Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Council members Toni Brockway, 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, Director of Public Works, Bill Paiano, and Solicitor, George Kotjarapoglus. Council member Dayne Dice was absent. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Toni Brockway, Carl Stepanovich, Loren Kase, Tony Spadaro, Dayne Dice - absent, Jamie Lee Korns, Mac McKenna and Mayor Synan. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Kase led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS A. Approval of January 20, 2021 Council Meeting Minutes All those present voted aye to approve the consent calendar items. The consent calendar items were approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Synan stated that the UPMC COVID-19 update for this evening is that UPMC is now offering COVID-19 vaccines to both UPMC and non-UPMC health care workers, as well as, seniors in our skilled nursing facilities. At this time, vaccines are not available to the public. UPMC hospitals, doctors’ offices and clinics cannot provide patients with COVID-19 vaccines at this time. Currently, there is no process to pre-schedule a vaccine and no waiting list to join. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is finalizing a larger vaccine rollout plan. The Allegheny Health Network COVID-19 update states that once the vaccine is available to you as determined by your state, you can get your DOVID-19 vaccine free of charge at a convenient location – like a local retail or AHN pharmacy. You can search the locations at VaccineFinder.org. Remember, some vaccines require two doses to be effective. It is extremely important you get both and follow the suggested timeline. Visit the AHN website for additional information: www.ahn.org/coronavirus/vaccine.html. Mayor Synan stated that he spoke with the Emergency Management Director yesterday, and was assured by him that if and when there is an adequate vaccine and vaccinator, their team stands ready to distribute the vaccine in a controlled manner. Per an article by State Representative Books, most of our front line doctors, nurses, medics, hospital personnel and police have received their first vaccine shot. In the 54 th District, senior care home patients, and personnel, as well as many who are 65+ years old, have received their first dosage. However, not everyone who qualifies to get the vaccine has received the vaccine. That is very frustrating. The hospital and pharmacy outlets are ready, willing and able to administer the vaccine. There is more demand than there is supply at this time. When there is adequate supply, we will help move forward. vmp -1- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Egg My Yard: The Murrysville Recreation Department wants to egg your yard for your very own private egg hunt. Recreation staff and volunteers will visit your home to hide candy stuffed eggs in your front yard. You will be provided a date and estimated time of the “egging” once registered. This event is open to those who live within the Franklin Regional School District. Registration deadline is Friday, February 26 or the first 100 families. www.murrysvilleparecreation.com Sensory Paths at Murrysville Community Park: Help purchase colorful and exciting sensory paths for the asphalt walking trail at Murrysville Community Park. Sensory paths are reusable simple stencils in a variety of shapes and colors that will be painted on sections of the paved walking trail. Your donation will help create engaging and interactive spaces by filling the trails with a variety of images that everyone can enjoy. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that Patti Loughner, the new administrative assistant, started this week. At the next meeting, the Cohen Law Group will be invited to present the COMCAST agreement. Beginning tomorrow, the Police Department will be starting their third Accreditation. This is for state wide recognition. COMMUNITY INPUT: Tom Pike, 4703 Stewart Court: Mr. Pike stated that he applied for a position on the Environmental Advisory Commission and thought that there would be a vote on that position today, but doesn’t see it on the agenda for this evening. Mr. Pike stated that he is ready to get to work and has been going to all of the meeting as a member of the public. He feels that it is important to get the vacancy filled. LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. McKenna: Parks and Recreation will meet next Tuesday. The “Egg My Yard” registration is open and the process for the amphitheater, as far as getting an advisor and bids, is ongoing. Ms. Brockway: The Library advised that curbside pickup is still available Monday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. A new Valentine’s Day themed make & take craft kit will be available starting February 8th. Call the Library at 724-327-1102 to reserve one for your child while supplies last. Join Miss Becky, the new Coordinator of Youth Services, each week for story time. Watch the Facebook page and U-Tube channel for dates and times. The Library wanted to thank all of the patrons for their ongoing support during these tough times. Dr. Lee Korns: Nothing to report from the Pension Committee. Mr. Stepanovich: The Planning Commission meeting was postponed until February 16th. Mr. Spadaro: Medic One met last week. They had 1,425 trips for the month; 230 to Washington Township and 375 wheelchair calls. All of the crews have been vaccinated and are waiting for their second shot this upcoming week. They have seven medics that are trained to give the vaccines. New security cameras have been installed. vmp -2- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Mr. Kase: EAC did meet and discussed the Kish window and door warehouse. There really isn’t much development; they just want to put a driveway that goes back behind the building. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: None ENGINEERING: None COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 11.A A Discussion Concerning S-10-20, the "Regan Ridge Villas" Application, a major land development, to develop an 8.14 acre parcel of land located at the intersection of Manor Road (State Route 4026) and Wilson Road (Township Road T-708), 18 villa units, R-3, 8.21 acres, tax parcel #49-21-00-0-087 Ray Gusty from Fahringer, McCarty & Gray, along with Mike Bliss, Way Architecture, showed some drawing of the villa units. In May of 2019, Council approved the Fusting executive masterplan which, at that time, included 19 townhouse units proposed for this site. They are now proposing 18 luxury villa units. As far as stormwater goes, they are proposing a detention basin behind the barn and two bio-retention areas. Mr. Stepanovich asked what a villa was. Mr. Gusty stated that it is just a term they use; that a luxury villa sounds better than a duplex unit. Mr. Morrison stated that at the Planning Commission meeting it was mentioned that there was public comment regarding the tree stand between the Regan Villa property and Westmoreland Farms. Was that area identified so it can be incorporated as a condition? Mr. Gusty answered yes, that it is on the construction drawings and a note will be added to that effect. Mr. Gusty noted that Council would not be voting on the barn or the parking at this time. The height requirement for the units is 40 feet and the units will have elevators. Mr. Stepanovich asked if there will be stairs going from floor to floor in addition to the elevators. Mr. Gusty answered yes, and that the elevators are optional. Mr. Bliss noted that the elevators are residential elevators, which are basically 5 foot deep by 3 foot wide and would easily accommodate someone in a wheelchair or 2-3 people. Mr. McKenna asked what the price point range is on the villas. Mr. Bliss stated that the price range is still being discussed. They are still getting pricing on the construction and the price of the villas will be up to the owner. Groundbreaking is expected this spring. An application was submitted to the Westmoreland Conservation District for the NPDES permit, which is still needed before earthwork can begin. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 13.A. Consider approval of Ordinance No. 1037-21, specifying the rate of pension contributions with respect to the Police Pension Plan for the 2021 calendar year vmp -3- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1037-21, specifying the rate of pension contributions with respect to the Police Pension Plan for the 2021 calendar year. Ms. Brockway seconded. Ms. Heming stated that this is brought before Council every year with respect to the rate of contributions to the Police Pension Plan per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes and Mr. McKenna – yes. Motion approved. 13.B. Consider approval of Resolution No. 731-21, approving the disposal of certain municipal records in compliance with the State Records Retention Act Ms. Brockway made a motion to consider approval of Resolution No. 732-21, approving the disposal of certain municipal records in compliance with the State Records Retention Act. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Ms. Heming stated that this is normal record retention. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes and Mr. McKenna – yes. Motion approved. 13.C. Consider the Acquisition of a 2022 Sutphen SPH-100 Aerial Platform Truck through Pennsylvania COSTARS Contract #013-009 in an amount not to exceed $1,498,805.79 Mr. McKenna made a motion to consider the acquisition of a 2022 Sutphen SPH-100 Aerial Platform Truck through Pennsylvania COSTARS Contract #013-009 in an amount not to exceed $1,498,805.79. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Brian Synan, Fire Chief, Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company, stated that an open house was held last week for the replacement of their current ladder truck which is approaching 20 years of age. The fire company went through three different manufacturers and Sutphen meets the community needs the best. Lifespan for the new truck would also be about 20 years. The salvage value for the old truck would be about $150,000 - $200,000. Mayor Synan noted that the original budget for this was $1.8 million. Mr. Morrison thanked Brian for all the work he put into this. Delivery will be August of 2022. Mr. Stepanovich asked about the volunteer firefighter potential. Mr. Synan stated that there have been about a dozen new firefighters over the last year. Some have experience, some have no experience. We will train you and buy your gear. Right now there are about 30 active volunteers and about 12 – 15 are consistently making a lot of the calls. Mr. Stepanovich asked if the incentive Council approved for the reduction in earned income tax has been of any value? Mr. Synan said yes, he thinks it has helped. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes and Mr. McKenna – yes. Motion approved. 13.D. Consider Authorization to Advertise for a Public Hearing Concerning Ordinance #1038-21, an Ordinance Amending Murrysville Code, Chapter 206, Article II, Section 206-10 (A) to Increase the Earned vmp -4- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Income Tax Rate from One Half (½) of One (1%) Percent to up to One (1%) Percent, for Tax Year 2022, Commencing January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, and Continuing in Effect for Each Year Thereafter Unless Otherwise revised by Ordinance of the Municipality of Murrysville Council. The Ordinance Further Authorizes the Municipality of Murrysville to Initiate a Declaratory Judgement Proceeding to Memorialize the Validity of this Ordinance and its Increase in the Earned Income Tax Rate for Tax Year 2022 and Continuing in Effect from Year to Year Thereafter Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to consider authorization to advertise for a Public Hearing concerning Ordinance #1038-21, an ordinance amending Murrysville Code, Chapter 206, Article II, Section 206-10 (A) to increase the Earned Income Tax rate from one half (½) of one (1%) percent to up to one (1%) percent, for Tax Year 2022, commencing January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, and continuing in effect for each year thereafter unless otherwise revised by ordinance of the Municipality of Murrysville Council. The ordinance further authorizes the Municipality of Murrysville to initiate a Declaratory Judgement Proceeding to memorialize the validity of this ordinance and its increase in the Earned Income Tax rate for tax year 2022 and continuing in effect from year to year thereafter. The Public Hearing will be scheduled for March 3, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that Item D and E can be taken together. Item D is advertising for the Public Hearing and Item E is for advertisement of the proposed ordinance. The ordinance is being proposed as an alternative for the Municipality as we look forward to 2022. COVID has moved up the need to look for alternate revenue sources for the 2022 budget year. The budget year begins in July with the Capital Improvements Program so it’s brought forth now an ordinance proposing an alternate revenue source, that being the use of earned income in conjunction with real estate tax. Earned income has become our main revenue source, but right now real estate is lagging. New construction is down. Over the years, revenues are increasing at a rate less than expenditures, which pushes again to the need of an alternate revenue source. If Murrysville as a community wants to deliver the level of service that we have and the residents of this community expect, alternate revenue sources have to be found and this is one of the alternative sources. Mr. Morrison stated that the last real estate tax increase was in 2007. It has been thirteen years since any taxes have been raised at a municipal level. Mayor Synan noted that this allows the Municipality to raise the rate up one-half percent (1/2%) but doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be raised at this time. Mr. Stepanovich stated that currently, with the 1% earned income tax, 50% of that goes to the school district. Will that be the case with this increase? Mr. Morrison answered no it will not; whatever percentage increase up to the 1% will come solely to the Municipality. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes and Mr. McKenna – yes. Motion approved. 13.E. Consider Authorization to Advertise Ordinance # 1038-21, an Ordinance Amending Murrysville Code, Chapter 206, Article II, Section 206-10 (A) to Increase the Earned Income Tax Rate from One Half (½) of One (1%) Percent to up to One (1%) Percent, for Tax Year 2022, Commencing January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, and Continuing in Effect for Each Year Thereafter Unless Otherwise revised by Ordinance of the Municipality of Murrysville Council. The Ordinance Further Authorizes the Municipality of Murrysville to Initiate a Declaratory Judgement Proceeding to Memorialize the Validity of this Ordinance vmp -5- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 3, 2021 and its Increase in the Earned Income Tax Rate for Tax Year 2022 and Continuing in Effect from Year to Year Thereafter Mr. McKenna made a motion to authorize to advertise Ordinance #1038-21, an ordinance amending Murrysville Code, Chapter 206, Article II, Section 206-10 (A) to Increase the Earned Income Tax Rate from one half (½) of one (1%) percent to up to one (1%) percent, for Tax Year 2022, commencing January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, and continuing in effect for each year thereafter unless otherwise revised by ordinance of the Municipality of Murrysville Council. The ordinance further authorizes the Municipality of Murrysville to Initiate a Declaratory Judgement Proceeding to memorialize the validity of this ordinance and its increase in the Earned Income Tax Rate for tax year 2022 and continuing in effect from year-to-year thereafter. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Kase stated that just to clarify, 13.D was to advertise for the Public Hearing and this is to advertise the Ordinance. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes and Mr. McKenna – yes. Motion approved. 13.F. Consider approval of Ordinance No. 1039-21, an ordinance authorizing the lease of the Sears House, the Townsend House and the Bailey House Mr. Spadaro made a motion to consider approval of Ordinance No. 1039-21, an ordinance authorizing the lease of the Sears House, the Townsend House and the Bailey House. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this Ordinance was advertised with a slight increase to the tenants. They are all long term tenants and very good tenants. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes and Mr. McKenna – yes. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None ENGINEERING: 15.A. Consider a partial bond release in the amount of $4,272,098 for the Sloan School Project Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to consider a partial bond release in the amount of $4,272,098 for the Sloan School Project. Ms. Brockway Seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is a reduction in the bond request which is mostly for the improvements on the interior of the property, landscaping, sidewalks and paving. This does not include the bonding for the road and the bridge on Crowfoot, which is a separate bond and will be held until the end of the project. vmp -6- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes and Mr. McKenna – yes. Motion approved. 15.B. Consider Authorization to Advertise Ordinance # 1041-21, an Ordinance Granting an Electric Line Right-of-Way and Easement to West Penn Power Company Across Municipal Land Know as the Murrysville Community Park for Installation of a Transformer and Underground Conduit for an Electric Line to Provide Electric Power and Service for Improvements to be Constructed thereon and any Related Facilities as may be deemed necessary from time to time. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to advertise Ordinance # 1041-21, an Ordinance granting an electric line right- of-way and easement to West Penn Power Company across municipal land known as the Murrysville Community Park for installation of a transformer and underground conduit for an electric line to provide electric power and service for Improvements to be constructed thereon and any related facilities as may be deemed necessary from time to time. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is for electric service to the clubhouse. Public Works did a very nice job of positioning the house on the property. A wall was taken out and a support beam put in to open up the whole area. As soon as the snow gets off the ground, sewer and water will be installed. Mr. Paiano stated that they are working with West Penn Power and should have power to the building in about a month. Permits are coming for the sewer line and waterline. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes and Mr. McKenna – yes. Motion approved. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: 16.A. Consider Approval of a Contract for Portable Restroom Rentals for Various Parks Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to approve a one-year contract for Port-A-John Rental Company for $16,402.00. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. Mr. Paiano stated that this will be the third year with Port-A-John. The Concert in the Park and Farmer’s Market were added this year and paid on a monthly charge. Mr. Morrison noted that for special events and tournaments, the athletic association or the sponsoring teams pay for the rest rooms. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes and Mr. McKenna – yes. Motion approved. 16.B. Consider Approval of a Contract for Mowing Municipally Owned Green Spaces throughout the Municipality of Murrysville Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to approve a contract to Dojonovic Landscaping for $270.00 per billing cycle for mowing municipally owned green spaces throughout the Municipality of Murrysville. Ms. Brockway seconded. vmp -7- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Mr. Paiano stated that this is the third year pricing for this contract. Dojonovic Landscaping has been doing the green spaces (bi-weekly and weekly) and has been doing a great job with no complaints. Upon a roll call vote: Ms. Brockway – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Mr. Kase – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes and Mr. McKenna – yes. Motion approved. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: Mayor Synan stated that he visited Flex Screen today. They were on Shark Tank last year and are located on Borland Farm Road. It’s a very interesting operation. WTAE was there filming and a lot of pictures were taken. Flex Screen now has fifty full-time employees and they run 24/7. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None ACTION ITEMS: None ADJOURNMENT: Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Brockway seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 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 -8-