City Council

CITY OF MCKEESPORT REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY 7:00 PM FEBRUARY 5, 2025 The regular meeting of Council was called to order on the above-stated date at the above-stated time by Council Vice President LuEthel Nesbit after the Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence in memory of state Representative Matthew R. Gergely, Gladys Hunt-Mason, Ernie Oatneal, and Scott Shank. Councilwoman Amber Webb opened the meeting in prayer: “Heavenly Father, we still ourselves before you, giving you glory, honor, and praise ... for you are the Lord over our City. Thank you for this opportunity to commend our Mayor, Council, and City leaders to you, as you have given them the responsibility to watch over and guide the City and citizens they serve. Help them to set their minds on what you have called them to do. Grant, dear Lord, that grace will be over them, as we know that your grace is sufficient to keep them. We ask you to fill them with the wisdom, understanding, discernment, and knowledge they will need in order to effectively govern in times like these. We pray for supernatural strength for them, that they do not fear the decisions they have to make, that even when they are insulted, criticized, and persecuted, they will remember that in their weakness, your divine power rests on them. We thank you again for each one and pray that your will be done in this earthen vessel even as it is in heaven. This, our prayer, in the mighty, matchless, and magnificent name of our lord and savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.” The following members of Council were present: RC-1 Present: Mr. Soles Vice President Nesbit Mr. Evans Mr. Barry Ms. Lape Ms. Webb Absent: President Dellapenna COMMUNICATIONS: Annette James reported that we received both the Fire and Police reports for the month of January 2025. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Vice President Nesbit asked for a Motion to Approve the Minutes of the regular meeting of January 8, 2025. MOTION: MR. BARRY MOVED, SECONDED BY MRS. LAPE, “TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING January 8, 2025.” RC-2 YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Cherepko stated that he gave the majority of his report during the Work Session, but he wanted to comment on the meeting’s moment of silence. When you lose four people, four McKeesporters ... You look at Scott Shank and the career that he had, knowing that he started here in the City of McKeesport. I think we all know in what high regard I hold our police department and all of those who live to protect and serve. He had an incredible career and went on to the Attorney General’s Office. Without question, he is someone who will be missed ... When we talk about McKeesport, we talk about volunteers and how many of our events and things that take place don’t happen without these volunteers. When you talk about Gladys Hunt-Mason and Ernie Oatneal, they are two people who, when I came into office, I had seen their faces everywhere, I really got to know them, they became mentors and people who I truly looked up to with their wise advice, and to be able to call them friends would be an understatement. The City of McKeesport will forever be indebted to them and the time that they put in for a City we all love and care about. They, without question, will be missed ... And of course, our last one is no stranger to this City. A life that was ended way too soon, we have Matt Gergely. He sat right here next to me for many years. He came in here when I started and took the challenges on. We grew together. We listened. We learned. He moved on and became a state rep., and I will tell you, he was someone who was absolutely respected in our community and in Harrisburg. It was amazing in his brief time out there the impact he had on people. I got to see that firsthand when I was out there, and I would see him take a fight to Harrisburg and make sure all of the voices from his communities – not just McKeesport – were heard. If any of you had the opportunity to attend his service, I think you could see that by the number of representatives and other officials who were there. He most certainly will be missed, and I am so grateful to have known him, so grateful to have worked with him. As Mayor, I can tell you the City is extremely grateful for everything he’s done for us. Everyone tells me I’m getting older, but when you attend a lot of these funerals, it really puts your life into perspective. It makes you realize that on any day, it’s a blessing to be here. No matter what challenges life throws at you, the fact that you’re here is a blessing. Ernie would always remind me of that. He would put a smile on your face and share the joy of being alive ... may he rest in peace. Appreciate life. Treat every day as if it could be your last. CITIZENS IN THE AUDIENCE: 1. Daniel Rich, 401 31st Street, spoke about the standard of conduct for McKeesport police officers. He said he is a retired police officer who worked in McKeesport for 21 years. He questioned the discipline and pension opportunities for now-retired police officers who are facing criminal charges. 2. Kennon Mikell, 2508 Riverview Street, spoke about uncertainty with the current state of our nation and how it might impact the McKeesport community. He spoke about the expansion of First Step Recovery Homes to a facility at 416 Olive Street, McKeesport. He invited City Officials and Council to visit and learn about ongoing programs. He also spoke about violence intervention/interruption efforts operating out of the Healthy Village Learning Institute with Mr. Keith Murphy. NEW BUSINESS: BILL #4 – INTRODUCED BY MR. EVANS – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH COMMONWEALTH SOLUTIONS, LLC. MOTION: Mr. Soles moved, seconded by Mrs. Lape “to approve Bill #4.” Vice President Nesbit asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-3 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #5 – INTRODUCED BY MR. SOLES – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICERS TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH SABLE KENNEL FOR ANIMAL CONTROL IN THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING FEBRUARY 25, 2025 AND ENDING FEBRUARY 25, 2027. MOTION TO TABLE: Ms. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Lape “to table Bill #5.” RC-4 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #6 – INTRODUCED BY MRS. LAPE – ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - PROHIBITING OWNERS FROM HAVING ANY DOG OR OTHER DOMESTICATED ANIMALS IN ANY PLAYGROUND MAINTAINED/OWNED BY THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT. MOTION: Mr. Evans moved, seconded by Ms. Webb “to approve Bill #6.” Vice President Nesbit asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-5 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #7 – INTRODUCED BY MR. SOLES – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - APPROVING A REVERSE SUBDIVISION REQUEST FROM NANCY PRICE, 1817 EATON STREET, TO COMBINE LOT & BLOCKS 381-K-195 & 381-K-196. THE PROPERTY EXISTS IN A R-4 ZONING DISTRICT MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Mr. Evans “to approve Bill #7.” Vice President Nesbit asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-6 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #8 – INTRODUCED BY MS. WEBB – ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - REGULATING THE OPERATION OF FOOD TRUCKS WITHIN THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT. MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Mr. Soles “to approve Bill #8.” Vice President Nesbit asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-7 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #9 – INTRODUCED BY MR. EVANS – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH COMCAST BUSINESS SERVICE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS OF SERVICE AT CITY HALL AND THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING. MOTION: Ms. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Lape “to approve Bill #9.” Vice President Nesbit asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-8 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #10 – INTRODUCED BY MRS. LAPE – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA – APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH PENN TRAILS FOR TRAIL PLANNING AND DESIGN SERVICES IN RENZIEHAUSEN PARK. MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Mr. Evans “to approve Bill #10.” Vice President Nesbit asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-9 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #11 – INTRODUCED BY MR. BARRY – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA – PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE MCKEESPORT HOUSING AUTHORITY. MOTION: Mr. Soles moved, seconded by Mrs. Lape “to approve Bill #11.” Vice President Nesbit asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-10 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) BILL #12 – INTRODUCED BY MRS. LAPE – RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MCKEESPORT, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA AUTHORIZING THE PROPER CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH KUCICH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY- THREE ($733,000.00) DOLLARS FOR PHASE 2 OF THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE LYSLE BOULEVARD GARAGE UTILIZING A PORTION OF A PENNDOT MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION FUND GRANT AWARDED TO THE CITY OF McKEESPORT. MOTION: Mr. Barry moved, seconded by Mr. Evans “to approve Bill #12.” Vice President Nesbit asked for questions or comments and there were none. RC-11 - YEAS: Six (6) NAYS: None (0) ADJOURNMENT: Vice President Nesbit closed the Council meeting for Wednesday, February 5, 2025, and thanked the audience for attending. The meeting then adjourned at 7:33 PM. Respectfully submitted, Annette James City Clerk and Clerk of Council APPROVED: Richard Dellapenna President of Council