Borough Council

MARCH 15, 2022 8247 Magistrate Olasz swore in Assistant Police Chief Robert Husfelt. PUBLIC HEARING: A. Inter-municipal Liquor License transfer request from BG Liquor License LLC. Mark Reisman is an attorney for BG Liquor License LLC. Mr. Reisman stated the location for the transfer is Skyvue Restaurant. Mr. Reisman stated his client is going to revive the restaurant and is requiring a liquor license. Aaron Chaney was open for questions. After hearing no questions Solicitor DiLucente stated the request can now be voted on. Motion by Davis, seconded by Marone Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN met in regular session in the Municipal Building Council Chambers on March 15, 2022 at 6:36 p.m. prevailing time with President Scott Stephenson presiding. ROLL CALL: Marone Present Davis Present Santoro Present Inglis Present Kostelnik Present Moses Present Stephenson Present Seven members present. Mayor Kelly present. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: No citizen comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Moses that the minutes of the Council Meeting be approved. Roll Call Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried.  MARCH 15, 2022 8248 AGENDA ITEMS: A. RATIFY A RESOLUTIoN OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN HEREBY REQUESTING A STATEWIDE LOCAL SHARE ASSESSMENT GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND TWO DOLLARS ($380,202.00) FROM THE COMMONWEALTH FINANCING AUTHORITY. Motion by Marone, seconded by Kostelnik Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. B. RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN REQUESTING A DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES GRANT FOR THE WEST MIFFLIN PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($500,000.00). Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. C. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Moses to approve agreement 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, 2022, and ending March 31, 2023 at a monthly cost of Two Thousand One Hundred Sixty Six Dollars ($2,166.00). Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays Motion carried. D. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Marone to accept the retirement letter from James Hess to retire as Public Works Director as of March 31, 2022 and approve warranted retirement benefits. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. E. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Davis to approve agreement between the Borough of West Mifflin and BDO USA LLC, for support in management and administration of funding received from the Department of Treasury under the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CSLFRF). Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. F. Motion by Marone, seconded by Kostelnik to approve a One Thousand Dollar annual salary increase for Joseph Hlasnik for successful completion of IBC Residential Inspection Certification Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. G. Motion by Marone, seconded by Santoro to approve a One Thousand Dollar salary increase for Jeff Youkers for successful completion of IBC Energy Certification. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried.  MARCH 15, 2022 8249 DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Community Development…………………………………………………...Walter B. Anthony Mr. Anthony read the Community Development Report for the Month of February 2022. Police……………………………………………………………..…...Chief Gregory McCulloch Chief Gregory McCulloch read the Police Report for the Month of February 2022. Public Works…………………………………………………………………………James Hess Mr. Hess read the Public Works Report for the Month of February 2022. Mayor Kelly asked the results of looking into charging a penalty to the contractor that failed to complete paving work last year. Mr. Kamauf replied he talked to the Solicitor about this and since there were no damages the agreement was that the contractor would hold to the price of last year. Mayor Kelly asked if we must rebid. Mr. Kamauf replied since they held the prices we did not have to rebid. Due to increased prices the cost would have gone up if there was a rebid. Solicitor DiLucente commented he advised Mr. Kamauf liquidating damage clauses can be enforceable but there must be an incentive clause as well. EMS…………………………………………………………………………Chief Todd Plunkett Chief Plunkett read the EMS Report for the month of February 2022. Recreation…………………………………………………………………………..…John Inglis Mr. Inglis read the Recreation report for the month of February 2022. Mayor Kelly asked if the DCNR grant information he sent would be addressed at a later date. Mr. Inglis replied yes at next months meeting. REPORT OF THE MAYOR: Mayor Kelly reported he still has not heard anything back from Allegheny County about the truck brakes on Homestead Duquesne Road that residents have been complaining about. Mayor Kelly is requesting a letter to give to Allegheny County Council giving us authority to enforce it.  MARCH 15, 2022 8250 Mr. Kamauf asked if he recalled correctly the County was not willing to do the study. Mayor Kelly replied their response was that they were not interested in looking at it. Mayor Kelly commented since it is an Allegheny County Road we can’t put the signs up and make them enforce it. Mayor Kelly commented he has also been contacted again this year by Goodwill Industries asking if we are interested in the summer youth program. Mayor Kelly asked if the Borough would hire kids again this year.. Mr. Kamauf replied the summer help program has not been discussed. The problem was we didn’t have enough people for the supervision part. Goodwill Industries want full time people to oversee them and it does not work out. Mayor Kelly stated someone reached out to him yesterday from DES about the phone issues he was having. Mr. Kamauf replied Mr. Quayle did look into the phone issues as soon as it was brought to his attention. Mr. Quayle didn’t realize the calls were being forwarded, when the phone was switched to a digital line the call forwarding didn’t get transferred. Mr. Kamauf commented it should all be fixed and the phone should have never been shut off. Mayor Kelly thanked Mr. Marone and Mr. Hess for their years of service. REPORT OF THE SOLICITOR: Solicitor DiLucente reported now Council had approved BDO, they will be able to advise anytime there are suggestions made by the Mayor or Council as to how to utilize the Covid relief funds. Solicitor DiLucente reported there was previous discussion about agenda meetings and posting agendas. Solicitor DiLucente contacted someone from the open record department and regarding the work sessions they need to be advertised and posted, since work session discussions can lead to a vote at the Council Meeting. REPORT OF THE ENGINEER: Mr. Elyes reported Minniefield Demolition completed Vistaview Street, Coal Road, Grandview Avenue. Also, Edgewood Road and New England Road should be completed by Thursday. Mr. Elyes reported the Public Works garage electrical updates are out for bid. REPORT OF THE BOROUGH MANAGER: Mr. Kamauf read the Finance Report for the month of February 2022.  MARCH 15, 2022 8251 Mr. Kamauf reported he had a meeting with Representative Pisciottano and Commonwealth Consultant parties this month for future grant opportunities. Mr. Kamauf stated we will continue to apply for grants. Mr. Kamauf reported the announcement came out from Allegheny County and Rich Fitzgerald that West Mifflin Borough was once again recognized for 2022 as a Banner Community. Mr. Kamauf stated we will receive that award in April. Mr. Kamauf thanked and congratulated Mr. Hess on his retirement. Mayor Kelly asked if there are any plans to advertise for a replacement for Mr. Hess. Mr. Kamauf stated he just received Mr. Hess’s retirement and has not had a chance to talk to Council yet regarding the next step. Mr. Kamauf stated there are still 2 Assistant Superintendents to fill the void until a decision is made. Mayor Kelly asked Mr. Kamauf if he also received the letter stating the traffic sign by Wendy’s needs replaced. Mr. Kamauf stated yes Chief McCulloch spoke with him about it. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Motion by Moses, seconded by Marone that all bills properly approved by the Finance Committee be paid. Roll Call: Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Marone thanked Council, the Mayor, Department Heads, EMS, Fire, Police, Attorney’s, Borough workers, staff, Engineer’s, and everyone he has worked with the past 11 years. It has been a pleasure being here and wishes nothing but the best for everyone. Mr. Stephenson commented Mr. Marone’s dedication and commitment is second to none, West Mifflin was put first and is very much appreciated. Mr. Inglis commented there will be a more formal recognition of Councilman Marone’s service at the next meeting. CITIZENS COMMENTS: Harry Thompson 6679 Adams Avenue stated there are a few issues. Mr. Thompson stated Mr. Kamauf talked to Dave Semak almost 4 weeks ago, Dave asked for a complete list of businesses in the Borough. Dave requested the names of businesses and what type of business they do. Mr. Thompson stated Mr. Kamauf never sent the information.  MARCH 15, 2022 8252 Mr. Kamauf stated he told Mr. Semak our list is not complete; he has reached out to Legal Tax to get an updated list but has not received it yet. Mr. Kamauf stated Business Privilege is a very small amount that the Borough collects. To ensure the money is getting collected the Borough piggy backed with what the school does, which is to have Legal Tax collect Business Privilege. Mr. Thompson stated the Borough should have an updated list. Mr. Thompson asked how the Borough could not know what businesses are open or closed in the Borough. Mr. Kamauf commented businesses don’t call the Borough when they close a business. Mr. Thompson asked is the Community Development department would know those types of things. Mr. Kamauf replied if a small business goes out and even when someone starts a business, not everyone follows it. Mr. Kamauf stated only having 2 people in that department with 1200 businesses they do the best that they can. Mr. Thompson stated he believes the Community Development department should have a list of all businesses and that the Borough is not efficient. Mr. Kamauf replied this is why we pay Legal Tax and Jordan tax but sometimes things are missed. Mr. Thompson wanted to give examples of things Gerrick Jenco did in the past. Mr. Marone commented he has passed away and is not here to defend himself. Mr. Thompson stated he was also lied to by someone on Council and will not forget it. Mr. Thompson stated he is not happy with the way things are going in the Borough. Stephanie Armbruster 215 Oak Street stated she wanted to introduce herself to Council. Ms. Armbruster stated her, and a few others have been trying to start up a BMX and Skate Park. Ms. Armbruster has passed along some drawings and pricing to Mr. Marone and wanted to have a formal meeting to discuss everything with everyone. Mr. Stephenson replied Council will discuss it then set something up to get together. Mr. Inglis asked if Ms. Armbruster is working with the Community Foundation. Ms. Arbruster replied yes, and they have been great. Any fundraising that would go into this would be blanketed under their 501C3. Mr. Marone commented they have the resources to build the park, and are just looking to get funding and a location where it can be done.  MARCH 15, 2022 8253 Mr. Stephenson asked if there was a location in mind. Ms. Armbruster replied yes, and would like to discuss further at a meeting but they are open to suggestions. Mr. Stephenson commented one of our Solicitors can also attend the meeting for liability issues. David Faynor 721 Shadyside Drive commented he is also the President for the Duquesne Annex. Mr. Faynor stated he is coming to Council and the Borough Manager because the Duquesne Annex has applied for a grant for $818,000.00 for the development of the property that is located behind Duquesne Village which is parcel # 240-R-150. Mr. Faynor commented the money they applied for is the LSA which is the Local Share Account and is state grant money from the gaming industry. Mr. Faynor commented the state has requested a letter of sponsorship from the Municipality to assist the Fire Department in submitting the grant. Mr. Faynor stated there are no risks, liability or financial ties on the Borough. Mr. Faynor stated he emailed all of this to Brian Kamauf, and they also do not need the letter for the statewide resolution until the next Council meeting. Mr. Kamauf replied the Borough has also applied for the same grant, and if are we allowed to have 2 applications in, Mr. Kamauf would have to make a phone call first tomorrow to find that out, then it would be up to Council. Mr. Marone commented if 2 applications are allowed to be submitted at once, basically the Borough would get the money then give it to the Fire Department. The Fire Department can’t get the money themselves; the Borough has to accept the money. Council stated the letter would not be a problem if we are allowed to be on 2 grants. Mr.Kamauf commented he will get in contact with Mr. Faynor. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Davis, seconded by Santoro that the Meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 7:28 pm prevailing time.