Borough Council

December 19, 2023 8842 COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN met in regular session in the Municipal Building Council Chambers on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 6:43 p.m. prevailing time with President Scott Stephenson presiding. 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: Jim Jasinksi 4100 Home Street - Mr. Jasinski asked how much of the Budget is dictated for road improvements in the borough. Mr. Kamauf responded that the Liquid Fuels section of the budget covers road work and paving. Mr. Jasinksi asked how much the Borough is offering employees in regards to Item C on the Agenda and the new contract that has been negotiated. Mr. Kamauf responded that it varies throughout the borough, the number was not straight across. Mr. Jasinski asked if there was bidding involved for the Insurance listed in Items H & I. Mr. Kamauf responded that we have an Insurance Broker who handles that, this is not something that is bidded out. Mr. Jasinski asked if the proposed budget for 2024 includes new microphones for council chambers. Mr. Kamauf said that would be under building repairs and he offered to show Mr. Jasinksi the quotes last time, but Mr. Jasinksi left directly after the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Davis, seconded by Kostelnik that the minutes of the November 21, 2023 Council Meeting be approved. Roll Call Seven ayes, no nays. Motion carried.  December 19, 2023 8843 AGENDA ITEMS: A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, FIXING AND REENACTING THE REAL ESTATE TAX RATE OF 10.53 MILLS FOR THE YEAR 2024 AND IMPOSING DISCOUNTS, PENALTIES, AND INTEREST THERON. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Topolnak. Roll Call: Five ayes, one nay. Motion carried. B. A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2024, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2024, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOROUGH CODE FOR THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN. Budget - $17,769,283.00 Liquid Fuels Budget- $ 500,000.00 Capital Projects Budget - $ 300,000.00 Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis. 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 2024 AND CONTINUING FORWARD UNTIL OTHERWISE AMENDED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Motion by Topolnak, seconded by Kostelnik. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays Motion carried. D. A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF WEST MIFFLIN, ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING VARIOUS FEES ON THE BOROUGH FEE SCHEDULE. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Davis. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. E. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Topolnak to approve the appointment of Dale Pavlik to the West Mifflin Zoning Hearing Board, term to expire December 31, 2026. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried.  December 19, 2023 8844 F. Motion by Davis, seconded by Santoro to approve the Two Lot Consolidation Plan for Parcels 238-A-138 and 238-A-140 located at 3721 Eliza Street, West Mifflin. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. G. Motion by Santoro, seconded by Inglis to approve the advertising of 2024 West Mifflin Borough Meeting Calendar. Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. H. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Topolnak to approve renewal of the following insurances with Travelers Companies, Inc., General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Inland Marine, Crime, Law Enforcement Liability, Public Entity Management Liability, Public Entity Employee Related Practices Liability, Auto Liability, Auto Physical Damage, and Umbrella Excess Liability at a cost of Three Hundred Sixty Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars ($360,875.00) Roll Call: Six ayes, no nays. Motion carried. I. Motion by Kostelnik, seconded by Inglis to approve renewal of Workers Compensation Coverage through Housing and Redevelopment Insurance Exchange at a cost of Three Hundred Forty-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($349,616.00) 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 December 2023. Mayor Kelly asked if Mr. Anthony considered the rules of the Pennsylvania dog laws or incorporating those rules so it’s more unified to ensure proper penalties in regards to pets. Mr. Anthony responded that he emailed Mayor Kelly the Animal Ordinance many years ago, but at the time they were not looking at the number of pets allowed to be owned. Mr. Anthony did not amend the ordinance. Mayor Kelly asked if it would be wise to coordinate our Animal Ordinance with State dog laws so that it is consistent and we are able to hand out the proper penalties.  December 19, 2023 8845 Police……………………………………………………………..…...Chief Gregory McCulloch Chief McCulloch read the Police Report for the Month of December 2023. Ms. Santoro would like to commend the West Mifflin Police Department for the Toy Drive at Walmart and handing out the gifts to West Mifflin elementary schools. Ms. Santoro contacted KDKA and they ran a story on the toy drive. Congratulations Chief McCulloch and the West Mifflin Area Police Department. Public Works……………………………………………………………….…Anthony DiCenzo Mr. Moody read the Public Works Report for the Month of December 2023. Mr. Jasinski asked what the Borough pays for a ton of salt. Mr. Kamauf responded that $85.41 per ton is our current pricing through SHAGOC. EMS…………………………………………………………………………Chief Todd Plunkett Chief Plunkett read the EMS Report for the month of December 2023. REPORT OF THE MAYOR: Mayor Kelly thanked Craig McDevitt for his 20+ years of service as Emergency Management Coordinator. REPORT OF THE SOLICITOR: Solicitor DiLucente stated that West Mifflin Borough exercised the clause in it’s agreement with Westwood Golf Club, and is terminating the agreement with the owner and requesting that all hand monies be returned. REPORT OF THE ENGINEER: The engineer had nothing to report but said Happy Holidays everyone! REPORT OF THE BOROUGH MANAGER: Mr. Kamauf read the Finance Report for the month of December 2023. Mr. Kamauf thanked everyone in the Borough for everything they’ve done over the last year.  December 19, 2023 8846 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: Eileen Straub 200 Castle Drive - Ms. Straub would like to know how long the process will take to get the Dog Ordinance in effect. Solicitor DiLucente replied that they will have something for the Borough’s Council to review before Spring. Ms. Straub went to the court hearing regarding the dog kennel on Castle Drive and the Lawyer for the Borough was late to the hearing and the Magistrate was going to rule against us. Solicitor DiLucente said he will be sure to note that. Ms. Straub asked what happened with the dog kennel being a business. Mr. Anthony responded that the investigation that was conducted by the Borough did not provide enough evidence to take to court in regards to the kennel business. Mr. Anthony added that there is no website, or business registered under the name that was provided. Mayor Kelly stated that he provided Mr. Anthony with the business social media, email and business card and that one of Mr. Anthony’s employee’s family members purchased a dog from the kennel. Mr. Anthony said this was the first time he was hearing of this. Mayor Kelly said the staff member recused himself from this investigation. Mr. Anthony stated they will speak after the meeting, as it is an employee issue. Solicitor DiLucente asked Ms. Straub which issues were not addressed at the hearing.  December 19, 2023 8847 Mr. Kamauf advised that the kennel and the fence were ruled against, so the fence has to be demolished and the parcels have to be consolidated. Eric Duffner - Mr. Duffner would like to know if there are any intentions for further negotiations in regards to Westwood Golf Course. Solicitor DiLucente replied that the contract was terminated and what the future holds nobody knows. Harry Thompson 6679 Adams Ave- Mr. Thompson asked what would happen with the property at Century III Mall if the condemnation goes through and who would take ownership. Solicitor DiLucente responded that once the building is condemned the Borough will take over ownership. Mr. Thompson asked if there will be a new contract negotiated for the Westwood Golf Course. Solicitor DiLucente stated that anytime a parcel goes up for sale there is a chance for anyone to buy it. Mr. Thompson said the Borough hasn’t been doing a good job of taking over property and running them, so he’d rather see the Borough take care of the roads and other Borough needs instead of attempting to purchase and run the golf course. Mr. Thompson asked about the Storm Water fee and why so much work is needed for the storm sewers. Mr. Kamauf replied that this has been discussed before and it is DEP mandated, it is not a decision by the Borough. Mr. Thompson said he is concerned about the gradual increase of the Storm Water costs, as a senior citizen with a fixed income. Mr. Davis said that Mr. Thompson should look at the City of Pittsburgh and surrounding boroughs to compare costs. Mr. Kamauf stated that the average Borough resident pays $62 a month in taxes and that gets you garbage, police, EMS, street paving, Borough Public Works and the money is spent very well. Mr. Thompson said the City of Pittsburgh has lower taxes. Mr. Davis asked Mr. Thompson to look at their garbage and water fees compared to West Mifflin.  December 19, 2023 8848 Mr. Thompson said everyone gets raises to keep up with the cost increases each year. Mr. Kamauf said other boroughs had almost a 50% increase in taxes. Jim Jasinski 4100 Home Street - Mr. Jasinski asked Solicitor DiLucente if Item D on the Agenda was illegal since the statement is so broad. Solicitor DiLucente stated that Mr. Anthony already addressed this. Mr. Jasinski asked Mayor Kelly if there are plans to reach out to programs for Seniors who can't get out and shovel their driveways. Mayor Kelly responded that he reached out to Snow Angels and that they need volunteers. Mr. Jasinski asked if there will be any heating stations for the winter in case people lose power during the cold temperatures. Mr. Kamauf said that the fire stations will handle that, as they are the only space that could handle it. Mayor Kelly said in the past the fire stations, schools and etcetera have handled emergency warming stations. Ms. Santoro added that the high school was able to handle when the senior citizen high rise had no water. Mr. Jasinski said he’d like to thank the various Fire Stations around West Mifflin for driving around and dressing up as Santa for the kids. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Topolnak, seconded by Moses that the Meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 7:48 pm prevailing time.