City Council

THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 Council of the Municipality of Murrysville held a Regular Voting Meeting on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Council members Toni Brockway, Dayne Dice, Loren Kase, Jamie Lee Korns, Mac McKenna, Tony Spadaro, Carl Stepanovich and Mayor Synan. Also, present were Chief Administrator, James Morrison, Director of Finance, Diane Heming, Director of Parks and Recreation, Carly Greene, and Solicitor, George Kotjarapoglus. PUBLIC HEARING AMENDMENTS TO THE 2021 OPERATING BUDGET A Public Hearing was held at 7:02 p.m. for amendments to the 2021 Operating Budget. Ms. Heming stated that throughout the year, each department’s budget is monitored to determine if they will stay within their budgetary limits by year-end. Departments exceed their budgets due to unforeseen issues; otherwise, each department director does an excellent job managing their costs. During 2021, several things occurred that required amendments to better reflect the actual costs of the department and avoid audit concerns. The amendments to revenues and expenses balance each other out so the Operating Budget remains balanced. In the General Fund, administrative salaries and benefits were decreased because the planned hiring of the Chief Administrator replacement has not occurred. Professional services include unexpected costs to update pension documents and the fixed asset valuation for insurance. Engineering consultant hours were lower than anticipated, so this line item was decreased. The police overtime budget has suffered due to the deployment of one officer for one year, beginning in October, and the medical leave of one officer for 4-6 months, also beginning in October. The Community Development department costs were adjusted due to the delayed hiring of a Planner, increased legal costs from the final decision for the Titan Well Challenge, and lower consultant costs than anticipated. Recreation Department had some increases due to a healthcare benefit, miscellaneous supplies, and advertising. Park maintenance costs were increased to cover utility costs for the Splash Pad, additional port-a-john rentals, necessary repairs to park buildings, and an unexpected bill from SLAM for maintenance to the Murrysville tree sign. Additional expenses were offset with additional money that came in from delinquent tax claims, real estate transfer taxes, and refunds and insurance reimbursements. All the amendments to the General Fund increased revenues and expenses by $20,000. Ms. Heming stated that amendments to the Capital Reserve were mainly to move around projects that were not able to be completed this year and to reserve the money for next year. Meadowbrook Road slide repair was postponed until 2022, along with the Sardis/Logan Ferry Road intersection relocation. Repairing the metal roofs on both the Public Works maintenance building and the salt bin was delayed due to material delays and pricing. A ten-ton dump truck that was not purchased in 2020 due to COVID has been purchased using the American Rescue Fund. Also delayed until 2022 was the amphitheater project, repairs to Duff Park trail bridges, and Pedora Park improvements. The funding for all the delayed projects will be held in reserve for use in 2022. There were no public comments. Dr. Lee Korns moved to close the Public Hearing for the 2021 Budget Amendments. Mr. McKenna seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:07 p.m. vmp -1- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 PUBLIC HEARING 2022 OERATING BUDGET A Public Hearing was held at 7:08 p.m. for the 2022 Operating Budget. Ms. Heming stated that the total proposed Operating Budget for 2022 is approximately $15,700,000. Of that, the General Fund is $9,500,000, Capital Projects are $3,500,000, and debt service payment remains at $417,000. The value of a mil for 2022 is estimated to be $334,000 which is less than what it’s been for the last several years due to the Common Level Ratio declining and the numerous assessment appeals received daily. The 2022 General Fund budget includes additional revenues this year from the earned income tax increase from 0.50% to 0.70%. This increase will result in roughly $1,600,000 of new revenue which will be used to fund general operations. The Budget also includes additional real estate transfer taxes in the amount of $610,000 which will be used to fund capital projects, specifically road improvements and equipment purchases. The reason they were dedicated that way was because the General Fund has limited areas where funds can be cut without affecting services. In the Capital Reserves, projects can be added or postponed as needed. Real Estate Transfer Taxes along with some of the real estate revenue that will go into the Capital Reserve, will better fund those projects on an annual basis. The total overall millage will stay at 12.15 mils. Some of the new revenue received from the addition in the earned income tax rate will allow real estate tax millage to be reallocated to fund Capital projects, emergency equipment purchases for the fire departments, general operations of the Murrysville Library, and to assist Medic One with an ambulance purchase. Some of the decisions to change the basis of how we are receiving revenue is based on the comparison of real estate verses earned income. Earned income is a steady source of revenue and it will remain the primary funding source for the General Fund. It fluctuates if the economy fluctuates, but it stays stable. Real estate had been our main source of revenue until 2012. Since then, the decline of the Common Level Ratio, which the state determines annually, has caused the value of new construction to decline. It doesn’t matter how many new homes are built in Murrysville, the Common Level Ratio is depleting the real estate value, so we aren’t receiving the same value of real estate taxes we did in the past. It doesn’t make sense to use a regressive tax to pay for the costs of a progressive community. The earned income tax is a more stable source of funding going forward. The Real Estate Transfer Tax, if it continues as it has, will bring in roughly 3 mil of taxes. Staff tried to logically decide where these funding sources should go so that they would be available for the projects as needed. Since this revenue source could fluctuate more so than the earned income taxes, staff proposed to fund capital projects with the real estate transfer tax since projects can be postponed or adjusted to meet the revenue available. The annual Foreign Fire and Casualty Insurance allocations from the State have declined since 2019. These allocations are used to help fund the pension plan and the Firemen’s Relief Association for the three fire departments. The decrease in the Foreign Casualty Insurance allocation increases the Municipality’s share of the cost of the two pension plans. Public Works Department is seeing excessive cost increases in supplies, such as pipe, asphalt, stone, and equipment parts. Gasoline costs have gone up 15%. Park maintenance costs have also gone up; utilities, port-a-johns rentals, and maintenance in the buildings. vmp -2- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 Capital projects for 2022 total $3,500,000 and include all the projects outlined in the CIP. The Municipality usually gets $1,000,000 - $1,200,000 from Liquid Fuels allocations for road projects, but with the decrease in gasoline purchases, this allocation has dropped to $850,000. The Municipality is expected to get a DCNR grant in the amount of $300,000 which will be used for the construction of the amphitheater. The real estate tax revenue in the Special Purpose Fund will be for the Emergency Equipment Fund that will help pay for fire trucks that will be purchased in the next five years; Medic One ($63,000) to use for vehicle purchases; the Murrysville Library will receive approximately $334,000, which is roughly 72% of their budget, to be used for general operations. Mr. Stepanovich asked if the Common Level Ratio is set by the County. Ms. Heming answered yes. Mr. Morrison noted that the longer the County waits to assess the properties the quicker the Common Level Ratio declines. Westmoreland County hasn’t reassessed since 1972. Mr. Morrison stated that it is staff’s recommendation to Council to increase the Earned Income Tax and Real Estate Transfer Tax. Other alternatives were evaluated, such as a real estate tax increase. To meet the requirements of the 2022 Budget as proposed would require a 5 mil increase in taxes in 2022 and an addition 2 mil in 2024. Staff also evaluated the impact if a tax increase was not accomplished and outlined recommended areas where services could be cut and fees increased. The Earned Income Tax is a fundamental change for the Municipality and a way to raise revenue to keep pace with costs that are beyond the control of the Municipality. If there is a desire to continue to deliver the level of services that is expected in this community, we must find a revenue source that will keep pace with the overhead costs. Mr. Dice opened the floor for public comment: Susan Long, 5059 Impala Drive: Ms. Long stated that she is here as a resident of Murrysville and a community volunteer, to express her support for the increased Earned Income Tax and Real Estate Transfer Tax. She and her husband Russ have lived in Murrysville for over 31 years. They came for the quality of the schools and stayed for the quality of the community. She understands that the quality of these services requires funding and understands that the demographics have changed in regard to the real estate taxes. No one enjoys paying taxes, but she does support the increases that have been proposed and knows that Jim, Diane, and Council have been predicting this for a number of years. She likes this place so much that she decided to volunteer and is proud to serve as the President of the Board for Murrysville Community Library and prior to that, served as the Treasurer for that Board for 6 years. The Municipality’s funding enables the library to serve the community and they make sure to do that in a cost-effective manner. The annual report is provided on the website. Basically, funding matters. As a final note, this is Board application season for anyone that is interested in getting involved in the community. Look at the number of Board seats that are available. The information is available on Murrysville’s website. Dave Nader, 3015 Lexington Court: Mr. Nader stated that you hear words like regressive, progressive – fancy words about the direction of tax revenue. But he also heard that if the Municipal millage tax is raised 5 mils or 2 mils a couple years from now, that’s what it would take to offset not increasing the earned income tax, but the earned income tax is a much easier form of revenue which is withheld from people’s vmp -3- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 paychecks. It is a discriminatory tax. What is the big objection to increasing the Municipality tax the millage that would be necessary to not increase tax on just a subset of our community? How can you not see that is discrimination when you charge a subset of the community for a benefit or shortfall of the whole community? It makes no sense. A Municipality issue is a Municipality issue, not an income tax issue. Raise the millage on the entire community, not income tax on the subset of it, whether you are employed or not, or retired or not. Susan Reese Hartzell, 4959 Hunter Drive: Ms. Hartzell stated that she has been a resident for 58 years and has always worked in Murrysville. She had owned a real estate company for 35 years and now works as a broker for real estate in Murrysville. She does a lot of listing and selling of residential properties and property management. Ms. Hartzell stated that she feels the Real Estate Transfer Tax should not be increased. Home ownership is important to her, and she volunteers for the National Association of Realtors and the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors to help raise funds to try to fight for property rights and for homeowners to have that American dream. Someone who is buying a house, young couples or 2nd time home buyers, the costs continue to go up. The price of housing continues to go up and to have an additional increase in the transfer tax on top of all the other expenses is going to be more difficult for people to get into their first or second home. A lot of people think that if they can’t afford to buy, then they can rent. In Murrysville, the average rent is around $1,800 a month. Let’s help keep the costs down and help people get into homes instead of leasing. It is better to have more of a constant taxation than have this transfer stamp where you can’t predict how much money will be coming in because it will change with the real estate market. Ms. Hartzell stated that she lives in Murrysville and enjoys all the benefits, the community does a really great job of providing services, the schools are great, and she is willing to pay for the, but would rather that it not be the transfer stamp. Joan Kearns, 4997 Longview Court: Ms. Kearns stated that a lot of what she had planned to say has already been said by Jim and by Diane and by Ms. Long. As a resident of Murrysville since 1975, and having had two sons in school, the last one graduating in 1985, we have paid school taxes every year and will continue to do so as long as we own a home here. People move to Murrysville because they want good roads, they want a safe community, they want, they want, they want. If you want, it costs money. Just as we are seeing increasing costs in our daily lives, whether it be in our utility bills, grocery bill, or our cars, the Municipality experiences the same thing. Ms. Kearns stated that she has spent 18 years going through the Budget every year looking at where the money was going, questioning where necessary, and always getting a valid, well based answer. This Municipality does not waste money. For people who are questioning this budget, take a look at the elephant in the room on Monday nights, the one with the very voracious appetite, who raises taxes every year whether you have children in school or you don’t have children in school. It’s part of living in a community. If you don’t like it, move to a community that does not have what we have here. Hearing no further comments, Mr. Stepanovich moved to close the Public Hearing on the 2022 Operating Budget. Ms. Brockway seconded. All present voted aye. Motion approved. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:34 p.m. vmp -4- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 REGULAR VOTING MEETING AGENDA ROLL CALL/VOTING ORDER: Carl Stepanovich, Loren Kase, Toni Brockway, Mac McKenna, Tony Spadaro, Dayne Dice, Jamie Lee Korns, and Mayor Synan. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Dice led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. UNISTED AMENDMENTS: Mr. Morrison noted that 14.A. is to be removed from the agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: A. Approval of October 20, 2021 Council Meeting Minutes Mr. Spadaro made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar Items. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. MAYOR’S COMMENTS: Mayor Synan stated that there is going to be a presentation at the library called Pittsburgh’s Impact on the World, presented by the Senator John Heinze History Center on Monday, November 15th at 7:00 p.m. For more information check out the website www.murrysvillelibrary.org. Mayor Synan reported that the annual drill, which has to be held for the Murrysville/Export Emergency Management Agency, was held October 26th from 0800 to 1500 hours. Captain Chuck Tappe, who also serves as our Emergency Management Coordinator, conducted the drill here in Council Chambers as a tabletop drill. It was supposedly a gas leak at the new Titan Well on Bollinger Road. The Emergency Management Agency coordinated with Olympus Energy and Forefront Management to manage and coordinate an emergency response to an incident that occurred at the drill site. Following the National Command System, the three teams coordinated with each other’s counterparts to unify command, plan operations, safety, logistics, finance, and public information. Each section conducted breakout sessions to determine the best resolution to the drill. A simulated press conference was held, and a joint news release was produced and agreed upon for release. Information sharing from the Export/Murrysville Committee to Olympus was fruitful for each team. The leadership from Olympus contacted Emergency Management Company Forefront EM for professional services and decisive action. All of the technology was up and running at full capacity thanks to our IT man, Mike Hiler. There were 50 people in attendance. Captain Tappe has said that he was very proud of MEEMA’s professional conduct and networking with the two other teams. We got a note from Olympus Vice President of Communications, thanking us for our hospitality and partnership with the incident drill. The entire Olympus team was impressed with the team facility and capability and very grateful to work with us. If we have any suggestions for improvement or lessons learned for the team, please let him know. CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS: Mr. Morrison stated that Leaf pickup will be Saturday, November 13th. Make sure the leaves are in paper bags and put them out the night before. To schedule a pickup, please call Republic Services at 877-788-9400 or call the Municipal Building at 724-327-2100 ext. 101. COMMUNITY INPUT: Mr. Dice noted that this is the portion of the meeting where members of the public can speak on whatever topic they’d like, as long as it is three minutes or less. vmp -5- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 Dave Nader, 3015 Lexington Court: Mr. Nader stated that he was there representing the thousands of workers who live in the Municipality of Murrysville. He stresses the word “Municipality”, because a Municipality is inclusive of all residents, not just a certain group of residents. Therefore, if the Municipality has a shortfall in the budget, it’s the entire Municipality that should makeup for the shortfall, not just a subset of our Municipality. You are singling out us workers with this proposed Earned Income Tax hike. In the words of my famous cousin, Consumer Advocate, Ralph Nader, “if you have the courage to go out on a limb, and you have something to say for the benefit of all, by all means, stand up, be proud, and say it loud.” Mr. Nader stated that he is referring to the dangerous precedence that is being voted upon tonight. This would clearly be an act of discrimination by Council against just a subset of our residents – our working residents. Voting to force them, to charge them out of just their pockets to cover the budget shortfall of the entire Municipality. You have not raised the Municipal tax in Murrysville in 14 years. Why not? You raise every thing else. This is not an income tax issue. This is a Municipality issue. The Municipality tax is what should be raised on the entire Municipality. It is in your power to do the right thing, so we are asking you to do exactly that. Matthew Aukeman, 4211 Bulltown Road: Mr. Aukeman stated that the CDC is approving the COVID vaccine for children ages 5 – 11. He has concerns over these vaccinations. Not the fact that the vaccines are available, but the mandate itself. Mr. Aukeman implores Council to do what they can to protect the citizens’ rights and safety by preventing any type of mandate of these COVID vaccines for children as well as adults. LIAISON COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. Spadaro: Medic One met two weeks ago. They had a total of 1,395 trips; 230 were Washington Township, 442 were wheelchairs, and 95 were standbys for other communities. Medic One has 75 employees; 50 are part-time and 25 are full-time. Currently, no masks are required while they are driving unless they have a patient in the truck. For subscription, 4,012 residents responded to their fundraiser. They were sent to help Pittsburgh EMS for three Steeler games and received $970 per event. Mr. Stepanovich: Planning Commission will meet next week, and Parks and Recreation Foundation will meet sometime in the near future Mr. Kase: EAC was cancelled for October due to no new agenda items. Dr. Lee Korns: Nothing to report from Pension Committee. Ms. Brockway: Highlights of some exciting upcoming events: Join the Library for Open Play Sessions on Tuesdays in November from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for children ages 0-5 years old. No registration is required. Touch a Truck Storytime is November 5th from 2 – 3 p.m. in the library parking lot. Registration is recommended but walk-ins are also welcome. Dog Reading Pals is back on November 12, between 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Children are invited to practice reading aloud to dogs on the second Friday of each month. November 17th is STEMQuest at 4 p.m. These programs will be fun and educational. Recommended for children in Pre-K to 2nd grade. Registration is required. Come learn about recycling at America Recycles Storytime on November 19 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Recommended for ages 3-6 years old. No registration is required. November 20th at 11 a.m. is Pete the Cat Storytime & Party. This program will feature some of our favorite Pete books followed by crafts and activities and free books for all those who attend. No registration is required. There is a Teen Advisory Board. Please join on November 15th at 6 p.m. Learn more vmp -6- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 about this program at www.murrysvillelibrary.org/teen-services. For adults: November 6th at 10:30 a.m. is the Culture of Scotland. There will be demonstrations of the Highland bagpipe and dances of Scotland. Register online. November 13th at 10 a.m. the Murrysville AAUW is planning a book donation drop-off event in the library parking lot. They will be accepting books, CDs, DVDs, games and records in good condition. Join the Murrysville Community Library and the Murrysville Recreation Department on Monday, November 15th at 7 p.m. for “Pittsburgh’s Impact on the World” presented by Senator John Heinz History Center. For more information or to register for any of the programs go online at www.murrysvillelibrary.org or call the library at 724-327-1102. Mr. McKenna: Parks and Recreation meets November 9th. Mr. McKenna wanted to thank Carly and the Parks & Recreation staff for their hard work throughout the season this summer. Just recently they had the Senior Halloween party on Friday. Saturday was the rededication of the Veterans Memorial and thanks goes to Carly, the American Legion, the boy scouts and the volunteers and community members who came. It was a very nice ceremony. After that was Trick or Treat on the Trail with 330 kids who signed up. Thanks also goes to the Murrysville Police Department for being there and helping to pass out candy. Volunteers are always needed, and positions are available on the Boards. WORKSHOP ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 9.A. A discussion concerning amendments to the 2021 Operating Budget Mr. Dice noted that the Public Hearing was just held on this. There were no other questions or concerns. 9.B. A discussion concerning the 2022 Operating Budget Mr. Dice noted that the Public Hearing was just held on this. There were no other questions or concerns. 9.C. A discussion concerning the leasing of gas and oil rights for approximately 8.43 acres of Municipally owned property, tax numbers 49-16-11-0-075, Pedora Park and 49-16-14-01-199, a detention pond facility in the Spring View Plan of Lots. Mr. Morrison stated that Olympus is preparing a site on Bollinger Road for the Titan Well. The first unit they are going to drill is from Bollinger south. It just so happened that the Municipality owns property and gas and oil rights to two parcels that are within that unit. Olympus has contacted the Municipality concerning leasing those rights. The Solicitor has had discussions with Olympus and his recommendation and opinion is that in order for the Municipality to lease the rights, they must be competitively bid. There will be two actions for Council later in the meeting; 1) to authorize the staff to solicit proposals for the leasing of those rights and 2) to advertise an ordinance awarding those rights. At this time, we do not know what the acreage lease or what the royalties would be. That will be part of the competitive solicitation. Mr. Stepanovich asked if there would be any effect on the above ground. Mr. Morrison answered no that the lease would exclude any above-ground activities. This is strictly for the extraction of the gas – certain layers of gas. ENGINEERING: None vmp -7- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: None PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: 12.A. A discussion concerning neighborhood surveys for the various neighborhood parks throughout the Municipality of Murrysville Ms. Greene stated that a few months ago when they were planning rehabilitation of all of the parks, usually they try to identify a park each year to be overhauled in the CIP instead of trying to piecemeal each park on what needs done with each of them. Bear Hollow Park came up in conversation at one of the staff meetings about the tennis courts that need resurfaced and crack sealed. Public Works got some costs for completely overhauling the courts which was astronomical. It was decided that maybe a better idea was to talk to the residents that live around the neighborhood parks: Bear Hollow, Chambers, Heritage, Pedora, and Kovalczik, and learn who is living there, what amenities are being used, what aren’t being used, and what needs to be invested in, instead of just replacing things. Surveying the residents might be the best way to do that. A post card has been designed that will be mailed to those residents which will include a link for an on-line survey of 8 questions. The survey is very simple to do on-line or they can contact the Parks Departments directly. Ms. Greene presented a draft of the post card which should be mailed out within the next 30 days. There will also be a press release in the paper so that everyone has information about it and it will be on our website and social media. Mr. Morrison noted that the equipment and activities developed in these facilities were part of the original development of the subdivision. Over time, the demands in the facilities have changed because of homeowner changeover. We wanted to make sure that if improvements were occurring in the parks, that they were age appropriate for the individuals who would be using those facilities going forward. Equipment in the parks, which is inspected annually, have lived their useful life. Ms. Greene stated that funding for this was set aside in the CIP for this year and at the time we didn’t know what this project would turn into, but it should be much less. Mr. Kase asked if this was still going to be a one size fits all with all the parks having the same equipment and fields with having a little bit of everything. Or is each park going to be tailored to a specific demographic or need. Mr. Morrison stated that was the purpose of the survey, to try to serve the demographics of the neighborhood. Mr. McKenna stated that he thinks the survey will be crucial to tailor what is needed in each of the parks. Mr. McKenna suggested putting a copy of the actual card in the paper for the survey. Ms. Brockway stated that she realizes that demographics change and likes the idea that if there is going to be a pickle ball court that it’s not in every park and if there is going to be tennis courts that it’s not in all the communities. At least there would be a place to go for each. Ms. Greene stated that currently the neighborhood parks have all the same amenities and are carbon copies of each other. This is what they are going to try to get away from or at least make sure that what is there is necessary. vmp -8- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS ADMINISTRATION: 13.A. Consider approval of Resolution No. 740-21, the proposed amendments to the 2021 Operating Budget. Mr. Stepanovich made a motion consider approval of Resolution No. 740-21 amending the 2021 Operating Budget. Dr. Lee Korns seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.B. Consider authorization to advertise Ordinance 1050-21, an ordinance that provides for the demolition of dangerous structures in the Municipality of Murrysville. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to advertise Ordinance 1050-21, an ordinance that provides for the demolition of dangerous structures in the Municipality of Murrysville. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this was discussed at the last meeting. Staff is trying to update both the Property Maintenance Code and the Dangerous Structure Ordinance that has been on the books since the 60s. This would create an ordinance in the process for identifying blighted structures and eventually either having them repaired or removing the structures. Mr. Kase asked how many properties, which would fall under this category, have been identified. Mr. Morrison stated that currently there is a list of twelve. Once the Municipality takes the action to identify a blighted structure, it usually brings people forward and most often will be bought and flipped. There has been more success with that than being torn down. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.C. Consider a motion to authorize the staff to solicit bids for the lease of oil and gas rights for approximately 8.43 acres of Municipally owned property, tax numbers 49-16-11-0-075, Pedora Park and 49-16-14-01-199, a detention pond facility in the Spring View Plan of Lots. Mr. Spadaro made a motion to consider a motion to authorize the staff to solicit bids for the lease of oil and gas rights for approximately 8.43 acres of Municipally owned property, tax numbers 49-16-11-0-075, Pedora Park and 49-16-14-01-199, a detention pond facility in the Spring View Plan of Lots. Mr. Kase seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.D. Consider a motion to authorize staff to advertise Ordinance # 1053-21, an ordinance accepting a lease for oil and gas rights for approximately 8.43 acres of Municipally owned property, tax numbers 49-16- 11-0-075, Pedora Park and 49-16-14-01-199, a detention pond facility in the Spring View Plan of Lots. Mr. McKenna made a motion to authorize staff to advertise Ordinance # 1053-21, an ordinance accepting a lease for oil and gas rights for approximately 8.43 acres of Municipally owned property, tax numbers 49-16- vmp -9- THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 11-0-075, Pedora Park and 49-16-14-01-199, a detention pond facility in the Spring View Plan of Lots. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that there has been some major work done out there on Bollinger Road and they are getting ready to drill. These actions are necessary to get all of the properties that are going to be leased within the unit to be leased by the end of January. In order to advertise the ordinance to meet the requirements of the Home Rule Charter, this will need to be advertised in both the Penn Franklin and the Greensburg Trib. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.E. Consider approval of Ordinance #1038-21, an ordinance amending Murrysville Code, Chapter 126, Article II, Section 206-10 to (a) increase the Earned Income Tax rate from one-half (.50) of one (1) percent to seven-tenths (.70) of one (1) percent, for the Municipality of Murrysville’s use alone for tax year 2022, commencing January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, and continuing in effect for each year thereafter, unless otherwise revised by ordinance of Murrysville Council. Mr. Stepanovich made a motion to consider approval of Ordinance #1038-21, an ordinance amending Murrysville Code, Chapter 126, Article II, Section 206-10 to (a) increase the Earned Income Tax rate from one-half (.50) of one (1) percent to seven-tenths (.70) of one (1) percent, for the Municipality of Murrysville’s use alone for tax year 2022, commencing January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, and continuing in effect for each year thereafter, unless otherwise revised by ordinance of Murrysville Council. Mr. Spadaro seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is just the Ordinance to implement staff’s recommendation to fund the 2022 Budget. Mr. Dice stated that he speaks for everyone on Council that they are very unhappy that they are the first Council in 14 years that has to consider a tax increase. After 14 years, it has been forced to choose between cutting services or raising taxes. He personally does not support cutting services. As to why it is the EIT and Real Estate Transfer Tax, as opposed to the property taxes, the Pennsylvania Legislature has created a tax system where property owners are forced to bear the brunt of pretty much every local government tax increase. What this Council has a chance to do is divert just a little bit of that burden in a different direction away from our property owners. That is why he hates to do it, but if there has to be a tax increase, this is the right way to do it. Mr. Stepanovich stated that he agrees with Mr. Dice. It is fair that the EIT along with the Real Estate Transfer Tax creates a balance. It affects the community as a whole. The EIT is kind of a generational thing. The people that are working and can provide funds that will benefit themselves along with the community and seniors in the community as well. vmp - 10 - THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 Mr. McKenna stated that the staff and Council has looked at all options available and were looking into the future of Murrysville and how are we setting Murrysville on a path to be able to have the correct tax base to utilize and maintain all of the amenities within the community. They have looked at it from every angle possible, specified it to exactly what they feel the increase should be as opposed to the beginning where it was up to a certain percent and they waited till they knew exactly what that would be, asked the community for input, with only a few oppositions to it from 20,000 residents. Mr. McKenna feels that this is the right maneuver to do for the community. Dr. Lee Korns stated that we aren’t the first Council to consider raising taxes. This has been considered and discussed over the years that she has been on Council. Through social media, phone calls, emails and letters, the 20,000 residents that Council is representing generally do seem to support this. Not because any of us want taxes to be raised but because we do want a community that does offer the highest level of service. Some of folks on social media who have spoken out against this can be counted on one hand. They say things like “You need to implement competitive bidding”. We’ve done that for years. Or they say, “Maybe you should complete some work in-house”. We also have done that for years. We have been looking at the budget for years, and yes, we will look at it again. The election has spoken loud and clear in recent years. Folks who wanted to run a platform against taxes, we see where that landed. We don’t want to raise taxes either. Dr. Lee Korns said that personally, she grew up in this community. She moved away, but in reaching her 30s she moved back because she wanted to settle down, she wanted to start a family and this is where she wanted do it. Murrysville was a more expensive place to buy a house and knew that she would have to budget carefully to do that. She was willing to pay the taxes from the school district and from the community to be able to provide what she believed was best for the family that she didn’t even have. She was willing to put the money into the community because she wanted to continue to build something great. To the point of the two taxes we are raising, a lot of people keep harping on the Earned Income Tax and are saying why are you discriminating? She doesn’t feel that it is discriminatory. All taxes affect somebody. She will lose no sleep right now, knowing that she will be contributing to not pricing our seniors out of their homes. As for the Real Estate Transfer Tax, we saw where the market went last year which was unpredictable. We don’t know what’s going to happen to the housing market. We don’t know how this tax will or won’t affect potential buyers or another pandemic. We do know that we are looking at a very balanced approach, the best that we are capable of doing. We have considered this for years. When Mr. Morrison said that staff made recommendations – Staff made recommendations because it is their job. They are hired to forecast the budget. They are hired to make recommendations to Council. Council has spent countless hours reviewing the recommendations, asking questions, losing sleep. Dr. Lee Korns said that she won’t lose sleep anymore. We are doing the best to represent all of the residents on what they want and what they need, to continue to attract young families, and let our seniors keep their homes. Ms. Brockway stated that everyone has well said what has happened, the need to have it happen, what has happened in the past, and why we have to do it. When people stand up and say it’s only part of the community you are taxing, she doesn’t believe that’s true. Everyone pays without question, every single year, the cost of increase of the School District. That’s wonderful, because the School District puts out a great number of kids with great talent, but if you want to keep those kids in this community, you still have vmp - 11 - THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 to have a great community. Those taxes don’t provide for the community. We have to provide for the community through the Municipality. It’s not certain people paying for certain things, everyone benefits from these taxes. She too will not lose sleep over what we need to do as a Municipality to keep this community and our parks, and the reason that people stay here with their children here in this community. Mr. Spadaro stated that this is not a new tax. The EIT tax has been here for years. People shouldn’t be surprised. If we were coming up with an EIT tax that they never had, then you could say we are trying to put a new tax into the area. This is not a new tax; it is an existing tax that we are adding to very slightly that will benefit most of the people. It doesn’t benefit the seniors. Mr. Spadaro said that he has been retired for 10 years and is still paying for the kids to go to school. It’s taxes and you have to pay your taxes. The EIT is nothing new. Mr. Kase stated that Mr. Spadaro is right. The EIT has been here for years. How much time has Council spent to try to decrease costs? He would say at least 14 years. It has proven itself, with tremendous increase in costs, goods, and services. The staff has done a phenomenal job in managing to increase services to make it a better community without increasing taxes. This is not a makeup of 14 years with no increase – not at all. This is a very small increase. Council is affected by every single decision that is made – so yes, this is felt by everyone. It is important and necessary. Costs go up. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.F. Consider approval of Ordinance #1048-21, an ordinance amending the Municipality of Murrysville Code, Part II: General Legislation, Chapter 206 Taxation, Article VI, Real Estate Transfer Tax, Section 206 - 52, a tax on the transfer of title to real property, to increase the rate of transfer tax for Murrysville from one-half (1/2) of one (1) percent to one (1) percent for the Municipality of Murrysville’s use alone shall commence in tax year 2022, and continue in effect for each year thereafter, unless otherwise revised by ordinance of Murrysville Council. Dr. Lee Korns made a motion to approve of Ordinance #1048-21, an ordinance amending the Municipality of Murrysville Code, Part II: General Legislation, Chapter 206 Taxation, Article VI, Real Estate Transfer Tax, Section 206 -52, a tax on the transfer of title to real property, to increase the rate of transfer tax for Murrysville from one-half (1/2) of one (1) percent to one (1) percent for the Municipality of Murrysville’s use alone shall commence in tax year 2022, and continue in effect for each year thereafter, unless otherwise revised by ordinance of Murrysville Council. Ms. Brockway seconded. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.G. Consider authorization to enter into an agreement with Zelenkofske Axelrod, LLC for consulting services for the administration of the American Rescue Funds. vmp - 12 - THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 Mr. McKenna made a motion to consider authorization to enter into an agreement with Zelenkofske Axelrod, LLC for consulting services for the administration of the American Rescue Funds. Ms. Brockway seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that the Municipality has been awarded funds in the amount of approximately $2,000,000 in American Rescue Funds to be used on various programs and expenditures. They provided an interim of rules and regulations and said that by October they would have their final rule making which hasn’t happened. It is not expected to happen until December. It is very challenging to begin to deal with Federal funds and not have a clear picture and direction for those funds. This CPA firm was hired by Westmoreland County and by the Pennsylvania State Association of Townships and came recommended to provide the list of services which was provided in Council’s dropbox. Staff was able to negotiate a price of roughly 1% of the total funds available to be spent. Staff recommends bringing these people on board to help move forward on this. Mr. Stepanovich asked if this group would bear any liability. Mr. Morrison answered that they are a professional organization and would assume that they carry professional liability just like we do. Mr. Dice agreed with that. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. 13.H. Consider authorization to allocate a sum not to exceed $12,000 from the General Fund Contingency Line Item for purchase and installation of two new furnaces at the Community Center. Mr. Spadaro made a motion to consider authorization to allocate a sum not to exceed $12,000 from the General Fund Contingency Line Item for purchase and installation of two new furnaces at the Community Center. Mr. Stepanovich seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that there are three heating units at the Community Center. The two units that heat the Senior Center and other offices there went at the same time. The third one went on election day. Council authorization is needed to expend funds out of the Contingency Line Item. Furnaces were purchased through the Co-Stars state program and staff was able to negotiate an installation charge through a local HVAC company. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 14.A. Consider authorization to advertise a public hearing for the re-zoning of six properties, two at 4725 Old William Penn Highway, Calgary Lutheran Church,, tax parcels 49-14-08-0-013 and 49-14-08-0-014, two properties at 4765 Old William Penn Highway, Choice Auto Sales, tax parcels 49-14-08-0-015 and 49-14-08- 016, 4771 Old William Penn Highway, Loyacona Dental, tax parcel 49-14-08-017 and 4785 Old William Penn Highway, Standard Bank tax parcel 49-14-08-0-018 from M-U Mixed Use to B, Commercial. vmp - 13 - THE MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE Regular Voting Meeting – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 Removed from the agenda. ENGINEERING: 15.A. Consider the reduction of a bond being held to insure completion of the required improvements at Murrysville Racquet Club in the amount of $101,536.40. Ms. Brockway made a motion to consider the reduction of a bond being held to insure completion of the required improvements at Murrysville Racquet Club in the amount of $101,536.40. Mr. McKenna seconded. Mr. Morrison stated that this is partial release of bond on the improvements being done at the Racquet Club which was approved by Council. The contractor has completed partial construction of the required improvements for materials and excavation and construction, which have been inspected and approved. Dr. Lee Korns noted that she is concerned of the gentleman’s last message to Council, in person, that he understood there were some issues, and that they all had been fixed. She took some pictures from the trails this past weekend and it not been fixed. It looks terrible, it’s an eye sore, and she hopes that we continue to be exceptionally vigilant, especially with that property, and be cautious and conduct a thorough review before release of bond going forward. Mr. Dice added that Code Enforcement can go down there if they see issues not being followed; that sounds like a property maintenance code issue. All those present voted aye. Motion approved. PUBLIC WORKS AND PARKS: None OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: None EXECUTIVE SESSION: None ACTION ITEMS: None ADJOURNMENT: Mr. McKenna made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Kase seconded. All those present voted aye. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. The Regular Voting Meeting and Public Hearings were broadcast on local government Channel 19. A true copy of the Council meeting DVD is available for the public to purchase from the Municipality of Murrysville and is in the Murrysville Public Library for review. vmp - 14 -