City Council

CITY OF MCKEESPORT REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY 7:00 PM OCTOBER 2, 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. Gracious and loving God, as world conflicts escalate, especially in the Middle East, as we tear at one another over an upcoming election, as our southern states struggle to put their lives back together after the devastation of Hurricane Helene, as this Council and the citizens of McKeesport work to make life better for themselves and one another against so many odds, we ask for a spirit of love and forbearance, generosity and openness, and a genuine desire to celebrate the beauty of each person we meet ... and to love them as you love them. Amen.” The following members of Council were present: RC-1 Present: Mr. Barry Mr. Evans Ms. Webb Ms. Lape Vice President Nesbit Mr. Soles President Dellapenna APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Dellapenna asked for a Motion to Approve the Minutes of the regular meeting of September 4, 2024. MOTION: MR. BARRY MOVED, SECONDED BY MS. NESBIT, “TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING September 4, 2024.” RC-2 YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) COMMUNICATIONS: Annette James reported that we received both the Fire and Police reports for the months of September 2024, as well as the MMO calculation from Mr. Michael Pisula at Phoenix Benefits Group. President Dellapenna said thank you. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Cherepko thanked volunteers are we wrap up the summer events in McKeesport and prepare for our fall activities. All the events we have in town – from International Village to the Concerts in the Park to the Rib Fest to our Halloween Parade to tennis clinics – they’re all run by volunteers. This is something I’m very grateful for – not only as Mayor, but as a resident. We are trying to finish up some paving for the season. We do have some demolition to complete as well. We will be looking in the next month or two to come out with another demo bid, which will be through our Community Development department. There may be 30 houses on this next bid as we continue to fight the issue of blight throughout the Mon Valley. The Mayor announced Friday’s homecoming game will include a 30-year reunion for the state championship team. On October 5 from noon to 4 p.m., Penn State will have a community day with arts, crafts, and activities. A youth tennis clinic will be Saturday, October 12. The 50th anniversary of when Aerosmith will be recognized by an October 12 concert at the Lions Bandshell featuring an Aerosmith cover band. The McKeesport Fall Festival is a new event on October 17 from 6-8 p.m. with a bonfire, games, food vendors, and more behind fire station No. 2. The Halloween Parade is October 26 at 10 a.m. at the Blue-Top Pavilion. Mon Valley Arts will host a fall event on October 26 at the McKeesport Community Garden. Mayor Cherepko then presented a proclamation to the Women for a Healthy Environment and Take Action Advocacy Group recognizing Children’s Health Month and Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. CITIZENS IN THE AUDIENCE: None NEW BUSINESS: BILL #40 – INTRODUCED BY MR. SOLES – ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - AMENDING THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT TO PROVIDE PROVISIONS FOR OFFICERS OR AGENTS THAT FAIL TO ADHERE TO FEDERAL PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES. MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Ms. Lape “to approve Bill #40.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-3 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #41 – INTRODUCED BY MR. BARRY – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT WITH HADFIELD ELEVATOR FOR AN ADDITIONAL TERM NOT TO EXCEED ONE (1) YEAR. MOTION: Mr. Evans moved, seconded by Ms. Webb “to approve Bill #41.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-4 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #42 – INTRODUCED BY MR. EVANS – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT WITH PHOENIX BENEFITS GROUP, INC. FOR AN ADDITIONAL TERM NOT TO EXCEED ONE (1) YEAR. MOTION: Mr. Soles moved, seconded by Ms. Lape “to approve Bill #42.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-5 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #43 – INTRODUCED BY MS. LAPE – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT WITH METER FEEDER, INC. FOR AN ADDITIONAL TERM NOT TO EXCEED ONE (1) YEAR. MOTION: Ms. Webb moved, seconded by Ms. Nesbit “to approve Bill #43.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-6 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #44 – INTRODUCED BY MS. NESBIT – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT FOR FIFTY-NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY ($59,220.00) DOLLARS WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO BE USED FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESCUE TOOLS FOR THE MCKEESPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT. MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Ms. Lape “to approve Bill #44.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-7 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) RC-7 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Cherepko asked that council participate in a brief executive session after adjournment to discuss personnel matters. President Dellapenna closed the Council meeting for Wednesday, September 4, 2024, and thanked the audience for attending. The meeting then adjourned at 7:16 PM. Respectfully submitted, Annette James City Clerk and Clerk of Council APPROVED: Richard Dellapenna President of Council