Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Council members Dayne Dice, Jamie Lee Korns, Jason Lemak, Jamie Lingg, Mac McKenna, Tony Spadaro, Carl Stepanovich, and Mayor Synan. Also, present were Chief Administrator, James Morrison, Director of Finance, Diane Heming, Director of Recreation, Carly Greene, and Director of Public Works, Bill Paiano. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Dice led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED USE OF AMERICAN RESCUE FUNDS GRANTED TO THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY A Public Hearing was held at 7:00 p.m. to receive public comment on the proposed use of American Rescue Funds. Mr. Morrison gave a brief overview of the plans that staff and council have been working with. The American Rescue Funds were awarded to the Municipality of Murrysville based on a formula by the Federal Government through the U.S. Department of Treasury. Murrysville was eligible for $2,050,000 which was to be disbursed in two tranches – July 2021 and in July 2022. There was no final rule making until last month for the use of those funds. There were some expenditures which were determined to be eligible under the preliminary rulemaking, which were used for a dump truck, police car, and a project in the park. After final ruling came out, projects were reviewed, and a recommendation was made to Council from staff to use the funds to reimburse for police services during the period of March 2021 thru the period that carries through those funds. There is a list of projects to be expensed in the Capital Reserve with excess funds as a result of that, which were provided to Council at the last meeting. These projects were either delayed or were not funded due to the impact of COVID. Mr. Dice asked for any comments from the audience. Mike Kardell, 4105 Ruby Court: Mr. Kardell wanted to thank Council for arranging public input for the American Rescue Funds. He has lived in the municipality since 2006 and appreciates the hard work of Council and staff. Now you have the responsibility of distributing the $2 million in funds to be best spent for public works, fire, police, Medic One; anything that benefits the public as a whole. Schools and churches have other resources that they get funding from. That money should be spent to benefit all of the people in Murrysville and not any specific group. Mr. Kardell asked what the next process was for distributing the money. Mr. Morrison stated that if Council accepts staff’s recommendation on the projects, then they will be implemented. Projects proposed were improvements at the parks, the amphitheater, replace air and heating units at the Municipal Building (which doubles as the Emergency Management Center), at the Community Center (which serves as a shelter during emergencies), and at the Public Works building. The two pedestrian bridges in Duff Park would be addressed and an emergency generator would be placed at the Community Center as a warming shelter for emergencies. Kevin Lovelace, 5022 Wallace Road and Chris Croyle,5019 Sardis Road: Mr. Lovelace stated that he has a proposal and a list of names of residents that need water. He recently understood that the funds were to be used more for public funding, so Sardis Firehall Station 78 was also added, because they also don’t have water. The closest location would be from Bulltown, coming down Sardis, then Wallace, all the way to the firehall. Mr. Lovelace handed out a drawing showing the locations. In 2001 and still valid today, property vmp -1- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 16, 2022 owners experienced a lot of drought issues which leads to constant fear of loosing water for bathing, washing clothes, flushing toilets, and basic needs. Mr. Croyle stated that they conducted a survey over the summer and 11 property owners out of 18 were interested IN getting water; one property owner was deceased, one was a sub-station, and the other an empty lot. Sardis Station 78 impacts the population of the Sardis area, not only for saving homes during a fire, but it is also used as a voting precinct, fish fries for fund raisers, and to maintain the park as well. Please consider their waterline project in the use of American Rescue Funds. Paul Rizzo, Pleasant Valley Road: Mr. Rizzo would like Council to consider the possibility of putting some of the money towards improvements at Pleasant Valley Park. It doesn’t get the attention that other parks get. There are no toilet facilities there except for a port-a-john right along the road, which isn’t keeping with the Murrysville image. Mr. Rizzo strongly supports putting a toilet facility at that park. Mr. Morrison stated that he had a letter sent to him to read into the minutes from a group of residents on General Forbes Road and provided by Mr. Lamanna, the group leader. Six Murrysville homeowner residents formed a task group to bring Municipal sewage to their homes. The Municipal Authority is aware of this project and is actively engaged. One of the stated uses for the American Rescue Funds is for sewer infrastructure. Their task group is designing and installing a collection line for the conveyance of Municipal waste from their homes to an existing FTMSA manhole in the DeCesare Bella Moise Plan along School Road South. FTMSA is overseeing the project to enable their ultimate acceptance of the CL as part of the FTMSA sewage system. However, the six homeowners are completely funding the project and the CL will be available for tap-ins from other homes nearby. This project can serve as a positive demonstration model for other groups of homeowners with the same need for municipal sewage. The total estimated cost of this project is $161,000 and is comprised of two parts: Cost to design and install the system $60,000 and cost pertinent to the homeowners $101,000. Hearing no further comments, Mr. McKenna moved to close the Public Hearing in regard to the American Rescue Fund. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:20 p.m. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Tony Spadaro, Mac McKenna, Jamie Lingg, Dayne Dice, Carl Stepanovich, Jason Lemak, Jamie Lee Korns, and Mayor Synan. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: A. Approval of February 2, 2022, Council Meeting Minutes. B. Accounts Payable C. Cash Investments and Transfers Mr. Dice noted that he will abstain from any accounts payable matters or any cash investments related to KU Resources. vmp -2- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Mr. Spadaro made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar Items A, B, and C. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Synan presented the following: AARP Tax Prep program will be held at Murrysville Community Center on select Fridays in February, March, and April. You must set up an appointment in advance. No walk-in service will be available. Call to make your appointment at 412-394-8959. If there is no answer, leave a message and your call will be returned. Murrysville’s 12 for 12 is still going on through March 31st. The Murrysville Recreation Department and Westmoreland Conservancy are 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. For more information go to www.murrysvilleparecreation.com. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that two candidates were interviewed for the Chief Administrator position. A third will be interviewed on Friday. Over the next few months, Mr. Morrison stated that he will be serving on a Task Force to bring broadband services to Westmoreland County. COMMUNITY INPUT: Mr. Dice stated that residents can speak about whatever they would like, as long as it is three minutes or less. Jim Canobbio, 1215 Twelve Oaks Court: Mr. Canobbio stated that he is currently the general manager of L&A Construction Company located at 2000 Borland Farm Road. He is in the process of purchasing the property from the current owners. There is a proposal coming up later on the agenda regarding acid mine drainage project which would directly affect the property he intends to purchase. He has some concerns and would like to know what is going on and requests any visitors to the site to check into their office first before coming and walking onto their property. He would like to be kept in the loop on what is happening to protect his investment. LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. Stepanovich: The Parks and Recreation Foundation did meet. The cornhole location will be determined in the future. The donation tower will be located between the Splash Pad and playground in MCP. Particulars are a work in process. At the Planning Commission meeting last Tuesday, Bob Mitall was re- elected as Chairman and Jayne Hoy as Vice Chairman. Murrysville Corporate Park, which is a warehouse development located on Mellon Road and Route 22, requests four ordinance waivers (pipe slope, air quality, acoustic, and the impact study). There was a significant discussion on the glazing requirements for the building. Tommy’s Express Car Wash will be going into what was Choice Auto on Old William Penn Highway and facing Business Route 22. That application was accepted. Cherry Farm development located along Cherry Drive was also discussed. The developer-engineer was present. At this point there wasn’t sufficient information to have the application started so it was not accepted. There was five resident inputs on the development dealing mostly with the environment, the stream on the property, slope stability, and construction traffic. The next meeting is March 8th. Mr. Spadaro: Medic One meets tomorrow night. vmp -3- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Dr. Lee Korns: The Pension Committee met this morning, but she was not able to attend. While our accounts tend to fare very well, January was not a good month for us. Mr. McKenna: Last Tuesday, Parks and Recreation had a joint meeting with the Foundation. The Neighborhood Park Survey is very important to provide a vision on what is wanted and needed in the community. Please fill out the survey. Public Works did a great job with all the snow and after that they painted picnic tables and all of the garbage cans for the parks, picked up the block for Pedora Park, and are still working on the waterline at MCP. Egg my Yard was a big success last you. You have to sign up for that so make sure you go on the website to register. A Hot Chocolate Hike was held on Valentine's Day which was very successful. Another Hot Chocolate Hike will be held at MCP on March 26th. Mr. Dice: FTMSA meets tomorrow. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 9.A. A presentation on the proposed acid mine drainage remediation and greenspace development project. Timothy Denicola, Project Manager for CEC, gave a presentation on behalf of the Lyons Run Watershed Association. Mr. Denicola stated that what they are proposing is a mine water remediation project in collaboration or conjunction with greenspace development and development of recreational space. The water quality of Turtle Creek is being degraded by two sources of acidic abandoned mine drainage emanating from the former Export and Delmont coal mines. The mine water is high in acidity, iron, and aluminum, which kills fish, eliminates aquatic habitat, and strains the stream channel with orange and white deposits from the iron and aluminum. Lyons Run Watershed Association is proposing an innovative approach to remediate the abandoned mine drainage and restore the Upper Turtle Creek Watershed. The proposed project combines proven AMD treatment technologies with development of aquaculture, recreation, and ecological green spaces. Treated mine water will be used to raise recreational game fish in publicly accessible fishing ponds surrounded by walking trails and picnic areas. The proposed project will be located on Export Borough owned property, across Turtle Creek from the Westmoreland Heritage Trail. The five-acre site will provide recreational opportunities near a regional trail having broad geographic connectivity. The AMD treatment process will improve water quality, the aquatic ecosystem, and aesthetic value of Turtle Creek through Export Borough and the Municipality of Murrysville, extending these benefits downstream. The Lyons Run Watershed Association is interested in collaborating with other partners and stakeholders on the project, including local municipalities, landowners, other watershed organizations, environmental non-governmental organizations and resource agencies. Mr. Denicola introduced Jim Christie, also with CEC, a landscape architect with extensive experience in making these projects happen. Mr. Christie stated that they do a lot of different projects like this and they try to tie them into the community. The recreational pieces bring people to the area and there will be interpretable signage along with historical signage of what that property was, why the mine is like it is, and how it is mitigated. It would be a learning tool as well. As the projects are being done, they are also looking at how to fund recreational pieces. vmp -4- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Mr. Stepanovich stated that he can’t object to this project, except for the funding. He sees nothing wrong with the project. Dr. Lee Korns stated that a number of resources were listed that can help with funding. Were those resources specifically for the creation and setup or ongoing operation costs? Mr. Denicola stated that over the years, these programs have evolved to allow greater components to be used for long-term operations and maintenance, as well as to allow those allocations to be invested in interest bearing accounts and other methods of accruing additional dividends on the initial value. Dr. Lee Korns asked if the estimate for a project this size for ongoing operational costs would be around $200,000. Mr. Denicola answered that was correct. Dr. Lee Korns stated that there are a lot of advantages to this program, but what are some of the concerns that might come up. Mr. Denicola answered that the most common concern would be the scent because this is a high sulfur water and there is concern that it would create a foul odor in a populated area. Because this would be coming from an automated mine water treatment plant, there is much more control over the quality of affluent water. A system like this, as long as the water is oxygenated, can’t produce the gases that produce the foul odors that people are familiar with. Dr. Lee Korns asked about noise or light pollution. Mr. Denicola stated that the light pollution would be minimal. There would be an industrial hum but it is not obnoxiously loud. Often a sound study is done and buffers around the plant can be used as part of the architecture approach. Mrs. Lingg asked if there were any other methods of treatment other than the direct treatment to reduce the AMD. Mr. Denicola stated that they are limited given that this mine water’s characteristics, its geographic location, and its volume would make it unfeasible. Mrs. Lingg asked about the security system around the plant. Mr. Denicola answered that security would be standard (high fencing, surveillance) and be decided as a collaborative group as the project progressed forward on what would need to be done and appropriate to protect both the infrastructure and the general public. Mrs. Lingg asked that, as the drainage is being treated in the water, if there is a tipping point where it doesn’t need to be treated anymore. Mr. Denicola answered no. Mrs. Lingg asked if any agencies listed in the presentation have been contacted and, if so, who are they and are they willing to participate. Mr. Denicola stated that they have coordinated with the Municipality and Export Borough and is currently collaborating with the Watershed Association in the Turtle Creek Valley and with the State Department of Environmental Protection. Mr. Spadaro stated that the initial cost would be $10 million which would be gotten from grants, funds and donations, etc. Afterwards, the yearly cost would be around $200,000. Mr. Spadaro asked who would be responsible for the $200,000. Mr. Denicola stated that has not been determined. Part of the development of the project would be identifying each individual’s responsibility. It is all still on a conceptual level. If the DEP got involved, they would likely carry the operations and maintenance into perpetuity into their abandoned mine program. Mr. Stepanovich asked if there were any fines associated if nothing is done. Mr. Denicola answered no, these are abandoned mine discharges and there is no liable responsible owner. Mr. Lemak asked where the nearest comparable size plant where this has been done is located. Mr. Denicola stated that there are a few plants along the Youghiogheny River. 9.B. A status report on the construction and rehabilitation of various municipally owned bridges in the Municipality of Murrysville. Mr. Morrison stated that staff periodically reported to Council that there are three bridges identified in Murrysville that are in poor or critical condition. Those are Cal-Ken, Logan Ferry, and Heather Highlands vmp -5- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 16, 2022 bridges. Last year Council authorized to begin studies on those bridges. Some cosmetic repairs were done on all three bridges. We are now ready to proceed with the next step to have the municipal engineer do a detailed survey identifying existing conditions, locating utilities, identifying the hydraulics of the stream and surveying the surrounding property to define the extent of the rehabilitation needed or, in the alternative to provide sufficient information to justify replacement of the structure. The estimated cost to look at the three bridges would be $30,000. It is important to proceed at this point because money is available through the infrastructure grant program at the Federal level. To rehabilitate or reconstruct all three bridges would be an expenditure of between $8 - $10 million. ENGINEERING: None COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION 13.A. Consider Resolution #747-22, a resolution approving the transfer of a restaurant liquor license Number R-15437 into the Municipality of Murrysville from Hempfield Township for Giant Eagle, Inc. 4810 Old William Penn Highway. Mr. Lemak made a motion to approve Resolution #747-22, a resolution approving the transfer of a restaurant liquor license Number R-15437 into the Municipality of Murrysville from Hempfield Township for Giant Eagle, Inc., 4810 Old William Penn Highway. Mrs. Lingg seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that at the last meeting a representative from Flaherty O’Hare handling the transfer of the license spoke. This would be a restaurant license as part of the remodeling effort that Giant Eagle is undergoing right now. Mr. Morrison wanted to clarify that Giant Eagle is not tearing down the building and starting over again and they are not relocating. They are just doing a rehabilitation of the interior. Mr. McKenna abstained from voting. All others present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.B. Consider approval to enter into contract with United Concordia Dental for the provision of dental insurance for the employees of the Municipality of Murrysville. Mr. Spadaro made a motion for approval to enter into contract with United Concordia Dental for the provision of dental insurance for the employees of the Municipality of Murrysville. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. Ms. Heming stated that several employees had issues with their dentists dropping MetLife as a covered provider due to the low allowances that MetLife pays for procedures. The dentists stated that COVID increased the costs to provide basic services while MetLife had not adjusted its coverage limits. Staff researched other providers and found that United Concordia and Guardian Dental offered plans comparable to the current plan provided. Guardian was the Municipal dental carrier several years ago and there were numerous issues with billing, invoicing, and reimbursements. A comparison of the two carriers was provided to Council. Ms. Heming noted that United Concordia has better coverage options than what we have right now, and their prices were comparable or less. The contract would be for one year with renewal after that. vmp -6- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Mrs. Lingg asked if the staff had the opportunity to make sure that the dentist they are seeing now would accept this. Ms. Heming stated that Ms. Milchak provided information to both unions and the employees were able to go online and search their different providers and no one had an issue. Mr. Spadaro noted that Farmers Insurance just bought out MetLife and plans on giving better rates in the future. Mr. McKenna stated that the school district uses Concordia and they are pretty good to deal with. Mr. Stepanovich stated that there are a lot of dentists in Murrysville and asked if any were consulted on what their opinion of insurers were. Ms. Heming answered no. Ms. Milchalk stated that she spoke to a few dentists who were currently taking MetLife and also take Concordia. They attested to United Concordia being a very good plan and easy to work with. Mr. Stepanovich asked if the board members were eligible for dental coverage. Mr. Morrison answered no – per Charter. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None ENGINEERING: 15.A. Consider authorization to advertise DPW-1-22-2022, the 2022 Municipal Road Program. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to authorize to advertise DPW-1-22-2022, the 2022 Municipal Road Program. Mr. Stepanovich second. Mr. Morrison stated that this is the annual advertising for the 2022 Overlay Program. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 15.B. Consider authorization to advertise DPW-2-21-2022, the Stormwater Basin Retrofit Project. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to authorize to advertise DPW-2-21-2022, the Stormwater Basin Retrofit Project. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is part of the MS4 requirement to stay on track with the permitting that we receive through DEP. Several ponds have been placed on this list. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 15.C. Consider the release of a bond being held to insure completion of the required improvements at 1st Summit Bank on RT 22. Mr. McKenna made a motion to release the bond being held to insure completion of the required improvements at 1st Summit Bank on RT 22. Mrs. Lingg seconded. vmp -7- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Mr. Morrison stated that the landscaping is established. It has been inspected and the bond recommended for release. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: 16.A. Consider approval of contract for portable restroom rental for the various municipal parks. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to approve the contract for portable restroom rental for the various municipal parks. Mrs. Lingg seconded. Mr. Paiano stated that proposals were sent out to six reputable contractors. Three were received back – two on time and one came later, which was rejected. Of the two, Port-A-John Rental Company was the lowest bid. The Municipality has worked with them the last six years and their service is outstanding. They go above and beyond for us. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 16.B. Consider approval of the purchase of a restroom, storage facility, and amphitheater for the amphitheater project at Murrysville Community Park. Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to approve the purchase of a restroom, storage facility, and amphitheater for the amphitheater project at Murrysville Community Park subject to the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Ms. Greene stated that these are the three structures that need to be purchased for the amphitheater project as the grant for that project keeps moving forward. Through COSTARS state purchasing, staff selected a restroom facility, maintenance shed, and amphitheater bandshell. The restroom facility through CXT is the same brand as the facility at the Visitors Center and features two unisex bathrooms with three stalls each for $156,870. The maintenance shed will be 12’x28’ with a man-door and 6’ door and a loft inside for additional storage for $16,128 plus freight. The bandshell, designed through RCP Shelters, is a 50’x30’ laminated wood gable bandshell with a back wall at $94,245. That is for the structure itself and does not include installation. Mr. Morrison noted that this is a unique project. There are multiple sources of matching funds and timing is critical. Prices keep getting a little more expensive each day. Mr. Morrison stated that staff anticipates coming to Council March 16th for authorization to advertise for bids for the earth work and construction of the facility in April and be awarded in May. Mr. Stepanovich asked if the restrooms would be ADA compatible. Mr. Morrison answered yes and that they would have time locks on them. Mr. Stepanovich asked what makes a unisex bathroom a unisex bathroom. Mr. Morrison answered, not putting a men’s or women’s signage on them. Mrs. Lingg stated that was confusing to her. After discussion of there being one urinal with two stalls in one, and one urinal with two stalls in the other with just a “restroom” sign, it was decided to change the plan to one women’s vmp -8- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, February 16, 2022 facility without a urinal and one men’s facility with a urinal posting signage to indicate men’s room and the other women’s room. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: None EXECUTIVE SESSION: None ACTION ITEMS: None ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Spadaro made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Lingg seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m. The Regular Voting Meeting and Public Hearing were 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-