Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

COUNCIL OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Reorganizational Meeting – Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Prior to the start of the Council meeting, the Honorable Judge Scott Mears administered the oath of office to the following: Regis J. Synan, Mayor Eli Diacopoulos – Council Member Mac McKenna – Council Member Matthew Olszewski – Council Member Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held its Reorganizational Meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Council members Eli Diacopoulos, Dayne Dice, Jason Lemak, Jamie Lingg, Mac McKenna, Matthew Olszewski, Carl Stepanovich, and Mayor Regis Synan. Also present was Chief Administrator, Michael Nestico and Solicitor, Wes Long. REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Synan called to order the Reorganizational Meeting of Tuesday, January 2, 2024. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Synan led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. DETERMINATION OF VOTING ORDER – ROLL CALL: Verdale Price determined the voting order and called the roll: Mrs. Lingg, Mr. Diacopoulos, Mr. Stepanovich, Mr. McKenna, Mr. Olszewski, Mr. Lemak, Mr. Dice, and Mayor Synan. ELECTION OF COUNCIL OFFICERS: 4.A. Election of President of Council: Mr. McKenna nominated Dayne Dice for President of Council. Hearing no further nominations, Mayor Synan closed the nominations. Upon a roll call vote: Mrs. Lingg – aye, Mr. Diacopoulos – aye, Mr. Stepanovich – aye, Mr. McKenna – aye, Mr. Olszewski – aye, Mr. Lemak – aye, and Mr. Dice – aye. Mr. Dice has been elected President of Council for the Municipality of Murrysville for the Year 2024. 4.B. Election of Vice-President of Council: Mr. Dice nominated Mac McKenna for Vice-President of Council. Hearing no further nominations, Mayor Synan closed the nominations. Upon A roll call vote: Mrs. Lingg – aye, Mr. Diacopoulos – aye, Mr. Stepanovich – aye, Mr. McKenna – aye, Mr. Olszewski – aye, Mr. Lemak – aye, and Mr. Dice – aye. Mr. McKenna will serve as Vice-President of Council for the Municipality of Murrysville for the Year 2024. 4.C. Presentation of the Gavel: Mayor Synan presented the gavel to Council President Mr. Dice, who then took control of the meeting. ANNOUNCEMENT OF UNLISTED AMENDMENTS: None 1 vmp COUNCIL OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Reorganizational Meeting – Tuesday, January 2, 2024 CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 7.A. December 19, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes Mrs. Lingg moved to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2023 meeting. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. CITIZEN INPUT: None COMMENTS BY MAYOR SYNAN: Christmas Tree-cycling: Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling encourages everyone to recycle their live Christmas trees by taking it to one of the many drop-off sites located throughout Westmoreland County. There is no cost; however, the Murrysville-Export Rotary collects donations to fund their own projects at the site they host. All locations require that trees are completely bare of ALL decorations and lights when dropped off. This includes any tree bags or wrappings used to transport the tree. Murrysville location is at the Windstream parking lot near Giant Eagle. Collections will be January 7th and 14th, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Rocks Talks! Two special presentations with Erik Selinger. Register at www.murrysvillelibrary.org. “Have a Drink on Me: The Science & Songs of Alcohol” will be held Thursday, January 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Devout Brewing. This event is free. Call 724-327-2100 x131 or 724-327-1102 with any questions. Murrysville Recreation next Hot Chocolate Hikes will be Monday, January 15 at Tomer Reserve at 2 PM located in Pleasant Valley Park. Go to www.murrysvilleparecreation.com or call 724-327-2100 x131 for more information. Native Plants with Rust Belt Natives will be held Tuesday, January 16th from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Murrysville Community Library. Learn how to create a low maintenance, environmentally friendly garden space whether you have acres to plant or just a small patio. Register at www.murrysvillelibrary.org or call 724- 327-1102. AARP Tax Prep Services will be held at the Murrysville Community Center on February 9 and 23, March 15 and 22, and April 5. You must call to make an appointment in advance at 724-374-8176. If no answer, leave a message. No walk-up service will be accepted. Winter Wonderlab Stem Winter Program will be held Monday, January 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Murrysville Community Center. Registration is now open. Fee is $45.00 (10% discount for multi- family registrations). COMMENTS BY THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR: Mr. Nestico wanted to welcome the two new council members. 11.A. Appointments to Boards and Commissions: 1. Environmental Advisory Council (1 slot for 3 years): Chip Brown Mrs. Lingg made a motion to nominate Chip Brown to the Environmental Advisory Council for a 3-year term. 2 vmp COUNCIL OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Reorganizational Meeting – Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Upon A roll call vote: Mrs. Lingg – aye, Mr. Diacopoulos – aye, Mr. Stepanovich – aye, Mr. McKenna – aye, Mr. Olszewski – aye, Mr. Lemak – aye, and Mr. Dice – aye. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 2. Franklin Township Municipal Sanitary Authority (1 slot for 5 years): James Rumbaugh Mr. McKenna made a motion to appoint James Rumbaugh to the Franklin Township Municipal Sanitary Authority for a 5-year term. Upon A roll call vote: Mrs. Lingg – aye, Mr. Diacopoulos – aye, Mr. Stepanovich – aye, Mr. McKenna – aye, Mr. Olszewski – aye, Mr. Lemak – aye, and Mr. Dice – aye. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 3. Library Board (3 slots for 3 years): Theresa Long; Theresa Wubben Mr. Lemak made a motion to appoint Susan Long and Theresa Wubben to the Library Board. Upon A roll call vote: Mrs. Lingg – aye, Mr. Diacopoulos – aye, Mr. Stepanovich – aye, Mr. McKenna – aye, Mr. Olszewski – aye, Mr. Lemak – aye, and Mr. Dice – aye. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 4. Parks and Recreation Commission (3 slots for 3 years) (1 slot for 1 year – FRSD liaison): Selena Barefoot; Michael Caruso, Dave Metzgar Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to appoint Selena Barefood, Michael Caruso and David Metzgar to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Upon A roll call vote: Mrs. Lingg – aye, Mr. Diacopoulos – aye, Mr. Stepanovich – aye, Mr. McKenna – aye, Mr. Olszewski – aye, Mr. Lemak – aye, and Mr. Dice – aye. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 5. Pension Plan Investment Management Committee (2 members of the Finance Committee for 1 year): Mark Miller; Larry Schultz Mrs. Lingg made a motion to appoint Mark Miller and Larry Schultz to the Pension Plan Management Committee for a 1-year term. Upon A roll call vote: Mrs. Lingg – aye, Mr. Diacopoulos – aye, Mr. Stepanovich – aye, Mr. McKenna – aye, Mr. Olszewski – aye, Mr. Lemak – aye, and Mr. Dice – aye. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 6. Personnel Board (1 slot for 3 years): James Drnjevich Mr. McKenna made a motion to appoint James Drnjevich to the Personnel Board. Upon A roll call vote: Mrs. Lingg – aye, Mr. Diacopoulos – aye, Mr. Stepanovich – aye, Mr. McKenna – aye, Mr. Olszewski – aye, Mr. Lemak – aye, and Mr. Dice – aye. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 3 vmp COUNCIL OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Reorganizational Meeting – Tuesday, January 2, 2024 7. Planning Commission (2 slots for 4 years): Chris Kerns; Ryan Lemke Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to appoint Chris Kerns and Ryan Lemke to the Planning Commission for a 4-year term. Upon A roll call vote: Mrs. Lingg – aye, Mr. Diacopoulos – aye, Mr. Stepanovich – aye, Mr. McKenna – aye, Mr. Olszewski – aye, Mr. Lemak – aye, and Mr. Dice – aye. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 8. Zoning Hearing Board (1 slot for 5 years): Greg Hammill Mr. Lemak made a motion to nominate Greg Hammill to the Zoning Hearing Board. Upon A roll call vote: Mrs. Lingg – aye, Mr. Diacopoulos – aye, Mr. Stepanovich – aye, Mr. McKenna – aye, Mr. Olszewski – aye, Mr. Lemak – aye, and Mr. Dice – aye. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 12.A. Mayor’s Appointments: Mayor Synan read his appointments for 2024. 1. Chief Administrator – Michael Nestico 2. Municipal Secretary – Michael Nestico 3. Director of Finance and Taxation/Treasurer – Jacie Milchak 4. Assistant Treasurer – Michael Nestico 5. Director of Public Works / Parks – William Paiano 6. Director of Community Development – James Morrison 7. Director of Recreation – Carly Greene 8. Chief of Police – Thomas Seefeld Mr. McKenna moved to approve the Mayor’s appointments as listed under 13.A. Items 1 through 8. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. BUSINESS BEFORE COUNCIL: 13.A. Confirmation of Mayor’s Appointments: 1. Chief Administrator – Michael Nestico 2. Municipal Secretary – Michael Nestico 3. Director of Finance and Taxation/Treasurer – Jacie Milchak 4. Assistant Treasurer – Michael Nestico 5. Director of Public Works / Parks – William Paiano 6. Director of Community Development – James Morrison 7. Director of Recreation – Carly Greene 8. Chief of Police – Thomas Seefeld Mr. Lemak moved to confirm the Mayor’s appointments as listed under 13.A. Items 1 through 8. Mrs. Lingg seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 4 vmp COUNCIL OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Reorganizational Meeting – Tuesday, January 2, 2024 13.B. Council Appointments 1. Chief Zoning Officer – David Jobe 2. Zoning Officer – David Jobe 3. Sewage Enforcement Officer – David Jobe 4. Fire Code Official – David Jobe 5. Building Code Official – David Jobe 6. Official Newspaper Designation: Primary - Penn-Franklin News Alternate - Tribune-Review - Westmoreland 7. Solicitors: Municipal – Long & Long, LLC Zoning Hearing Board – Geary & Loperfito, LLC 8. Confirm State Appointment of Emergency Management Coordinator – Thomas Kusinsky 9. Confirm Deputy Emergency Management Coordinators – Joseph Paiano and Matt Stromberg 10. Tax Appeal Officer – Michael Nestico 11. Legal Counsel for Labor Issues – Campbell, Durrant & Beatty, Palombo & Miller, P.C. 12. Engineering and Plan Review Services – Robert Mitall 13. Emergency Services Chaplain (Police, Fire, and Ambulance) – Pastor Daniel Lawrence Mr. Stepanovich moved to approve the appointments of Council as listed under 13.B. Items 1 through 13. Mr. McKenna seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.C. Establish Council Meeting Dates and Times Mrs. Lingg made a motion to set the meeting dates and times for Council Regular Business Meetings to be held on the first Wednesday of each month and the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:00 p.m. Public Hearings will begin at 7:00 p.m., with the Regular Voting Meeting immediately following the Public Hearings. Mr. Lemak seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. (Note: Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. will be the second meeting in January.) 13.D. Designate Official Depository – Dollar Bank, First Commonwealth Bank, First Summit Bank, PLGIT, PNC Bank, S&T Bank, and Standard Bank Mrs. Lingg moved to approve Dollar Bank, First Commonwealth Bank, National City Bank, PLGIT, PNC Bank, S&T Bank, and Standard Bank as the Designated Official Depositories. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.E. Reaffirm Bank Account Resolutions MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS AT JANUARY 1, 2024 BANK: ACCOUNT NAME: General Fund S & T Bank Clearing Account S & T Bank General Checking 5 vmp COUNCIL OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Reorganizational Meeting – Tuesday, January 2, 2024 S & T Bank General Savings PLGIT General Fund PLGIT S & T Bank Police Charitable Gift Account PLGIT Pension Reserve 1st Summit Bank Clearing Account Recreation Fund S & T Bank Concert in the Park State Fund PLGIT State Funds Capital Reserve S & T Bank Checking Account 1st Summit Bank Checking Account – American Rescue $ S & T Bank Construction Checking S & T Bank Fee in Lieu Savings S & T Bank Capital Savings PLGIT Capital Reserve PLGIT PLGIT Marcellus Shale Savings PLGIT Route 22 Project Reserve PLGIT Facility Reserve PLGIT Central Recreation PLGIT Traffic Impact Fee Debt Service S & T Bank Checking PLGIT Savings Hydrant Fund S & T Bank Checking with Interest S & T Bank Hydrant Savings Bond Sinking Standard Bank 2017 Borrowing Pension Fund S & T Bank Pension Clearing Account (Retirees) Special Purpose Fund PLGIT Emergency Equipment PLGIT PRIME S&T Bank Emergency Equipment Repair Checking PLGIT Murrysville Community Library PLGIT Murrysville Medic One Mr. Lemak moved to reaffirm the bank account resolutions. Mrs. Lingg seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.F. Reaffirm Bonding of Officials 1. Director of Finance and Taxation/Treasurer - $750,000.00 2. Mayor - $100,000.00 3. Tax Collector – Bonded by Westmoreland County Policy for Real Estate Taxes; Bonded by Municipality of Murrysville for Act 511 - $850,000.00 4. Chief Administrator - $250,000.00 5. President of Council - $100,000.00 6. All other Council Members and municipal employees – blanket bond of $50,000.00. 6 vmp COUNCIL OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Reorganizational Meeting – Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Mr. McKenna moved to reaffirm the bonding of Officials in the amounts as listed in item 13.F. 1 through 6. Mrs. Lingg seconded. Mr. Dice abstained from the President of Council bond. All others present voted aye. Motion approved. ADMINISTRATION: 14.A. Reaffirm the Police Chief’s Agreement between the Municipality of Murrysville and Chief Thomas Seefeld. Mrs. Lingg made a motion to reaffirm the Police Chief’s Agreement between the Municipality of Murrysville and Chief Thomas Seefeld. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 14.B. Reaffirm the Police Captain’s Agreement between the Municipality of Murrysville and Captain Thomas Kusinsky. Mr. Lemak made a motion to reaffirm the Police Captain’s Agreement between the Municipality of Murrysville and Captain Thomas Kusinsky. Mrs. Lingg seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 14.C. Reaffirm the Chief Administrator’s Agreement between the Municipality of Murrysville and Chief Administrator Michael Nestico. Mrs. Lingg made a motion to reaffirm the Chief Administrator’s Agreement between the Municipality of Murrysville and Chief Administrator Michael Nestico. Mr. Lemak seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 14.D. Accept the resignation of Mark Stickel from the Franklin Township Municipal Sanitary Authority board, said term to expire December 31, 2026. Mrs. Lingg made a motion to accept the resignation of Mark Stickel from the Franklin Township Municipal Sanitary Authority board. Mr. Lemak seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 14.E. Publish a notice of vacancy, accept letters of interest and interview candidates at 6:00 PM on February 7, 2024 to fill the remainder of an unexpired term on the Franklin Township Municipal Sanitary Authority board, said term to expire December 31, 2026. Mrs. Lingg made a motion to publish a notice of vacancy, accept letters of interest and interview candidates at 6:00 PM on February 7, 2024 to fill the remainder of an unexpired term on the Franklin Township Municipal Sanitary Authority board, said term to expire December 31, 2026. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 14.F. Publish a notice of vacancy, accept letters of interest and interview candidates at 6:00 PM on February 7, 2024 to fill a vacant seat on the library board, said term to expire December 31, 2026. 7 vmp COUNCIL OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Reorganizational Meeting – Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Mr. Lemak made a motion to publish a notice of vacancy, accept letters of interest and interview candidates at 6:00 PM on February 7, 2024 to fill a vacant seat on the library board, said term to expire December 31, 2026. Mrs. Lingg seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: None OTHER BUSINESS: None ADJOURNMENT: Mr. McKenna made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. The Reorganizational Meeting was broadcast on local government Channel 19. A true and correct 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. 8 vmp