Borough Council

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 8207 COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN met in regular session in the Municipal Building Council Chambers on at 6:35 p.m. prevailing time with Councilman Mike Moses presiding. ROLL CALL: Moses Present Kushner Present Santoro Present Inglis Present Kostelnik Absent Stephenson Absent Marone Absent Four members present. Mayor Kelly present. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: Jim Jasinski 4100 Home Street asked if we have a quorum for voting. Mr. Moses replied yes it needs to be majority so with a Council of 7, 4 present is a quorum. Mr. Jasinski asked if 7 A is for the West Mifflin Borough building. Mr. Kamauf replied no it is for the Public Works building. It is mainly a security feature. Mr. Jasinski asked if 7 D was pertaining to the old incinerator building. Mr. Kamauf replied no, it is not. Mr. Jasinski asked if the old incinerator building is still insured. Mr. Kamauf replied all of our properties are insured, and we are covered for an emergency. Mr. Jasinski asked even if someone gets hurt there, even though it’s an abandoned building. Mr. Kamauf replied yes all of our properties and equipment were done individually by Industrial Appraisal which we do every year. All properties and equipment were logged for insurance reasons so it’s all covered. Mr. Jasinski asked if there is any hindsight into demolishing the building. Mr. Kamauf replied there have been some discussions. At this point it is not a hazard and will be costly. At this point it doesn’t pose as a danger to anything. Mr. Jasinski asked for information on 7 E. Mr. Anthony replied this person wants to consolidate his lots to 1 tax bill. Mr. Moses asked if they are congruent. Mr. Anthony replied yes. Mr. Jasinski asked for information on 7 F. Mr. Anthony replied this person on Thomson Run owns the property adjacent to him, and he wants to consolidate so he can add an addition onto the existing building. Mr. Jasinski asked if that has gone through the planning commission. Mr. Anthony replied yes.  SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 8208 Harry Thompson 6679 Adams Avenue commented regarding Mr. Kamauf’s statement that all of our buildings are covered. Have we ever got paid for the damage to the old Borough building? Mr. Kamauf replied at this point we haven’t received any insurance money for that. Mr. Thompson replied so we had insurance on the building but it didn’t pay. Mr. Kamauf replied but we still had coverage on the building. The reason for nonpayment wasn’t because it wasn’t insured, it was a legal issue. The clause in the coverage was contested. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Inglis, seconded by Santoro that the minutes of the August 17, 2021 Council Meeting be approved. Roll Call Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEMS: A. Motion by Inglis, seconded by Kushner to approve the purchase and installation of DSX keycard system from Dagastino Electric Services (DES) for a total cost of Four Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty-Two Dollars ($4,862.00) Roll Call: Four ayes, no nays. Motion carried. B. Motion by Inglis, seconded by Kushner to approve the Easement Agreement between the Borough of West Mifflin and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission for .071 acre of drainage easement located on Lot & Block 239-B-00260. In the amount of Three Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($3,900.00). Mr. Moses asked where this property is located. Mr. Kamauf replied on Commonwealth by the High School. Roll Call: Four ayes, no nays. Motion carried. C. Motion by Inglis, seconded by Santoro to approve the advertisement of Non Uniformed Early Retirement Ordinance. Roll Call: Four ayes, no nays. Motion carried. D. Motion by Santoro, seconded by Inglis to approve the bid advertisement for the electrical work needed at the Public Works Garages. Roll Call: Four ayes, no nays. Motion carried. E. Motion by Kushner, seconded by Inglis to approve the consolidation plan on Willard Avenue, for Lot & Blocks 305-F-310 and 305-F-318. Roll Call: Four ayes, no nays. Motion carried. F. Motion by Inglis, seconded by Santoro to approve the consolidation plan on Thompson Run Road, for Lot & Blocks 243-H-40 and 243-H-55. Roll Call: Four ayes, no nays. Motion carried. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Community Development…………………………………………………...Walter B. Anthony Mr. Anthony read the Community Development Report for the Month of August 2021. Police………………………………………………………………...…Chief Anthony Topolnak Chief Anthony Topolnak read the Police Report for the Month of August 2021.  SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 8209 Chief Topolnak thanked the fire companies, medics, the drone, and the residents for finding 2 missing elderly people this month. Chief Topolnak commented this month a firearm was seized. The firearm came back as being used in a homicide out of Pittsburgh. Public Works…………………………………………………………………………James Hess Mr. Hess read the Public Works Report for the Month of August 2021. Mr. Hess commented a stop sign replacement is recommended at Neil St on Utah. Mr. Hess commented he and the Chief are actually going to go through the entire Municipality and assess stop signs. Mr. Moses commented the stop sign replacement will be put on the next month’s agenda since a 24 hour notice is required for citizens to comment. Mr. Moses commented if there are other locations where a stop sign is recommended, it can all be done in 1 motion next month. EMS…………………………………………………………………………Chief Todd Plunkett Chief Plunkett read the EMS Report for the month of August 2021. Chief Plunkett commented they are pleased they received their Fema AFG Grant for a total of Ninety Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars $92,500.00. The grant will be used to replace 13 year old self-contained breathing apparatus used in many environments. Chief Plunkett thanked Mayor Kelly for helping with the grant. Chief Plunkett commented for the 5th year in a row they received their Mission Lifeline Goal Plus recognition by the American Heart Association. Mayor Kelly asked if the EMS will be administering flu shots this year. Chief Plunkett replied there is now a push for having Pharmacies, and Doctors’ offices administer the shots. EMS could only possibly get 100 when they usually administer 1000 so they are still promoting flu shots, but they will not be administering them. REPORT OF THE MAYOR: Mayor Kelly has nothing to report. REPORT OF THE SOLICITOR: Solicitor Evashavik reported he has been working with Mr. Anthony getting condemnations ready. A date will be picked and advertised and if the public is interested they can come up to listen. Mr. Anthony commented from the time the notices are sent out we have to wait 30 days. Solicitor Evashavik commented they continue to be busy with tax assessment appeals. There has been great success with this program. Solicitor Evashavik reported the sale of the old Borough building has concluded. There was a bump in the road regarding school taxes liens that showed up on the title search. After a court order that exonerated the lien, the property was then free and clear. The total sale price of the property was Four Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars $425,000.00. The property will now be put back on the tax roll.  SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 8210 Solicitor Evashavik commented they have done some routine Policy work for the Borough Manager and Police Department. Mr. Kamauf reported he did get the reports back from the tax appeal assessments and he is working on a report for Council. Mr. Jasinski commented he cannot hear the reports, and asked for everyone to speak into the microphone. Mr. Evashavik commented if there is anything he didn’t hear or needs repeated he can talk to him after the meeting. Mr. Jasinski replied then we are off record. Mr. Jasinski commented 1 time in 2 years the microphone worked. Mr. Jasinski asked if something can be done to be more open. Mr. Evashavik replied we are open, it is a question of if Mr. Jasinski can hear what’s being said. Mr. Jasinski replied he can hear just fine. Mr. Evashavik commented we can check the equipment and the volume for the projection. REPORT OF THE ENGINEER: Mrs. Mowry wanted to give an update about the Willock Road Landslide. Initial repair has been completed. There are some deficiencies, the contractor is anticipating work to be completed the week of October 4th. They are asking for 2 nights to complete the work, then the road will be reopened in the morning. Mrs. Mowry commented she will coordinate this with the Police and Fire once she gets the dates. Mrs. Mowry reported the Livingston Road Storm water improvement project contractor is waiting for material. She is waiting for a return call for a time frame to get the materials. Mrs. Mowry reported bids were opened on Friday for the demo project. Out of 5 total bids the lowest was $74,500.00 by Minefield demolition. We are holding off to award this contract until next month when we have the grant contract in place. Mayor Kelly commented the amount for demolition was about half of what was estimated. Mrs. Mowry replied yes we were at $148,000.00. Our highest bid was $131,000.00. Mayor Kelly asked if we can add a few more houses. Mrs. Mowry replied it can be discussed, and also how the grant works since it has to be bid. Since there is leftover money we could put another house out for bid as well. REPORT OF THE BOROUGH MANAGER: Mr. Kamauf read the Finance Report for the month of August 2021. Mr. Kamauf reported on the bond financing. The bond savings was 5.392% which equated to $251,037.76. The S&P bond rating came back at A+ which is considered a strong rating. Mr. Kamauf commented the airport is having a 90 year celebration this weekend. All day Saturday there will be activities, some war planes. Mr. Kamauf commented to Solicitor Evashavik that due to changes with adding things new but we do have a possibility of a grant application we can do. We need a resolution but it’s a timing issue because the grant window will be closing next month. It just opened up and he doesn’t know that we will be able to make it if we wait.  SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 8211 Solicitor Evashavik replied there is an exception for urgencies, so that is acceptable to vote on tonight. Mr. Kamauf replied if that’s the case this was discussed with Mr. Marone, but there is a small window open for Recreation. It is for RAC and we wanted to put in the full amount application to do some of the initial upgrades and changes to the West Mifflin Community Park. Mr. Kamauf is asking that we pass a resolution in the amount of $500,000.00 with RAC. This is actually a no matching grant, so we would like to apply for this. Mr. Moses commented the 90th Anniversary at the County Airport will also have an art show of local artists from the school district which is sponsored by the West Mifflin Community Foundation. There will also be food trucks and will be an all-day event. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Motion by Inglis, seconded by Kushner that all bills properly approved by the Finance Committee be paid. Roll Call: Four ayes, no nays. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: Motion by Inglis, seconded by Kushner to approve the termination of employee 920. Roll Call: Four ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Inglis, seconded by Santoro to approve a statement to have on record confirming the Borough of West Mifflin has formally requested a grant while designating an official to perform the required duties between the applicant and the redevelopment authority of Allegheny County in the amount of the requested grant of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) for the West Mifflin Community Park Redevelopment Project. Roll Call: Four ayes, no nays. Motion carried. CITIZENS COMMENTS: Darlene Batko lives in the city of Pittsburgh, but grew up in West Mifflin. Ms. Batko is here because she has done some research on demolitions, land banks and stimulus money. Ms. Batko stated it seems the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing if you can spend stimulus money on demos for health and safety reasons. Ms. Batko submitted research and examples of ways to use the stimulus money. Ms. Batko stated we can apply for a land bank. Ms. Batko commented with she also has a call into one of the articles about officials hope virus stimulus funds can help demolition of dilapidated buildings. Ms. Batko stated it’s in Mercer County where they are trying to use stimulus money for demos of dilapidated houses for health and safety. Ms. Batko stated once she gets a return call she wants to see if it did go through, and how they did it and if it could be done here. Ms. Batko found a few ideas that are done in Ohio. Ms. Batko stated she heard Bob Macy gave away a bunch of money but she doesn’t think West Mifflin got any. Ms. Batko explained she provided information explaining what a land bank is. Also how to describe blighted houses. Harry Thompson 6679 Adams Avenue commented he knows we deal with DES for computers and that stuff. They could possibly help out with the sounds system. Mr. Thompson stated some of the speakers are not working correctly. Mr. Kamauf stated DES is who installed the system. Mr. Thompson asked how long ago. Mr. Kamauf replied when we purchased the building. A resident that did not identify himself stated he is employed by the Department of Real Estate of Allegheny County. The gentleman stated Senator Bob Macy did impose a fee increase of  SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 8212 $13.75 for every piece of paper they record. The $13.75 goes to blight for the whole County. He is not sure how to apply for it, but it was his idea to do that. Mr. Kamauf replied we did apply for it but have not received it. There is more but in the first round we did not receive anything. Jim Jasinski 4100 Home Street stated according to Borough standards as far as speaking, the regulations say a speaker has to be a resident of West Mifflin and give their name and address. Mr. Jasinski asked why the woman that spoke didn’t provide an address and was allowed to speak. Mayor Kelly commented the statement is not accurate. The School District requires it, however the Borough does not. Mr. Jasinski asked when that started. Mayor Kelly replied it’s has always been like that, and Mr. Jasinski has spoken under a fake name. Mr. Jasinski asked Mr. Hess if there is any progress being done on Duquesne Avenue. Mr. Hess replied he did reach out and has not heard back. Mr. Jasinski commented it is not a Borough project. Mr. Hess commented it is PA American Water. Mr. Jasinski stated senior citizens have been asking about fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for senior citizens homes. Mr. Jasinski asked if the Borough has done anything as far as getting grants to help the seniors. Mr. Kamauf replied years ago there was some type of grant but there have never been any grants available for that. Mr. Jasinski did send some emails out, and he received one back from Representative Pisciottano providing a number for someone at the Red Cross. If any residents contact him, they will come out to install whatever is needed. Mr. Kamauf replied there are a lot of grants out there, we try to keep up but he hasn’t seen a grant for that except for the one time. Mr. Jasinski read Article 1 section 212 for the Residential Occupancy Permit. Mr. Jasinski quoted within 30 days in writing the Borough Manager should make information available to rental tenants that move into the Borough. Mr. Jasinski asked if he gets a list every month of rental tenants that move into the Borough. Mr. Kamauf asked Mr. Anthony. Mr. Jasinski commented it is supposed to be the Borough Manager not Butch Anthony. Mr. Kamauf replied he is asking the department head that would handle it. Mr. Jasinski asked if Mr. Kamauf gets a list. It states clearly in the Borough code any person form or corporation shall be fined more than $600 a month. The list of tenants is supposed to go to the Borough Manager. Mr. Kamauf asked who is supposed to send him the list. Mr. Jasinski replied it is Article 1 section 212.  SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 8213 Mr. Kamauf replied he will look into it. Mr. Jasinski replied he will look for an answer at next month’s meeting. Mr. Jasinski read section 234-77, rental tenants are permitted 1 parking space in a residential area. Mr. Kamauf replied he doesn’t know if that would be legal, he would have to talk to the street department. Mr. Jasinski commented it’s in the Borough codes. Mr. Kamauf replied that doesn’t make it legal. Mr. Jasinski stated that’s the same situation that was brought up about putting speed bumps on Inland Avenue, and Council said it was illegal. Mr. Jasinski commented every day in the paper and on the news they talk about adding speed bumps. Solicitor Evashavik replied speed humps are legal. Traffic calming devices under the Pennsylvania code were approved years ago. The old speed bumps were not authorized by the Pennsylvania legislature. Mr. Jasinski read Article 274-41 Residential parking, The Borough of West Mifflin considers it to be in the interest of The Borough of West Mifflin to provide for the establishment of the residential parking program to provide primary access to available parking spaces by neighborhood residents and this is between 7AM and 6:30 PM. The definition is stated as motor vehicle parked in a residential area not a resident shall be cited. Mr. Kamauf asked when were this written because they are probable illegal now. Mr. Jasinski replied they are in the Borough Code. Mr. Kamauf commented the Borough Code book is very thick and he would be happy to look into it. Mr. Jasinski replied if there’s an ordinance already established and now it’s being said maybe they are out dated. Maybe they should have been changed years ago. Mayor Kelly commented aren’t you glad we are flexible with who can speak, and how long they can speak for, because our rules say 3 minutes. Mr. Jasinski interjected he will cite Plum Borough. Mayor Kelly replied all you do is criticize and bring no proof. Mr. Jasinski replied what do you mean proof, he is giving articles and everything out of the Borough codes. Mayor Kelly replied and we are saying we will look at it. Mr. Kamauf asked if there is a parking problem you have an issue with. Mr. Jasinski replied absolutely and he will cite the Borough code when people who don’t even live there park on the street and Borough trucks go up and down a road and can’t get in or out. Maybe this should be looked at. Mayor Kelly asked Mr. Hess if Public Works has had any trouble getting in or out on any streets in the Borough. Mr. Hess replied they have had some trouble in the alley going back in there by the dead end.  SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 8214 Mr. Jasinski replied he will cite his car, he had a Hummer that got $5000.00 in damage by a Borough truck because it’s tough to get in and out. Mr. Kamauf commented vehicles get hit on streets, it’s unfortunate but that happens and has nothing to do with ordinances. Mr. Jasinski replied it can’t. In other words someone that lives in Turtle Creek or McKeesport can park in front of your house with bad plates and bad stickers for 3 weeks. Mr. Kamauf replied no, bad tags and bad stickers can be towed, but otherwise people can park in front of houses. Legal cars can park anywhere on public streets. Mr. Jasinski commented he has read Section 212-2, 212-1, 212-3, 274-37, 274-31. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Inglis, seconded by Santoro that the Meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm prevailing time.