Trafford Borough
Monthly Business Meeting Minutes- January 5, 2021
The
Trafford Borough Council held its monthly business meeting on Tuesday, January
5, 2021, at 7:04 p.m., VIA Zoom.
Council
President, Kris Cardiff, called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of
Allegiance and Moment of Silence.
Roll
Call of Attendance by Assistant Manager Nina Solivan:
(Present)
Kris Cardiff, Council President Craig
Alexander, Solicitor
Steven Perovich, Council Vice-President Ashley Stack, Borough Manager
Zack
Cole, Councilmember Adam
Hlad, Code Enforcement Officer
Christopher
Corrales, Councilmember Ed
Llewellyn, Mayor
Leslie Peters,
Councilmember
Casey Shoub,
Councilmember
(Absent) Ralph
Deabner, Councilmember
Charles Miller, Emergency Management Coordinator
Minutes: A motion "to accept the minutes of the November 17, 2020,
discussion meeting and the December 1, 2020, regular council meeting" was
made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman Perovich. The motion
carried unanimously 6-0.
Payment
of Bills: A motion "to approve the expense voucher
list dated January 5, 2021" was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by
Councilman Corrales. The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Public
Comment:
Councilman
Cardiff read the rules for public comment.
Borough
manager Stack read a statement submitted by Melissa Edwards that was received
via email, "Trash has piled up for weeks. Waste Management has not been
picking it up. They are picking up everyone else's trash on the street. There
is a mountain of black trash bags on the property, along with a pile of loose
debris. Empty beer cases thrown into the massive burn pile. Bricks and I
believe roofing materials or other construction debris stashed behind the large
storage container. That debris pile is as high as the storage container itself.
To be clear, this is a huge metal storage container that one rents and has
dropped off. It has been there for close to 2 years. Please drive down Meadow
Street turn around and drive back out to fully appreciate the view of 8 Meadow.
Thank you. Melissa Edwards".
Adam
Hlad stated the issues at 8 Meadow Street have been ongoing. Code Enforcement
Officer Hlad stated he met with the property owner this evening to point out
everything that needs taken care of. Code Officer Hlad stated he had been in
contact with the property over the last month to address the Trash. The owner
would collect a few things and things would then begin to pile up again. Waste
Management will not take construction materials. The property is in process and
is aware this has been an ongoing issue. As for the storage trailer, we will
need to speak with the Zoning Solicitor as we are unsure if it permissible
under the zoning code or if he's eligible to apply for a variance. This is not
progressing very quickly as Code Officer Hlad's disposal solutions will not
allow for a quicker movement.
Councilman
Perovich questioned if the property owner of 8 Meadow Street is conducting a
business out of the building.
Code
Enforcement Officer Hlad stated, "it appears so". According to the
property owner, he is not running a business out of the structure, nor does
anyone reside there.
Code
Enforcement Officer Hlad stated, "he does have a detailed list prepared
for the interim code officer for follow-up".
Borough
manager Stack read a statement submitted by Bill Mence that was received via
email. "My Name is Bill Mence I reside at 517 Brinton Ave. Addressing the
Mayor of Trafford. If by any chance I am out of line by addressing an issue to
the Mayor and council that I feel has gotten worse within the vicinity of
Brinton Ave in the past 4 years, I had no intention of doing so. I feel the
drug activity has gotten bad here on this street of Brinton Ave if it is that
bad here, what about the rest of the community of Trafford. The Mayor is an
elected official that overlooks the main departments of the local government
and is required to overlook the safety of everyone's well-being of his or her
community. Yesterday a neighbor Paul Kingston texted my roommate that there's
hypodermic needle close to our driveway. We both ran out and I addressed the
issue with our President of council which he told me to call the cops. We did
call, and pointed out that not only our dogs could have gotten maybe hurt but
what about the little children that play or walk on this street, when we were
told this isn't the first needle being found on this street. Why is the drug
activity getting worse? When is it going to get better? Back in the middle of
November a quad duplex across the street from at 520 numerous vehicles playing
relay for almost 2 hours.
Clearly,
these folks do not live or reside here in the community that started at 9:30
p.m. until 11:30 p.m. they were playing watch to see if an officer would make
his or her rounds. After talking to my sister that once lived in Duquense, this
is common. What the heck has our community come too? I do not live in Turtle
Creek or any mentioned boroughs, I Live in Trafford that would have some
dignity with pride. I would only hope that our Mayor that has to look over the
police department would have the same integrity and decency for our fellow
residents that gotten him elected.
Take
a stand get these drugs off our street. Attached is that needle found yesterday
Again Thank You Bill Mence".
Mayor
Llewellyn stated the issues are being addressed and have been in process since
another resident brought the subject up two months ago. We cannot discuss what
is exactly being done, but it is being addressed.
Manager
Stack added, the drug issue is not specific to Trafford Borough. It is
everywhere. All members of the council, mayor, and staff take pride in the
betterment of our community.
Borough
Manager's Report: Manager
Stack reported that we had received the Westmoreland County Municipal Cares
Grant in the amount of $30,000.00. We were also awarded a CDBG grant in the
amount of $138,540.00 for Inwood Road and Mary Street's paving. This project
will take place in the spring. Manger Stack stated she plans to meet with the
engineer to discuss the paving/repairs of Viaduct Way and Fourth Street also
for the spring. Sewage bills should be mailed out the week of January 18 for
the period of August 8 to November 7. Manager Stack mentioned the website
developer is still working through security items for the online payment
system. He is aware the bills will be going out shortly hopefully, the website
will be up and running in time. The general fund balance is approximately
$530,599.00. The liquid fuel balance is approximately $103,926.00. The
recreation fund balance is approximately $4,958.00. The sewage fund balance is
approximately $757,620.00, and the Veteran's Memorial Park fund balance is
approximately $8,367.00.
Mayor's
Report: Mayor Llewellyn reported for December, there
were a total of one hundred and ten service calls, with seven criminal
complaints filed and twelve citations issued.
Community
& Economic Development:
Councilman Perovich stated he did not have anything to report this
evening.
General
Government & Finance: Councilman
Corrales reported he held a meeting to discuss finding a replacement for the
Code Enforcement Officer Position. We have a solid game plan. We already have
people interested in the position. It will not be an easy task to replace Adam,
but we will find a good candidate.
Parks
& Recreation: Councilwoman
Peters stated she did not have anything to report this evening.
Planning,
Property, & Ordinances: Councilman
Shoub reported the code committee is still working on changes, and Adam is
still willing to help. One change is on the agenda this evening and one that
will be brought up under new business. We are making progress.
Public
Safety: Councilman Cole stated he did not have anything to
report this evening.
Public
Works & Sanitation: Councilman
Shoub thanked public works for their services during the holidays as they had
to sacrifice time away from their families.
Presidents
Report: Councilman Cardiff mentioned he sent an email to council
and admin staff for review for possible projects/ideas for 2021. Hopefully, we
can get back to some sense of normalcy as soon as possible.
Westmoreland
County Housing Agreement
A
motion "to approve an extension agreement with Westmoreland County Housing
Authority to continue to provide additional police services at Trafford Manor,
effective immediately" was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by
Councilman Perovich.
Manager
Stack stated the county previously approached the police department to provide
services at Trafford Manor at Westmoreland County Housing Authority's
expense.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
EMC
Settlement
A
motion "to ratify Council's approval of the EMC settlement between the
borough and an Adrian Avenue resident" was made by Councilman Shoub and
seconded by Councilman Corrales.
Solicitor
Alexander stated the insurance company found their claim to be not
substantial/nuisance value and requested we settle. The resident claimed an
alleged constitutional rights violation. Charges were dismissed. The insurance
company pays the money and not by taxpayers.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
528
Fairmont Avenue
A
motion "to accept the Zoning Hearing Board's determination on granting a
special permit to the property owner at 528 Fairmont Avenue, enabling him to
keep his fence on his empty lot, and a variance permitting the height of the
fence to remain as is" was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by
Councilman Cole.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Quality
of Life Ordinance
A
motion "to approve the borough manager to advertise a Quality of Life
Ordinance" was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman
Perovich.
Code
Enforcement Officer Hlad stated other communities have an umbrella ordinance
that provides an opportunity to comply. Our current system is a lengthy and
timely process with nothing in between and no resolve. This ordinance would
allow property owners that are in noncompliance to pay a fee up to three times
before moving to the magistrate. It is essentially a ticketing system. The
first offense is $25.00, the second offense is $75.00, and the third offense is
$100.00. After the third offense, we would move to file a citation at the
magistrate. The ordinance includes grass, trash, junk vehicles, snow/ice
removal, furniture, and appliances.
Councilwoman
Peters stated she appreciates this ordinance. This is a one-stop-shop as a
neighborly effort to improve everyone's quality of life.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Advertise
for Code Enforcement Officer
A
motion "to approve the borough manager to advertise the position of
full-time Code Enforcement Officer" was made by Councilman Perovich and
seconded by Councilman Shoub.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Interim
Code Enforcement Officer
A
motion "to approve a monthly payment of $1,350.00 to mark Cypher to serve
as interim Code Enforcement Officer" was made by Councilman Shoub and
seconded by Councilman Corrales.
Manager
Stack stated Mark and Adam previously shared the code responsibility prior to
Adam taking it all. Mark is familiar with the borough and will cover
occupancies and code.
Councilwoman
questioned if Mr. Cypher was part of the trio we hired previously along with
Adam and Mike at the $1,500.00/month rate.
Manger
Stack stated mark was apart of the trio. The initial $1,500.00 covered all
three of their wages for the month. Mark will be the sole individual performing
the occupancies and code. Mark is still the BCO. Previously when all three were
on, they would get a portion of the occupancies along with their bi-weekly
rate. Now we will be paying Mr. Cypher a flat fee. Adam will continue to handle
the building permits/inspections for Maronda.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Payment
to Motorola Solutions
A
motion "to approve a payment of $5,852.44 to Motorola Solutions for police
radios" was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman
Corrales.
Manager
Stack stated the radios were previously budgeted for in 2020. We agreed we
would replace radios gradually as they are very expensive. We previously
purchased three radios; this will add an additional two. As some of you may
recall, our old radios were over 20 years old, and were no longer eligible to
be serviced.
Councilwoman
Peters questioned if officers take their radios home? If the radios are shared
and used for the next shift? If radios are purchased for specific
officers?
Manager
Stack stated she thought full-time employees only, but she is not sure. She
will check with the Chief.
Councilwoman
Peters stated they shouldn't be taking them home when they aren't on duty. What
if they get broken? The taxpayers will then have to pay for the repairs or
replacement.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
2021
Rec Board Schedule
A
motion "to approve the 2021 Recreation Board Meeting Schedule" was
made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman Perovich.
Monday,
January 25, 2021
Monday,
February 22, 2021
Monday,
March 29, 2021
Monday,
April 26, 2021
Monday,
May 24, 2021
Monday,
June 28, 2021
Monday,
July 26, 2021
Monday,
August 30, 2021
Monday,
September 27, 2021
Monday,
October 25, 2021
Monday,
November 29, 2021
Monday,
December 27, 2021
All
meetings will be held at 7:00 p.m.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Advertisement 2021 Rec Board Schedule
A
motion "to approve the advertisement of the 2021 Recreation Board Meeting
schedule" was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman
Shoub.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Renew
Animal Control Services
A
motion "to renew the borough's animal control services contract with Sable
Kennel, effective immediately through December 31, 2023" was made by
Councilman Perovich and seconded by Councilman Shoub.
Councilman
Cardiff questioned if this was priced out. Manager Stack stated,
"no". We have used Sable for several years. They only charge us
$75.00/month and were required to have animal control.
Councilwoman
Peters questioned if it has always been a three-year contract or just an annual
contract. Assistant Manager Solivan Stated the previous agreement was for two
years, normally its annually. Manager Stack stated we can terminate at any time
with 30 days' notice. Councilman Shoub stated this contract locks us in at a
great price for three years. Councilman Cardiff questioned if there was an
increase in fee. Manager Stack stated no.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Borough
Newspaper 2021
A
motion "to name the Penn-Trafford News as the official newspaper for the
Borough of Trafford for 2021" was made by Councilman Perovich and seconded
by Councilman Shoub.
Councilwoman
Peters questioned if the motion should read Penn-Franklin. Manager Stack stated
no, their formal request says Penn-Trafford News.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
New
Business
Mayor
Llewellyn questioned when we would be presenting the 2020 Volunteer of the Year
Award.
Manager
Stack stated she would reach out to the recipient and coordinate with
her.
A
motion "to advertise the amusement ordinance that was revived by the
Solicitor" was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman
Perovich.
Councilwoman
Peters questioned if all of the council received a copy of the ordinance.
Councilman
Shoub stated it is something the group has been working on for quite some time.
Craig reviewed the ordinance and suggested changes from the group a few hours
ago, and said it looked good. Manager Stack stated she would email all of the
council with the ordinance.
Councilwoman
Peters stated you want us to pass this when we haven't even received the
ordinance. Solicitor Alexander stated you are not voting to pass the ordinance;
it is just to advertise the ordinance.
Adam
stated this ordinance would generate a fee for the borough for any event in
Trafford that charges a fee. Anything you would buy a ticket for an event. It
is a 10% tax that goes directly to go to the borough.
A
roll call vote was taken: Councilman Cardiff voted yay, Councilman Cole voted
nay, Councilman Corrales voted yay, Councilman Deabner was absent, Councilman
Perovich voted yay, Councilwoman Peters voted yay, and Councilman Shoub voted
yay. The motion carried 5-1. Cole no.
Adjournment
Councilman
Cardiff announced the next regular meeting for Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at
7:00 p.m.; the location will be determined at a later date.
A
motion "to adjourn" was made by Councilman Corrales and seconded by
Councilman Shoub. The motion carried unanimously 6-0.