Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 4, 2020 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 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, Tony Spadaro, Carl Stepanovich and Mayor Synan. Also present were Chief Administrator, James Morrison, Director of Finance, Diane Heming and Solicitor, George Kotjarapoglus. PUBLIC HEARING FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE 2020 OPERATING BUDGET A Public Hearing was held at 7:00 p.m. concerning amendments to the 2020 Operating Budget. Ms. Heming stated that the budget was first amended back in May, based on information coming from the County and the State, about the effects the pandemic may have on various revenues. As the year progressed, some of these line items needed adjusted to more closely match actual revenues received. The largest adjustment is to real estate tax collections. The initial revision was higher than the current level of collections therefore; this amendment lowers this revenue source by $211,000. Real estate transfer taxes have exceeded expectations and this line item has been increased by $70,000. The allocation from the both the Foreign Fire and Foreign Casualty Insurance was greater than expected. We received a reimbursement from an accident claim of a signal that was damaged on Route 22 in the amount of $70,000 from our insurance company. In all, total amendments to revenues will be $98,802. All of the departments worked very well and stayed within all the budgeted numbers. The revisions needed to expenses were not related to controllable line items like supplies and repairs. You will see an adjustment to all of the salary line items, mainly to take into account the unemployment costs and the actual 2020 raises or merits. At first it was understood that the CARES Act would take care of the unemployment costs. Now we are being told that we are responsible for about half. We now have an in- staff full-time housekeeper who is doing an amazing job, which was not budgeted in the initial budget. Sick and longevity was added for a police officer who retired and an officer was hired to replace him. Under Fire and Medic, we re-instated 85% of the municipal maintenance contribution to Medic One. The revisions in Community Development included the unemployment costs and adjusted legal fees. In the Public Works Department, salaries are mainly the unemployment compensation, health insurance, and last winter wasn’t really bad so there is enough of salt and anti-skid for this winter. Recreation Department had some salary adjustments made during the merit process and the Special Events was for fireworks. Ms. Heming stated it is still a balanced budget with just a little difference in allocations. Mr. Morrison stated that he feels it is important to recognize staff through this process of the unusual year. Demands were made upon the staff to look internally into each of their departments to evaluate delivery of services, bearing in mind that there would be revenue shortages anticipated and they responded very well. There was no public comment. Dr. Lee Korns moved to close the Public Hearing. Mr. Kase seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:11 p.m. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Toni Brockway, Mr. Stepanovich, Loren Kase, Tony Spadaro, Jamie Lee Korns, Mac McKenna, Dayne Dice, and Mayor Synan. vmp 1 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 4, 2020 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Dice led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS A. Approval of October 21, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes Mr. McKenna made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar Items. Ms. Brockway seconded. All those in favor voted aye. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Synan said don’t forget to pay your 2020 per capital tax to Keystone Collections Group. Pay by December 31st to avoid additional penalty and costs. Glass Recycling “Pop-Up” Collection Event will be Saturday, December 12th at Veterans Field parking lot, 4200 Sardis Road from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. sponsored by the Municipality of Murrysville and Republic Services. Congratulations to three Eagle Scouts from Troop 208, Trevor McLeigh, Ian Sunny, and T.J. Schreck. Pictures were shown of the roofed picnic table at MCP splash pad that Trevor McLeigh built, the hammock pavilion that T.J. Schreck built, and that Ian Sunny cleaned the military headstones. We are proud of these young men. Tonight the Franklin Regional girls’ volleyball team is playing in the semi-finals. Tomorrow night the Franklin Regional boys are playing in the soccer finals against Mars. One of the boys, Junior, Anthony DeFalco, was named All-State for soccer. That was a great accomplishment. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that the Glass Recycling Event is a well- attended event and the Municipality is trying to schedule this quarterly. The Westmoreland Conservation District had identified Murrysville as the Roy Houston Award Winner. A presentation was filmed and is posted on the website which represents the community very well. The new Code Enforcement Office, Joshua Steel, who is a Navy veteran of nine years and has a background in planning, starts November 16th. COMMUNITY INPUT: None LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. Spadaro: Medic One has not met yet this month. Mr. Stepanovich: The Planning Commission did meet yesterday, but he was manning the voting polls and did not attend. Mr. Morrison stated that there were three items on the Planning Commission Agenda. They passed on the proposed ordinance for the Housing for Older Persons Act. There was a review of the Livengood 2-lot subdivision on Old William Penn Highway. There was an advisory on Kistler Place, which vmp 2 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 4, 2020 was rezoned at the corner or Kistler Road and Route 22. They are proposing a two-story building with four office fronts on the first floor and eight apartments above. Mr. Kase: Nothing to report from EAC. Dr. Lee Korns: The Pension Committee will meet next Wednesday, November 11th at 9:00 a.m. Ms. Brockway: Nothing to report from The Library Board. Mr. McKenna: Parks & Recreation have not met yet this month. Mr. Dice: FTMSA has not met this month. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: None ENGINEERING: None COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 13.A. Consider approval of a job description for the position of Assistant Administrator Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to approve a job description for the position of Assistant Administrator. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that as part of the succession plan, this would create a position of Assistant Administrator to be hired at some point beginning next year to start learning the position of Chief Administrator. In the 2021 Budget is the proposed 6-month salary. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna - yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. 13.B. Consider approval of a job description for the position of Assistant Finance Director Mr. McKenna made a motion to approve a job description for the position of Assistant Finance Director. Mr. Kase seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is the same thoughts as previously stated with further action on this item to come. vmp 3 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 4, 2020 Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna - yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. 13.C. Consider appointment of Jacie Milchak as Assistant Finance Director Mayor Synan stated that it was with great pleasure that he offer for Council consent and advice Jacie Milchak as the candidate for the position of Assistant Finance Director. Jacie attended the Franklin Regional School District and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Seton Hill University while working full time and raising her daughter. Jacie is currently employed by the City of Greensburg as a Senior Accountant. Mayor Synan stated that he highly recommends Jacie for the position of Assistant Finance Director. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to appoint Jacie Milchak as Assistant Finance Director. Mr. Kase seconded. Ms. Heming introduced Ms. Milchak. Ms. Milchak stated that this is her home town and her family lives in this area. Her daughter plays for MASA and it hold a special place in her heart. The opportunity is an honor. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna - yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. 13.D. Consider authorization to advertise Ordinance No. 1030-20, amending Ordinance No. 1013-19, an ordinance establishing the compensation and salary ranges of the employees of the Municipality of Murrysville for the 2020 calendar year Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to approve advertising Ordinance No. 1030-20, amending Ordinance No. 1013-19, the 2020 Salary Ordinance. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Ms. Heming stated that in addition to the two positions mentioned earlier, it was realized that in several years the salary ranges had not been adjusted since 2016. The Personnel Board had recommended that each year the salary ranges be adjusted according to the cost of living index. The full-time custodian position was also added. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna - yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. 13.E. Consider authorization to advertise for a Public Hearing and Workshop on the 2021 Operating Budget to be held on November 18, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to approve advertising for a Public Hearing and Workshop on the 2021 Operating Budget to be held on November 18, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Kase seconded. Ms. Heming stated that each year when the Budget is present to Council, a Public Hearing is required so that residents or anyone in the audience can address any concerns they may have. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna - yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. vmp 4 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 4, 2020 13.F. Consider approval of Resolution No. 727-20, a Resolution authorizing the transfer of a liquor license, R-14228, issued to Palombo’s Bar and Restaurant, Inc., 1085 Industrial Boulevard, Derry Township, Westmoreland County, to 5549 Old William Penn Highway, LLC, a restaurant facility located in the Municipality of Murrysville located at 5549 Old William Penn Highway Mr. McKenna made a motion to approve Resolution No. 727-20, a Resolution authorizing the transfer of a liquor license, R-14228, issued to Palombo’s Bar and Restaurant, Inc., 1085 Industrial Boulevard, Derry Township, Westmoreland County, to 5549 Old William Penn Highway, LLC, a restaurant facility located in the Municipality of Murrysville located at 5549 Old William Penn Highway. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this was discussed at the last meeting during a Public Hearing. This is a normal part of the process of a transfer of license. The municipality must, after a public hearing, approve or deny the requested transfer by way of a resolution or ordinance. Mr. Morrison noted that he has had the pizza at Ginny’s and it was very good. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna - yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. 13.G. Consider approval of the Local Share Agreement with the Westmoreland County Transit Authority for FY 2020-2021 in the amount of $1,375.50. Mr. Kase made a motion to approve the Local Share Agreement with the Westmoreland County Transit Authority to provide public transportation through the Municipality at an annual cost of $1,375.50. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. Ms. Heming stated that this is the same Local Share Agreement that is presented each year from Westmoreland County Transit. It is the same price as it was for 2020. Ms. Heming stated that she was unable to get a report on the number of riders this year. Mr. Kase asked about the attempt to find a Park n Ride. Mr. Morrison stated the Park n Ride across from Myers is still in the works. There were some land ownership issues that have been resolved. This parking area would be for the Transit Authority and the trail. There were two funding forces put together there. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna - yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. 13.H. Consider approval of Resolution No. 728-20 Disposal of Certain Municipal Records Mr. Spadaro made a motion to approve Resolution No. 728-20, disposal of certain municipal records. Mr. Kase seconded. Ms. Heming stated that this is just routine house cleaning. More files have been scanned and the actual paper copies can be destroyed. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna - yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. vmp 5 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 4, 2020 13.I. Consider authorization for the Murrysville Police Department to advertise for the acceptance of applications to establish a police officer eligibility list Mr. McKenna made a motion to authorize for the Murrysville Police Department to advertise for the acceptance of applications to establish a police officer eligibility list. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this happens at least every two years. The current eligibility list is set to expire on November 12th. This would be the advertisement to solicit applications and give the test, and then post eligible officers. Mr. Stepanovich asked where this would be advertised. Mr. Morrison answered that it would be advertised in the Tribune-Review and in the local Penn Franklin. Mr. Morrison stated that they anticipate that a lot of applications will be received out of the city of Pittsburgh. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna - yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. 13.J. Consider authorization to advertise Ordinance No. 1033-20, an Ordinance re-establishing a special purpose account for purposes of providing financial support to Medic One Mr. Kase made a motion to authorization to advertise Ordinance No. 1033-20, an Ordinance establishing a special purpose account for purposes of providing financial support to Medic One. Mr. McKenna seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this was an effort to clean up all of the ordinances that were in place for support of emergency services. The fire departments were done at the last meeting, and this has a similar history of support to Medic One. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna - yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 14.A. Consider tentative approval of PRD-1-20, the Hillstone Village PRD, a planned residential development proposing to subdivide and develop a 37 acre tract located along Harrison City Road currently identified as Westmoreland County Tax Parcel 49-20-00-0-026 Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to consider tentative approval of PRD-1-20, the Hillstone Village PRD, a planned residential development proposing to subdivide and develop a 37 acre tract located along Harrison City Road currently identified as Westmoreland County Tax Parcel 49-20-00-0-026. Mr. McKenna seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that the Planning Commission had reviewed this and recommends approval to Council. The applicant has responded to all of the reviews. The conditions are outlined at the end of the briefing presented to Council. The important items are the modifications that are requested as part of this Planned Residential Development, which is an amendment to our Zoning Ordinance. The application will be asked if he accepts those conditions. vmp 6 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 4, 2020 Mr. Kase stated that he would like to bring up the front building setbacks from 40 feet to 20 feet. He understands that with a PRD there is an allowance for that, but this is cutting the setback in half. Mr. Morrison stated that there are a couple of reasons for this. One is that under the PRD, the concept is to try to minimize the impact to the existing land; and the other, in this particular instance, was designed to attract seniors and a certain group who are looking for smaller lots. Dr. Lee Korns asked about the Home Owners Association and if the fee would include landscape maintenance and cutting lawns for the carriage homes. Bruce Corna, Vice President of Kacin Companies, stated that there will be a Home Owners Association and with the carriage homes, there will be maintenance of snow removal in their driveways and grass cutting as part of their fee. The single family residents will not include that, but personnel will be available that they can contact with that same group. That group will also be responsible for maintenance at the entrance of the landscaping at the entrance and around the clubhouse. Mr. Dice asked the applicant if they were OK with the conditions as expressed in this packet. Mr. Corna answered that they do accept the conditions as written. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna - yes, and Mr. Dice – yes. Motion approved. ENGINEERING: None PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Morrison stated that he received an application for an opening on the Parks and Recreation Foundation Board and asked if Council was interested in interviewing them prior to the next meeting, adding that there may be two applicants. Dr. Lee Korns asked if this was to fill a vacancy. Mr. Morrison stated that there are two vacancies; one moved out of the area and one resigned. Council agreed that they would like to meet with the applicant(s). NEW BUSINESS: None EXECUTIVE SESSION: None ACTION ITEMS: None ADJOURNMENT: Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Spadaro seconded. All those in favor voted aye. Motion approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. The Regular Voting Meeting and Public Hearing were 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