Borough Council

APRIL 19, 2016 7904 COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN met in regular session in the Municipal Building Council Chambers on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 6:04 p.m. prevailing time with President Scott Stephenson presiding. ROLL CALL: Kushner Present Olack Present Marone Present Davis Present Stupar Present Kostelnik Present Stephenson Present Seven members present. Absent none. Mayor Kelly present. CITIZENS COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis that the Minutes of the March 15, 2016 Council Minutes be approved. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEMS: A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN RELATIVE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF BOROUGH NON-UNIFORMED PENSION, ANNUITY, INSURANCE AND BENEFIT FUND OR FUNDS; AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE PENSION PLAN OR PROGRAM APPLICABLE TO NON-UNIFORMED EMPLOYEES INCLUDING ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL BY OFFERING EARLY RETIREMENT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES FOR A LIMITED PERIOD OF TIME; RESTATING IN ITS ENTIRETY THE EXISTING NON-UNIFORMED PENSION PLAN AS ORDAINED IN ORDINANCES NOS 516, 1007 AND 1191. Solicitor Evashavik opened the Public Hearing. Hearing no comments, Solicitor Evashavik closed the hearing. Motion by Olack, seconded by Kostelnik that the ordinance by enacted. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Ordinance given No.1202. B. RESOLUTION WHEREAS THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN DESIRES TO UNDERTAKE THE FOLLOWING PROJECT: WEST MIFFLIN COMMUNITY PARK AMPHITHEATER; AND WHEREAS THE BOROUGH DESIRES TO RECEIVE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES (DCNR) A GRANT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CARRYING OUT THE PROJECT; AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH MANAGER TO SIGN THE GRANT APPLICATION ON BEHALF OF THE BOROUGH._________________ Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis that the resolution be adopted. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Resolution given No.1300.  APRIL 19, 2016 7905 C. Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis to approve RFP for Custodial Services for both the Uniformed and Non-Uniformed Pension Plans, as recommended by the Pension Committee. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. D. Motion by Marone, seconded by Olack to approve the Borough Pension Plan Investment Policy, as recommended by the Pension Committee. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. E. Motion by Olack, seconded by Marone to approve a donation in the amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) to the West Mifflin Youth Baseball and Softball League. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. F. Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis to approve the agreement with TRUGREEN for treatment of the fields at the Soccer Complex, at a cost of One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,650.00). Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. G. Motion by Olack, seconded by Kushner to approve the advertising of the 2016 Borough Paving Program. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. H. Motion by Olack, seconded by Stupar authorizing the Borough Manager to hire summer help in the Public Works Department, selected summer help will work no more than a collective 7680 hours and the rate of pay will be Eight Dollars ($8.00) per hour. Motion carried. I. Motion by Marone, seconded by Olack to approve a Five (5) year Power Generator Equipment Maintenance Agreement with Cummins Bridgeway for the Backup Generator at the Borough Building and the Police repeater generator at a total cost of Nine Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Eight Dollars and Forty-One Cents ($9,188.41). Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. J. Motion by Olack, seconded by Kostelnik to approve purchase of 10 new MSA Millennium Gas Masks from Witmer Public Safety, COSTAR #012-013, total cost Five thousand Six-Hundred Twenty-Three Dollars and Sixty-Five Cents ($5,623.65), funds for the purchase to come from the Police Asset Forfeiture Account. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. K. Motion by Olack, seconded by Kostelnik to approve the exercising of the first year option agreement with Cargill, Inc., for the purchase of Rock Salt for the period of July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. L. Motion by Olack, seconded by Davis to approve/ratify the hiring of Robert Cannon as Police Dispatcher, starting wage of $17.29 and benefits. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays, one abstain (Marone). Motion carried. M. Motion by Olack, seconded by Stupar to approve advertising to hire School Crossing Guards. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. N. Motion by Olack, seconded by Kostelnik to approve the hiring of Joseph Stavor, Timothy Lape, Ryan Carroll, Mitchell O’Brien, Josh Tkach and Jason Bonacci as General Laborers for the Public Works Department, pending successful completion of physical, drug & alcohol screening and background checks, starting wage of $16.00 per hour and benefits outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. O. Motion by Olack, seconded by Marone to approve the expansion of the Summer Arts and Crafts Program, the program will be expanded to three additional locations, to be determined. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried.  APRIL 19, 2016 7906 P. Motion by Olack, seconded by Marone to approve the hiring of Joseph Rondinelli as a Park Watchman for the West Mifflin Community Park, pending successful completion of background check and clearances, wage will be $11.00 per hour. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Q. Motion by Marone, seconded by Olack, to approve the hiring of Stephen Hope as a Park Watchman for the West Mifflin Community Park, pending successful completion of background check and clearances, wage will be $11.00 per hour. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Community Development……………………………………..…………….Walter B. Anthony Mr. Anthony read the Community Development Department Report for the month of March, 2016. Mayor Kelly commended Mr. Anthony for the property at 200 Thomas Street. Mr. Anthony agreed the property has improved, however he can still appeal. Solicitor Evashavik has filed a lawsuit to comply with zoning. He stated this is ongoing litigation. Mrs. Kushner asked about some homes on Lower Bull Run Road. She said there are several homes whose roofs are caving in. Mr. Anthony said he is aware of these structures and unfortunately, there are no owners, so the responsibility will come back to the Borough. Mrs. Kushner then asked if a guard rail can be installed on the bridge along the same road. Mr. Hess said he believes the Borough is responsible for the guard rail. Some discussion suggested a one lane bridge. Mr. Olack agreed this should be attended to. Police………………………………………………………………………….Lt. Michael Ragan Lt. Ragan read the Police Department Report for the month of March 2016. Public Works…………………………………………………………………………James Hess Mr. Hess stated work has been completed on Duquesne Avenue and Oak Street. New street lights have been installed on several streets throughout the Borough. Public Works are installing the Military Banners. Mr. Marone asked about the work on Curry Hollow Road. Mr. Hess said the first phase was completed last year. Mr. Marone asked who does a resident call when a street light is out. It was said the Police Department night turn- officers check on the lights. Mr. Stupar thanked Public Works for the new stones placed at Winklevoss Field. Recreation…………………………………………………………………….Anthony DiCenzo Mr. DiCenzo said most of his report had been covered in the Agenda Items. He said the West Mifflin Community Park will open May 1st from 9 a.m. to dark. Mr. Marone asked if the park will ever be open all year round. Mr. DiCenzo said this is a possibility but the park would need a monitor. Mr. Hess reminded everyone the park is around 30 years old and is still in good shape  APRIL 19, 2016 7907 due to the fact it’s not open all year round. Mr. Stephenson said possibly the months could be extended especially throughout the spring and fall. EMS………………………………………………….……………………Chief Todd Plunkett Chief Plunkett read the EMS Report for the month of March 2016. Chief Plunkett recognized their Medical Director for receiving the Emergency Position Award from the American College of Emergency Physicians of Pennsylvania. Chief Plunkett said the EMS Honor Guard was at Jefferson Hospital to present the flag at the Donate Life flag raising ceremony. This is a big event for families who have donated lifesaving organs. Chief Plunkett said he, along with other members attended a Tactical Emergency Casualty Care Program. This program teaches new responses to bombings, shootings and bleedings. It’s a program they will start for public awareness. Chief Plunkett presented Andy the Ambulance. He said it’s a new interactive tool to help educate children. He has been working on this for a long time for something to peak the child’s interest on safety. His department will take Andy to various schools throughout the school year. He also said this can be used for other groups, not just children. He thanked his team for all their efforts on completing this project. REPORT OF THE MAYOR: Mayor Kelly reported the Police Department will be conducting a Fatal Vision Class. This class supplies special glasses that produce a .10 disorientation feeling. Mayor Kelly said the Memorial Day Ceremony will be held May 28th at 10 a.m. at Mitchell Paige Park. Mayor Kelly commended the Police Department on the unusual amount of incidents in the past month. Mayor Kelly commended Mr. Kamauf on the state audit. Mayor Kelly said after the new police recruits finish their probation period, more effort needs to be centered on generating more funds for police purchases. Many funds are taken from Asset Forfeiture. Funds need to be generated to replenish this account. Mayor Kelly has been reviewing the standards for the towing companies. Mayor Kelly concluded by saying he will be getting flags next month for cemeteries. Anyone in need of a flag should contact him. REPORT OF THE SOLICITOR: Mr. Greg Evashavik had no public report due to legal matters that pertain to ongoing litigation and labor matters. REPORT OF THE ENGINEER: Mr. John Balewski reported there will be open bids for the Basketball Courts on May 4th. We should have an award at the May Council Meeting.  APRIL 19, 2016 7908 He also said the paving specs should be done next week and put out for bid. This award should also be at the May Council Meeting as well. REPORT OF THE BOROUGH MANANGER: Mr. Kamauf read the Finance Report for the month of March, 2016. Mr. Kamauf said the full audit report should be completed by June. He stated there was a slight surplus for 2015. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Motion by Davis, seconded by Kushner that all bills properly approved by the Finance Committee be paid. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Marone brought to Council’s attention that last fall a state police officer was enforcing a law pertaining to volunteer fire fighters and their emergency lights. Six vehicles have been pulled over due to not having lights that are not up to code. Mr. Marone said this Ordinance is from 1970. The specified lights listed in this code do not exist any longer and therefore cannot be purchased. Mr. Marone, along with Representative Kortz and Senator Brewster are looking to update this Ordinance so no more fines are assessed. Mayor Kelly agreed that action needs to be taken on this matter. CITIZENS COMMENTS: Dolores O’Donnell 317 Lebanon Manor Drive questioned the ordinance that allows farm animals in the Borough. She states that she and her husband have lived here for 46 years. The houses are close to one another and backyards are small. Their next door neighbor has 7 chickens, 2 rabbits and recently has built s structure that houses goats. The only animal the ordinance does not allow is pigs. She stated she has no problem with the chickens or rabbits but she does with the goats. Besides the noise from the goats, she says the neighbor throws the animal waste over his back fence which is close to her property. She then played a recording of the goats making a lot of noise. She is asking for an amendment of the current ordinance. Solicitor Evashavik said the Borough has the right to regulate this problem and limit farm animals, but this will need to be discussed further in executive session. Legally we have the right to eliminate the animals completely or limit them to a minimum size parcel. Mr. Stephenson stated we will definitely look into your concerns along with the health hazard of the animal waste. He reminded the O’Donnells he would not have an answer until next month’s meeting. Mr. O’Donnell asked if it was legal for a video camera to be aimed at his home and was told yes it was. Diane Stanesic 2803 Glenny Lane Ext. responded in regards to the last citizen’s comments that the Allegheny County Health Department should be notified about the animal waste. Mrs. Stanesic wanted to know if there was any more discussion about the dog park. Mr. DiCenzo said his department is currently reviewing the consolidation of all the parks in the  APRIL 19, 2016 7909 Borough. With that, they will address the issue of the dog park. Right now, there is no time table. Mrs. Stanesic wanted to know when and where the Public Works job postings for the new hires were listed. Mr. Kamauf said the postings were in the Valley Mirror, on the Borough’s website and the Borough’s Facebook page. Mrs. Stanesic wanted to know when the list of streets to be paved will be listed. Mr. Hess said we are waiting for the bids and should have the listing by next month. On the same note, she commented on a micro paving that was done last year on Pennsylvania Avenue. She said from Taft Avenue down to the Duquesne City line is in very bad shape. Mr. Olack agreed this road is very bumpy and Mr. Hess said he will take a look at the road’s condition. Harry Thompson 6679 Adams Avenue stated he understood Mr. Kamauf was interviewing two realtors for the old Borough Building. He said auction companies have emailed Mr. Kamauf with no response along with two informational packets. Mr. Kamauf stated he received no emails and the only informational packet he received was from sometime trying to sell insurance. He said the email may have gone into his junk email. Mayor Kelly asked Mr. Thompson how he knew of this. Mr. Thompson said he was told by another resident who was not in attendance. Mayor Kelly told Mr. Thompson we do not do business this way. Mr. Thompson said a realtor would charge much more than an auction company. Jay Grossic 1610 Greensprings Avenue voiced his concern about the bridge on Avon Road which was removed. He wanted to know when it will be replaced. Mr. Kamauf explained there was no grant money for the bridge replacement. An expansion of the cul-de-sac was made for turn arounds. Mr. Grossic said this doesn’t help him since he needs the bridge to drive back and forth to work. Mr. Kamauf said there are two roads adjacent to this to take him to Greensprings Avenue. Mr. Stephenson repeated that we did apply for grant money but we didn’t get any funding. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Marone, seconded by Stupar that the Meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. prevailing time.