Borough Council

DECEMBER 15, 2015 7880 COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN met in regular session in the Municipal Building Council Chambers on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. prevailing time with President Michael Moses presiding. ROLL CALL: Davis Present Marone Present Kostelnik Present Olack Present Kushner Present Stephenson Present Moses Present Seven members present. Mayor Kelly present. CITIZENS COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: John Koczka 4333 Everlawn Street commented on Agenda C. Mr. Moses said this will not be voted on this evening. This will be presented in January. Mr. Koczka said he believes the Borough should stop increasing wages of Borough employees. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Olack, seconded by Stephenson that the Minutes of the November 17, 2015 be approved. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEMS: A. A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2016 AND ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2016 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOROUGH CODE FOR THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN.__________________________________________________ Budget - $14,677.117.00 Liquid Fuels Budget - $ 549,301.25 Capital Projects Budget - $ 300,000.00 Motion by Marone, seconded by Kostelnik that the resolution be adopted. Roll Call: Six ayes, one nay, (Olack). Motion carried. Resolution given No. 1294. B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, FIXING AND REENACTING THE REAL ESTATE TAX RATE OF 7.88 MILLS FOR THE YEAR 2016 AND IMPOSING DISCOUNTS, PENALTIES AND INTEREST THEREON._____________________ Solicitor DiLucente opened the Public Hearing for comments. Harry Thompson of Adams Avenue asked what is changing. Mr. Kamauf explained there will be a small change in the millage but everything else remains the same. James Jasinski questioned if the Borough took into consideration a possible increase in the state tax when increasing  DECEMBER 15, 2015 7881 the millage. Mr. Kamauf said we cannot jeopardize the financial stability of the Borough. Mr. Moses added that unlike the state, the Borough has to meet a deadline on the budget. Mr. Jasinski asked Mr. Kamauf what would be the increase in dollars on a $100,000.00 home. Mr. Kamauf said it would be $33.00. Hearing no further questions or comments he declared the Public Hearing be closed. Motion by Marone, seconded by Kushner that the ordinance be enacted. Roll Call: Six ayes, one nay, (Olack). Motion carried. Ordinance given No. 1200. C. A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, FIXING AND ESTABLISHING THE SALARIES AND WAGES OF VARIOUS EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN FOR THE PERIOD COMMENCING WITH THE FIRST PAY PERIOD IN JANUARY, 2016 AND CONTINUING FORWARD UNTIL OTHERWISE AMENDED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL_____________________________________ Motion tabled. D. THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA TO APPROVE THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY VACANT PROPERTY RECOVERY PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR LOT & BLOCK #0181-G-00090. (3412 WEST STREET)._____________________________________ Motion by Olack, seconded by Kostelnik that the resolution by adopted. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Resolution given No. 1295. E. Motion by Davis, seconded by Marone to approve advertising an ordinance amending the Codification of Ordinances relating to the authorization and naming of an official tower/salvor; providing for a request for proposals; setting minimum requirements for same; providing for a fee schedule; providing minimum requirements. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. F. Motion by Olack, seconded by Kostelnik to approve purchase of materials for Police Communication Tower from Mobile Radio in the amount of $6,872.00, funds for purchase to come from Federal Forfeiture Account. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. G. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Olack to approve installation cost for Police Communication ower, installation to be done by Wireless Services at a cost of $6,800.00. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. H. Motion by Olack, seconded by Marone to approve purchase of Evidence Housing Locker for Police Department, from Diversified Storage Solutions, Inc., at a cost of $8,488.75, funds for purchase to come from Federal Forfeiture Account. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. I. Motion by Marone, seconded by Kostelnik authorizing the hiring of S. Gilcrest, as Patrol Officer on to the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon successful completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological examinations. Before the roll call, Mr. Olack remarked that his votes against hiring of the officers was nothing personal, but rather he was opposed to the hiring because of the effect on the budget. Roll Call: Six ayes, one nay, (Olack). Motion carried.  DECEMBER 15, 2015 7882 J. Motion by Marone, seconded by Kostelnik authorizing the hiring of M. Bissell as Patrol Officer on to the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon successful completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological examinations. Roll Call: Six ayes, one nay. (Olack). Motion carried. K. Motion by Marone, seconded by Kostelnik authorizing the hiring of J. Bronder as Patrol Officer on to the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon successful completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological examinations. Roll Call: Six ayes, one nay. (Olack). Motion carried. L. Motion by Olack, seconded by Marone to approve the appointment of Zoning Hearing Board, James Dorney, term January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2018. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis to approve the appointment of Sanitary Sewer Authority, Brian Hilligsberg, term to expire the first Monday of 2020. Roll Call: Five ayes, two abstain. (Kostelnik, Stephenson). Motion carried. Motion by Olack, seconded by Kostelnik to approve the appointment of Vacancy Board, Michael Moses, term January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016. Roll Call: six ayes, one abstain. (Moses). Motion carried. Motion by Olack, seconded by Marone to approve the appointment of Civil Service Commission, David Marshall, term January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2020. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis to approve the appointment of Parks and Recreation Recommendation Committee, Lance Maha, term January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2017. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis to approve the appointment of Parks and Recreation Recommendation Committee, Gina Englert, term January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2017. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Olack, seconded by Marone to approve the appointment of Parks and Recreation Recommendation Committee, Greg McCullough, term January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2017. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis to approve the appointment of Parks and Recreation Recommendation Committee, Marci Palko, term January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2017. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. M. Motion by Olack, seconded by Kostelnik to adopt and approve advertising the 2016 Meetings Calendar. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. After the voting, Councilman Stephenson left the meeting at 6:50 p.m. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Community Development………………………………………...…………….Walter Anthony Mr. Anthony read the Community Development Report for the month of November 2015.  DECEMBER 15, 2015 7883 Police……………………………………………………………………………Chief Ken Davies Chief Davies read the Police Department Report for the month of November 2015. Chief Davies reported on November 24th, a 51 year old white male was arrested for the robbery of Huntington Bank on Route 51 which occurred on November 21st. He credited this arrest to tips on the Warrant Board listed on our website. Public Works………………………………………………...……………………….James Hess Mr. Hess read the Public Works Department report for the month of November 2015. Recreation ……………………………………………………………………….…..Steve Keron Mr. Keron thanked volunteers and members of Council for participating in Light up Night. Approximately 250 were in attendance. Mr. Keron reported he has met with Westwood Golf Club to finalize the Annual Father/Daughter Dance which will be held on February 20th, 2016. Tickets will be sold beginning of the year. Mr. Keron reported the new session for walk aerobic will begin January 11th. Mr. Keron said registration was held for the youth basketball leagues. Mr. Keron said the Recreation Department has begun planning for next year’s Community Day. A question arose in regards to the date of the event. Mr. Keron said the departments will be talking to Allegheny County along with Allegheny Councilman Robert Macey about the date. Mayor Kelly asked about the cost of tickets for the Father/Daughter Dance. Mr. Keron replied the cost will be $60.00 a couple and an additional $15.00 for each additional daughter. EMS…………………………………………………………..…………….Chief Todd Plunkett Chief Plunkett read the EMS report for the month of November 2015. Chief Plunkett reported the SHACOG Technical Rescue Team received an award from the PA Emergency Health Services Council. He said this team is highly trained on a national level. Chief Plunkett thanked everyone for his first year as Chief of the EMS Department. Mr. Moses asked if any flu shots were still available. Chief Plunkett replied there were about 60 shots left. REPORT OF THE MAYOR: Mayor Kelly thanked members of Council for hiring the three new police officers. Mayor Kelly presented a plaque to Mr. Michael Moses which will be placed on the outside of the Borough Building. Mayor Kelly said Mr. Moses and other past members of Council were instrumental in making this building a reality. He congratulated Mr. Moses for a job well done.  DECEMBER 15, 2015 7884 REPORT OF THE SOLICITOR: Mr. DiLucente reported the Speedway agreement on the sale of old Borough Building has been executed. REPORT OF THE ENGINEER: Mr. Jovanovich reported the Curry Hollow Storm Sewer Project has been completed. A letter was sent to the Borough Manager for the release of funds to the contractor. Mr. Jovanovich reported a review is being done on the subdivision at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Walker Drive. REPORT OF THE BOROUGH MANAGER: Mr. Kamauf read the Finance Report for the month of November 2015. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Motion by Olack, seconded by Kushner that all bills properly approved by the Finance Committee be paid. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays, one absent (Stephenson). NEW BUSINESS: Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Olack to approve an agreement between West Mifflin Borough and the General Warehouse and the Local Union 636 from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2019. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays, one absent (Stephenson). Motion carried. CITIZENS COMMENTS: Mr. James Jasinski 4100 Home Street asked Mr. Hess if the Borough’s snow removal equipment is ready for the winter season. Mr. Hess replied everything is ready to go. Mr. Jasinski asked if the Borough is going to change all street lights to LED lights. Mr. Kamauf replied the Borough has replaced about 100 lights and through a grant we will be getting about 60 more from Duquesne Light. Mr. Kamauf added that we save around $4000.00 a month with the LED lights. Mr. Jasinski commended Chief Plunkett on the outstanding job his unit does. He had a question if the Borough is still covered when the EMS units are covering events, such as Steeler and Pirate games as well as the races in the city of Pittsburgh. Chief Plunkett responded by saying those events are on top of the normal units that are in service. Any event is paid for by the event venue and by the City of Pittsburgh especially during the Marathon and various races. The EMS has an agreement with the school district when covering larger school district events. Mr. Jasinski asked Chief Davies how prepared is the Police Department in the event of a shooting event. Chief Davies replied his Department is actively training for active shooting responses in the community. All officers have been trained individually in the active shooter programs. Additional training is already in place for 2016. Mr. Jasinski asked how  DECEMBER 15, 2015 7885 Homeville Bridge Project is coming along. Mayor Kelly said after talking to a representative from the County, the project is ahead of schedule in part due to good weather. Mr. Harry Thompson 6679 Adams Avenue apologized to Mayor Kelly for a misunderstanding at last month’s meeting. Mayor Kelly accepted his apology. Mr. John Koczka 4333 Everlawn Street wanted to know who initiated the plaque previously presented. Mayor Kelly said it was all of Council who approved the plaque. Mr. Koczka wanted to verify the final price of the old Borough Building and what was the realtor’s fee. Mr. Kamauf reported the building was sold to Speedway for $1,250,000.00. Mr. DiLucente added the realtor’s fee was negotiated and was not the standard rate. Mr. Koczka then said he heard the original offer for the building was $1,500,000.00. Mr. Kamauf responded by saying that was a rumor and there was never a formal offer for that price from Speedway. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Olack, seconded by Marone that the Meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. prevailing time.