Borough Council

JUNE 16, 2015 7850 COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN met in regular session in the Municipal Building Council Chambers on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. prevailing time with President Michael Moses presiding. ROLL CALL: Davis Present Marone Absent Kostelnik Present Olack Present Kushner Present Stephenson Present Moses Present Six members present, one absent (Marone). Mayor Kelly present. CITIZENS COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: Jay Goonetilleke 404 Dennison Drive asked for clarification of the Parks and Recreation Consolidation Plan. Mr. Moses explained there are many parks throughout the Borough that are in disrepair and have not been used in many years. These parks will be closed and a lot of future development is centered at the West Mifflin Community Park. Some neighborhood parks will still be open but not one in every single housing development. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis that the Minutes of the May 20, 2015 Council Meeting be approved. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays, one absent (Marone). Motion carried. AGENDA ITEMS: A. Motion by Olack, seconded by Kostelnik to approve request by Jericho Road Ministries to utilize Gary L. Parker Memorial Playground for their 11th Annual Community Day to he held on Saturday, July 25, 2015. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays, one absent (Marone). Motion carried. B. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Olack to approve and award the Borough’s 2015 Road Program Bid to Peter J. Caruso & Sons, Inc., in the amount of $176,177.90. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays, one absent (Marone). Motion carried. C. Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis to approve the Floor Consolidation Plan, which is a 2 lot consolidation located at 4517 Home Street, as recommended by the Planning Commission. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays, one absent (Marone). Motion carried. D. Motion by Davis, seconded by Olack to approve advertisement of a Public Hearing for the West Mifflin Parks and Recreation Park Consolidation Plan. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays, one absent (Marone). Motion carried. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Community Development……………………………………………..…….Walter B. Anthony Mr. Anthony read the Community Development Report for the month of May 2015.  JUNE 16, 2015 7851 Mr. Kostelnik questioned the conditions of two properties on Laura Avenue. Mr. Anthony replied that the Borough is well aware of this situation. Numerous citations have been issued along with several vehicles being towed. He also said he knew of the Allegheny County Health Department and the Allegheny County CYS being notified. The next step would be a Court Order. Solicitor DiLucente remarked that a lien could be placed for back taxes with the help of the School District if it’s a taxable situation. Solicitor DiLucente recommended to place this violation on formal notice. Police………………………………………………………………..………….Chief Ken Davies Chief Davies read the Police Department Report for the month of May 2015. Chief Davies reported on May 13th Officers and Detectives have identified and arrested a 16 year old male from Duquesne for several armed robberies. Last Wednesday a hearing was held and it was determined this male will be tried as an adult. Chief Davies reported that all Fire Companies have been switched to 911 calls for service. Chief Davies reported that starting July 6th – August 25th Mifflin Road will be closed to all traffic and detours will be posted. Considerable discussion was held regarding Police and Emergency vehicles. Penn Dot will be contacted for further information for such vehicles. Chief Plunkett said that a plan is in place for a possible temporary move to either the old Police Station or one of the Fire Companies for EMS. Public Works………………………………………………………………….……James Hess Mr. Hess read the Public Works Department Report for the month of May 2015. Mayor Kelly asked about the Electronic Recycling day which Mr. Hess replied it will be held on August 22nd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Allegheny County Airport. Information will be posted on the Borough’s website. Recreation……………………………………………………………….…….Anthony DiCenzo Mr. DiCenzo reported that a grant has been awarded from the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County in the amount of $100,000.00. This grant will allow us to construct two full size high school regulation basketball courts. This will allow the Borough to host spring, summer and fall leagues. Mr. DiCenzo reported the Recreation Department will be hosting a free Children’s Movie Night at the West Mifflin Community Park on July 31st beginning at 8 p.m. Mr. DiCenzo reported we will have live entertainment for Community Day. Mr. DiCenzo reported a meeting is scheduled with Mr. Kamauf and Kathy Frankel from the DCNR. She will be doing the final site inspection of the soccer field and will be closing out the grant so we can become eligible for our final payment. Mr. DiCenzo reported Jumpstart Sports will be hosting a T-Ball League this summer for boys and girls ages 3-5 at the West Mifflin Little League Baseball Complex. Mayor Kelly had questions about lights for the new basketball courts. Mr. DiCenzo replied that even though the Community Park closes at dusk, the basketball courts will be open for leagues and he will coordinate with the park watchman for closing the park after games are over.  JUNE 16, 2015 7852 EMS…………………………………………………………………………Chief Todd Plunkett Chief Plunkett read the EMS Report for the month of May 2015. Chief Plunkett reported his department is working with a group out of the University of Pittsburgh called the Heart Map Challenge. This group tracks AED’s throughout the County to determine if AED’s are working. This information goes into a Registry forwarded to 911. This is of no cost to the EMS Department or the community. Chief Plunkett reported his department has been recognized by the McKeesport Hospital Foundation for efforts on the flu shot clinics and has received a $1,000.00 donation that will go directly back to the community flu shot clinics. REPORT OF THE MAYOR: Mayor Kelly commended the office of Chief Plunkett for being one of the first in the country to have AED’s in police cars. Mayor Kelly also commended the work of First Responders and Public Works for the quick response during recent flooding this past week. Mayor Kelly said that he, along with Chief Davies had a very productive meeting with tow vendors that handle police related towing in the Borough. The two vendors stated they are very agreeable to a standardized fee across the board. REPORT OF THE SOLICITOR: Solicitor DiLucente along with Mayor Kelly and Council will be forming a RFP for towing policies that are fair and reasonable for the Borough. Solicitor DiLucente reported much talk has been reported in regards to mobile homes. There is a zoning map for the Borough that can be reviewed in the Borough Manager’s office. Solicitor DiLucente reported that a memorandum of understanding between the Police Departments of West Mifflin and Whitaker will be voted on next week. REPORT OF THE ENGINEER: Mr. Jovanovich reported on the Curry Hollow Road Storm Sewer Replacement Project. He said that we have received word that PAWC will be doing the water line relocation in August. The Replacement Project should be completed this September. Mr. Jovanovich reported the bid for paving was accepted and he will get the contracts sent to Caruso immediately. Mr. Jovanovich reported he will be proceeding with the designs on the basketball courts. REPORT OF THE BOROUGH MANAGER: Mr. Kamauf read the Finance Report for the month of May 2015.  JUNE 16, 2015 7853 Mr. Kamauf reported the next date for the auction of the old Borough Building will be held on June 23rd. Mr. Kamauf reported the bid for the paver will be held on July 7th. Mr. Kostelnik questioned if a sign permit was needed for an auction sign that he saw on Pennsylvania Avenue. Mr. Anthony replied that no permit is required. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis that all bills properly approved by the Finance Committee be paid. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays, one absent (Marone). Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis to approve an increase to Cheryl Janusek for Walk Aerobics from $13.50 to $14.50 per hour. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays, one absent (Marone). Motion carried. CITIZENS COMMENTS: Jay Goonetilleke 404 Dennison Drive requested verification of the mobile home ordinance. Mr. DiLucente stated every borough and municipality has to have zoning ordinances permissible for that kind of structure. Zoning ordinances can be found in the Borough Manager’s office. Mr. Goonetilleke questioned Mr. DiCenzo about the soccer field grant. Mr. Dicenzo explained after the representative from the DCNR does the final inspection the grant can be closed out so that we can be eligible for our final payment. John Koczka 4333 Everlawn Street commented on the length of discussion of agenda items at the Caucus meetings. Mr. Moses explained the time spent on each item depends on the Agenda. Reports are not required by Municipal Code, however, any Legislative meetings requires reports from all the officers. Mr. Koczka also questioned why the payments of bills are not itemized. Mr. Kamauf explained that anything out of the ordinary is always discussed and that these bills are public record and can be obtained through the Right to Know. Harry Thompson 6679 Adams Avenue wanted verification about the violation notice he received for his car. It was explained that every effort is taken to avoid towing of a vehicle from private property. These issues will be discussed with Mr. Kamauf. Floyd Campas 6683 Adams Avenue commented that he called and complained about Mr. Thompson’s vehicle. He feels it is a safety hazard and a nuisance. Council replied the ordinance needs to be reviewed. Mr. Campas also remarked that he feels B&R Holdings is a good neighbor. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Olack, seconded by Kostelnik that the Meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. prevailing time.