE ANY ACTION NECESSARY TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL TAXES, TAX CLAIMS AND MUNICIPAL CLAIMS DUE AND OWING ON LOT AND BLOCK 464-C-48 PURSUANT TO THE MUNICIPAL CLAIM AND TAX LIEN LAW AND §2109(h) AND §2117 OF THE LAND BANK ACT. MOTION: Mr. Soles moved, seconded by Ms. Webb “to approve Bill #24.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-3 - YEAS: Five (5) NAYS: None (0) BILL #25 – INTRODUCED BY MR. SOLES – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - APPROVING A SUBDIVISION REQUEST FROM CHRISTY PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TO SUBDIVIDE ONE (1) PARCEL INTO TWO (2) PARCELS. THE LOTS TO BE DIVIDED WILL BE KNOWN AS LOT AND BLOCKS 464-B-56 AND 464-B-56-0-1, THAT EXISTS IN AN R-3 ZONING DISTRICT. MOTION: Ms. Nesbit moved, seconded by Mr. Evans “to approve Bill #25.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-4 - YEAS: Five (5) NAYS: None (0) BILL #26 – INTRODUCED BY MR. SOLES – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE REQUEST FROM NATASHA N. JONES, FOR 1318 WILSON STREET, MCKEESPORT, PA 15132 (LOT & BLOCK 381-C-318) TO OPERATE A PERSONAL CARE HOME. THE PROPERTY EXISTS IN A R-4 ZONING DISTRICT. MOTION: Mr. Evans moved, seconded by Ms. Webb “to approve Bill #26.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-5 - YEAS: Five (5) NAYS: None (0) BILL #27 – INTRODUCED BY MR. EVANS – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA -- APPOINTING VISTA CONSULTING SERVICES LLC AS CONSULTANT FOR THE EPA ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANT. MOTION: Mr. Soles moved, seconded by Ms. Nesbit “to approve Bill #27.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-6 - YEAS: Five (5) NAYS: None (0) BILL #28 – INTRODUCED BY MS. NESBIT – APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR FUNDING KNOWN AS B-24-MC-42-0106 UNDER TITLE I OF THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974 (PUBLIC LAW 93-383) AS AMENDED. MOTION: Mr. Evans moved, seconded by Mr. Soles “to approve Bill #28.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-7 - YEAS: Five (5) NAYS: None (0) ADJOURNMENT: President Dellapenna closed the Council meeting for Wednesday, July 3, 2024, and thanked the audience for attending. He reminded the public that City Council does not meet in August. The meeting then adjourned at 7:42 PM. Respectfully submitted, Annette James City Clerk and Clerk of Council APPROVED: Richard Dellapenna President of Council