Borough Council

DECEMBER 20, 2022 8292 COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN met in regular session in the Municipal Building Council Chambers on December 20, 2022 at 6:35 p.m. prevailing time with President Mike Moses presiding. Mr. Moses stated the executive session was held yesterday due to scheduling conflicts. ROLL CALL: Topolnak Present Davis Present Santoro Present Inglis Present Kostelnik Present Moses Present Stephenson Absent Six members present. Mayor Kelly present. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: No citizen comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Topolnak, seconded by Davis that the minutes of the November 15, 2022 Council Meeting be approved. Roll Call Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEMS: Solicitor DiLucente opened the Public Hearing at 6:40pm. After hearing no comments Solicitor DiLucente closed the Public Hearing. A. AN ORDINCANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF WESTMIFFLIN, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, FIXING AND REENACTING THE REAL ESTATE TAX RATE OF 9.98 MILLS FOR THE YEAR 2023 AND IMPOSING DISCOUNTS, PENALTIES AND INTEREST THEREON. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried.  DECEMBER 20, 2022 8293 B. A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2023 AND ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2023 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOROUGH CODE FOR THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN. Budget - $17,265,445.00 Liquid Fuels Budget - $ 500,000.00 Capital Projects Budget - $ 300,000.00 Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Topolnak Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. 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 1, 2023 AND CONTINUING FORWARD UNTIL OTHERWISE AMENDED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Motion by Davis, seconded by Topolnak Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. D. RESOLUTION TO HAVE ON RECORD A STATEMENT CONFIRMING THAT THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN HAS FORMALLY REQUESTED A GRANT, HAS DESIGNATED AN OFFICIAL TO PERFORM THE REQUIRED DUTIES BETWEEN THE APPLICANT AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY (RAAC), IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000.00. Mr. Kamauf commented we were already approved for this grant. This is only a change only a change from the previous president to the current president. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Davis Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. E. RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN, HEREBY REQUESTING AND PA SMALL WATER AND SEWER PROGRAM GRANT OF $107,563.21 FROM THE COMMONWEALTH FINANCING AUTHORITY TO BE USED FOR THE MELVIN DRIVE STORM SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Santoro Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. F. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis to approve and advertise the 2023 Legislative and Work Session Meeting Calendar. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried.  DECEMBER 20, 2022 8294 G. Motion by Davis, seconded by Inglis to approve the Borough of West Mifflin Insurance renewals with Travelers including: Property, Inland Marine, General, Law Enforcement, Public Entity, Employment, Auto and Cyber Liabilities, Auto Damage and Umbrella Coverage at an annual cost of Three Hundred Thirty-Four Thousand Nine Hundred Forty-Two Dollars, ($334,942.00). Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. H. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis to approve the Borough insurance renewal with Excalibur Insurance Management Services, LLC for Workers Compensation and Employment Liability Insurance at an annual cost of Three Hundred Ten Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Four Dollars, ($310,734.00). Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. I. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Topolnak to approve appointment of David Tartler to the West Mifflin Sanitary Sewer Authority Board, term to expire the first Monday of 2028. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. J. Motion by Davis, seconded by Santoro to approve appointment of James Baker to the West Mifflin Zoning Hearing Board, term to expire December 31, 2025. Roll Call: Five ayes, no nays one abstain. Motion carried. K. Motion by Inglis, seconded by Kostelnik to approve appointment of Douglas Resetar to the West Mifflin Planning Commission, term to expire December 31, 2026. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. L. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Topolnak to approve appointment of Scott Santoro to the West Mifflin Planning Commission term to expire December 31, 2026. Roll Call: Five ayes, no nays, one abstain. Motion carried. M. Motion to approve appointment to the West Mifflin Planning Commission, term to expire December 31, 2026 Council did not have anyone to recommend. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Davis to table Agenda item M. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. N. Motion to approve appointment to the Vacancy Board, term to expire December 31,2023. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Council did not have anyone to recommend. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis to table Agenda Item N. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried.  DECEMBER 20, 2022 8295 O. Motion by Davis, seconded by Inglis to approve the annual service agreement with Building Controls Systems for HVAC and Temperature Control System for the facility located at 1020 Lebanon Road, West Mifflin at annual service cost of $5,400.00. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. P. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis for reapproval of the final site plan for a 4,000 square foot addition to the Walmart Store, 2351 Century Drive, West Mifflin, PA 15122, Original Planning Commission case PC-23-13 was approved at the September 2022 Legislative Meeting. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Q. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Topolnak to approve and appoint representative Dan Davis to Allegheny League of Municipalities Borough Association. Roll Call: Five ayes, no nays, one abstain. Motion carried. R. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis to approve correction of Minutes from the December 21, 2021, Legislative Meeting, Item G Corrected term should be “term to expire the first Monday of 2027.” Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Mr. Kamauf commented this motion was regarding James Hess. S. Motion by Davis, seconded by Inglis to approve correction of Minutes from the January 6, 2020, Legislative Meeting, Motion 11. Corrected term should be “term to expire the first Monday of 2025.” Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. Mr. Kamauf commented this motion was regarding Bob Kostelnik. T. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Topolnak to approve the hiring of Derek Zgraggen, as Patrol Officer for the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon the successful completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological examinations. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. U. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis to approve the hiring of Andrew Hindman, as Patrol Officer for the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon the successful completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological examinations. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. V. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis to approve the hiring of Michael Klein, as Patrol Officer for the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon the successful completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological examinations. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried.  DECEMBER 20, 2022 8296 W. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Topolnak to approve the hiring of Codey Hamilton, as Patrol Officer for the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon the successful completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological examinations. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. X. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis to approve the hiring of Erika Gatz, as Patrol Officer for the Borough of West Mifflin Police Department, contingent upon the successful completion and passing of medical/physical and psychological examinations. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: Community Development…………………………………………………...Walter B. Anthony Mr. Anthony read the Community Development Report for the Month of November 2022. Mayor Kelly asked if the issue had been resolved with the house that was demolished on Greenspring’s Avenue. Mr. Anthony asked which issue. Mayor Kelly replied someone was looking to possibly purchase the property through the Vacant Property Recovery Program. Mr. Kamauf replied the information for the Vacant Property Recovery Program was forwarded to them and that is the only way to purchase it. Police……………………………………………………………..…...Chief Gregory McCulloch Chief McCulloch thanked Council for the new additions to the Department. Chief McCulloch read the Police Report for the Month of November 2022.  DECEMBER 20, 2022 8297 Public Works……………………………………………………………….…Anthony DiCenzo Mr. DiCenzo read the Public Works Report for the Month of November 2022. Mr. DiCenzo commented after receiving the recycling bins we were rewarded with through the grant. The waiting list of residents have been supplied with their bins. Public Works is now on the verge of releasing a Public Service Announcement that will allow residents to request a bin. The residents could also call the garage to request a bin. Mr. DiCenzo commented all the paving was completed except for Skyview, it only has a scratch coat. Also, Elizabeth and High Street will be completed in the spring. Mr. DiCenzo reported it was brought to his attention that there is a collapsed storm line on Kennywood Boulevard. Due to the policy and procedure that would fall under Public Works to repair. Mr. DiCenzo stated approval on the process will be submitted at a later date. Solicitor DiLucente asked the cause of the issue. Mr. DiCenzo replied just over time the pipe deteriorated. Mr. Kamauf stated if West Mifflin was a Township PennDOT would have to do the repair. Since we are a Borough, we are required to repair the pipe. Mayor Kelly commented he believed the Borough refused to sign off on that. Mr. Kamauf replied on Lewis Run Road, we tried that. They basically said they would fine us and to take it out of Liquid Fuels. Mayor Kelly asked Mr. DiCenzo if the sink hole going up Kennywood Boulevard was part of the same line. Mr. DiCenzo was not familiar with the hole and will look at it. EMS…………………………………………………………………………Chief Todd Plunkett Chief Plunkett read the EMS Report for the month of November 2022. REPORT OF THE MAYOR: Mayor Kelly thanked Council for maintaining the tax rate for another year. Mayor Kelly stated there are trying times around the world and appreciates the staffing required for the Police Department.  DECEMBER 20, 2022 8298 REPORT OF THE SOLICITOR: Solicitor DiLucente stated his report is reserved for Executive Session. REPORT OF THE ENGINEER: Mr. Elyes reported North Rock will work over the winter on the Duquesne Avenue Culvert Replacement Project. Paving will then take place in the spring. Mr. Elyes reported the remainder of Skyview as well as Elizabeth and High Street will be completed as temperatures permit in the spring. Mr. Elyes reported Wreckcrew is obtaining County and Borough Permits. Wreckcrew is expected to have one structure demolished before the end of the year. REPORT OF THE BOROUGH MANAGER: Mr. Kamauf read the Finance Report for the month of November 2022. Mr. Kamauf thanked Council and all Departments for another successful year. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Motion by Davis, seconded by Topolnak that all bills properly approved by the Finance Committee be paid. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: No new business. CITIZENS COMMENTS: No citizen comments. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Santoro, seconded by Inglis that the Meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 7:12 pm prevailing time.