Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday April 6, 2022 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Council members Dayne Dice, Jamie Lee Korns, Jamie Lingg, Mac McKenna, Tony Spadaro, Carl Stepanovich, and Mayor Synan. Also, present were Chief Administrator, James Morrison, Retired Director of Finance, Diane Heming, Director of Finance, Jacie Milchak, Director of Recreation, Carly Greene, and Director of Public Works, Bill Paiano. Council member Jason Lemak was absent. A PRESENTATION BY WESTMORELAND COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY NICOLE ZICCARELLI Chief Seefeld stated that he met District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli when she was setting up meetings with over 30 Police Chiefs in Westmoreland County to talk about crime, what is important to them, and what is going on in their communities. The DA has a lot of energy, she is focused, forward thinking, and it’s nice to see that coming into the DA’s office. She is concerned about reaching out to law enforcement, helping in any way with funding, bettering the communication between law enforcement and the DA’s office. Ron Zona, Chief of the County Detectives of Westmoreland County, who works out of the DA’s office, is also here this evening. Several months ago, Council had authorized the sale of two police motorcycles with proceeds going toward a License Plate Reader (LPR). The LPRs are not going to be used as red-light cameras or for monitoring traffic. They are strictly a crime investigative tool. The Route 22 corridor is often a drug passageway from Pittsburgh to Johnstown or Altoona. In speaking to the DA, she was on-board with providing the funding for covering one of the intersections with an LPR. With both LPRs, the west and east end of Murrysville will be covered. District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli stated that she is happy to be in the Gateway to Westmoreland County to support the community, to support law enforcement, support the Chief, and make sure they do everything they possibly can to stop that free flow of drugs into Westmoreland County from Allegheny County and beyond. She lives in Lower Burrell, has three children, and is through Murrysville all the time. After meeting with the Chief, and asking what they needed, the number one thing was communication. Chief Seefeld is looked up to by the other Chiefs for advice, guidance, and leadership. If Chief Seefeld had not reached out to her and asked for these funds, this would not have happened because they did not know these LPRs were needed. We are now going to protect the Gateway to Westmoreland County by providing funds for an LPR to help solve crimes and protect the community. In respect for law enforcement and respect to the community, DA Ziccarelli presented a check to the Municipality of Murrysville in the amount of $13,212 from the Westmoreland County Drug Fund. RECOGNITION OF MS. DIANE HEMING, FINANCE DIRECTOR MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Mr. Morrison stated that Ms. Heming is such an intregral part of this community, including decisions made for the construction of this Municipal Building, the chairs, the carpeting, etc. She also was a big part of all the work done last year for implementation of the raising of the earned income tax. They both agreed it was important to the community to secure financial footing going forward. For all of her efforts in doing the hundreds and hundreds of spreadsheets to justify the taxation, I recognize Diane Heming for her outstanding achievement during the 2020-2021 year. vmp -1- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday April 6, 2022 Mayor Synan stated that he is honored to present Ms. Heming with an outstanding achievement award for her dedication to the municipality, providing what’s best for the municipality, whether it be for the Police Department, Fire Department, the Library, or Parks and Recreation, her heart is in it the whole way. Ms. Heming thanked the Mayor and Chief Administrator for their confidence and support through all the years she has worked for the Municipality. It has been a great place to work, and she is going to miss everyone. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Carl Stepanovich, Jamie Lingg, Jason Lemak - absent, Dayne Dice, Jamie Lee Korns, Tony Spadaro, Mac McKenna, and Mayor Synan. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Dice led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 4.A. Approval of March 16, 2022, Council Meeting Minutes. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to approve the minutes of March 16th, 2022. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: A Meritorious Citation to the Penn Franklin News for seventy-five years of service to the Murrysville Community: Mayor Synan awarded a certificate to Penn-Franklin News for 75 years of service to the Murrysville Community. Running a community newspaper is an all-consuming profession and your dedication to excellence is unwavering. A meeting or event in the community is not complete without the Penn-Franklin reporting. For such a small staff to relentlessly cover meeting schedules, special events, advertisements, and seasonal celebrations flawlessly every day is incomprehensible. Murrysville thanks you for your devoted service to the community and we look forward to another 75 years of service. A Meritorious Citation to the Murrysville Community Library for one hundred years of service to the Murrysville Community: The Mayor stated that this certificate is awarded to Murrysville Community Library for 100 years of service to the Murrysville Community. Having originally formed in 1922 by the Murrysville Woman’s Club, the Library has seen a myriad of changes. From card catalogs to audiobooks and dusty book stacks to virtual programming, the Library has grown into a full-service facility providing advanced technology, service, and programs for all ages. Congratulations to the Library staff, volunteers, Board, and Foundation members. We look forward to continued excellence in programming. Easter Pet Photos with the Murrysville Recreation Department. Saturday, April 9th from 10 AM – 12 PM at Westmoreland Heritage Trail Visitor Center, 4301 William Penn Highway. The event is free to attend, but vmp -2- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday April 6, 2022 please provide a donation to Pet Friends Animal Rescue when you arrive. Treat bags will be provided by Walker’s Pet Hotail. Contact Murrysville Recreation for more information 724-327-2100 ext. 131. Easter Drive-Thru: The Easter Drive-Thru will be held Wednesday, April 13 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Municipal Complex. Drive thru and say hello to the Easter Bunny, Yellow Chick, and pick up a free treat bag. This event is free and open to the community. Murrysville Clean-up Week will be April 25 through April 30. Murrysville residents may take items to Valley Landfill on Pleasant Valley Road. Permit passes are available at the reception desk, 4100 Sardis Road. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that on Friday, April 22nd at 3:00 p.m., will be Open House for the Clubhouse at MCP. The pipe for the water is in, electric is in, and things are ready to go. The annual report for the deer harvest was provided to Council. A successful program was held again this year in the various parks identified in the briefing. The program was initially instituted 9 or 10 years ago to reduce traffic incidents with deer along municipal roadways. COMMUNITY INPUT: Matthew Aukerman, 4211 Bulltown Road: Mr. Aukerman stated that as seen in the news, there are significant events going on, rising gas prices, and food shortages coming in the near future. He wanted to give his suggestions, as a citizen, to Council. Does Murrysville have a contingency plan for the well-being of the citizens of Murrysville if there is a destruction of daily life where people can’t be fed due to food supply chain shortages, aren’t warm, gas shortages, or financial and banking institutions being disrupted? Some suggestions might be to encourage local citizens to implement private or community gardens as well as animal management. Discuss with local scout masters for survival tips, have community classes for water purification techniques, or discussions with local churches where people could be housed and centralized. Is there a plan for the citizens of Murrysville to join together to put in work and knowledge equity to keep families warm and fed in a worst case scenario? Mr. Dice stated that there is a Murrysville Emergency Action Team that Val Mittereder runs and is ready to help people. Mr. Morrison stated Council Chambers is the Emergency Operations Center. There are groups identified as warming centers in the community. The Municipality is ready to respond in any emergency situation that they are capable of. Mr. Dice noted that they take this very seriously and are always prepared. LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. Stepanovich: The Parks and Recreation Foundation met on March 22. All members were in attendance. Jacie Milchak was sitting in for Diane Heming. The minutes of the Treasurer’s Report were approved. The cost of memorial benches has increased significantly. Thought will be given to alternate memorials with a lower cost. Little library book stalls were considered for high traffic volume parks like Duff and MCP. This would be in coordination with the Library Foundation. Initial input from the Parks Survey was that bigger playground areas were desired, additional port-a-johns, toddler specific play areas, and pickleball. Ideas for recreation was for a senior’s evening dance event at one of the pavilions and having the Franklin Regional Cheerleaders perform at the band intermission at Tuesdays at Townsend. The location for the cornhole vmp -3- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday April 6, 2022 slabs was suggested for either Townsend Park or Murrysville Community Park. The next meeting is April 19th. Next Tuesday is the Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Spadaro: Medic One met last month. They had 1,493 trips, 338 wheelchair transports, and 178 Washington Township trips. Their subscription drive is over. They raised $167,340.00 from their donations. They lost two trucks this past month; one the transmission went which isn’t worth fixing, and there was damage to the wheelchair van. Medic One is hurting right now because of the increase in fuel prices. They do have plenty of PPE supplies. They will have a financial audit going on next month. Right now they are looking for new hires which will be trained. Dr. Lee Korns: Nothing to report from the Pension Committee. Mrs. Lingg: She attended the last two School Board meetings. Currently there are no large agenda items that jointly affect both Council and the School Board. The next School Board meeting is Monday, April 11th. On April 22nd is a Finance Committee meeting and May 2nd is the General Budget meeting. Mr. McKenna: Parks and Recreation meets this coming Tuesday. The Egg My Yard is coming up on Monday and Tuesday, April 11th & 12th. There were 77 homes registered. Thank you to Carly and Amy for putting that together. A reminder to fill out your Neighborhood Parks Survey. Public Works is in the process of getting the parks opened. If you see anything out of place or that needs done, please let us know so we can address it. Mr. Dice: FTMSA just finished the flow model collection system in the COA that they have with the DEP. That is way ahead of schedule. FTMSA came to an agreement with Waste Management to accept some waste, which will create about an additional $100,000 in revenue. This will have no effect on their system. They continue to correct the 4 and 5 defects in the collection system. FTMSA installed an emergency generator at the treatment facility so that the plant can run if the public power was out. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 9.A. A discussion concerning the proposed amphitheater at Murrysville Community Park Mr. Morrison gave an overview of the background on the proposed amphitheater. In 2018, staff began discussion of an amphitheater at Murrysville Community Park. The estimated costs were approximately $800,000. The concept plan was used to apply for a grant through the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In fall 2019 a grant of $300,000 was awarded. The Municipality would be responsible for the balance of the costs of the project either through a cash match or in-kind services. In 2020, Mackin and Associates was hired to provide site plan alternatives and a preliminary design. Cost estimates on the selected alternative were estimated to be $1,200,000. Increased costs were associated with the relocation of the amphitheater, the final design, access to the site and associated infrastructure. Most of the increase could be covered by in-kind services performed by the Public Works Department. In 2021, The Municipality hired KU Resources to complete final design of the project. They were responsible for developing the site plan, preparing bid documents, and providing cost estimates. In the meantime, Public Works began installation of the necessary infrastructure to support the project. vmp -4- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday April 6, 2022 In early 2022, KU Resources provided a cost estimate for contracted services to complete the project to be approximately $1,600,000. Costs are directly related to inflation factors, availability of materials and labor due to the impact of the pandemic. At that point, staff decided to take a look at this and recommends: 1) The postponement of the bidding of the contracted services for the project due to the continued uncertainty of the labor market and availability and costs of materials. 2) A condition of the grant was to be expended by December 2023. It is recommended that the Municipality return the awarded funds and re-apply during the current grant cycle for funds which reflect the current cost estimates. 3) To continue to have Public Works, as time permits, to complete infrastructure work at the site to defray future contracted costs of the project. Mr. Stepanovich asked if the grant preparation was done in-house. Mr. Morrison answered yes. What they have now is more detailed than what was presented under the first grant application and will be made for twice the amount of the original awarded grant. If Council grants authorization tonight, staff will submit the application for the new grant. Dr. Lee Korns asked what amount staff would be asking for in the grant application. Mr. Morrison stated that it would be $623,000. That would then have to be matched at 50% either in cash or in-kind services. We hope to defray that cost by continuing to work at development of the site in-house and to do in-house work once the grant is awarded. The new grant would be for three years. Mr. Dice asked if there was a backup plan project just because $623,000 is a significant amount of money and would hate to get it and then have to relinquish that money as well if inflation and the supply shortage continues. Mr. Morrison stated that staff could take a look at that and plan accordingly. Mr. Morrison stated that it is just not the right time to be eating costs right now. The project would be put on hold right now, seek the new grant, and then continue to monitor the project provided we get the new grant. Dr. Lee Korns wanted to thank staff for looking at this closely for the good of the community. The staff is very financially responsible and tries to look for grants and tries to do work in-house to try to save us money as a community. So many people in the community love the idea of this project. We are not saying no…. we are saying not right now. ENGINEERING: 10.A. A discussion concerning the proposed posting of “No Parking” signs on the north side of Carousel Drive from the intersection of Manor Road to the intersection of Koval Court Mr. Morrison stated that this is a constant enforcement issue at this location. There is a six-unit apartment building where residents fail to use the existing parking lot and choose to park on the street, which creates a site distance issue and snow removal issue. Individuals have been cited for having uninspected vehicles and one tenant was changing his oil on the street. The only solution would be to post it no parking, which would give better enforcement power there. Mrs. Lingg asked if the apartment building had enough parking for all of its residents. Mr. Morrison answered yes that it has the required parking spaces that zoning requires. Photos were shown of empty parking spaces not being used with cars parking on the street. vmp -5- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday April 6, 2022 Mr. Morrison noted that there will be an authorization to advertise the Ordinance for no parking on that street. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 11.A. A discussion concerning a proposed alternate sewage waste disposal system for property located at 6054 Sinan Drive, Murrysville, PA Mr. Morrison stated that this is an older property located on Sinan Drive that recently has been sold. It is currently on a septic system which is failing and there is no suitable location to replace the system due to poor soils. The cost of extending to a public system is significant. The last alternative is for the property owner to create a small flow treatment facility on-site where the household sewage is treated through a process of holding tanks, ultraviolet light, and chlorine dosing. The discharge would go to a tributary. The Municipality would need to amend the Act 537 plan to permit the alternate system with conditions. Mr. Stepanovich asked about the preparation of the agreement. Mr. Morrison stated that the agreement is a model agreement which was adapted for this particular instance. There was no cost in developing the agreement, but the cost of the annual inspection and the bonding will be the property owner’s responsibility Mr. McKenna asked if this has ever been done before. Mr. Morrison answered yes, there was one other on School Road South. Mrs. Lingg asked if the periodic inspection of the system included testing the end product discharged of any biological hazards. Mr. Morrison answered yes, and the municipality will also do that as part of the sewer enforcement. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 13.A. Consider approval of Resolution No. 750-22, designating signatures for No-Lien Certifications Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to approve Resolution No. 750-22, designating signatures for No-Lien Certifications. Mr. McKenna seconded. Ms. Heming stated that currently when no-lien applications come in to verify if there are any outstanding liens on a house before it is sold, the Administrative Assistants prepare the no-lien letter and do all the research to make sure there are no outstanding liens on our end, then they send the form back under her signature (stamp). It seemed easier and more efficient for the Administrative Assistants to sign the letter since they are preparing the document and doing all the research. If there is any issues, they can go to the Chief Administrator or Director of Finance. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. vmp -6- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday April 6, 2022 13.B. Consider the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Diane Heming, Finance Director of the Municipality of Murrysville Mr. Spadaro made a motion to consider the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Diane Heming, Finance Director of the Municipality of Murrysville. Mr. McKenna seconded. Mr. Dice and Council thanked Ms. Heming for her dedicated service to the Municipality. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.C. Consider the appointment of Jacie Milchak as Finance Director, Municipality of Murrysville Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to appoint Jacie Milchak as Finance Director, Municipality of Murrysville. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is the mayor’s appointment based on the recommendation of the Chief Administrator and the advice and consent of Council. Ms. Milchak has been with the Municipality a little over a year now, she has seen the good and she has seen the bad. We wish her well and believe that she will do a very good job for us. Mr. Dice noted that he worked with Ms. Milchak on the recent Public Works contract and was really impressed. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 14. A. Consider issuance of a dangerous structure notice to the owner, occupant, mortgager, lessee, or any other person having interest in the structure located at 6026 Sinan Road, Tax Parcel 49-07-00-0-059 to repair or demolish said structure. Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to consider issuance of a dangerous structure notice to the owner, occupant, mortgager, lessee, or any other person having interest in the structure located at 6026 Sinan Road, Tax Parcel 49-07-00-0-059 to repair or demolish said structure. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is a follow-up from the Public Hearing at the last meeting. This structure was essentially burned out and reasons for the demolition of the dangerous structure were discussed. This is the next step in the ordinance process, to give notice to the property owner and give them ten days to repair or demolish said structure. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 14.B. Consider approval of Resolution # 751-22, a resolution to approve an alternate waste disposal system, 6054 Sinan Road, Murrysville, PA. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion approve Resolution # 751-22, a resolution to approve an alternate waste disposal system, 6054 Sinan Road, Murrysville, PA. Mr. Spadaro seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. vmp -7- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday April 6, 2022 14.C. Consider approval of SP-10-21, Murry Corporate Park, a major land development, corner of Mellon Road and Rt.22, tax parcel 49-21-00-0-033, B-Zoning Mr. McKenna made a motion to consider approval of SP-10-21, Murry Corporate Park, a major land development, corner of Mellon Road and Rt.22, tax parcel 49-21-00-0-033, B-Zoning. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Steve Caruso, Civil Engineering Consultants, representing Murry Corporate Partners for the Murry Corporate Park Development stated that he was here this evening seeking major land development approval. There are still three outstanding items. 1) NPDES for construction is waiting for response from the Conservation District. 2) FTMSA is reviewing the sewage module and anticipating approval soon. 3) The HOP driveway will hopefully be approved tomorrow from PennDOT. Mr. Morrison stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Land Development with 12 conditions with the request of three waivers: 1) The request for the environmental impact statement, air quality study, acoustic impact study, and community impact study. 2) Request to reduce the pipe slope requirement of 1% to .5%. 3)Request to reduce the glazing requirements on the north and west sides of the building to 0% and the east and south side of the building to 12%. Mr. Morrison presented drawings of the elevation of the building. The Planning Commission felt there was sufficient vegetation on those two sides of the building to grant the waiver. Mr. Dice asked the applicant if he reviewed the conditions and was OK with them. Mr. Caruso answered yes. Mr. Dice noted that Council’s approval would be incumbent on those conditions and those waivers as contained in the staff briefing All those present voted aye. Motion approved. ENGINEERING: 15.A. Consider reducing the sequestered funds being held to insure completion of the required improvements at Bella Molise Development in the amount of $30,000 Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to reduce the sequestered funds being held to insure completion of the required improvements at Bella Molise Development in the amount of $30,000. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this was standard process. They are nearing completion at Bella Molise. The proposed reduction items were inspected by staff and recommended that the funds be reduced. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 15.B. Consider reducing the bond being held to insure completion of the required improvements at the Villa Ciano Development in the amount of $382,266.63 Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to reduce the bond being held to insure completion of the required improvements at the Villa Ciano Development in the amount of $382,266.63. Mr. Spadaro seconded. vmp -8- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday April 6, 2022 Mr. Morrison stated that most of the grubbing, topsoil stripping, excavation, and E&S controls are in place. The request was reviewed by staff and recommends release. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: None EXECUTIVE SESSION: Personnel Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to adjourn to an Executive Session for personnel matters. There was no action anticipated coming out of the meeting. Mr. Spadaro seconded. All those present voted aye. Council adjourned to Executive Session at 8:10 p.m. ACTION ITEMS: None ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 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-