Council of the Municipality of Murrysville

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 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 Synan. Also present were Chief Administrator Michael Nestico and Solicitor Wes Long. REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Mac McKenna, Eli Diacopoulos, Dayne Dice, Matthew Olszewski, Carl Stepanovich, Jamie Lingg, Jason Lemak, and Mayor Synan. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council President, Dayne Dice led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: A. Approval of May 7, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes B. Accounts Payable C. Cash Investments and Transfers Mrs. Lingg made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items A through C. Mr. McKenna seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Synan presented slides for the following announcements. Glass Recycling “Pop-Up” Collection Event will be Saturday, June 28th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Veterans Field parking lot. Residents are also encouraged to support the Loaves and Fishes Emergency Food Pantry by donating non-perishable food items. Sponsored by the Municipality of Murrysville and Republic Services. The Murrysville Recreation Department presents Tuesdays at Townsend. There will be free live performances in the park from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on June 10th and 24th, July 8th and 22nd, and August 5th and 19th. June 10th will have Common Ground Acoustic music along with Blazzin Hibachi on Wheels and Conny Creek Brewing food trucks. Any cancellations will be posted on the Facebook event page and on our website. Murrysville Farmers’ Market will start this Thursday and be held Thursdays, June 5 – September 25, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at 3235 Sardis Road, by Murrysville Fire Department. There will be live music, weekly food trucks, local vendors and more! Mayor Synan stated that he did a Proclamation as Mayor of the Municipality of Murrysville, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Proclamation No. 228-25: To designate the week of May 18-24, 2025, as Emergency Medical Services Week. Members of emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills. It is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating Emergency Medical Services Week. vmp -1- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 4, 2025 CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: None COMMUNITY INPUT: Carl DiPietro, 2575 Linda Drive: Mr. DiPietro stated that he is a backyard beekeeper and has done this for over 10 years – 6 years in Murrysville. He has three hives that are registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. He was recently cited for a code violation that in order to keep honeybees (which are classified as livestock) he would have to have 10 acres. An anonymous letter had been sent to Code Enforcement that he was in violation of having bees on his property. Mr. DiPietro contacted several of his neighbors who were there in the audience to support him. These neighbors and friends have gone on record opposed to this anonymous complaint. He has done volunteer work in the community at Mother of Sorrows for the Brownies. He gave a presentation of the bees, the hives, showed them the smoker and answered their questions. He received a letter from the mothers of the Brownies in support of his beekeeping. He has also done presentations in some public schools on the importance of bees. One of the kindergarten teachers along with several of his neighbors have written letters in support of his beekeeping. Mr. DiPietro stated that he did not come here with a problem without offering a solution. He has a model ordinance for the beekeeping of honeybees in Pennsylvania Municipalities. It draws a distinction between a backyard beekeeper who has 2 or 3 hives and a commercial beekeeper who has 60 or 70 hives. If you have 60 or 70 hives – yes, you do need 10 acres. But not for just 2 or 3 hives that you can have in your backyard. This model legislation has been endorsed and developed by the Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association, The Penn State Center for Pollination and Research, and the Westmoreland Beekeepers Association, of which he is a member. There is also a Code of Conduct that emphasizes ethical and responsible beekeeping practices. Honeybees are the only insects that provide something for man. He is asking Council and the Solicitor to distinguish between residential beekeepers and commercial beekeepers. Mr. Nestico noted that the issue here is in the zoning ordinance. It is not just a regular municipal ordinance that would go to Council for approval. We would have to amend our zoning ordinance if Council were to modify anything in that ordinance. Mr. DiPietro is in an R-2 Zoning District which is Conditional Use. He can go through the appeal process to attempt to gain approval for that type of use on his one acre. Solicitor Long said that Mr. DiPietro would have to appeal it in a timely matter within 30 days. It would then go to the Planning Commission and ultimately back to Council on a Conditional Use basis. Mr. Dice stated that in the meantime, Council should investigate potentially amending the ordinance to differentiate between the backyard beekeepers and the commercial beekeeper operations. Roberta Jones, 4030 Norbatrol Court: Mrs. Jones stated that she married into Murrysville 27 years ago. She has been a beekeeper for 27 years. She is here to support Carl with his enthusiasm and would support a way to get the zoning ordinance changed. Maybe see what other municipalities of our size have done in creating the hobby beekeeper. A hobby beekeeper is much different than a commercial beekeeper. Beekeepers really do give to the community. Bob Myers, 3337 Mayer Drive: Mr. Myers stated that he is Carl’s neighbor. He has lived in Murrysville since 1991. Before Carl moved here, he knew nothing about beekeeping. His kids have allergies. Carl told him that local bee honey is good for allergies. He tried it and it worked! The white bee boxes are maybe 3 x 3. vmp -2- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Carl’s bees don’t bother anyone. Kids are everywhere and they are not bothered by the bees. Carl is the perfect backyard beekeeper and would like to see Carl keep his bees. Elissa DeLuca, 4113 Tartan Court: Ms. DeLuca stated that Carl has been a friend of her family for over 50 years. To say he is a good man would be an understatement. She wanted to come tonight to state her support for Carl’s bees. He gives honey to his friends and family and never asks for anything in return. He is not making a profit and is not doing anything under the table. It surely provides him pleasure, and isn’t that what we all want? She is here on the record to state that she supports Carl’s bees, his beekeeping and to keep on keeping on! Joseph Prodanovich, Jr., 3321 Mayer Drive: Mr. Prodanovich stated that he thinks that by not allowing Carl to have the bees would do disservice to our community. One day he and his nieces were on a walk, and they noticed the boxes in the back yard and asked what those were. He told his nieces that Carl had bees and said that maybe Carl would show them the hives. Carl said he would love to show them the bees and got them suited up in the bee suits and had a good time observing the bees and shared his knowledge. One day he would love to have some bees in his backyard as well. Doug Ament, 2593 Linda Drive: Mr. Ament stated that he is Carl’s next-door neighbor and is the closest to the bee hives. He has never had any problem with the bees at all. He wanted to come tonight to support Carl and Kathy in their effort to save their bees. When he has guest over, they like to go observe the bees. He actually stopped putting Weed & Feed on his back yard so the clover would grow for the bees. He enjoys the bees. Dave Donaldson, 2578 Linda Drive: Mr. Donaldson stated that he lives across the street from Carl and Kathy. When he first moved in, he didn’t even realize the bee hives were there. He has a large garden in his backyard and while weeding, he has never been stung. Collectively, with the number of people in support this evening, maybe they have 10 acres that they can go in together and have a co-op. Samantha Edmonds, 6533 Northumberland Street, Pgh: Ms. Edmonds stated that she has been an educator for 10 years. She read a letter that she had written for Carl asking Council to consider all that Carl DiPietro has contributed to his family, neighbors, and community through his beekeeping. With his honeybees, Carl has donated his time and energy to help educate the youth on their importance. Carl has presented several bee presentations at an elementary school in Homewood at no cost to the school. Carl is generous with his knowledge and resources and is truly passionate about sharing information and excitement about honeybees. The students cannot stop talking about what they had learned about bees. Ms. Edmonds stated that she cannot communicate enough just how meaningful these hands-on experiences are for our youth and the importance of students finding joy and curiosity in their learning. Carl is modeling what it means to teach and serve his community through example. She hopes that Council will truly consider all that Carl contributes through his beekeeping. Dean Deluca, 1014 Timberwood Court: Mr. Deluca stated that he has paid taxes for 33 years and loves it here. He has known Carl for a good 50 years. Carl first turned him onto the bees when he lived in Greensburg. His family has been to Carl’s home both in Greensburg and Murrysville, and in all those years, he has never been stung. He is here tonight to support Carl and his beekeeping. vmp -3- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 4, 2025 LIAISONS COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. Lemak: The Library did have an event he attended but was unable to make their meeting. The next Library meeting will be June 19th. Mr. Stepanovich: Medic One met on May 22nd. The statistics are 1,422 ambulance details of which 140 were based out of the Washington Township facility. Subscriptions are at 23.45% which is a little low. The medical insurance company for the staff has been converted to Allegheny Health from UPMC. The smaller communities that have lost their first responders, Saltsburg has signed up to the extent of 30%. The next meeting is June 19th. Darrick Gerano, was awarded as one of two in the County to receive the First Responder Recognition Award. Murrysville Parks and Recreation Foundation had a meeting on Monday. Disc Golf was discussed quite a bit. The location would be across the street from Murrysville Community Park going back behind the Nature Reserve Wetlands. The Disc Golf would probably be accessed from the Dog Park. A gross estimate would be in the range of $60,000. The hope is to be operational by 2026. To recoup some of the money from that, the Foundation would offer advertisements for tees and the nets that catch the frisbees. DJ Capezzuto was elected acting president. The fund balance was $104,761. There was a philanthropist in attendance who is looking to donate anywhere from $10,000 - $20,000 to Duff Park. One of the projects being looked at is shade structures in Murrysville Community Park. Mr. McKenna: A huge thank you to Darrick at Medic One. His daughter and her friends started a baby- sitting service over the summer, and they wanted to learn CPR and first aid. Everyone at Medic One was very nice to the girls. Parks and Recreation will meet on June 17th. There were some scouts that came to the last meeting that have some scout projects going on. They are going to clean up some of the Skeena Reserve. He was present for the presentation of Disc Golf and walked the property that was mapped out for this. There is a Disc Golf course in North Huntingdon on Nike Site Road by Oak Hollow Park if you want to check it out. Tuesdays at Townsend start next week. Mrs. Lingg: Planning Commission met on May 13th. They discussed the Ruth Gebrosky Plan, which is on tonight’s agenda. It is a subdivision and there was some concern with existing structures. The Planning Commission said that if the structures were pre-existent, that they could stay. The other item discussed was SP1-25 Summerhill Phase II. It was voted to move it on to Council with 4 or 5 conditions that still had to be met. There is no Planning Commission meeting this month. Mr. Olszewski: Environmental Action Committee discussed the Summerhill Phase II landscaping compliances. The Communications Tower application was reviewed. The next meeting is the end of June. Mr. Diacopoulos: The Pension Committee met last month and gave an update. They are not meeting again until 6 weeks from now. Mr. Dice: He was not able to make the FTMSA meeting. He did attend the Boy Scout Troup #208 flag retirement ceremony at the White Valley Amvets. It was a very nice ceremony. vmp -4- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 4, 2025 WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: None ENGINEERING: None COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 13.A. Advertise for openings on the Code Enforcement Board of Appeals. Mr. Diacopoulos made a motion to approve advertising for openings on the Code Enforcement Board of Appeals. Mr. Olszewski seconded. Mr. Nestico stated that this is resurrecting the Board of Appeals. If there are any appeal issues relating to building permits, construction violations, etc., the Board of Appeals should be in place to hear those matters. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.B. Authorize advertisement of Ordinance No. 1103-25, the Amended 2025 Salary Ordinance. Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to authorize the advertisement of Ordinance No. 1103-25, the Amended 2025 Salary Ordinance. Mr. Olszewski seconded. Mr. Nestico stated that this is to address two items within the Municipality. The proposed amendment includes restoring the position of Assistant Finance Director and filling it as a way to supplement the Finance Department. Following interviews, we believe that we have found a quality candidate that would fit better as an Assistant Finance Director. The second is to consider adding the position of Lieutenant to the Police Command staff. We currently have four Sergeants The position would be filled from within the Sergeant ranks. The Lieutenant position would oversee the other three Sergeants. A new Sergeant position would not be filled. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 14.A. Approve S-1-25 Ruth Gebrosky Plan No. 2, 5740 Mamont Road, a minor subdivision application to subdivide one 7.062 acre lot into two lots, tax parcel 49-07-00-0-230, R-R Rural Residential zoning. vmp -5- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Mr. Diacopoulos made a motion to consider approval of the Ruth Gebrosky Plan No. 2 subdivision, S-1-25, a subdivision plan proposing to subdivide Westmoreland County Tax Map No. 49-07-00-0-230, a 7.062-acre tract located along Mamont Road, into two lots in the R-R zoning district. Mrs. Lingg seconded. Mr. Nestico stated that this is a 7-acre lot which would be divided into two lots. One lot would be just over 5 acres and the other just over 2 acres. The 2-acre lot has a house, shed and corn crib. The new 5-acre lot has no structures on it. This did go before the Planning Commission and was recommended for approval at their May 13th meeting. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 14.B. Approve Resolution #799-25, a resolution amending the Municipality of Murrysville’s Act 537 plan for a sanitary sewer extension to the existing sanitary system, the Meadowink Golf Club, Tax Parcel 49-06-00- 0-075. Mr. Lemak made a motion to approve Resolution #799-25, a resolution amending the Municipality of Murrysville’s Act 537 plan for a sanitary sewer extension to the existing sanitary system, the Meadowink Golf Club, Tax Parcel 49-06-00-0-075. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Nestico stated that under the DEP Consent Agreement with the Sewage Authority, we are required to adopt a resolution anytime we amend the Act 537 Plan. This is for the Meadowink Golf Club located on Bulltown Road. The proposed work is to tie the swimming pool and the pool house located in the northern end of the property into the existing sanitary system. This has been reviewed by the Engineering Department and recommends approval. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. ENGINEERING: 15.A. Award the contract to Gibson-Thomas Engineering for inspection services for the 2025 Overlay project in the amount not to exceed $34,850.00. Mrs. Lingg made a motion to award the contract to Gibson-Thomas Engineering for inspection services for the 2025 Overlay project in the amount not to exceed $34,850.00. Mr. Diacopoulos seconded. Mr. Dice noted that there was an advertisement for Request for Proposals. Only one RFP was received. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 15.B. Award the contract to Russell Standard for the 2025 Road Surface Treatment project in the amount of $159,489.00. Mrs. Lingg made a motion to award the contract to Russell Standard for the 2025 Road Surface Treatment project in the amount of $159,489.00. Mr. Lemak seconded. vmp -6- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Mr. Nestico stated that two bids were received for the project. Russell Standard was the low bidder. The other bid was Midland Asphalt. A portion of Sardis Road from Saltsburg Road to Mamont Road is to be treated with Fibermat and a fog seal. This project was included in the 2025 CIP and came in under budget. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: 16.A. Advertise for bids for the sale of used municipal vehicles and equipment. Mr. McKenna made a motion to advertise for bids for the sale of used municipal vehicles and equipment. Mrs. Lingg seconded. Mr. Nestico stated that the vehicles are a one-ton dump truck, one-ton flat bed, a police vehicle, light plant, air compressor, utility tractor and a crack sealer. The Public Works Director estimates a return of around $60,000 for the lot of items. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented at the next meeting. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mr. Dice noted that Council did have an Executive Session to start the meeting for purposes of litigation personnel. ACTION ITEMS: None ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Lingg made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Olszewski seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. The Regular Voting Meeting was broadcast on local government Channel 21. 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 -7-