Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 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, Tony Spadaro, Carl Stepanovich and Mayor Synan. Also present were Chief Administrator, James Morrison, Director of Finance, Diane Hemming and Solicitor, George Kotjarapoglus. Council member Mac McKenna was absent. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Tony Spadaro, Jamie Lee Korns, Toni Brockway, Loren Kase, Mr. Stepanovich, Dayne Dice, Mac McKenna - absent and Mayor Synan. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Dice led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS A. Approval of July 15, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes Mr. Spadaro made a motion to approve the Council Meeting Minutes of July 15, 2020. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. All those in favor voted aye. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Synan noted that the Murrysville Community Library is open for curbside pickup and is now open for in-person services by appointment only. StoryWalk along the path at Murrysville Community Park Wetlands: Get outdoors and take a StoryWalk. Enjoy reading the fractured fairytale, The Three Ninja Pigs by Author Corey Rosen Schwartz, posted along the walking trail. Kids and adults will be left howling with the tongue-in-cheek rhymes. Congratulations to the crews of Murrysville Medic One. They have achieved for the fourth consecutive year, the American Heart Association’s Mission Lifeline Gold Plus level award. Murrysville Farmers’ Market: August 6th from 3:00 – 7:00 pm. There will be live entertainment, Kids’ Club activities, food trucks and more. Tuesdays at Townsend “Save the Date”: The next one will be August 11th with the Hoffman Road Band from 6:30 – 8:00 pm, and August 25th will be Sweaty Already String Band. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that there will be another Glass Recycling Event scheduled for Saturday, September 19th from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at Veterans Field. Staff hired a janitor. She started today and seems to be working out very well. Notice was received that Murrysville has been identified as the “41st Safest Community in the United States”. Congratulations to the Police Department and the Chief for a job well cone. vmp 1 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Pugliano will begin work on the three bridges August 17th. There may be delays and single lane traffic so please use caution. COMMUNITY INPUT: None LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ms. Brockway: The Library is happy to be open. Patrons can schedule their appointments to visit and browse the collection. Appointments can be made Monday through Saturday from 12 noon to 3:00 pm. Call the Library at 724-327-1102. Masks will be required. If there is a medical reason for not being able to wear one, face shields will be available and/or use curbside service. For more information visit the website at murrysvillelibrary.org. Summer reading comes to a close on August 15th. You can take a StoryWalk at the Murrysville Community Park Wetlands which will continue through the end of August. The Library wants to thank the patrons for their patience and thank the Murrysville Recreation Department for working with the Library on that project. Mr. Stepanovich: The Planning Commission met August 4th. The main discussion was Senior Housing and recognizing that a lot of residents of the community and outside of the community are getting at an age where 55+ housing would be in order. Two subjects were covered. (1) The possibility of a new ordinance for the business zone for 55+ housing. Over 55 housing has to meet the requirements of the Housing for Older Citizens Act (HOPA). (2) Amendments to the current zoning so that 55+ housing could be constructed in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 zones. A key issue there is density. An issue discussed at length was the number of dwelling units per acre as the way to approach that or a minimum lot size might be better. All members were in attendance. The next meeting is September 1st. Mr. Spadaro: Medic One met last week virtually. They reported 1,370 calls last month with 154 being wheelchair cases. They received two new ambulances which will be in service by mid-August. They still have enough masks and face covers and the people they have taken care of have been tested for COVID and have all tested false-negative. Mr. Dice: The Bellaire Pump Station replacement continues. Notice of awards has been granted and underway. The interceptor televising and manhole location projects continue. They are both way ahead of schedule. FTMSA is preparing a proposal for a sewer lining contract and looking at upgrades to the Sloan Pump Station and the Main Pump Station. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 9.A. Discussion of the 2021-2025 Capital Improvements Program Ms. Heming stated that a Capital Improvements Program is any item that is greater than $10,000 and has a useful life of 5 years or more. This will become the basis for the 2021 Capital Budget presented in November. This year has been different because of so many unknown items. In early May, an amended budget was approved that moved approximately $550,000 out of the Capital Budget into the General Fund to keep it functioning until we could get a grip on what was going to happen with revenues based on unemployment rate and other services due to the pandemic. Any Capital projects postponed from this vmp 2 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, August 5, 2020 year were moved into the next 5-year plan or cancelled. General Fund operations were scaled back to include only essential services. Summer recreation programs, landscaping projects, the hiring of summer help was cancelled. Both the Community Center and park facilities were closed until July. Millage was redirected to the General Fund from the Capital Reserve and all capital projects and purchases except for necessary road and bridge repairs were either postponed or cancelled. The millage that was redirected to the General Fund in 2020 will remain in the General Fund. Liquid Fuels allocations, which are passed down by the State through gasoline taxes are expected to be lower since people are driving less and using less gas. Staff assumed a decrease of 25%. Monies used to fund the CIP are: Dedicated Millage for Capital Projects, Dedicated Mileage for Roads, Liquid Fuels Allocation, General Fund Reserves, Reserves from prior years designated for certain projects, Road and Bridge Reserve, and monies held in reserves for unexpected needs. Ms. Heming stated that basically all of the Reserves that we have, have been used for this 5-year plan. There has to be some other source of new revenue coming in to make this 5-year plan work. That could be capital leases, new debt, new tax mileage, or other revenue through State Enabling legislation. In the 5-year plan, there is $9,795,000 for road projects, $2,560,000 for equipment/vehicles, and $180,000 for parks. Mr. Stepanovich asked about the “Turn Back” funds by the state turning back some of the roads to the Municipality. Is there any merit to the idea of accelerating the turn back and having the Municipality take responsibility of the roads and in turn getting money back from the state next year? Mr. Morrison stated that the way that program works is that the funds you receive from the state in a turn back have to improve the road that you accept. You don’t have discretionary money there to do improvements. At this point in time, the program has changed at the state level and it is no longer profitable for the Municipality to accept any state roads. Our plow routes are maxed and there would need to be additional maintenance on those roads. Mr. Stepanovich stated that we do have a Parks & Recreation Foundation and asked if it would be appropriate to estimate what might be coming in the future years from that and include that in the budgeting. Mr. Morrison stated that it is an independent organization of the Municipality and we don’t control that. The revenues are expenditures set by the Board of Directors through the Foundation. Dr. Lee Korns asked about the line item for a zero-turn mower for MCP which would be replacing a 2017 mower. Ms. Heming stated that mower is used to mow all of MCP and is replaced every 2-3 years. Repairs and maintenance costs would be higher than to replace it. ENGINEERING: None COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None vmp 3 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, August 5, 2020 COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 13.A. Consider authorization to advertise for a Public Hearing for the 2021-2025 Capital Improvements Program Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to authorize to advertise for a Public Hearing for the 2021-2025 Capital Improvements Program. Mr. Kase seconded. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. 13.B. Consider approval of Ordinance #1025-20, an ordinance directing and requiring the connection of all occupied buildings and certain structures with public sanitary sewers in Murrysville on premises accessible thereto; directing and requiring the abandonment of privy vaults, cesspools, sand mounds and septic tanks on such premises; providing for the method of connection between occupied buildings and certain structures said sanitary sewers and for the inspection thereof; providing for the issuance of permits; establishing exemptions in certain circumstances; and the payment of the expenses of Murrysville and FTMSA Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to consider approval of Ordinance #1025-20, an ordinance directing and requiring the connection of all occupied buildings and certain structures with public sanitary sewers in Murrysville on premises accessible thereto; directing and requiring the abandonment of privy vaults, cesspools, sand mounds and septic tanks on such premises; providing for the method of connection between occupied buildings and certain structures said sanitary sewers and for the inspection thereof; providing for the issuance of permits; establishing exemptions in certain circumstances; and the payment of the expenses of Murrysville and FTMSA. Mr. Kase seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is part of the COA which was executed as a participating member of Franklin Township Municipal Sanitary Authority. This is one of the steps through the process, which had to be accomplished by the end of August. Mr. Dice noted that this is just a quantification of Murrysville’s existing ordinances. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. 13.C. Consider re-approval of Ordinance #1026-20, an ordinance adopting regulations for wireless facility development (known as 5G Small Cell Towers) in the public right-of-way Mr. Spadaro made a motion to re-approve Ordinance #1026-20, an ordinance adopting regulations for wireless facility development (known as 5G Small Cell Towers) in the public right-of-way. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. vmp 4 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Mr. Morrison stated that a letter was received from Comcast objecting to some of the provision in the ordinance. A letter from Attorney Joe Cortese was also received of his opinion of Comcast’s objections. Basically, it was a competition issue. The ordinance is written within the guidelines of the FCC. Mr. Morrison noted that in regards to the Comast Cable agreement, staff has been trying to get them to provide us with HD for Channel 19 for about four months now. To justify broadcasting in HD would be based on the number of live programing hours used. Staff is working with the School District in carrying School District events to justify what’s needed in the contract. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 14.A. Consider re-approval of S-10-19, the Walker Subdivision, a minor subdivision, three lots, 4900 Lasher Lane, 30.33 acres, Tax Parcel No. 49-07-00-0-020 (Originally approved 3/18/2020) Mr. Kase made a motion to re-approve S-10-19, the Walker Subdivision, a minor subdivision, three lots, 4900 Lasher Court, 30.33 acres, Tax Parcel No. 49-07-00-0-020. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this re-approval is because the individual never came to pick up the Mylar once the signatures were on it. There is 90 days from date of approval that it has to be recorded. There were no changes. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. 14.B. Consider re-approval of consolidated S-5-19 and FS-5-19, “The Acres” development a 10-lot single family, located southeast of the intersection of Sardis Road and Saltsburg Road, 45.415 acres, R-R Zoning District (Originally approved 12/4/2019) Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to re-approve consolidated S-5-19 and FS-5-19, “The Acres” development a 10-lot single family, located southeast of the intersection of Sardis Road and Saltsburg Road, 45.415 acres, R-R Zoning District for purposes of recording the subdivision with the following waivers: (1) Ordinance 198, Article 6, Section 4, Subsection D(4) to allow underground stormwater facilities to be located within 50’ of the nearest property line. (2) Ordinance 198, Article 6, Section D, Subsection D(11) to allow the finished grade over the underground stormwater facility to be less than 3% and subject to conditions as outlined in the staff briefing under staff recommendations. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that one of the conditions for approval was the agreement and review of the Home Owners Association covenants. That should be completed within the next several of days. The Mylar will be released once Mr. Kotjarapoglus gives his approval on the covenants. Mr. Kotjarapoglus stated that he has been in dialogue with the Chief Administrator and David Jobe in the Planning Department to tied down any loose ends and protect the Municipality’s interests. The provisions that they thought would be constructive have been well received. There is a draft of the document which should be finalized this week. vmp 5 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. 14.C. Consider approval of the waiving of architectural standards for proposed improvements to an existing structure at 4510 William Penn Highway by First Summit Bank Ms. Brockway made a motion to consider approval of the waiving of architectural standards for proposed improvements to an existing structure at 4510 William Penn Highway by First Summit Bank. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this was talked about at the last meeting. A letter was received today which made a few small revisions. The existing concrete is going to be demolished and replaced with new concrete and a handicap ramp. Mr. Morrison noted that on the site plan, they are proposing to remove an evergreen tree in the corner of the parking lot. Mr. Morrison suggests that they replace that tree with another tree, if that isn’t an issue. Other than that, everything is in accordance with what was discussed at the last meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. ENGINEERING: None PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Stepanovich offered a word of condolence to the Willard family. Tom Willard, who recently passed away, was the Chairperson for the Environmental Advisory Committee. Tom was a good guy and very knowledgeable. He also offered his services to FTMSA. Thank you, Tom. NEW BUSINESS: None EXECUTIVE SESSION: Council adjourned to an Executive Session regarding a legal matter at 7:45 p.m. No action coming out of this session was anticipated. ACTION ITEMS: None ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 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 6