Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, May 2, 2018 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Council members Tony Spadaro, Dayne Dice, Toni Brockway, Josh Lorenz, Loren Kase, and Carl Stepanovich. Also present were Mayor Synan, Chief Administrator James Morrison, Parks & Recreation Director Carly Greene, Allen Cohen, Public Works Director Bob Bell, and Solicitor George Kotjarapoglus. Council member Jamie Lee Korns was absent from the meeting. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA UNLISTED AMENDMENTS: None. Mr. Spadaro moved to approve the Agenda. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: A. Accounts Payable B. Cash Investments and Transfers C. Consider approval of the Meeting Minutes of March 21 and April 4, 2018 Ms. Brockway moved to approve the consent calendar items. Mr. Kase seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Synan said that the FRAA Baseball and Softball Opening Day was a wonderful event, with wonderful weather. He commended the Board and thanked them for the great day. Pennsylvania Municipal League is doing a Civic Engagement Essay Scholarship, one scholarship to each of the three schools and first, second and third place will be awarded. The Tails & Trails dog program’s upcoming dates are: May 5, June 5, July 21 and August 20. The topic will be pet first aid and CPR. Murrysville Parks & Recreation Commission is holding its 50th Anniversary Celebration on May 5, with a “Geocaching 101” event. The Mayor also recited his Proclamation declaring May 3, 2018, as the National Day of Prayer. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison said that building plans were received today for First Watch, a breakfast and lunch franchise at the Blue Spruce Shoppes. This is the building on the east end of the plaza. Also, preliminary plans were received today from a developer interested in putting a GetGo next to Auto Zone and across from Giant Eagle. slh Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, May 2, 2018 COMMUNITY INPUT: None. LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ms. Brockway reported that the Murrysville Community Library Board met Thursday, April 19. There was an author, Rebecca Drake, in attendance. Volunteer Appreciation Night was also held that evening and was very well attended. The library received a grant for a honeybee garden summer program. Details are being discussed. The library is very interested in filling the Murrysville board trustee open seat and interviews are being conducted. The library will also be doing a spring campaign to support technology improvements using a limited donor solicitation. A safety crisis training was held for staff on April 26. The next meeting is May 17. Mr. Dice was not able to attend the FTMSA meeting, but followed up with Kevin Kaplan. At this time, the biggest issue is, in addition to the DEP study (strictly a flow study) that costs $2 Million; they are looking into a $5 Million, $10 Million, or $20 Million bond issue. Nothing is final; however, it is an option. He wanted everyone to know that things are happening at FTMSA and they are really exploring all options in an aggressive manner. Mr. Kase reported that Medic One has acquired the property they need to build the new building. There have been a few minor changes made to it. There was some discussion on the potential Sloan School project, which he will share as Council gets more focused on that project. He also shared that there were 1,450 ambulance details in March. He wanted to make people aware of this and to show appreciation for the work they are doing in the community. In addition, Mr. Lorenz made a comment about Medic One and all the services that they offer for the community, what they have done and continue to do for many people. He encouraged everyone to check out their website and become a subscriber, if possible. It does help them out. Mr. Stepanovich reported that there was an Environmental Action Committee meeting on April 24. The purpose of the meeting was to have the consultants to the School Board describe the status of the project with respect to the environment. Mr. Hilty was also there representing Council. There were two major issues throughout the entire meeting. First was the long term maintenance of wetlands. The EAC is going to recommend that it be a 5-year program and even extend it beyond that. It was asked that the consultant from R.A. Smith get back to the EAC in terms of what can be done in that regard, to ensure a long-term maintenance program for the wetlands. Second, were the sewage collection system and the distinction between collection and the plant itself. It was agreed that the FTMSA plant would be suitable to handle the proposed school complex in addition to what they are already handling. The concern is with the collection system. Apparently, the pump station on School Road pumps the sewage from the current Sloan School up the hill, down School Road South, then North Hills Road, and down to Tarr Hollow. Also, the sewage from the other existing schools is going in the same direction. What seems to be the concern is that during storm periods, the sanitary sewers flood, as heard by others. The Consultant from R.A. Smith has been asked to get the flow statistics or “raw numbers” from FTMSA to support the fact that the sewer system can handle it. He was also asked to get overflow statistics over the last several years, if possible. Mr. Stepanovich also said that Tom Willard has asked him to get together with Council Liaison to FTMSA, Mr. Dice, to discuss further. slh Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, May 2, 2018 Also, there was a historical review done of 2016-2017. Some statistics: the school complex is 98 acres, of which 67 acres will be untouched, so it will remain densely populated. There will be 200 additional parking spaces, and 50% of those spaces will have permeable concrete. Joan Kearns made reference to the Turtle Creek Watershed plan. There has been a lot of work in looking at the sewage, water flows, wetlands, etc. Through a Right-to-Know action, as part of the environmental impact statement there was to be within a quarter mile beyond the new school complex site, socioeconomic effects of the Sloan School project. It also asked what the socioeconomic effects of the community in general are, as a result of the plan. Both positives and negatives of the new project were to be stated and there were no negatives. Nancy Roman with the landscaping consultant discussed the various plants and she will be getting a plant list together with the committee in May. Mr. Hilty gave an indication of where the project stands from the Council in regard to traffic. The final report from Markosky Engineering will be coming. There has also been coordination between Planning, DEP, Westmoreland County, the Conservancy and Joint Permitting on the aspect of the final on this. There were four people that spoke during the public input. Three things of concern were the loss of the “rural feel”, the aspect of fauna and flora, and the concern that the ph level could rise in the winter due to the runoff and affect Haymaker Run and the fishing. The previous topic of the wetlands was mentioned. Joan Kearns said that one wetland area that would be affected is adjacent to Crowfoot, where there are pine trees that are 60 feet high and cannot be replicated. All of the speakers also raised questions about potential problems with water. This will be addressed by returning with John of R.A. Smith Engineering. Mr. Spadaro spoke of the Planning Commission meeting last night. They talked about the traffic related conditions. There were four different things they were looking at: the traffic circle at the intersection of Crowfoot and Longvue at the new school entrance, new turning lanes from Sardis Road heading South onto Crowfoot Road, guardrail installation on Crowfoot Road, school zones on Crowfoot Road and Sardis Road. The lighting plan was also discussed. The landscaping representative was there. She gave a short presentation. Everything will still be pushed back to May 22, where Markosky will give a presentation on the traffic study and proposal and the landscaping architect will give a final proposal as well. Mr. Brooks asked if the project could be denied entirely by the Municipality. Mr. Cohen gave some information, saying it could be denied but would turn into a legal battle - be taken to Court and would probably lose anyway. WORKSHOP ITEMS 9. Administration A. Discussion regarding revisions to existing Fee Ordinance #977-17, Chapter 112-2-I Ms. Greene spoke of building grounds and usage and the fees associated with that. Since using the Fee Ordinance approved by Council last year, staff has found some redundancies, inconsistent language, etc. She said staff wanted to approach Council on some things that are upcoming for this year that are contained in the Fee Ordinance and ask for guidance. She provided support documents to Council. First topic is the Community Center. When this building was first acquired, it was decided that the seniors were to pay an annual fee per member to use the Senior Center space there. That slh Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, May 2, 2018 plan never came to fruition. Therefore, it was agreed last year that, beginning in 2018, the seniors would pay $5.00 per member to the Municipality to cover use of the facility, ie. maintenance, utility bills, etc. She would like clarification and guidance from Council before asking for that. Mr. Stepanovich asked how many seniors are members of the Senior Center. Ms. Greene said approximately 80. Mr. Morrison commented that the Committee thought it fair to collect something, as anyone that uses the space there pays for that. Anytime the seniors have activities, the Municipality is unable to rent that space to anyone else. He said that he thought there might be some pushback from this, so staff felt it best to bring it to Council so new members could offer their opinion. Ms. Greene noted that there is a $20.00 yearly membership fee for seniors and the idea was that maybe a portion of that could come to the Municipality. Council agreed this $5.00 fee is reasonable, however, Mr. Stepanovich said he would recommend a flat dollar amount be charged to the organization as opposed to the $5.00 per member. This idea was discussed and Council agreed to leave the fee schedule as it is currently. Ms. Greene also spoke of the electronic sign that was placed on Route 22 for community groups to advertise events, etc. for a nominal fee. She advised that it was staff’s intention when that sign was installed and implemented that the banners at Tarr Hollow Road would discontinue. However, the banners have continued, as Council directed last year. It is staff’s request to have the discussion again, as the banners take up a lot of time. Banners are not received on time and the process is not a smooth running one. Mr. Morrison added that the putting up and taking down of the banners are by private contractor so that is coordinated as part of the process as well. He noted that the permit application states the banner specification requirements, but most often they do not meet those specifications and winds blow them down, they have to be put back up, rope is not included or not strong enough, etc. There is a maximum of 5 banners that can be up at once. There are banners waiting to be put up that there is not room for. This process has become an administrative nightmare. Mr. Bell spoke about what it takes to get 5 banners up, that people bring banners in wanting them up right away (supposed to be at least 30 days in advance) making it hard to schedule them, and banners often times come with no rope or wind slits. He said it is an eye sore - the poles are not in good shape and there are political signs or other things in the area. Mr. Morrison stated that staff wanted to discuss it with Council as there will be pushback on this. He noted that it is $35 to advertise on the electronic sign for 30 days, and it is able to accommodate logos and multiple lines of text, giving people more options. There are 30,000 cars passing by there each day. The banners have been at Tarr Hollow for approximately 20 years. In the past, there were two other locations of banners in the community but the poles have deteriorated and have since been taken down. Mr. Kase asked who owns the property there at Tarr Hollow. Mr. Morrison said he believes it is the church. There is a right of way, so could be the Municipality but he believes it is the church. Mr. Lorenz said something could possibly be done at the trailhead as well. Mr. Morrison said staff will be coming to Council with that idea in the next few months. Ms. Brockway asked why there is anticipated pushback on the banner issue. Mr. Morrison said when this topic came up last year it was felt that a number of people pass by that location and sit at that intersection, and that it added a certain character to the community. Mr. Lorenz added that there were some complaints that the banners are a solid advertisement, slh Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, May 2, 2018 whereas the electronic sign “rolls” through each ad. If someone is driving by they will only see part of the advertisements at any given time. Mr. Morrison said this will be amended in the Ordinance and Council may consider that as part of the Ordinance adoption. Ms. Greene spoke of a request that a tournament fee be added to the field fees, outside of any regularly scheduled season fees. The regular rates would be $150.00 per day for residents and $200 per day for non-residents. That rate was cut in half for tournament fees: $75.00 for residents and $105.00 for non-residents. Mr. Morrison added that typically people who are renting the field for tournaments are doing so for fundraising of some kind. Charging them the regular rates gets expensive and it is hard for renters to make any money after paying for port-o-john’s, etc. Staff feels that tournaments are good for the community, as teams come from outside the area which promotes business. Therefore, it is proper to encourage the use and let renters still walk away with a little bit in their pockets for their fundraising efforts. Mr. Kase said that there needs to be a way to properly define a “tournament” and make it clear so the tournament fees are not taken advantage of. Mr. Morrison said staff would propose to make the amendments formal in an Ordinance and bring it to Council to authorize the advertisement at the next meeting. Council members agreed. 10. Engineering 11. Community Development A. Discussion of Resolution #685-18 authorizing the submission of a DEP Planning Module for the Bella Molise Housing Plan Mr. Cohen spoke of the Resolution being standard procedure for a developer of a project to gain the ability to have taps for sanitary sewer service. This development was approved last month by Council. The original planning module that was submitted was in 2016, as that was when the plan was originally submitted. It needed to be re-signed by the Authority and data checked so it is current. That has been done. The requirement at this point is for the Municipality to adopt the Resolution, acknowledging that it would be an amendment to the Municipality’s Act 537 plan, which determines the adequacy of sanitary sewer service in the Municipality. It is evaluated by DEP in terms of the plan and capacity as well as the flows. This is a procedural matter but also the avenue the developer uses to get the taps. It has to be approved by DEP before that can be done and this was a condition of approval for the Bella Molise Plan. Staff recommends an order for adoption of the Resolution and it is placed on the Agenda for voting this evening. 12. Public Works and Parks COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS 13. Administration slh Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, May 2, 2018 A. Consider Approval of Ordinance #994-18, an Ordinance concerning the grant of a proposed easement to Dominion through Murrysville Community Park Ms. Brockway made a motion to approve. Mr. Dice seconded. Mr. Morrison explained that this was presented at the last meeting and there was some cleanup of the Ordinance and the Agreement that was required. The solicitors tended to that and everything is in order at this time. Mr. Kase asked if the “clearing of timber” is on the Permanent or Temporary Easement, or both. Mr. Morrison said it is on the Temporary, as the Permanent is already cleared. Mr. Lorenz asked what will happen to the timber that is cut there and if the Municipality has any use for it. Mr. Morrison said they will chip it on site and he will see if it can be used. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich - yes. Motion approved. B. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 686-18, a Resolution approving the disposal of certain municipal records in accordance the State Municipal Records Manual Mr. Spadaro made a motion to approve. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is a housecleaning item, as files are being cleaned out as they can be disposed of under State Regulations for records retention. They provide a list of how long certain records must be kept. That is attached to the Resolution. Mr. Stepanovich asked if the records are hard copy, electronic or both. Mr. Morrison said they are both and that the Municipality abides by state law. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich - yes. Motion approved. 14. Community Development A. Consider Approval of Resolution #685 -18 authorizing the submission of a DEP Planning Module for the Bella Molise Housing Plan Mr. Dice made a motion to approve. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich - yes. Motion approved. 15. Engineering 16. Public Works and Parks slh Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, May 2, 2018 A. Consider award of contracts for various road materials, guide rail and line painting Ms. Brockway made a motion to approve. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Bell mentioned that this is the annual procedure for commodities: road materials, signs, line painting and guiderails used by the Public Works Department. He mentioned that there is a tremendous drop in price on the signs this year. He also works with Export Borough as well with pricing. Mr. Kase noted there was a difference in price of $0.01 for line painting between Parking Lot Painting and Midlantic. Mr. Bell explained that one company rounded up and one company rounded down in price. They are both reliable companies, however, Parking Lot Painting is top of the line. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich - yes. Motion approved. Mr. Lorenz commended Mr. Bell on the nice job the Public Works Department has done over the winter. B. Consider award of a three year contract for deer carcass removal Mr. Kase moved to approve. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Bell commented that over the 16-17 years Mr. Boeser has been contracted, he has not raised the price once and he is local and reliable. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich - yes. Motion approved. 17. Old Business: Mr. Morrison said that last year Council donated $500.00 to the Westmoreland County Food Bank. He received notice of their campaign for this year and asked if Council is interested in donating again. Council members unanimously agreed to do so. The Municipality received another application for the Library Board and Mr. Morrison asked if he should schedule an interview before the next Council meeting. Council members said yes. Mr. Morrison noted he has dates for the police negotiations and he will meet with Mr. Dice about that. 18. New Business: None. 19. Executive Session: None. 20. Action Items: Mr. Morrison added that the Planning Commission is doing a good job in the review of the school project. He felt the meeting last night was well done and he is hopeful that a decision could be made in early June, so Council will probably see it in late June. slh Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, May 2, 2018 21. Adjournment Mr. Stepanovich moved to adjourn. Mr. Dice seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. The Council meeting concluded at 8:11 pm. The Regular Voting Meeting was broadcast on local government Channel 19. A true copy of the Council meeting DVD is available for the public to purchase from the Municipality of Murrysville and is in the Murrysville Public Library for review. slh