Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, July 7, 2021 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Council members Toni Brockway, Mac McKenna, Tony Spadaro, Carl Stepanovich and Mayor Synan. Also, present were Chief Administrator, James Morrison, Director of Recreation, Carly Greene, Director of Public Works, Bill Paiano, and Solicitor, George Kotjarapoglus. Council members Dayne Dice, Loren Kase, and Jamie Lee Korns were absent. Mr. Morrison noted that this evening we do not have a president or vice-president to chair the meeting. On the advice of the Solicitor, he suggested that we take nominations from the floor for a temporary chairperson to bring the meeting to order. Mr. Stepanovich nominated Tony Spadaro for interim President of Council. Hearing no further nominations, Mr. Morrison closed the nominations. All those present voted aye. Mr. Spadaro will chair the meeting this evening. LIBRARY – NEW COORDINATOR OF YOUTH SERVICES Amy Riegner, Director, introduced the new Coordinator of Youth Services, Rebecca Martinazzi, who will explain a little bit about the summer reading program. Becky Martinazzi stated that there several reading options available this summer. The library is very excited to be back to doing some in-person programs and have opted to do some programs outside this summer which will be combined with some virtual options also. Children and adults are being encourages to do reading through an app called “Beanstack” and track your reading for prizes. There are several special programs happening, which you can register for by coming to the library or registering on the website. • Friday, July 9, 4:00 pm, Dog Reading Pals: Practice reading out loud to a friendly therapy dog. This is for grades K-6. Location is Veteran’s Pavilion. • Monday, July 12, 5:30 pm, Magic Show: For all ages. Drop by, no registration or limit at Townsend Park. • Monday, July 19, 5:30 pm, Meet Homer the Pet Pigeon: This program will be held at the library. • Wednesday, July 21, 1:00 pm, Pokemon League: Bring your cards to play and trade at the library. • Thursday, July 22, 7:00 pm, Kahoot! Trivia – a virtual program: Get the family together for some animal- themed trivia. • Friday, July 30, 1:00 pm, K9 Demo: Join Sgt. Scott Kettren and his K9 companion of the Murrysville Police Department. This will be held at Veterans Pavilion. This is just a few of the programs available for children and families. Amy Riegner mentioned a sampling of some of the adult programs available. Check out the library webpage for a full list of programs and details at murrysvillelibrary.org - Events Calendar. Regarding COVID, masks are recommended because children cannot be vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated and do not want to wear a mask, you are within your rights not to wear one. If you are not vaccinated, please continue wearing a mask. The library is open Mondays 10 am-7 pm, Tuesday - Friday 10 am-5 pm and Saturdays 10 am-4 pm. vmp -1- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, July 7, 2021 REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Tony Spadaro, Jamie Lee Korns - absent, Carl Stepanovich, Loren Kase - absent, Toni Brockway, Mac McKenna, Dayne Dice - absent, and Mayor Synan. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Spadaro led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that there will not be an Executive Session this evening. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: A. Approval of June 16, 2021, Council Meeting Minutes Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to approve the June 16th Council Meeting Minutes. Ms. Brockway seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Synan stated that Tuesdays at Townsend are going well. The next one will be July 20th from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Entertainment is by Detention with food truck Mobile Chef and Sobel’s Obscure Brewery. Old William Penn Highway is being repaved. Stay away from it if you can or expect delays. Completion date is scheduled for July 21st. Pipeline Purge at Townsend Park is being sponsored by Murrysville Recreation Department. How many one-mile laps can you run in two hours? Saturday, July 17th at 7:30 am and 10:00 a.m. Contact the Recreation Department for any additional details on this event. Backyard Composting Workshop will be July 14th via Zoom webinar with compost bin distribution at the Murrysville Municipal Building. Price is $70/person. Register online at www.murrysville.com. Happy 100th Birthday to Joyce Frost. Joyce moved to Murrysville with her husband in 1948 and has been active in many community organizations. Her work is on display this month in the Murrysville Community Library. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: None COMMUNITY INPUT: Mary Hicks, 4760 Old William Penn Highway: Ms. Hicks stated that she has lived about 100 feet from the intersection of School Road and Old William Penn for about 15 years. The Franklin Regional complex is about a minute away. She is here to let Council know that Murrysville has a big pollution problem especially near the Franklin Regional complex. Thirty thousand vehicles a day, cars and trucks, travel Route 22, which is only 500 feet from the Franklin Regional complex. Ms. Hicks noted that she does not have children, but she is speaking out because she is alarmed at what she does see and how sick she has felt living close to so much traffic. She is always congested and groggy. If she is sick from this pollution, then it is affecting the kids too. A few months ago, she had an air quality monitor installed outside her home which is vmp -2- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, July 7, 2021 linked to the Worldwide Purple Air Quality Map. The screenshot she presented shows levels of PM 2.5 pollution which is fine particle pollution that is particularly harmful to children. PM 2.5 includes chemicals, dust, soot, metals and comes from cars and trucks, factories and wood burning in Murrysville. Much of this matter is carcinogenic diesel pollution, which causes cancer. These pollution particles can bypass the nose and throat and penetrate deep into the lungs and may even enter the circulatory system, which can trigger chronic diseases such as asthma, heart attacks, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. These PM 2.5 pollution levels far exceed the EPA standards for safe air. As the climate warms and Murrysville becomes more developed, pollution levels here are going to keep increasing. Matthew Aukerman, 4211 Bulltown Road: Mr. Aukerman stated that 6 years ago he became a Murrysville resident after his service with the Army. He is thankful and blessed that he was able to make Murrysville his community and wants to maintain the level of a great community, not only for adults but for the children especially. He is here because of a very disturbing trend from the Federal Government and the State Government. For example, the critical race theory is being pushed through school districts throughout the country, which is nothing but a poison to the minds of the children. Mr. Aukerman wants to raise everyone’s attention to make sure that we as citizens of Murrysville make sure that the critical race theory or anything like it where it teaches people to judge others by skin color, that we keep that out of the schools. Also, he has a concern about June 15th when the White House come out with the National Security Council for national strategy for countering domestic terrorism. This is quite frightening. It talks about the two biggest threats in American as being white supremacy and organizations and people who think that the Federal Government is overreaching. Murrysville, itself cannot do anything about it, but we can take steps to make sure that people are safe from overreaching Federal Government documents and efforts like this. To protect the citizens of any real terrorism within our city limits, what would law enforcement do? Would we protect the citizens, or would we protect the violent perpetrators? Mr. Aukerman stated that he has written to both the State and Federal Congressmen plenty of times and wanted to continue his effort. LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mayor Synan: Medic One has been awarded the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Award for cardiac and stroke patient care for the 5th year. They also were awarded for the 5th year, the expert level for Pediatric Care Preparedness from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Mr. McKenna: Parks and Recreation meets next week. Ms. Brockway: The Library just gave a wonder rendition of their summer programs and encourages everyone to go onto the library website at murrysvillelibrary.org and take a look at their programs and details. Mr. Stepanovich: Planning Commission meets next week, and Parks and Recreation Foundation also meets next week. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 9.A. A Discussion Concerning the Receipt of Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act vmp -3- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, July 7, 2021 Mr. Morrison stated that the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 established the Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds to deliver $350 billion to state and local governments to bolster their response to the COVID-19 emergency and its economic impacts. Murrysville is eligible to receive approximately $2 million through the state of Pennsylvania in two equal payments. The first will be received the end of this month and the second will be one year later. The funds are to be used in very strict categories: 1) Response to the Public Health Crisis and Economic Impacts; 2) Premium Pay for Essential Workers; 3) Replacement of Public Sector Revenue; and 4) Investment in Water and Sewer Infrastructure and Broadband Infrastructure. The staff has developed a very preliminary list of projects based on the understanding of the eligibility guidelines which is included in the support documents file. The list could change as guidelines are finalized. Staff will then come back to Council with a list of projects that match those eligible categories. Mr. Spadaro asked if the whole amount of money is sent or will it be allocated as work is done. Mr. Morrison stated that the money will be sent in two payments and put in the bank account. Mr. Stepanovich stated that he read in the paper that Penn Township has come up with some estimates and asked if staff has looked at that. Mr. Morrison stated that the document he referred to identified specific projects and a preliminary estimate of costs. Mr. Stepanovich asked if police overtime had any applicability. Mr. Morrison answered yes, but it would have to be directly related to COVID response. Mr. Stepanovich asked about widening Wiestertown Road for emergency vehicles. Mr. Morrison stated that there would be property acquisitions involved there and the expense might be greater than the benefit. Mr. McKenna asked if there was a time frame for using the money. Mr. Morrison answered that the money is to be spent by 2024 or allocated to projects. Mr. McKenna asked if Wi-Fi service at MCP falls into that category. Mr. Morrison stated that they are investigating that possibility and are working with the county to get them to initiate a broadband policy and infrastructure project. ENGINEERING: None COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 13.A Consider Authorization to Advertise Ordinance No. 1045-21, an Ordinance Amending the Pension Plan for the Non-Uniform Employees Ms. Brockway made a motion to authorize advertising of Ordinance No. 1045-21, an ordinance amending the pension plan for the non-uniform employees of the Municipality of Murrysville. Mr. McKenna seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this addresses two issues in the plan. Initially the plan here is Murrysville was an Annuity Plan through a life insurance company and in the year 2000 it was switched over to a Pension vmp -4- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, July 7, 2021 Benefit Plan. One amendment would be to change the eligibility for the Preretirement Survivor Annuity Death Benefit from completion of ten years of credit service to completion of five years. The second amendment would be changing on how the Late Retirement Benefit is calculated. There was a lot of confusion on the document language and this amendment would fix that. The Ordinance will need amended if Council agrees. There will be no additional cost incurred by the Municipality. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. McKenna - yes. Motion approved. 13.B. Consider Resignation of Janet Swearingen from the Library Board Ms. Brockway made a motion to accept the resignation of Janet Swearingen from the Murrysville Library Board. Mr. McKenna seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that Janet has served on the board for a number of years and has been very valuable. If Council accepts her resignation, a letter of thanks will be sent, and the position will be advertised. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. McKenna - yes. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None ENGINEERING: 15.A. Consider Award of a Contract for DPW-6-21, Old William Penn Highway Crosswalks Mr. McKenna made a motion to award a contract to Laurel Asphalt for DPW-6-21, Old William Penn Highway Crosswalks not to exceed $59,475.00. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is for the crosswalks that got milled up as part of the highway improvement. These are at the intersection of Sardis, Blue Spruce and at the church. They are a separate part of the overlay project. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. McKenna - yes. Motion approved. 15.B. Consider Award of a Contract for DPW-5-21, 2021 Road Surface Treatment Project Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to award a contract to Russell Standard Corporation for DPW-5-21, 2021 Road Surface Treatment Project not to exceed $112,125.00. Ms. Brockway seconded. vmp -5- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, July 7, 2021 Mr. Morrison stated that this would be the 3rd year of testing out this alternate paving surface. It has been used on Wiestertown Road and Pleasant Valley Road and are pleased with the results so far. It will be used on Mamont next and if it works well there, we will hopefully incorporate it as part of our road improvements program going forward. The treatment does extend the life of the road and costs less than the overlay. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. McKenna - yes. Motion approved. 15.C. Consider Reducing the Sequestered Funds Being Held to Insure Completion of the Required Improvements at the Hillstone Village Development Ms. Brockway made a motion to reduce the sequestered funds being held to insure completion of the required improvements at the Hillstone Village Development in the amount of $94,117.50. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that the original bond for the public improvements at the Hillstone Village Development, located at the intersection of Harrison City Road and Route 22, was $1,869,904.00. Certain work has been completed there and they are asking for a reduction in their bond. The work has been inspected and approved. The reduction would be $94,117.50 leaving $1,775,786.50 remaining in the sequestered account. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. McKenna - yes. Motion approved. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: 16.A. Consider Approval of a Contract with Kellner’s Fireworks, Inc. to Purchase and Exhibit Fireworks for the 2021 Murrysville Concert in the Park in the Amount of $10,300.00 Mr. McKenna made a motion to approve a contract with Kellner’s Fireworks, Inc. to purchase and exhibit fireworks for the 2021 Murrysville Concert in the Park in the amount of $10,300.00. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Ms. Greene stated that for many years Mr. Yant and Kellner’s has provided the fireworks show after the concert or what used to be Community Days. He is helping out again this year. We are very fortunate to have Mr. Yant in the community to provide this for us. The amount of $10,300.00 is not our final cost. Our final cost is actually $7,100.00 because Mr. Yant is again contributing his shooter fee and additional funds to make sure that the Municipality’s cost is bearable for this event. Thank you to Mr. Yant for helping us out with that because we know that with any event, the fireworks are the most expensive part of the event. Ms. Greene noted that when she attended Event Management School, they were given a price of $1,000/per minute for a quality fireworks show. Mr. Stepanovich asked how long the show was anticipated to be. Ms. Greene answered that historically the show has been around 15 – 20 minutes. vmp -6- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, July 7, 2021 Mayor Synan added that they start probably around 7 in the morning setting up and after the fireworks are over, it is probably around midnight before they leave. It is a very long day for them. Ms. Greene noted that they clean up the field in the dark before they leave also. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Ms. Brockway – yes, and Mr. McKenna - yes. Motion approved. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Morrison stated that a letter will be sent to Ms. Swearingen. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None ACTION ITEMS: None ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. McKenna seconded. All those present voted aye. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 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-