Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Council members Jamie Lee Korns, Jason Lemak, Jamie Lingg, Mac McKenna, Tony Spadaro, and Carl Stepanovich. Also, present were Chief Administrator, James Morrison, Special Events/Program Coordinator, Amy Wengrzyn, and Director of Public Works, Bill Paiano. Mayor Synan and Council member Dayne Dice were absent. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Tony Spadaro, Jamie Lingg, Dayne Dice - absent, Carl Stepanovich, Jamie Lee Korns, Mac McKenna, Jason Lemak, and Mayor Synan - absent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Spadaro led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that there was one amendment. Remove item 16.B. Mr. Kelsey has decided to reapply to the Recreation Board. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: A. Approval of January 3, 2022, Council Meeting Minutes. B. Accounts Payable C. Cash Investments and Transfers Mr. McKenna made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar Items. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison presented the Mayor’s Comments on behalf of Mayor Synan. AARP Tax Prep program will be at Murrysville Community Center on select Fridays in February, March, and April. Appointments only – No walk-in service. Call to make your appointment at 412-394-8959. Managing Stormwater – a workshop for homeowners. Thursday, February 3rd at 7:00 p.m. This on-line workshop will teach you how to recognize how stormwater moves across your property, develop a plan to get the water to soak into the ground, and evaluate options for managing stormwater like rain barrels, rain gardens, and more. Hot Chocolate Hike will be held Saturday, January 29th at 10:00 a.m. Join the Recreation Department and Westmoreland Conservancy for an easy 2–3-mile hike at the Valley Trail in MCP and connecting to the trails of the Walter Reserve. This family-friendly hike is great for all ages. Meet at Field 3 parking lot in Murrysville Community Park. Murrysville’s 12 for 12 will be held January 1st through March 31st. The Murrysville Recreation Department and Westmoreland Conservancy is challenging the community to explore 12 miles in the parks. You can walk, bike, or run 12 miles in the Murrysville Parks, Westmoreland Heritage Trail, or any Westmoreland Conservancy Reserve property. The event is free. For more information go to www.murrysvilleparecreation.com. vmp -1- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Ulysses S. Grant will be speaking in Murrysville on February 9th at 6:30 p.m. about the surrender of Robert E. Lee in 1865. This program will be held at the Murrysville Municipal Building and will be broadcast on Murrysville’s local Channel 19 and live streamed. Registration is encouraged. Call 724-327-2100 x131 for more information. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that the website is currently undergoing re- design. A new police officer was hired, Officer Welchons, who is currently going through the training process. Notice was received from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources that Murrysville has been allocated 231 taps for the coming year. Mr. Morrison noted that this past snow has created some problems throughout the community. There were many instances where people were plowing snow back onto the roadway. We want to give the public notice that this is an ordinance violation with a $300 fine, and it will be enforced. It is unsafe and costing the municipality money. Residents are encouraged to push the snow off to the side of their yards and not to blow or shovel it back onto the street. An article will be put in the Penn-Franklin news. Dr. Lee Korns stated that she and Council would like to thank Public Works for all of their exhausting and excellent work. COMMUNITY INPUT: None LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. Stepanovich: The Planning Commission meets next Tuesday, and Parks and Recreation Foundation will be meeting in February. Dr. Lee Korns: No update from the Pension Committee. Mr. McKenna: The first hike on the trail on January 1st was cancelled due to rain. January 29th is the hike at MCP. Keep an eye out for the Neighborhood Park Survey, which will be mailed out and will also be on the website. The GAP extension on the trail is going well with negotiations from current landowners. There was a suggestion for a photographer and videography committee to help in documenting events and posting them on the website. A joint meeting between Parks and Recreation and the Foundation will be February 8th. There were a few bench proposals that are pending installation. The Scout project for signage at Townsend is underway and the digital map will be updated for the park kiosk. The gaga ball pit is underway at MCP, which will replace the tetherball pit. Mr. Spadaro: Medic One hasn’t scheduled a meeting yet this month. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 9.A. A discussion concerning the advertisement of a public hearing to take public comment on the use of the American Rescue Funds Mr. Morrison stated that the Municipality will be in receipt of a little over $2 million in American Rescue vmp -2- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Funds. The money will be provided in two tranches. The first was received the end of July 2021 and the next will be in July 2022. The staff will be participating in a teleconference on January 25th to be updated on the rules and regulations of distribution of the funds. There are four different options for use of the money which was presented to Council. The categories will be refined and presented to Council. Public Hearings are encouraged by the US Department of Treasury. Mr. Stepanovich stated that at a previous meeting, having a consultant was discussed and asked the status on that. Mr. Morrison answered that the consultant has been engaged and a list of the preliminary projects was forwarded to them. They were reviewed and found in compliance with the original rule making. There will be a follow-up now that the final rule making is completed. Dr. Lee Korns suggested that a Public Hearing be set up for the second meeting in February to give the residents more time and notice if they want to comment in person. Mr. Morrison noted that would be February 16th. ENGINEERING: None COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: 12.A. A Presentation of the 2021 Parks Commission Report Mr. Scott Kelsey stated that he will give the Annual Report for the 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission which was prepared by Ben Sampson. Mr. Kelsey stated that he has been with the Parks and Recreation Commission for 9 years. Volunteer members include, Selena Barefoot, Michael Caruso, Dave Metzgar, Barb Prosdocino, Ben Sampson, Herb Yingling and himself. Staff members include Bill Paiano, Carly Greene, and Amy Wengrzyn. Parks under the municipality are Bear Hollow, Chambers, Duff, The Kellman Nature Reserve, Kovalczik, Murrysville Community Park, Pedora, Pleasant Valley, Royal Highlands, Sardis, Skena Reserve, Staymates Cabin, Townsend, and Veterans & Beckwith Fields. Mr. Kelsey mentioned events that they play a role in and some of the Eagle Scout projects that they helped with. Tomorrow a survey will go out which will help decide what park they will do the Stewardship plan for 2022 and mentioned some of the complete Stewardship plans done over the years. Other projects they have helped in along with additional support by the municipality, staff, public works, local businesses, grants, donations, volunteers, and various groups, were the new Club House, which was donated by Richard Kacin, the Westmoreland County Park Plan with the Trail GAP Plan (completing Heritage Trail from Export to Delmont), Scout projects of the trail markers and the Gaga ball pit, the bridge replacement in Townsend Park by Gina and Jerry Diebold in memory of David Hood, new information bulletin boards in all parks, formation of the Parks Foundation to oversee all donations to the parks, the amphitheater, refurbished Veteran’s Memorial, and helping in drumming up $50,000 for new playground equipment for Pedora Park. Mr. Stepanovich asked about the status of the Club House. Mr. Morrison stated that it is delayed due to lack of materials. We can’t get the pipe from the Water Authority to extend the waterline. It is on order. Mr. Stepanovich also asked about the amphitheater. Mr. Morrison stated that Public Works is continuing to run the sewer and waterline. The building that used to be there was demolished. We are in the final stages of developing engineering drawings and cost estimates for bidding the project. vmp -3- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 19, 2022 12.B. An Update of the Neighborhood Park Survey Ms. Amy Wengrzyn showed a presentation of the five neighborhood parks that will be involved in the Neighborhood Park Survey. They are Bear Hollow (in Heather Highlands), Chambers, Heritage (in Heritage Estates), Kovalczik (closer to Delmont and needs the most work), and Pedora (has the largest baseball field). We want to hear from the community to see what they are using the parks for or what they can be used for. Ms. Wengrzyn gave each Council member one of the post cards that will be mailed out to all of the neighborhoods surrounding these five parks. There will be 1,342 cards mailed out, but anyone in the community is urged to take the survey. What are you looking for? What do you want to do at the park? What is your favorite thing to do at the park? The survey is only 9 or 10 questions and can also be found on the recreation website at www.murrysvilleparecreation.com and on the Murrysville homepage at www.murrysville.com. Mr. Morrison noted that some of these parks are 20 – 30 years old and in need of updating. Mrs. Lingg stated that she had a concern about Kovalczik Park. If people are using those tennis courts, there is a safety issue there. Ms. Wengrzyn stated that the tennis courts are not being used because they are so bad and caution tape is up there. Kovalczik Park is one of the underused parks. COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS 13.A. Consider authorization to advertise for bids for portable restrooms in the parks. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to authorize to advertise for bids for portable restrooms in the parks. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Bill Paiano stated that the 3-year contract with Port-A-John Rental Company ended, and a new contract is needed as soon as possible. The contract would be for 1-year with a 2-year option to that. The budgeted amount is not to exceed $20,000 for 2022. A few different parks that didn’t have them before will be added; Pleasant Valley Park and one at the Farmer’s Market. Mr. Morrison noted that there are port-a- johns year-round at MCP because a lot of people use that park to walk around. Mr. Paiano said that they also have year-round port-a-johns at Duff Park because of the trails. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 14.A. Consider approval of CU-4-21, a conditional use application for a major timber harvest, 60 +/- acres, tax parcel # 49-04-00-0-044, 5010 Saltsburg Road, R-R zoning. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to approve CU-4-21, a conditional use application for a major timber harvest, 60 +/- acres, tax parcel # 49-04-00-0-044, located at 5010 Saltsburg Road, R-R zoning. Mr. McKenna seconded. vmp -4- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Mr. Morrison stated that the proposed use is for 60 acres of selective cut on Saltsburg Road. The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing and made recommendations to approve. Council subsequently held a Public Hearing as required on December 15th and is before Council for approval this evening with no conditions. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. 14.B. Consider approval of the Bell/Jackson subdivision plan, a lot line revision and consolidation of parcels 49-04-00-0-020, 49-04-00-0-021, and 49-04-00-0-022 to convey 0.765 acres to parcel 49-04-00-0-021 and consolidate parcels 49-04-00-0-020 and 49-04-00-0-022, 5024 and 5028 Saltsburg Road, R-R zoning. Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to approve the Bell/Jackson subdivision plan, a lot line revision and consolidation of parcels 49-04-00-0-020, 49-04-00-0-021, and 49-04-00-0-022 to convey 0.765 acres to parcel 49-04-00-0-021 and consolidate parcels 49-04-00-0-020 and 49-04-00-0-022, 5024 and 5028 Saltsburg Road, R-R zoning. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is a simple subdivision for lot consolidation. After conveyance and consolidation, the parcels will contain 7.217 acres and 1.757 acres on Saltsburg Road. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. 14.C. Consider approval of Resolution 744-22, a resolution amending the Municipality’s Act 537 Sewer Plan to construct a sewer extension eliminating the Murrysville Heights Pump Station. Mr. Lemak made a motion to approve Resolution 744-22, a resolution amending the Municipality’s Act 537 Sewer Plan to construct a sewer extension eliminating the Murrysville Heights Pump Station. Mrs. Lingg seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that the Municipality is currently under a tap allocation program with the DEP. Any land developments, sewer extensions, or new treatment facilities require an amendment to the Act 537 Plan. This application is for the removal of the Murrysville Heights Pump Station and extension to the gravity flow line system constructed as part of the Hillstone Development project to service existing homes. This impacts approximately 43-48 residents. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. ENGINEERING: 15.A. Consider approval of a partial bond release for Murrysville Racquet Club. Mr. McKenna made a motion to approve bond release for Murrysville Racquet Club. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. vmp -5- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Mr. Morrison stated that this is the outdoor tennis courts next to the existing Racquet Club. They have completed most of the improvements, which have been inspected by the Engineer. The remainder of the bond will be held for landscaping and paving which will be completed in the spring. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. ADMINISTRATION: 16.A. Consider authorization to advertise Ordinance No. 1056-22, specifying the rate of pension contributions with respect to the Police Uniform Pension plan for the calendar year 2022. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to advertise Ordinance No. 1056-22, specifying the rate of pension contributions with respect to the Police Uniform Pension plan for the calendar year 2022. Mrs. Lingg seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is an annual event to set the rate of 5% payroll contribution of the Police Department into their Police Pension Plan. Mr. Morrison noted that the Pension Plan is funded 100%. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. 16.B. Consider acceptance of the resignation of Scott Kelsey from the Recreation Board. Removed from the agenda. 16.C. Consider acceptance the resignation of Barbara Prosdocino from the Recreation Board. Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to accept the resignation of Barbara Prosdocino from the Recreation Board. Mr. McKenna seconded. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. 16.D. Consider the appointment of applicants to the various Boards and Commissions. Environmental Advisory Committee: Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to re-appoint both Alan Halperin and Shelly Tichy to the Environmental Advisory Committee with terms expiring 12/31/24. Mr. Lemak seconded. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. Franklin Township Municipal Sewer Authority: Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to appoint Mark Stickel to the vacancy on FTMSA for a term expiring 12/31/26. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. Library Board: Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to appoint Paige Perry and Jill Cooper to the Library Board with terms expiring 12/31/24. Mrs. Lingg seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. vmp -6- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Personnel Board: Mrs. Lingg made a motion to re-appoint Michael Korns to the Personnel Board with term expiring 12/31/24. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Dr. Lee Korns stated that she will abstain from this vote. All others present voted aye. Motion approved. Parks and Recreation: Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to re-appoint Scott Kelsey and Herb Yingling (School Board appointment) and appoint Celina Kandala to the Parks and Recreation Commission with terms expiring 12/31/24. Mrs. Lingg seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. Zoning Hearing Board: Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to re-appoint Matthew Prather to the ZHB with term expiring 12/31/24. Mr. Lemak seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. Planning Commission: Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to re-appoint Ed Patrick and Anthony Livecchi to terms expiring 12/31/25 to fill the two vacancies. Mrs. Lingg seconded. All those presented voted aye. Motion approved. Dr. Lee Korns asked Mr. Morrison to please notify the appointed applicants and thank those who weren’t appointed. 16.E. Consider authorization to advertise for a public hearing to take comment on an application for the intermunicipal transfer of a restaurant liquor license into the Municipality of Murrysville by Giant Eagle, Inc. Mrs. Lingg made a motion authorize to advertise for a public hearing to take comment on an application for the intermunicipal transfer of a restaurant liquor license into the Municipality of Murrysville by Giant Eagle, Inc. Mr. Lemak seconded. Mr. McKenna stated that he is going to abstain due to his family’s interaction with Giant Eagle and having the beer distributor attached to Giant Eagle. Mr. Morrison stated that Giant Eagle is undergoing a major remodeling. The remodel will include a dining area with an array of food options to dine-in or take to-go, as well as an offering of beer and wine which will be sold to-go. The normal process is to hold a public hearing, forward to the Liquor Control Board, the property needs to be posted, and then an action on a Resolution will be necessary after the public hearing. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – abstain, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. 16.F. Consider approval of a five-year agreement with the unionized employees of the Murrysville Public Works Department. Mr. Lemak made a motion to approve the five-year agreement with the unionized employees of the Murrysville Public Works Department. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Morrison wanted to thank Mr. Dice and Mr. Kase for their participation on the committee, which met about 4 times during the last few months of 2021. The 5-year contract will consist of a 2.75% per year wage increase, an increase in uniform allowance to $400 per year, a change in the probationary period from 90 calendar days to 90 working days, and a clause defining overtime refusal. vmp -7- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. 16.G. Consider approval of Resolution #746-22, a resolution mandating the Municipality of Murrysville prepare, maintain, and keep current an emergency operations plan for the prevention and minimization of injury and damage caused by a major emergency or disaster within this Municipality. Mr. McKenna made a motion to approve Resolution #746-22, a resolution mandating the Municipality of Murrysville prepare, maintain, and keep current an emergency operations plan for the prevention and minimization of injury and damage caused by a major emergency or disaster within this Municipality. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that every two years the Emergency Operations Manual has to be updated and pass a Resolution to update that manual. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. 16.H. Consider approval of Resolution No. 743-22, disposing of certain municipal records. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 743-22, disposing of certain municipal records. Mr. McKenna seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is an action taken periodically as we clean house and have paper documents filed electronically. Upon a roll call vote: Mr. Spadaro – yes, Mrs. Lingg – yes, Mr. Stepanovich – yes, Dr. Lee Korns – yes, Mr. McKenna – yes, and Mr. Lemak – yes. Motion approved. OLD BUSINESS: Opioid Settlement – Mr. Morrison stated that all of the paperwork has been filed to participate in the opioid settlement and we are just waiting for the results. Only two applications were received for Volunteer of the Year. Would Council want another article in the paper and open it up until February. Council agreed. Mr. Stepanovich asked about Emily Mallisee, the Engineer Technician, and how she was progressing. Mr. Morrison stated that Ms. Mallisee was progressing very well. She is in her third or fourth semester of classes and is taking two classes per week. She is maturing into the position very nicely. NEW BUSINESS: Site Visit Titan Well – Mr. Morrison stated that Olympus would like to invite anyone interested to take a tour of the Titan Well Pad in February. A date has not been set yet. Mr. Spadaro stated that he feels all of Council would like to go on the tour. Mr. Spadaro wanted to compliment the road crew again. They did a great job and can always count on our roads to be clear. Mr. McKenna noted that social media was all over it with people saying what a great job the road crew did. vmp -8- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, January 19, 2022 EXECUTIVE SESSION: Legal, Personnel - Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that there was no action anticipated coming out of the meeting. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. Council adjourned to Executive Session at 8:00 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 -9-