Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Council members Toni Brockway, Dayne Dice, Loren Kase, Josh Lorenz, Tony Spadaro, and Carl Stepanovich. Also present were Mayor Rege Synan, Chief Administrator, James Morrison, Solicitor, George Kotjarapoglus, Director of Engineering, Scott Hilty, Director of Public Works/Parks, Bill Paiano, and Director of Recreation, Carly Greene. Jamie Lee Korns was absent. MAYOR SYNAN RECOGNIZES DR. GENNARO PIRAINO AS THE 2019 PENNSYLVANIA SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR Dr. Gennaro was unable to attend the meeting. PRESENTATION OF THE 2018 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO MICHAEL HILER Mr. Morrison presented Michael Hiler, Murrysville’s Information Technology Specialist, with the 2018 Outstanding Achievement Award. Mike has been with Murrysville for 13 years. Mr. Morrison wanted to recognize Mike, not only for his efforts the past year, but for his efforts during his career here. Mike oversaw the upgrade of all the system components for the Council Chambers and Board Room. Mike’s efforts went above and beyond to ensure a seamless transition during a very hectic operational tempo. Mike’s duties include upgrading the computer systems and keeping them running, the operations of Channel 19, telephone system maintenance, downloading tapes from various businesses for the police department, the Route 22 LED sign, and various other duties. For all his efforts put forth on a daily basis, Mike is well deserving of being recognized this evening. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Jamie Lee Korns - absent, Dayne Dice, Carl Stepanovich, Tony Spadaro, Josh Lorenz, Toni Brockway, Loren Kase, and Mayor Synan. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Lorenz led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: None Mr. Stepanovich moved to approve the agenda. Mr. Spadaro seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: A. Accounts Payable B. Cash Investments and Transfers C. Approval of January 2, 2019 Council Reorganization Minutes vmp THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Mr. Spadaro moved to approve the consent calendar items. Mr. Dice seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Synan noted that the Westmoreland Conservancy is going to host Super Moon Watch in Murrysville. The eclipse will take place over a five hour period on January 20. The viewing party will begin at 8:30 p.m. at the reserve on Morosini Farm Road in Murrysville and Murrysville Community Park, Field 6. Franklin Regional Cheer Squad will be among the 15 teams who will represent the WPIAL at the PIAA championships on January 22 and 23 at Hershey’s Giant Center. It will be Franklin Regional’s fourth straight trip to states. The Mayor noted that as a former cheer dad, he says “Go girls - bring it home!” Franklin Regional Youth Lacrosse 2019 spring registration is open. Please visit their website at www.uslacrosse.org/membership. Each participant must have a valid US Lacrosse Number prior to registration. Murrysville Area Soccer Association registration is open. MASA website is www.murrysvillescoccer.org to register. There will be a late fee after February 28. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that a new restaurant, Kitchen on The Main, is opening in the Maple Commons Complex. The staff met with Mr. Fusting to move along the proposed development at the corner of Manor Road and Route 22. The plan should be going to Planning Commission in about 2 months. Mr. Morrison stated that he has spent the last two weeks putting together paperwork, maps and studies for Right-to-Know request by Protect PT and the Murrysville Group challenging the well drilling ordinance. The original ordinance was started 10 years ago. This task has been very challenging. The Planning Commission will probably have a recommendation for Council by their second meeting in February. A Public Hearing will need to be scheduled, recommending the first meeting in March. Zip’s Car Wash and Get Go are new applicants. Mr. Morrison wanted to publically thank the volunteers in the park. They do a lot of work in the parks and put in a lot of hours. Without them the Municipality would not have such quality facilities. Mr. Morrison asked that Council come in their best dressed attire at the next meeting to have a new picture taken for the Municipality website and for Channel 19. COMMUNITY INPUT: Mr. Lorenz stated that this is the opportunity for the Murrysville community to talk about anything they’d like to talk about as long as it is three minutes or less. Dick Kearns, 4997 Longview Court: Mr. Kearns stated that he plans on going to the FTMSA meeting tomorrow night, which should be an interesting meeting with three new members. Mr. Kearns is going to vmp THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 16, 2019 suggest to FTMSA that that have their meetings held in the Council Chambers so that they can be televised. Mr. Kearns wanted to verify that this could be done before he takes the suggestion to FTMSA. Mr. Lorenz stated that on behalf of Council, that would be something they are open to. The Municipal Building is available, but FTMSA would have to make that decision. LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ms. Brockway: The Library Board met on December 20th. The Murrysville Library Board has appointed Emma Beaver as the new Library Director filling the position vacated by Jamie Falo. Emma comes from Brownsville Public Library. Her first day was Monday, January 14. The next once-a-month Game Day for folks five and up will be held January 19 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. There is a Plant Based Nutrition Group that meets at 6:30 tonight and again on Wednesday, January 30. Socrates Café meets Monday, February 4. A program presented by the Blackburn Center for victim advocacy will be held Wednesday, February 6 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. A new program at the Library called Speed Dating with a Book is Saturday, February 9 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. There will be a special group of matchmakers, including Mayor Synan, State Representative Bob Brooks, Magistrate Charles Conway, and others, who will introduce Speed Daters to a new book that might be just what they’re looking for. There will be refreshments and a table with blind date books. Please register in advance. Tomorrow is the next Library Board meeting. Mr. Dice: FTMSA meets tomorrow with three new board members. Mr. Kase: Medic One meets tomorrow. From their December meeting, Medic One had 1,427 ambulance details in November. They are extremely active and are definitely an asset. Medic One was able to equip the ambulances with new power stretchers through a state grant. Mr. Stepanovich: The Parks and Recreation Committee met on January 8. Scott Kelsey was re-elected President as was Teri Black as Vice-President and Barb Prosdocimo as Secretary. Bill Paiano addressed Public Works. They worked on a 60-inch pipe behind Cleveland Brothers. Garbage cans and tables are being painted. Conditions have been too wet or too cold to work on the splash pad and playground. School Road North single lane should have a temporary fix by the first part of February and a permanent fix two years from now. As far as recreation, March 30, will be the March for Parks. Friday April 12 will be the Egg Hunt at Murrysville Community Park. The 50th Anniversary write-ups should be coming out very soon in the Penn Franklin. Maintenance of the Geo Cache boxes is going to be the responsibility of the various P&R members. Some of the Geo Cache boxes were so nice looking that people were taking them. The solution is that the boxes are going to be replaced with peanut butter jars. The next meeting is February 12th. Mr. Spadaro: Last night the Planning Commission had public hearing on two items. The first was a public hearing and discussion on CU-3-18 Sardis Road site, 3869 Sardis Road, 40.4 acres, R-1 Residential Zoning District next to the Murrysville Golf Course, single family residence. This conditional use application includes construction of a long driveway and related grading and drainage systems. The applicant still has a list of comments and several permits to obtain and take care of before Planning can vote on this. Next was a public hearing on CU-1-18 Titan Well Pad Conditional Use at 6109 Bollinger Road, 71 acres, R-R Zoning District. HHEX, Huntley & Huntley, will be doing the construction of the pad which was approved by the DEP. Experts from each category on the operation were there to explain issues that have to be addressed vmp THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 16, 2019 and how they will proceed. Scott Hilty had provided a list of comments consisting of 17 areas that need to be addressed. No action was taken from Planning. This will be on the agenda in February to review the response from the applicant. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: None ENGINEERING: None COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 11.A. A discussion of S-10-18, Franklin Estates Plan No. 8, 4-lot subdivision, B and R-2 zoning district. Brian Almeter, of Fahringer, McCarty, Grey, representing IDC, Inc., stated that this minor subdivision creates four separate parcels, with parcels A (37 acres) & B (44 acres) zoned residential and parcels C (12.5 acres) & D (8 acres) in the B zoning district. Mr. Almeter provided a drawing showing the details of the parcels. These are the remaining undeveloped lots in the original Franklin Estates Plan. The application was submitted in November. The Planning Commission had made a few recommendations at their last meeting in December. All requirements have been met and the applicant is looking for final approval of the subdivision. Mr. Lorenz stated that this subdivision will be brought up to Council for a vote at the February 6, meeting. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 13.A. Consider approval of Resolution No. 692-18, a resolution to dispose of certain Municipal records in accordance with the State Records Retention Policy Ms. Brockway made a motion to consider approval of Resolution No. 692-18, a resolution to dispose of certain Municipal records in accordance with the State Records Retention Policy. Mr. Dice seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is to clean out the records accumulated over the past years. There were 73 boxes of records. Mr. Morrison wanted to credit a lot of this work to Sarah, the young intern, who will be going back to school with her last day being Friday. All materials have been scanned and are now in electronic files. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. vmp THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 16, 2019 13.B. Consider approval of Resolution No. 696-19, a resolution in support of a petition to redistrict the voting precincts in the Municipality of Murrysville Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to accept Resolution No. 696-19, a resolution in support of a petition to redistrict the voting precincts in the Municipality of Murrysville. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is in support of efforts by both republican and democratic parties here in Murrysville to petition Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court to direct the Westmoreland County Board of Elections to undertake a study to realign the districts, in particular the Sardis and Newlonsburg Districts, to conform to what state law requires. The necessary petitions have been gathered and hiring counsel is being looked in to, to submit the petitions to Common Pleas Court. This would be a Resolution forwarded to the Court as part of the package of submittal for the petition. Hopefully this will be resolved in time for the 2020 general election. Mr. Lorenz noted that although these districts are in Murrysville, the decision on how the districts are allocated is not under The Municipality of Murrysville Council’s ability to do. The power is with the County and the Election Bureau. Council does recognize that there have been some long lines at the polls and they want to assure that everyone that wants to exercise their right to vote is able to do so. This Resolution is to show Council’s support towards this effort. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. Mr. Stepanovich wanted to give a thank you to Mr. Maury Fey. Mr. Fey has done a lot of work in preparing the information that was involved in getting that Resolution to this point. 13.C. Consider approval of a five-year agreement with the Police Officers of the Municipality of Murrysville Mr. Kase made a motion to consider approval of a five-year agreement with the Police Officers of the Municipality of Murrysville. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison noted that negotiations began last summer with representatives of the Murrysville Police Wage and Policy Committee and Mr. Dice representing Council. In November an impasse was reached. An arbiter was selected and a date for a hearing was determined. In December negotiations were re-opened and in December a proposed settlement was reached for a five-year agreement: Wage increases are 2.5% the first two years and 2.75% the following three years; contribution to the medical plans will be 6.5% the first two years and 7% the following three years; increase in the probation period for newly hired officers from six months to one year; and language modifications concerning the pension which do not impact the benefit or cost of the plan. Mr. Morrison thanked Mr. Dice for his efforts. Mr. Lorenz wanted to thank Mr. Morrison and Mr. Dice for their efforts in bringing this to an amicable resolution, as well as to the officers in the Municipality. Murrysville has the best police force and they do a wonderful job. vmp THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None ENGINEERING: 15.A Consider approval of Ordinance No. 999-18, an ordinance granting an electric line Right-of-Way and easement to West Penn Power Company across municipal land known as Murrysville Community Park for installation of a transformer and underground electrical conduit Ms. Brockway make a motion to consider approval of Ordinance No. 999-18, an ordinance granting an electric line Right-of-Way and easement to West Penn Power Company across municipal land known as Murrysville Community Park for installation of a transformer and underground electrical conduit. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Hilty noted that a new transformer needs to be set to supply power to the proposed restroom and Spray Park at the Murrysville Community Park. The new transformer is planned to be installed off the existing underground service into to the park near the location of the proposed restroom Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. 15.B. Consider authorization to advertise DPW-1-19 2019 Overlay Project Ms. Brockway made a motion to authorize advertisement of DPW-1-19 2019 Overlay Project. Mr. Kase seconded. Mr. Hilty stated that he is continuing to get the documents ready to go out to bid and hopes to come back to Council the end of March with a contract to be awarded. A list of proposed roads was included in the supporting documents. The list is continually being updated as the roads are being evaluated. A portion of Old William Penn will be done this year under the $1.5 million budget. Mr. Hilty explained how they evaluate the roads with a number system ranking the roads, by doing a visual inspection, and by videoing the roads as they are inspected. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: 16.A Consider authorization to advertise for prices for portable restroom rental for the parks Ms. Brockway made a motion to consider authorization to advertise for prices for portable restroom rental for the parks. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. vmp THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Mr. Paiano stated that this is for a 1-year contract for the portable restroom rental bid with an option of two additional years contingent on satisfactory services. There is $13,000 for this project in the budget. The last 3-year contract with Port-A-John Rental Company expired in November 2018. This year will also include the Farmer’s Market and the Chili Fest. The company would install, clean them out weekly, and pick them up afterwards. If portables are needed for any sporting tournament, the municipality is reimbursed. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. 16.B Consider approval of a memorial bench donation to be placed in Murrysville Community Park Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to consider approval of a memorial bench donation to be placed in Murrysville Community Park. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Ms. Greene noted that in November there was a request from Ms. Anna Sciulli for a memorial bench in Murrysville Community Park in memory of Mr. Rolf Patberg. There is ample space available for memorial benches. The Parks and Recreation Commission approved this request at their meeting. MCP is a perfect location because benches are needed there. Mr. Stepanovich asked if there was a standard design for the bench. Ms. Greene stated that there is. The information is provided to the family along with an image and also to see what the engraving would look like. Ms. Brockway asked how a location is chosen. Ms. Greene stated that the contributor is asked to visit the park and to pick three locations that they prefer and once the bench is prepared, engraved and ready to go, Public Works connects with the family to meet at the park and look at the three locations to see which would be best for the installation and where it would look the best. Concerning rotting of the benches, Mr. Kase asked if composite materials had been looked at for the benches. Ms. Greene noted that they have looked and the cost is double. Ms. Greene stated that they have stayed with the wooden benches because they want the benches to be affordable at $500 per bench which includes the cost of the bench, installation, and maintenance for the life of the bench. There are composite benches at the Miracle Field which the Rotary had chosen and two at Veteran’s memorial at MCP. As far as all the other parks, the benches are all of the wooden material. Ms. Greene stated that they try to keep things consistent throughout the parks and affordable for everyone. Mr. Lorenz asked if there was a plan in place if a bench gets damaged, or down the road deteriorates. Ms. Greene stated that there have been instances where a slat might go bad and it would have to be replaced and painted. This has been discussed at Parks meetings and would be resolved on a case-by-case basis. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Dice – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Lorenz – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. vmp THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 16, 2019 OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: None EXECUTIVE SESSION: None ACTION ITEMS: A reminder that pictures will be taken at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Spadaro moved adjourn the meeting. Mr. Kase seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m. 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. vmp