Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Council members Toni Brockway, Dayne Dice, Loren Kase, Jamie Lee Korns, Mac McKenna, Carl Stepanovich and Mayor Synan. Also present were Chief Administrator, James Morrison, Director of Recreation, Carly Greene, and Solicitor, George Kotjarapoglus. Council member Tony Spadaro was absent. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Toni Brockway, Jamie Lee Korns, Loren Kase, Carl Stepanovich, Tony Spadaro - absent, Dayne Dice, Mac McKenna and Mayor Synan. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Dice led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS A. May 20, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to approve the consent calendar items. Ms. Brockway seconded. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Stepanovich–yes, Mr. Dice – yes, and Mr. McKenna– yes. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Synan stated that the Glass Recycling “Pop-Up” collection event has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 20th at Veterans Field parking lot, 4200 Sardis Road, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Murrysville Farmers’ Market is going to start tomorrow, June 4th, Thursdays from 3-7 p.m., June through September. If you have any questions, call here at the Municipal Building 724-327-2100 ext. 131 or 115. Face masks are required when interacting with vendors. Murrysville goes “GREEN” June 5th. Please support our local businesses. Staff will provide a report shortly as to what is going to open and when it’s going to open. Murrysville Recreation “Ready, Set, Run 5K!” will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 16 – August 6 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Have you ever wanted to run a whole 5K? Well, this is your chance! Join Coaches Jim and Susie to learn how to safely train to run in this non-competitive training camp. We guarantee you’ll have fun all summer long. Register at www.murrysville.com/541/Youth-Programs. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that he is pleased to report that we are back to full staff. Public Works is fully manned at 4/10’s Monday through Thursday. Office staff is back at full capacity and accepting business at the front window. We ask that patrons coming into the building wear a mask. Business as usual! Also, Mr. Morrison noted that he received notice from PennDOT that the bridge located on SR366 Greensburg Road, between Hankey Church Road and Old Greensburg Road will be replaced. Hankey vmp -1- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Church Road will be closed between June 15th and October 27th. Old Greensburg Road will be closed from August 25th to October 27th. Detours of those two road closings will be available. COMMUNITY INPUT: Sunil Ramchandran, 4062 Sinan Farm Drive: Mr. Ramchandran wanted to know what Council’s position is on field usages. He talked with Ms. Greene earlier and was told that if we go “GREEN” on Friday, there is still a lot of work to be done before the fields can open. Mr. Ramchandran stated that there are a lot of people in the community who are willing to help get things ready. All of the other communities around us, Penn Trafford, Armstrong, Monroeville, Plum, and Derry have access to their fields on Friday. We did what we had to do for two months; there was no choice, the threat was overblown, and he doesn’t feel there is any liability there. You can’t be sued if someone gets the measles or the mumps, so why would there be a liability? There could be a waiver signed to be on the fields at their own risk. Mr. Ramchandran stated that he is asking for field usage starting Friday and also offering a large amount of manpower to help get anything ready. Mr. Dice stated that he talked with Mr. Morrison early today regarding this and there will be a discussion tonight under Old Business which will probably answer most of his questions. LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. McKenna: Parks and Recreation will meet outdoors next Tuesday at Townsend Park. Ms. Brockway: There are two people from the Library Board here this evening who are going to talk about opening the Library. Dr. Lee Korns: The Pension Committee did not meet. Mr. Kase: The EAC did not meet. Mr. Kase asked Mr. Morrison if he had any idea when they might meet again. Mr. Morrison stated that no projects have come forward, but there are several projects that the Planning Commission will be seeing in July. Mr. Stepanovich: The Planning Commission met yesterday, live, with a quorum present. There was a public hearing on small cell towers and the ordinance that we are looking to develop for that. There was no citizen input. There was a review by the Consulting Attorney, Joseph Cortese, who gave an overview for the new commission members. The goal of 5G and/or4G is to meet the wireless demands of the public. It was indicated that statistics show 60% of homes now use wireless versus landline. The range of the small cell towers is between 200 and 1,000 feet. A separate pole is needed for 5G. The predominant cell vendors will be Verizon and ATT. The Ordinance will require that any suppliers in the Municipality meet both State and Federal regulations. If you get on the internet, you will see that there is a lot of literature about potential health concerns with 5G. The second subject was the Senior Independent Housing. The goal is to develop an ordinance. The Chief Administrator is waiting for a sample ordinance from Silver Springs, Pennsylvania. Density is a big issue along with lot size and frontage. There was also a concept to have the ordinance include TND (Town Neighborhood Development), which as an example would be having a barber shop, ice cream parlor, etc. as part of the development. Clover is the developer. vmp -2- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 3, 2020 By the July 7th meeting, there are developments being looked at for Kistler Road, the Fustings property, the old PNC Bank building, and a development by Kasin Company, which will be coming forward. Mr. Dice: FTMSA did meet, but he was unable to and will have a full report for the next meeting. Amy Riegner, Director and Susan Long, Board Member: A report from the Library Board concerning re- opening to the Library to the public and current projects. Susan Long, Board President of the Murrysville Community Library stated like all libraries in the State, they fall under the group called Office of Commonwealth Libraries, OCL. They issued a framework for reopening, which was oriented around Counties in the “YELLOW” stage with three stages within that. They have just finished the 1st Stage, which is having employees come back into the building and start to work. They are moving on to the 2nd Stage, which is to serve patrons from the building but not having them come into the building; otherwise known as curbside, which will start next Monday. They are waiting to hear from the OCL on their requirements for entering the “GREEN” phase for libraries. Even though the County is entering into “GREEN”, the library cannot move forward with reopening the library until those guidelines come out. Ms. Long introduced the new Library Director, Amy Riegner. Amy was the previous Director at Monongahela Area Library. She has an interest with making connections within the community and understanding what the community is really looking for from a public library. Amy has demonstrated skills in creating new programming with an emphasis in STEM. Amy started in mid-January and in two months was tasked with closing down the library. Since then, she has been managing staff, the Library has been providing resources remotely and are now preparing for the reopening. Amy Riegner, Director of the Murrysville Community Library, stated that their plans to reopen the Library are currently focusing on curbside service. They are following a Phase 3 opening guidelines of the Office of Commonwealth Libraries. They are trying to do a careful, considerate plan for reopening. On June 8th, patrons can call the Library and request items be put on hold. They can also go onto the online catalogue and place holds that way. Library staff will make an appointment for the patron to come and pick up their items. A book-drop will be open on June 8th. If you have Library returns, you can return them that day. Fines are being waived at this time. The Summer Reading Program will also start on June 8th offering a virtual option this year called Beanstack. This will allow people to log their hours and view activities entirely online. You can start signing up for Summer Reading now. There are four programs available: Read to Me (for the youngest patrons), Independent Readers (which are elementary school age group), Teen Summer Reading Challenge, and Adult Summer Reading Program. Sign up for Beanstack at www.murrysvillelibrary.org. Just a note that if you put something in the book drop and it doesn’t come off your account right away, it’s because items are being quarantined for 72 hours per policy. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: None ENGINEERING: None COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None vmp -3- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 3, 2020 PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 13.A. Consider authorization to advertise for a Public Hearing to take public comment on Ordinance No. 1018-20, an ordinance vacating an unopened portion of Carson Avenue from its northerly terminus and ending at the northern line of Ring Alley as depicted on Exhibit D of the proposed ordinance. Ms. Brockway made a motion to consider authorization to advertise for a Public Hearing for vacation of an unopened portion of Carson Avenue from its northerly terminus and ending at the northern line of Ring Alley as depicted on Exhibit D of the proposed ordinance. Mr. McKenna seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this was a follow up as a result of the moratorium on public meetings due to COVID-19. We have to re-advertise for a Public Hearing for the vacation of Carson Avenue. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Stepanovich–yes, Mr. Dice – yes, and Mr. McKenna– yes. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 14.A. Consider approval of SP-2-20, “4001 Partners Site” application, proposing improvements to include a used car dealership and in-house service center” located at 4001 William Penn Highway, B Zoning being currently identified as Westmoreland County Tax Parcel 49-14-02-0-095, currently listed under the ownership of “4001 Partners LP” Mr. McKenna made a motion to consider approval of SP-2-20,“4001 Partners Site” application, proposing improvements to include a used car dealership and in-house service center” located at 4001 William Penn Highway, B Zoning being currently identified as Westmoreland County Tax Parcel 49-14-02-0-095, currently listed under the ownership of “4001 Partners LP” with conditions. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that 4001 Partners has presented over the last two meetings. There were discussions over the proposed site plan. Initially the applicant had requested a waiver on the glazing requirements. They were at 18.2% which required 20%. They have since withdrawn their request for a waiver and will meet the 20% requirement. They are still waiting for a HOP from PennDOT and to complete any access improvements to the site as recommended. The traffic impact fee is $69,420. All vehicles, with exception of personal vehicles and maintenance vehicles to be used on the site will be confined to the approved site plan area. Council, with an approved vote, will waive request for an air study and acoustical study. Provide 110% of the engineers approved estimate for landscaping and other site improvements. Meet all recommendations for the stormwater management plan. vmp -4- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Mr. Bruce Conley stated that there was a little miscommunication on the glazing. It was at 17.7% before and they have now added two 2 foot x 10 foot transit windows which brings the glazing to 18.2%. It’s not 20% in the back. A waiver would still be required for the glazing. Mr. Kase asked Mr. Conley to define a transit window. Mr. Conley stated that it’s like a window above your doorways which doesn’t open. It is a nonfunctioning window. Mr. McKenna made a motion to amend his motion and include a waiver requirement for glazing at 18.2%. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. Upon a roll call vote on the original motion with the amendment: Ms. Brockway – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Stepanovich–yes, Mr. Dice – yes, and Mr. McKenna– yes. Motion approved. 14.B. Consider approval of FPRD-1-19, CU-6-09, R-1 Zoning, Villa Ciano, a proposed subdivision of a 31.68 acre tract of land into a 23 lot Planned Residential Development located along Cline Hollow Road and is currently identified as Westmoreland County Tax Parcel 49-15-00-057, is currently owned by Patrisa Corporation Mr. Morrison stated that he received a letter on May 30th from Mr. Richard Territ, representing Patrisa Corporation, of their decision to table the Villa Ciano Planned Residential Development application until further notice. ENGINEERING: None PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Morrison stated Penn Trafford is opening their fields on the 8th, and our neighbors on the 15th. Council was provided, in their Drop Box, Municipal Facility Green Phase Status. Staff recommendations are as follows:  The Community Center and Senior Center will remain closed until further notice. This is dependent on our ability to properly sanitize the facilities post-rentals. We do not have people to clean the facilities on the weekends when most rentals take place.  Tennis and basketball courts are open for singles and doubles play with adherence to State guidelines. There were recommendations from PRPS and the Governor as posting signs to encourage social distancing.  Playgrounds will probably be open by mid-next week in accordance with state guidelines.  Pavilions are available for reservations in accordance with state guidelines, which will be posed at the pavilions.  It is staff’s recommendation that the fields be open on the 13th of June for organized activity. Just a reminder to Council, that this is Public Works first week back. The fields are in reasonably good shape vmp -5- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at this point. There are a number of things that need to be taken care of in the meantime to feel comfortable that they are available for organized activity. The fields are open, but we are not taking reservations or recognizing organized activity.  As far as the Splash Pad is concerned, staff has some real reservation there with opening and would like to continue to evaluate and make a decision may be effective July 1. There is a concern about controlling crowds out there because of all the neighboring facilities being closed, the cleanliness of the grounds, garbage from the picnics and people being up there, and maintaining the restrooms there. Staff would like make a recommendation to Council maybe later in the month and possibly open a couple days a week or a day on the weekend. Erin Salas and Dave Pozek from FRAA stated that their ball teams are ready to go and just waiting for the green light. Mr. Morrison stated that the burden is going to fall on the organizations. They have to make sure that they practice social distancing, and sanitizing. We are not going to send the police or the park patrol out – that’s on the organization. We want to make sure that the facilities are up to par and what is expected every year for participation. The fields will be ready for June 13th. Mr. Pozek stated that they do follow the PRPS guidelines and go above and beyond. Safety is their top priority for families, spectators and the kids. Mr. Kase asked about the park restrooms and if they will be open. Mr. Morrison stated that the restrooms at the ball complex will be open. The Splash Pad and Leftwich will not be open. It takes manpower to keep those clean and stocked, which we just don’t have available right now. Additional Port-a-Johns will be ordered. Dr. Lee Korns asked about water at the dog park and when it might be turned back on. Mr. Morrison stated that he will check on that. Ms. Greene stated that she did get a couple calls about the batting cages. Now that we have full staff back, it will be as soon as possible. Mr. Stepanovich asked Ms. Greene if the vendors at the Farmers’ Market are required to wear gloves. Ms. Greene stated that the vendors have guidelines that they are required to follow that have been dictated by the USDA Inspector. Mr. Morrison noted that the vendors are required to wear masks. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Morrison stated that there are a number of planning items that will be coming:  Rezoning on Kistler Road. A preliminary site plan was submitted.  4001 Partners is here tonight and will probably want to get started very quickly.  First Summit Bank is the PNC Bank on the Ferri property in front of Shop N Save. They use metal and certain colors, which are in conflict with our architectural guidelines and will be requesting a waiver.  There is a 42-Lot PRD which will be proposed at the corner of Harrison City Road and Route 22, the old Torrence Farm.  Fusting Development, 18 townhouses on Wilson Road.  Giant Eagle has submitted a revised site plan for lighting on their property. vmp -6- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 3, 2020 ACTION ITEMS: None EXECUTIVE SESSION: None ADJOURNMENT: Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Kase seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 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 -7-