City Council

CITY OF MCKEESPORT REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY 7:00 PM DECEMBER 4, 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. The following members of Council were present: RC-1 Present: Mr. Soles Mr. Barry Ms. Webb Vice President Nesbit Mr. Evans Ms. Lape President Dellapenna APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Dellapenna asked for a Motion to Approve the Minutes of the regular meeting of November 6, 2024. MOTION: MR. EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY MS. NESBIT, “TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 6, 2024.” RC-2 YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) COMMUNICATIONS: Annette James reported that we received both the Fire and Police reports for the month of November 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: 1. Courtney Thompkins, Freemont Street, spoke as a parent, a member of the Take Action Advocacy Group, and founder of Q’Cares. Her organization focuses on making streets safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. She requested help in cleaning the former George Washington School lot near her home for the community’s safety. She said glass, garbage, and dog feces are consistent problems. 2. Tiffany Carter-Siar, a community organizer and community health worker with Take Action Advocacy Group, spoke about the work TAAG does in the community. During a recent town hall session, attendees said they  would like a local police review board, advocating for health professionals to respond along with police, improving accessibility for council meetings with online access; and providing more spaces and opportunities for engagement. She also spoke on future Environmental Justice projects and developing a steering committee to guide future Environmental Justice efforts. 3. Cassandra Williams, of the Better Choices Transitional Housing Program, spoke about the organization’s home as 607 Atlantic Avenue. They are looking to house five men (with an unrestricted focus on veterans) in transitional housing. She asked about the city’s zoning and expressed an interest in applying for a variance to operate at the Atlantic Avenue location. NEW BUSINESS: BILL #49 INTRODUCED BY MRS. LAPE – RESOLUTION 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 BLOCKS 463-A-11, 463-A-12, 464-H- 120 AND 464-H-119 PURSUANT TO THE MUNICIPAL CLAIM AND TAX LIEN LAW AND §2109(h) AND §2117 OF THE LAND BANK ACT. MOTION: Mr. Evans moved, seconded by Mr. Soles “to approve Bill #49.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-3 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #50 – INTRODUCED BY MS. WEBB – ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA FIXING THE NUMBER AND COMPENSATION OF CITY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT; LEVYING TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR, MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025. MOTION: Mrs. Lape moved, seconded by Mr. Barry “to approve Bill #50.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-4 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #51 – INTRODUCED BY MR. BARRY – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - ESTABLISHING REGULAR MEETINGS OF CITY COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 2025 AND JANUARY 2026. MOTION: Mr. Soles moved, seconded by Mr. Evans “to approve Bill #51.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-5 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #52 – INTRODUCED BY MR. EVANS – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH JUST-KLEAN, INC. FOR THE 2025 PORTABLE RESTROOM RENTAL PROGRAM. MOTION: Ms. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Lape “to approve Bill #52.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-6 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #53 – INTRODUCED BY MR. BARRY – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICERS TO ENTER INTO A PEST CONTROL CONTRACT WITH PEST B GONE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR. MOTION: Ms. Nesbit moved, seconded by Mrs. Lape “to approve Bill #53.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-7 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #54 – INTRODUCED BY MR. BARRY – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICERS TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH FRANK, GALE, BAILES, AND POCRASS PC FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE CITY’S VARIOUS PENSION FUNDS. MOTION: Mr. Evans moved, seconded by Mrs. Lape “to approve Bill #54.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-8 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) BILL #55 – INTRODUCED BY MRS. LAPE – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA – REQUESTING A STATE-WIDE LOCAL SHARE ASSESSMENT GRANT FROM THE COMMONWEALTH FINANCING AUTHORITY. MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Ms. Nesbit “to approve Bill #55.” President Dellapenna asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-9 - YEAS: Seven (7) NAYS: None (0) ADJOURNMENT: President Dellapenna closed the Council meeting for Wednesday, December 4, 2024, and thanked the audience for attending. He wished everyone a safe and happy holiday. The meeting then adjourned at 7:37 PM. Respectfully submitted, Annette James City Clerk and Clerk of Council APPROVED: Richard Dellapenna President of Council