Borough Council

APRIL 20, 2021 8182 COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN met in regular session in the Municipal Building Council Chambers on April 20, 2021 at 6:37 p.m. prevailing time with President Steve Marone presiding. ROLL CALL: Moses Present Kushner Present Santoro Present Inglis Present Kostelnik Present Stephenson Present Marone Present Seven members present. Mayor Kelly present. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: No citizen comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Moses, seconded by Kostelnik that the minutes of the March 16, 2021 Council Meeting 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 THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY 2020 HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN. Motion by Inglis, seconded by Moses Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. B. A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, FOR SLUMS AND BLIGHT IN THE BOROUGH, REQUESTING FUNDS THROUGH ACT 152 PROGRAM. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Moses Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. C. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis to approve proposal from DES for computer firewall system for the West Mifflin Public Works, proposal is for 5 year service and hardware agreement at an amount of Two Thousand Nine Hundred Fifteen Dollars ($2,915.00). Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays Motion carried. D. Motion by Moses, seconded by Inglis to approve the Special Requests permit for the Community Park Shelter Rentals to begin with rentals in 2022. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. E. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Santoro to approve between the Borough of West Mifflin and Commonwealth Consulting Partners for grant identification, advocacy and grant writing. Contract is for one year beginning April 1, 2021 and ending March 3 2022 at a monthly cost of Two Thousand One Hundred Sixty Six Dollars ($2,166.00). Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. F. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis authorizing the Borough Manager to hire summer help in the Public Works Department, selected summer help will not exceed a collective 4000 hours, rate of pay will be Nine Dollars ($9.00) per hour. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. G. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Moses authorizing the Borough Manager to hire 3 Park Watch Persons for the Community Park, pay rate will be Eleven Dollars ($11.00) per hour. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried.  APRIL 20, 2021 8183 H. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Santoro to authorize Borough Engineer to develop specifications and advertise for the 2021 Paving and Micro Surfacing Projects in the Borough. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. I. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Moses to approve Exercising the Second Option Year of contract between the Borough of West Mifflin and Cargill, INC. for Purchase of Rock Salt. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. J. Motion by Inglis, seconded by Kushner to approve the hiring of Louise Florenz as part- time Crossing Guard pending successful completion of background and clearance checks. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. K. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Moses to approve the hiring of Brian Ripper, as Patrol Officer for the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon the successful completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological exams. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. L. Motion by Stephenson, seconded by Kostelnik to approve the hiring of Brant Waugaman, as Patrol Officer for the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon the successful completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological exams. M. Motion by Moses, seconded by Stephenson to approve the hiring of Jackson Bucy, as Patrol Officer for the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon the successful co completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological exams. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. N. Motion by Moses, seconded by Stephenson to approve the hiring of Tyler Kascak, as Patrol Officer for the Borough of West Mifflin Department, contingent upon the successful completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological exams. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. O. Motion by Stephenson, seconded by Kostelnik to approve the hiring of Garrett Martell, as Patrol Officer for the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon the successful completion of background, drug and alcohol test. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. P. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Santoro to approve the hiring of Jeffrey Youkers as Code Enforcement Officer in the Community Development Office at a starting salary of $42,000.00 per year, pending successful completion of background, drug and alcohol test. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Q. Motion by Moses, seconded by Stephenson to approve the hiring of Joseph A. Hlasnik as Code Enforcement Officer in the Community Development Office at a starting salary of $42,000.00 per year, pending successful completion of background, drug and alcohol test. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. R. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Moses to approve and adopt the General Funds Reserve Fund Policy. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. S. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis to approve the emergency demolition of 3114 Duquesne Avenue, pending final approval of bid by solicitor. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried.  APRIL 20, 2021 8184 DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Community Development…………………………………………………...Walter B. Anthony Mr. Anthony read the Community Development Report for the Month of March 2021. Police………………………………………………………………...…Chief Anthony Topolnak Chief Anthony Topolnak read the Police Report for the Month of March 2021. Chief Topolnak reported they were awarded a grant in the amount of $45,775.00 Chief Topolnak stated the program will be implemented by year end. Mr. Kostelnik questioned how much the body cameras cost. Chief Topolnak commented $92, 0000.00. Mr. Kostelnik questioned if we were going to pay for the cameras without the grant. Chief Topolnak commented we were but with the grant we were only responsible for half. Mayor Kelly commented we weren’t going to pay for them. They have been trying to get the cameras for 7 years. Ms. Santoro commented she believed we were waiting for the grant to get the body cameras. Chief Topolnak commented he previously was denied for the grant, but as of this year we have been approved. Chief Topolnak commented included with the cost is the server, and also the automatic switch for the cameras to turn on when the overhead light turns on. Mayor Kelly commented he has been asking for the cameras for the past 7 years. Mr. Marone commented he doesn’t recall the past 7 years, but does recall recent past years. Ms. Santoro commented she wanted it to be on record that she was not against the cameras. Ms. Santoro said we were waiting for the grant, and if the grant was received it had to be used on the body cameras. Mr. Kostelnik asked Mayor Kelly to provide the information for the last 7 years regarding his request for body cameras. Mayor Kelly replied the minutes would show the requests. Mr. Moses requested the asset forfeiture balance. Chief Topolnak replied approximately $130,000.00. Chief Topolnak commented we are waiting on approximately $50-$60,000.00. Public Works…………………………………………………………………………James Hess Mr. Hess read the Public Works Report for the Month of March 2021. Mr. Hess invited Council to attend a targeted date of May 11 for a ceremony at Mitchell Paige Park. He met with Sergeant Dicerbo and Ryan Smoley a student that will be constructing a flag burning pit at Mitchell Paige Park. Mr. Hess commented the Park is open and rentals will start May 1, 2021.  APRIL 20, 2021 8185 EMS…………………………………………………………………………Chief Todd Plunkett Chief Plunkett read the EMS Report for the month of March 2021. REPORT OF THE MAYOR: Mayor Kelly commented he previously submitted a presentation to Council regarding stimulus money and procreating money for blight in the Borough. Mayor Kelly has found an additional $100,000.00 for blight. Mayor Kelly is asking for this to be discussed. Ms. Kushner commented this blight issue affects her directly because of a blighted property next to her brother’s house. Ms. Kushner would like to see something done with the property on Elm Street. Mr. Marone commented last year there was not any money for that, but over the years they have taken down as many houses as they could afford to. Mayor Kelly commented we didn’t receive any money. Mayor Kelly stated with the 1.9 million dollars in stimulus money we are receiving a small portion should be dedicated to blight eradication. Ms. Kushner stated West Mifflin is starting to look like Duquesne. Mayor Kelly commented he wouldn’t address it that was, but a plan needs put in place. Mayor Kelly commented that no one on Council stayed to talk to him regarding his proposal, and asked Council for help. Mr. Inglis commented no one would be opposed to tackling the blight issue. Mr. Inglis commented he did stay to talk with the Mayor. Mr. Inglis stated he does not think we should compare ourselves to any other community in a derogatory manor. Solicitor DiLucente commented the stimulus money cannot be used for blighted properties. Solicitor DiLucente commented if there was other money set aside for infrastructure money, now getting the relief could free up other money. Mr. Moses asked Mr. Kamauf what the average demolition costs. Mr. Kamauf commented there are factors, but low side is $10,000.00 and as high as $40,000.00. $10,000.00 - $15,000.00 is about the average. Mr. Moses asked if there is a list of blighted properties, and if it is updated. Mayor Kelly commented there are now 36 houses available for demolition. Mr. Moses asked if there is a ranking system in place for these properties. Mr. Anthony commented we have applied for 2 grants and included a number of houses. Mr. Anthony commented he does believe Elm Street is on the list. Mr. Anthony stated there is a process with these homes and sometimes our hands are tied. Ms. Santoro commented the County raised the filing fees to help with blighted properties. Ms. Santoro questioned where that money is going. Mr. Marone asked Ms. Santoro to get ahold on Bob Macey and try to get some information for the next meeting.  APRIL 20, 2021 8186 Mr. Moses stated if we had a monthly priority list it would help to get these properties down and have everyone updated. REPORT OF THE SOLICITOR: Solicitor DiLucente reported most of his matters were reserved for executive session. Solicitor DiLucente commented a letter was drafted by Council and the Mayor to Representative Doyle regarding how much funding is received. Solicitor DiLucente commented we did receive a comprehensive explanation of what the funds can be used for. REPORT OF THE ENGINEER: Mrs. Mowry thanked Council for allowing her to prepare the road program for this year. Mrs. Mowry stated she will work with Mr. Hess, and will have it turned around rather quickly. Mrs. Mowry requested authorization for their geo tech to look at the recommendation report for the Willock Road landslide issue. Mrs. Mowry reported the Livingston Road storm water management will be advertised this Thursday. The bid opening date is scheduled for May 14, 2021 at 2pm. Mrs. Mowry reported she is reaching out to the state for a grant regarding the Curry Hollow project. Mrs. Mowry reported the GP application was submitted for the Duquesne Avenue Culvert. REPORT OF THE BOROUGH MANAGER: Mr. Kamauf read the Finance Report for the month of March 2021. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Motion by Inglis, seconded by Kostelnik that all bills properly approved by the Finance Committee be paid. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: Motion by Stephenson, seconded by Kostelnik to appoint David Marshall as the Vacancy Board Chairman. This is the only committee that has not been filled, and he is the only applicant. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Moses, seconded by Kostelnik to waive the park rental fee for The Carnegie Library on May 5, 2021. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Mr. Kostelnik asked if there is a blanket for voting on waiving fees for Park rentals, or if it has to be done as they are requested. Mr. Marone commented it makes it formal, but usually they are weekday rentals. CITIZENS COMMENTS: Mr. Marone commented this past month has been busy for Public Works, Police, Fire, and EMS. Mr. Marone stated they do a great job and we are lucky to have them. Mr. Marone stated next month’s meeting will return to an in person meeting, and will be open to the public. Mr. Marone thanked Mr. Quayle for broadcasting the meetings for the past year.  APRIL 20, 2021 8187 ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Moses that the Meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm prevailing time.