Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Council members 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. Council members Dayne Dice and Toni Brockway were absent. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Mac McKenna, Tony Spadaro, Ms. Brockway – absent, Jamie Lee Korns, Carl Stepanovich, Mr. Dice – absent, Loren Kase, and Mayor Synan. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Kase led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: Mr. Kase stated that there was an unlisted amendment to the agenda. 13.D. Consider an Emergency Amendment to the Intermunicipal Service Agreement which provides for sanitary sewer service to thirty-nine properties in the Pucketa Watershed. All those present voted aye to approve adding the unlisted amendment 13.D. to the agenda. Adding 13.D. to the agenda was approved. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS A. Accounts Payable B. Cash Investments and Transfers C. September 1, 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 Westmoreland Conservancy is celebrating their 30th year. During that time, they have developed 9 reserves and 605 acres of preserved land for us. This is an all-volunteer organization committed to conservation that is funded completely by donations. Take some time to look at their website at westmorelandconservancy.org. We really appreciate what they have done for this community. A reminder that the Glass Recycling “Pop-Up” Collection Event is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Veteran’s Field parking lot, 4200 Sardis Road. The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Murrysville and Republic Services. Residents are also encouraged to support the Loaves and Fishes emergency food pantry by donating non-perishable food items. Food pantry volunteers will be at the pavilion accepting drive-thru donations during the same hours. The 10th Annual Murrysville Heritage Festival will be Saturday, September 18th from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the historic Turnpike Toll House. There will be free parking at 5337 Triangle Lane. Take a stroll through time, games, and activities for children. For more information, go to MurrysvilleHistory.com or contact Jessica at 724-516-0126. vmp 1 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, September 15, 2021 CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that, as a follow-up to the Mayor’s comment on the Heritage Festival, if you haven’t had an opportunity to go through that school house, you should really go down and take a look at it. What they did is very impressive. The Westmoreland Conservation District is having a dinner on October 6th. Last year, the Municipality of Murrysville was the first Municipality identified by the Conservation District as the award winner for the year. The event wasn’t held last year, so they will be identifying this year’s winner and also recognizing Murrysville. If anyone on Council would like to attend, please let Mr. Morrison know so that he can make reservations. Mr. Morrison stated that last week he met with Kinetic, which was formerly Windstream, to explore possibilities of increasing broadband availability and speeds here in the Municipality as part of the American Rescue Act. Mr. Morrison stated that he has had some discussions with the County, as they have the same commitment and funds. He will update Council as he proceeds with that. Mr. Morrison stated that he went to the State of the Municipality event last week, sponsored by the Community Development Corporation. The event was well attended with several local and state officials attending. Mr. Morrison noted that he will be on vacation next week. COMMUNITY INPUT: Gail Shoemaker, 4803 Hobaugh Avenue: Ms. Shoemaker stated that she has lived in the Municipality of Murrysville for 25 years. They have a neighbor whose yard is a disgrace to their development. There are all kinds of junk in the yard and there is an RV/trailer in the yard. Ms. Shoemaker stated that she has talked to Mr. Steele, Code Enforcement Officer, and he has followed up, but what can be done about it. Dr. Lee Korns asked what the address of the neighbor was. Ms. Shoemaker answered that the address is 4812 Hobaugh Avenue, which is right across the street from her. Mr. Morrison noted that the occupant of that address has been cited. He has 30 days to clean the mess up. If he doesn’t, the citation will go to the Magistrate. Typically, the Magistrate will give them another 30 days to clean it up. It’s a process and the Municipality has initiated the actions the end of August against that individual. Mr. Hobaugh did move the trailer from his driveway (which is the side yard) to in front of his front door. He is not in violation for that. If there is occupancy in the trailer, then there is something that can be done. Mr. Morrison stated that he encourages Ms. Shoemaker to work with Mr. Steele, who is very diligent about this, and we will do the best that we can with this situation. Matthew Aukeman, 4211 Bulltown Road: Mr. Aukeman stated that he is here to warn of dangerous over- reaches of the Federal government. On Thursday, the President of the United States gave a speech threatening people who are unvaccinated who work for a company of over 100 employees, that they are going to be required to get the vaccine. They are going make the companies force their employees to get this vaccine. Mr. Aukeman stated that he works for a company that has over 100 employees. He is asking the Municipality of Murrysville to pass laws or ordinances that will protect citizens from the over-reaching government by banning mask mandates and banning vaccine mandates. So much of what’s coming from the Federal government and these agencies are actually based on lies. It is very important that we don’t vmp 2 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, September 15, 2021 count on the State or the Federal government to keep us safe during this time. We need to start taking measures to keep our citizens safe. LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. McKenna: The Parks and Recreations met yesterday. One thing they targeted was for the community to please give any input on what they feel is needed or changes suggested for the community parks. Other topics discussed were qualified hunters for the upcoming deer management program; The Concert in the Park seemed to go over very well; The Playground Program just finished up on August 6th with an average of 20 children per day; The Farmers’ Market has done very well this year and will continue with that. A few upcoming things are the Oktoberfest which the Rotary sponsors, is September 25th. It will feature local restaurants, beer vendors, lederhosen contest. There will be a capacity limit. The Senior Halloween Party will be at the Community Center on October 29th. Each year the Recreation staff provides a Halloween Party for the Seniors with a catered lunch and entertainment. Trick or Treat on the Trail, which was very successful last year, will be October 30th. Local businesses and organizations will offer treats. Children do need to pre-register. The Rotary will provide a photo booth. Dr. Lee Korns: Nothing to report from the Pension Committee. Mr. Spadaro: Medic One meets tomorrow night. However, Mr. Spadaro wanted to give Medic One a shout-out. He attended the memorial service in Export for 911, which the Mayor also attended. Medic One had four emergencies at one time. It was unbelievable the way they handled everything. A Boy Scout had passed out. His mother, who had been working at the Italian Club, came running down the street and had a heart attack and fell on her face and had to be rushed to the hospital. While this was going on, there was a heart attack at the Senior Home in Export and someone else had passed out at the 911 service. There were ambulances, police cars, medics and everyone trying to help each other. They did a great job and it was really something to see Medic One in action. Mr. Spadaro wanted to compliment Medic One before Council. Mr. Stepanovich: The Planning Commission met last night. There was a representative engineer from Redstone Highlands who presented a plan for 47-49 single family homes that would be in context of a PRD which is required. It was established by the Municipality that an escrow account be established to cover the cost of any reviewing that needs to be done. Redstone is looking to build 2 apartment complexes and a clubhouse with the primary entrance being from Cline Hollow Road. Secondly, there was a representative from Bowser Collision Center with respect to an auto body shop located in what use to be 84 Lumber and then Creative Bus. They are looking to have 11 full time employees. There will be all inside parking of the autos; none outside. Inside will be offices, a metal repair area, two paint booths, a straightening rack, and a detailing area. Also in attendance was a representative from PPG Paints. Water base paints will be used. The water in the paints will be filtered twice. The plan was approved with several conditions. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: None PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None ENGINEERING: None vmp 3 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, September 15, 2021 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None ADMINISTRATION: None COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 13.A. Consider appointment of Donald McMahon to the Library Board to fill an unexpired term ending December 31, 2021 Mr. Spadaro made a motion to appoint Donald McMahon to the Library Board to fill an unexpired term ending December 31, 2021. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. 13.B. Consider appointing Hoffman Boarding Kennels as dog-control officer for the Municipality of Murrysville for a two-year term Mr. McKenna made a motion to appoint Hoffman Boarding Kennels as dog-control officer for the Municipality of Murrysville for a two-year term. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Ms. Heming stated that this is the contract that we get from Hoffman every year. Dr. Lee Korns asked if there were still no other options. Mr. Morrison answered that was correct. Ms. Heming noted that there have been no complaints. Everyone seems to be satisfied and happy with them. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. 13.C. Consider approval of the sale of two police motorcycles to Mechanics Plus Towing and Transport in the amount of $19,900 Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to approve the sale of two police motorcycles to Mechanics Plus Towing and Transport in the amount of $19,900. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that in July, Council authorized to advertise the sale of the vehicles. The estimated value of the vehicles was between $12,000 - $15,000 so we were pleased to get the $19,900 for them. The police, at a future meeting, will make a presentation to consider the purchase of a license plate reader with those proceeds. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. vmp 4 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, September 15, 2021 13.D. Consider an Emergency Amendment to the Intermunicipal Service Agreement which provides for sanitary sewer service to thirty-nine properties in the Pucketa Watershed. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to consider an emergency amendment to the Intermunicipal Service Agreement which provides for sanitary sewer service to thirty-nine properties in the Pucketa Watershed. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that, as outlined in the briefing, back in 2018 Murrysville entered into an agreement with Washington Township, MAWT, FTMSA, and Kiski Authority to provide an opportunity for 39 Murrysville properties to enter into the Washington Township Sanitary Sewer System. The Hollerans own a property adjacent to the 39 properties that were identified. Their septic system has failed and they really have not other alternative but to get into the system. Since the agreement had only identified those 39 properties, the agreement has to be amended to include them so that they can tie into the existing system. Mr. Kase asked if this would also have to be approved by Washington Township. Mr. Morrison answered yes, it will have to be approved by Washington Township, MAWT, FTMSA, Murrysville, and Kiski Authority. They will all be approving it this month. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 14.A. Consider authorization to advertise Ordinance No. 1047-21, an Ordinance accepting a storm water easement in the Bianca Rose Plan of Lots Mr. Spadaro made a motion to authorize advertising of Ordinance No. 1047-21, an ordinance accepting a storm water easement in the Bianca Rose Plan of Lots. De. Lee Korns seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that last month the streets were accepted in Bianca Rose, but staff had advised not to accept the storm sewer system in the plan because of issues with easements for the stormwater sewer system. They since secured those easements necessary, and this provides for the acceptance for that easement. In a future meeting they will probably be petitioning for the acceptance of the storm sewer system once this is done. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. ENGINEERING: 15.A. Consider reduction of the sequestered fund amount being held for the required improvements at the Bella Molise Development in the amount of $108,872.70 vmp 5 THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Mr. McKenna made a motion to consider reduction of the sequestered fund amount being held for the required improvements at the Bella Molise Development in the amount of $108,872.70. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that Bella Molise is the development located off School Road on the old airport property. The plan has been inspected and the recommendation is to accept the request in reduction of the bond. There had to be certain stormwater improvements made to the back lots. There have been several lots sold, but they are still working on the stormwater management to the back lots. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. McKenna – yes, Mr. Spadaro – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, and Mr. Kase – yes. Motion approved. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: OLD BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Morrison stated that they have an applicant for the Zoning Hearing Board. There will be an interview set up for the next meeting. EXECUTIVE SESSION: - Legal/Personnel Mr. Kase adjourned the meeting to an Executive Session. All those present voted aye. The meeting adjourned to an Executive Session at 7:35 p.m. ACTION ITEMS: None ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 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