Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building and virtually via Zoom. Present at the meeting were Council members Loren Kase and Carl Stepanovich, along with Chief Administrator, James Morrison. Attending via Zoom were Council members Toni Brockway, Dayne Dice, and Mac McKenna, along with Mayor Synan and Solicitor, George Kotjarapoglus. Dr. Lee Korns and Tony Spadaro were absent. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Toni Brockway, Mac McKenna, Dayne Dice, Jamie Lee Korns-absent, Tony Spadaro-absent, Loren Kase, Carl Stepanovich, and Mayor Synan. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Dice led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS A. Accounts Payable B. Cash Investments and Transfers C. December 2, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes Mayor Synan stated that one check for Decoplan needs to be stricken from being approved. Mr. Dice noted that he will abstain from any accounts payable matters or any cash investments related to KU Resources. Mr. McKenna made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar Items. Ms. Brockway seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Synan read Proclamation No. 213-20 commending the Murrysville Woman’s Club for their continued support of Murrysville’s fire departments and that they continue to thrive even under adverse conditions as a value to the community, selfless service and many accomplishments. Congratulations to Spencer Lee, Franklin Regional Alumni and Iowa Hawkeyes wrestler, co-winner of the AAU James E. Sullivan Award. Lee is only the fifth wrestler ever to receive this award. He is also the 2020 Hodge Trophy winner after winning a Big Ten title and earning the number one seed for the NCAA Championships, which were cancelled because of the coronavirus. Lee was also named NCAA Most Dominant Wrestler and Big Ten Wrestler of the Year. Westmoreland Conservancy will sponsor a “First Day Walk” to take place from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., January 1st at the Tomer Reserve, a 17 acre wooded property at the north end of Twin Oaks Lane in Murrysville. The Pennsylvania American Legion is offering oratorical scholarships to all high school students in grades 9 to 12. The 2021 program awards $7,500 for first place, $5,000 for runner-up and $4,000 for second runner up. The school and post contests, whether in-person or virtual, will take place January 3rd. Students must notify and apply by contacting their local American Legion Post by December 23. Complete contest information is available at PA-Legion.com. vmp -1- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Murrysville Recreation is sponsoring Murrysville’s 12 for 12. Register for free. Hike, walk, bike, or run 12 miles in 12 weeks (January, February, and March) in Murrysville’s Parks or Westmoreland Heritage Trail. Feel great, earn a cool sticker, and a chance to win a prize. To register, you can log onto www.murrysvilleparecreation.com. Mayor Synan would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Holidays!!! Be safe, wear your mask, and social distance. See you next year! CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison noted that he received a report from Pia Van de Venne that over the past 12 months, there were over 3,400 volunteer hours in various parks in the community. They are to be congratulated on their efforts. We would not be able to maintain the parks at the levels that we do without the assistance of those volunteers. The Municipality had another successful glass recycling event on December 12th. . Republic brought in two dumpsters this time and filled one and a half dumpsters. The next one will be scheduled in March. Public Works crew was out at 10:00 a.m. today and will be out till 11:00 tonight. A new material is being tried to pre-treat some of the more difficult roads, which seems to be working much better than the brine. The crew will be back out at 4:00 a.m. Garbage pick-up will be delayed one day because of the snow. COMMUNITY INPUT: Mr. Dice stated that anyone giving public comment over Zoom is to state their name and address and try to keep their comments to around three minutes. Mr. Morrison stated that he received written comments from: Melissa DeStephano, Timberwood Court: Ms. DeStephano is responding to information received from the Homeowners’ Association in the Settler’s Ridge Neighborhood. The proposal for a zoning change has been introduced in part to “encourage retention of long term residents and attract a new generation of long term residents.” Ms. DeStephano wrote that she agrees that housing opportunities should be provided for our long-term residents of the community. However, why was this particular plot of land chosen? The property sits at the intersection of two heavily trafficked roads; Route 286 and Logan Ferry Road. This area is surrounded by office complexes. There is little or no green space. Where is the proposed entrance to this proposed complex? That area is noted for cars speeding to get through the light intersection. Logan Ferry Road can barely accommodate the traffic flow now. Will there be covenants and ordinances for this complex? Ken Barringer, 5001 Pioneer Court, Settler’s Ridge: Mr. Barringer indicated that while senior living facilities are growing in popularity due to our aging population, where they are placed is an important consideration for both the current and proposed potential residents of that facility. His main concern is the high density of those facilities. This is in total conflict with the entire area. The neighborhood borders rural areas and is one of the primary charms of the neighborhood. High density housing would seriously impact that appeal. Assurance that the property will not currently be subsidized housing is just that – potentially temporary. Mr. Barringer stated that all the residents bought their homes in the area knowing that an office or business may be built there eventually. Changing that possibility to housing, not even vmp -2- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, December 16, 2020 contemplated and in direct conflict with the character and aesthetic of the area, is why he is adamantly opposed to the proposal. Amanda Barringer, Settler’s Ridge: Ms. Barringer stated that she is writing in regards to the developer who wants to build high rise apartments on Logan Ferry Road. She and her husband moved to Western PA four years ago from New York, so they know a lot about density population. They looked in many places and come to Murrysville and love it because of how rural it was. She has spoken with other residents in her development and they seem to be on the same page. Apartments create congestion and lower the value of their houses. She doesn’t have an issue with town houses, but does have an issue with sticking apartments up right across from where she lives in what is supposed to be a “rural area” of Murrysville. There are plenty of areas of land west of Murrysville to do this – NOT here. Ken Barringer, via Zoom, stated that he had a question and asked if they would be furnished with more details if this proposal goes past the initial consideration phase. Mr. Dice answered yes, they would definitely get more details. This will be discussed under Workshop Items this evening. Mr. Morrison stated that the Settler’s Ridge Homeowners’ Association seems to be very organized and if this goes forward would be willing to meet with the group about particulars, if they are interested. LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. Stepanovich: The Planning Commission met on Tuesday, December 8th via Zoom. There was a discussion of the final application of Hillstone Village. A review was given by Bruce Corna, Vice President of Kacin Company. Proper documentation was submitted to Westmoreland Conservation. They were waiting for the response from the Conservancy and FTMSA. They also provided information to PennDOT. A Bond will be determined once the pricing estimate is finalized. An issue was brought up regarding having a pull- off area in front of or adjacent to the mailboxes. The project was approved by all with Bob Mitall abstaining. There was also a discussion of the Regan Villas, Phase I, located at the corner of Manor and Wilson Roads. Responses from the prospective developer were received Friday, December 4th, so the Planning Commission didn’t have sufficient time to review all of the responses. Phase I is nine lots of duplexes, for a total of 18 units, 4 stories. A representative from the architectural firm was there and speaking for the developer was the engineering firm. There will be a Homeowners’ Association. The traffic engineer for the Municipality will have to look at this and provide some input. The next Planning Commission meeting will be Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Mr. Stepanovich stated that the Murrysville Parks and Recreation Foundation met yesterday. A new member, Paul Oris, among other things, is a principal with Sly Fox Brewery located on the Southside of Pittsburgh and Liberty Avenue, downtown. John Kaye was elected President and David Metzgar was elected Vice President. There will be a request for donations coming for the end of the year, which will be advertised in the Penn Franklin. Their next meeting will be January 11th. Ms. Brockway: The Murrysville Community Library meets tomorrow. The following changes have been made: Saturday, December 12th, the Library will be closed to the public due to restrictions by the Governor due to increased cases of COVID. They do plan to open curbside services on Monday, December 21st. Even though the Library is closed, they continue to provide online services and are available through their vmp -3- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, December 16, 2020 website at www.murrysvillelibrary.org. The Library is offering virtual, all-ages, Winter Reading Challenge from December 21st though March 20th. Pre-registration is open now on their website. Mr. McKenna: The Parks and Recreation Board met on December 8th. With the COVID restrictions, holiday plans have been cancelled for this year. The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 12th. Mr. Dice: FTMSA meets tomorrow. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: None ENGINEERING: None COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 11.A. A discussion concerning an amendment to Section 220, Zoning, of the Murrysville Code as it pertains to a proposed amendment to permit the construction of hi-rises in the “B” Business District. Mr. Dice stated that he has received nothing but negative comments regarding this proposal. There is a PRD Ordinance which would enable the Municipality to have more housing, closer together and gives Council more control. If this re-zoning is approved, Council will lose control and it will be a permitted use and all Council could do is put conditions on it. Mr. Dice stated that even though he is not in favor of this, he thanks the staff for bringing this forward and trying to provide more housing for seniors, but this isn’t it. Mr. McKenna stated that he has had some concerns brought to his attention also. To do a blanket ordinance right now would need more discussion by Council and more input from the community, but at this point, he is not in favor of it. Ms. Brockway stated that she also has had numerous people contact her with negative comments. It is the wrong place at the wrong time. There is a need for senior living accommodations, just not this. Mr. Stepanovich stated that he hasn’t had any negative comments, but since it is the holiday season he feels that many of the Murrysville residents are not aware of what’s going on here. To move forward right now, he feels there should be a pause put on this until Council can look into this a little further and for more community input to be received. Mr. Kase stated that other developments are tailored toward senior living without any significant changes to our zoning. We are supportive of this in the community, but it’s not right to let a single development dictate when we make that change. There are some positives which meet the needs of the Comprehensive Plan, but this is not the best way to go. There should be more input from the community. Mr. Dice stated that this is an Action Item tonight. Does Council want to table this or just nix it? Mr. Stepanovich stated he feels that since there hasn’t been input from the community, it would be better to table it. Mr. Morrison stated that he doesn’t see meetings being not Zoomed for some time. If it’s Council’s desire to address this when the public can actually participate here at the building, then this vmp -4- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, December 16, 2020 council action should be voted down until the public can be invited in. Mr. Dice stated that he was OK with that and noted that anyone in the public can send emails at any time. Council will follow Mr. Morrison’s advice. This can always be brought back later and Council will take note of all comments received from the public. 11.B. A discussion concerning FPRD- C-U-1-20 the Hillstone Village Planned Residential Development - Final Application, a residential land development proposing to subdivide and develop a 37 acre tract located along Harrison City Road, as a Planned Residential Development (PRD). The property is currently identified as Westmoreland County Tax Parcel 49-20-00-0-026, and according to the Westmoreland County Tax Mapping website is currently listed under the ownership of William Torrance Mr. Dice stated that this was brought before Council and there were some snow plow issues, which the applicant answered adequately. Mr. Stepanovich stated that at the Planning Commission, having a pull off area to pick up mail so they don’t block the street was brought up. Looking through the responses, he doesn’t see where that was addressed. Bruce Corna, Kacin Company, stated that to address that issue, the area where the club house parking lot is located would be an adequate place to put the mailboxes. That way the residents can park and go to their mailboxes, which would include all 42 units. That would be subject to approval by the Post Office. Mr. Stepanovich asked if there was going to be a club house. Mr. Corna answered yes, that it was in their presentation and will be located on Club House Drive. Mr. Stepanovich asked that in regards to COVID, is there going to be proper ventilation for heating and air conditioning in the building? Mr. Corna stated that would be addressed when they are further into the design with the HVAC Contractor. Mr. Morrison noted that this is just the land development portion of the application. Mr. Morrison stated that included in the briefing was an outline of the status of the project to date. The final plans have been forwarded to the reviewing engineer. Included in the briefing are 16 conditions recommended based on plans received to date. In addition to any additional conditions after final review along with five modifications to the project, these would have to be incorporated in the motion of approval. Mr. Corna stated that on behalf of the developer, they have no objection to the 16 conditions that were presented. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: 12.A. An update on the status of the clubhouse at Murrysville Community Park Mr. Morrison stated that last week we had some good weather and Public Works was able to cut the road in and excavate for the pad. Caissons and the building pad for the manufactured home have been poured. It is anticipated that the shipping of the home will be in the next two weeks and placed at the site. Utilities and sanitary sewer work will begin once the weather clears. vmp -5- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, December 16, 2020 COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 13.A. Consider Ordinance No. 1031-20, the 2021 Tax Ordinance Ms. Brockway made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1031-20, the 2021 Tax Ordinance. Mr. McKenna seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this was reviewed at the last meeting. This is the ordinance to implement the tax for 2021. It remains the same as last year at 12.15 mils. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Dice - yes, Mr. Kase – yes, and Mr. Stepanovich – yes. Motion approved. 13.B. Consider Approval of Ordinance No. 1032-20, the 2021 Salary Ordinance Ms. Brockway made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1032-20, the 2021 Salary Ordinance. Mr. Kase seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that the Salary Ordinance was discussed at the last meeting. The ordinance was updated salary ranges and cost of living increases. The proposed ordinance also includes increases for the union employees as prescribed by the collective bargaining agreements. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Dice - yes, Mr. Kase – yes, and Mr. Stepanovich – yes. Motion approved. 13.C. Consider approval of Resolution No. 726-20, the 2021 Operating Budget Mr. McKenna made a motion to approve Resolution No. 726-20, the 2021 Operating Budget. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that the 2021 Operating Budget was reviewed and a public hearing was held. This implements the spending program for 2021. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Dice - yes, Mr. Kase – yes, and Mr. Stepanovich – yes. Motion approved. 13.D. Consider approval to award the processing of retiree payments to DeBlasio & DeBlasio Associates and custodial services for pension assets to S&T Bank Mr. Stepanovich made a motion for approval to award the processing of retiree payments to DeBlasio & DeBlasio Associates and custodial services for pension assets to S&T Bank. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that there had been some issues with PNC as custodian of the pension account. A few options were pursued and the best option was DeBlasio & DeBlasio Associates which is the Municipality’s auditor and also does payroll functions for various communities. They will assume the payroll functions. The second part, which is custodial services of the plan, which S&T Bank offered their services at a lesser fee than PNC. vmp -6- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Dice - yes, Mr. Kase – yes, and Mr. Stepanovich – yes. Motion approved. 13.E. Consider identification of the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Mr. Dice stated that with almost half of Council absent this evening, he would like to table this till the next regular meeting. Mr. McKenna made a motion to table consideration of the 2020 Volunteer of the Year till the next regular meeting in January. Ms. Brockway seconded. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Dice - yes, Mr. Kase – yes, and Mr. Stepanovich – yes. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 14.A. Consider approval of Ordinance # 1036-20, an Ordinance for a curative amendment to Chapter 220, Zoning, of the Code of the Municipality of Murrysville, amending the Official Map for property located at 6428 Buena Vista Drive from R-3 Residential to B, Business. Mr. McKenna made a motion to approve Ordinance # 1036-20, an Ordinance for a curative amendment to Chapter 220, Zoning, of the Code of the Municipality of Murrysville, amending the Official Map for property located at 6428 Buena Vista Drive from R-3 Residential to B, Business. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Dice noted that this is the property located along Route 22. Mr. Morrison stated that Dr. Rivardo has an arrangement with the bank to purchase this property, which has essentially been used as a commercial property. Staff supports the curative amendment. If approved by council, Mr. Rivardo would like to begin the site plan process for his dental office. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Dice - yes, Mr. Kase – yes, and Mr. Stepanovich – yes. Motion approved. 14.B. Consider approval of Resolution # 729-20, a resolution declaring a portion of Section 220, Zoning, of the Code of the Municipality of Murrysville invalid as it pertains to the provision of senior housing in the Municipality of Murrysville. Mr. Kase made a motion to deny Resolution # 729-20, a resolution declaring a portion of Section 220, Zoning, of the Code of the Municipality of Murrysville invalid as it pertains to the provision of senior housing in the Municipality of Murrysville. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Dice stated that this was talked about earlier. We will continue to get public comment from people. There is nothing to keep us from putting this back on the agenda if we receive favorable comments. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Dice - yes, Mr. Kase – yes, and Mr. Stepanovich – yes. Motion approved to deny the resolution. vmp -7- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, December 16, 2020 14.C. Consider approval of FPRD-C-U-1-20 the Hillstone Village Planned Residential Development - Final Application, a residential land development proposing to subdivide and develop a 37 acre tract located along Harrison City Road, as a Planned Residential Development (PRD). The property is currently identified as Westmoreland County Tax Parcel 49-20-00-0-026, and according to the Westmoreland County Tax Mapping website is currently listed under the ownership of William Torrance. Mr. McKenna made a motion to approve FPRD-C-U-1-20 the Hillstone Village Planned Residential Development - Final Application, a residential land development proposing to subdivide and develop a 37 acre tract located along Harrison City Road, as a Planned Residential Development (PRD). The property is currently identified as Westmoreland County Tax Parcel 49-20-00-0-026, and according to the Westmoreland County Tax Mapping website is currently listed under the ownership of William Torrance. This would also include the 16 conditions and the modifications listed in the briefing of December 4, 2020. Ms. Brockway seconded. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Dice - yes, Mr. Kase – yes, and Mr. Stepanovich – yes. Motion approved. 14.D. Consider approval of Resolution 730-20, a resolution amending the Municipality of Murrysville’s Act 537 Plan for New Land Development, Hillstone Village Planned Residential Development. Ms. Brockway made a motion to approve Resolution 730-20, a resolution amending the Municipality of Murrysville’s Act 537 Plan for New Land Development, Hillstone Village Planned Residential Development, FPDR-C-U-1-20, Harrison City Road, Tax Parcel 49-20-00-0-026. Mr. McKenna seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is a procedure to amend to the Municipality’s Act 537 Plan to account for additional Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDU’s) into the sewage system. Mr. Corna, on behalf of Kacin Company, would like to thank Council and staff for their help going through the process here. This development is really needed in Murrysville and as of today, there are 14 lot reservations already. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Dice - yes, Mr. Kase – yes, and Mr. Stepanovich – yes. Motion approved. ENGINEERING: 15.A. Consider approval of Ordinance# 1034-20, an Ordinance amending Chapter 198, Stormwater Management, of the Code of the Municipality of Murrysville. Ms. Brockway made a motion to approve Ordinance# 1034-20, an Ordinance amending Chapter 198, Stormwater Management, of the Code of the Municipality of Murrysville, an ordinance implementing the requirements of the Westmoreland County Stormwater Management Integrated Water Resources Plan and vmp -8- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, December 16, 2020 amending the current Chapter 198 Stormwater Management Ordinance. Mr. Kase seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this was discussed in detail at the last meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Dice - yes, Mr. Kase – yes, and Mr. Stepanovich – yes. Motion approved. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Morrison asked if Council wanted to continue to meet on the first and third Wednesdays in the New Year. Council agreed that was fine. Mayor Synan noted that per the Charter, Council needs to meet on the first Monday of the New Year to reorganize. Mr. Morrison checked the Charter and it does state that the first meeting of Council will be the first Monday in January, which would be January 4th. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None ACTION ITEMS: None ADJOURNMENT: Mr. McKenna made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Brockway seconded. All present voted aye. Motion carried. 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 -9-