Trafford Borough
Monthly Business Meeting Minutes- Tuesday, October
1, 2019
The
Trafford Borough Council held its monthly business meeting on Tuesday, October
1, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers.
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 Borough Manager, Nina Solivan:
(Present)
Kris Cardiff,
President Ed Llewellyn, Mayor
Casey
Shoub, Vice-President Craig
Alexander, Solicitor
Zackery
Cole, Councilman Don
Glenn, Engineer
Leslie
Peters, Councilwoman Ashely
Stack, Borough Manager
Joshua Sanders, Councilman Brian
Lindbloom, Fire Chief
Steven
Perovich, Councilman Adam
Hlad, Code Enforcement
Lou
Corrales, Public Works Foreman
(Absent) Cheryl Petersen,
Councilwoman
Councilman
Cardiff stated an executive session was held on September 17, 2019, for matters
of real estate.
Minutes- A motion “to accept the minutes of the September
3, 2019, regular business meeting” was made by Councilman Sanders and seconded
by Councilman Cole. The motion carried unanimously. 6-0.
Payment of Bills- A motion “to approve the expense voucher list
dated October 1, 2019” was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman
Cole. The motion carried unanimously. 6-0.
Public Comment- Councilman Cardiff
read the rules for public comment. Public comment for all matters
which the public has a concern. No public comment or questions on agenda items
will be received after this point. All the comments, promotions not listed on
the agenda will be received when called for. We allow everybody to give their
public comment and then the borough will give their response after everybody
has completed their comments.
Delores Sutton 601 Brinton Avenue-
Ms. Sutton questioned the status of two previously mentioned code issues
located on Duquesne Avenue and the corner of Sixth and Brinton Avenue.
Code Enforcement Officer Adam Hlad
stated he will get with Ms. Sutton to schedule a day to walk out to the areas
in question.
Sylvia Fields 109 Highland Avenue-
Mrs. Fields stated, “I'm here today as a homeowner asking you to petition the
Corps of Army Engineers regarding the frequent flooding with Brush Creek in
South Trafford. As you may know, the Creek runs through many miles throughout
Westmoreland County with a devastating effect on South Trafford. The creek is
affected by pollution, most notably acid mine drainage. It also costs
homeowners thousands of dollars each year due to dangerous flooding that is
occurring with greater frequency every year. The flooding is accompanied by
dangerous rip currents capable of washing away property and individuals that
could be caught in its path. This is a dangerous situation. The flooding until
about 25 years ago was largely avoided by routine dredging of the Creek.
Dredging has not occurred in many years and this has resulted in a raised water
table and increased flooding. The flooding is the cause of one and possibly two
homes being abandoned. People simply walk away from their mortgages because
they can't keep up with being flooded out twice a year and having to redo repeatedly.
It weakens foundations over time and makes our homes susceptible to black mold
in our basements. South Trafford is an interesting little hamlet. Generations
of the same families tend to remain there, and it is my ancestral home. We have
owned our property for 62 years. The residents of South Trafford really need
your support. We need you to get behind and take on this problem. The Corp of
Army Engineer stands ready to perform a survey of the problem and I understand
that you have contacted them, they are well acquainted with the flooding in
South Trafford. The survey that they will perform will identify the issues,
provide capital recommendations for remediation. There are public grants that
are available to assist with permanent remediation in this area. The town of
Jeannette is currently working with the Corp of Army Engineers and has received
a significant grant to remediate a section of Brush Creek that does exactly
what our section of brush Creek does to South Trafford. North Huntington is
currently meeting regarding the same manner and is early in the stages. This is
a problem that has a solution and I want to thank you. I also need to let you
know that I was meeting with Kim Ward on a different matter and Trafford is
never very far from my heart. It came up that she knew something about the
flooding in South Trafford. Her office had been out to look at it. They had
gone to the wrong parts of South Trafford. I don't know if any of you know what
I'm talking about. She also said to me that she has not heard from Trafford in
terms of requests for needs. So, I think that's something that you may want to
discuss. I do ask you to work with us, to help us to save this part of town. It
has great potential”.
Borough Manager Stack addressed
Mrs. Fields’ concerns by stating “I don't know if you saw my email at the end
of the day. It’s been a crazy day here, but I have contacted the Army Corps of
Engineers and once I do hear back from them, I will make sure that I'm updating
council. When you were saying about not contacting Senator Ward's office, we've
contacted Senator Ward’s office about several different issues, but majority
pertaining to the flooding in South Trafford. With the dredging of the creek, I
cannot speak to that it was quite some time ago and I figured I could discuss
that more with the Army Corps of Engineers whenever they get back to me. When
you're talking about the grants that's something we will need to investigate.
Once I talk to the Army Corp of Engineers, I will have more information to investigate
possible grant opportunities. I would assume the borough would need to come up
with an extremely large amount of money even if we’re granted a grant, whether
it's matching or not. We've contacted
the Army Corps of Engineers, once we hear back, I will update council and we
can kind of go from there and see what our options are. I'll reach out to Senator Ward's office I
have a lot of contacts there and I can see if they have any recommendations.
When you submitted the capital budget there's no way that we could’ve possibly
got that in today”. Mrs. Fields
suggested getting in contact with Jeanette to see what steps they have taken
since their project is already well down the path. I'm sure it's not an easy process because
they're looking at the permanent solution. I do know that there are public monies
that match up to 75% so there are resources out there. Manager Stack stated she
meets with other local municipal managers frequently so she will discuss this
matter with them and keep all parties involved in the loop.
Lynwood Leeman 334 Fourth Street: Mr.
Leeman expressed concerns regarding the snow fence on Edgewood Avenue. Mr.
Leeman stated there are broken curbs along Edgewood Avenue, Fairmont Avenue,
and Fifth Street that need to be repaired. Mr. Leeman stated there is a broken
clean-out cap laying in the grass at Fairmont Playground. Mr. Leeman mentioned
the rainy season is coming and the storm inlets need to be cleaned out to
prevent flooding. Mr. Leeman questioned who is responsible for maintaining the
grass that grows in between the sidewalks.
Manager Stack stated a number of
these items will be reviewed with our public works foreman. The leaf vac is
fixed but we have a contract with waste management. There will be five, leaf
collection pickup dates. I will make sure I get those to Councilwoman Peters
and Councilman Cardiff so the information can be placed on the website,
Facebook, and savvy citizen. I'll also send a request to the TECDC to place the
information on the sign. One of the things I do want to say is about the catch
basins needing to be cleaned out. They've cleaned out nearly a hundred with
documentation so far this year along with everything else that we have going
on. I’m happy they have been working very hard to get that paperwork in. Once
the paperwork is completed, we submit a copy to the borough engineer, so we get
the MS4 credit. As for the sidewalks being broken and grass growing in between
them, that's something our code enforcement officer keeps an eye out for. If
there are any properties, you have concerns about feel free to fill out a code
complaint.
Ann LeCyer 205 East Gilmore
Avenue. Mrs. LeCyer stated “I'm here to talk about the Westmoreland County
Hazard Mitigation Plan. As you may know, they're currently updating the plan.
As part of that update, all boroughs and municipalities within the County are
required to complete the hazard mitigation surveys. There are four of them that
will need to be completed to qualify for the hazard mitigation funding. Protect
PT has attended a hazardous mitigation plan meeting this week and we saw that
Trafford has not completed three of the four surveys required to qualify to
receive any of the funding. The deadline was September 1st, but Chris Tanlinger
the head of the Emergency Management Department of Westmoreland County said, he
would still accept the remaining surveys. I have with me some explanation of
what the borough still needs to do. You need to complete these mitigation
strategies for consideration surveys. There's also a capability assessment that
tells what equipment is available whenever you need to deal with an emergency.
An identified piece survey, which I cannot remember what that means. Chris
Tanlinger said he will still accept them. I'm curious if you knew and if so,
why you hadn't completed that?”. On another note, Mrs. LeCyer stated while
speaking with Ed Grant Penn Township EMS Director he mentioned PT EMS parked
their ambulances here in Trafford during winter weather events for six hours a
day for three days a week to help with handling calls on this end of their
service area. Now I understood that Trafford is no longer housing them because
the Fire Department is keeping their EMS truck in the garage and Mr. Grant said
he cannot keep his ambulance out in the cold, and it must be in the garage. I
don't have statistics on how many calls and how much help that has given us. I
feel like if we can have the ambulance parked here and have qualified staff
available to us, we should be taking advantage and finding a solution.
Manger Stack stated on the agenda
for this evening there is a motion to appoint a new EMC and that is something
that's on the list. He knows Chris Tanlinger well and I think that will all go
hand in hand. We're hoping to get on the right track because we've kind of been
lacking in that area for quite some time. I'm hopeful. Manger stack stated she
received an update. Manager Stack stated she was not aware of that until
recently It was brought to her attention that we were no longer going to be
permitting them here to house an ambulance. Ed Grant emailed me this morning
and said that he had spoken to chief Lind bloom and they had worked something
out. I guess we can discuss that further under new business. I don't know the
details, but whenever there's predicted weather events they can park an
ambulance in one of the fire bays. Councilwoman Peters questioned it wasn’t
that they weren't permitted, it was a matter of logistics and maybe moving some
vehicles. Manager Stack stated they were told they were not going to be able
to. Councilwoman Peters questioned again if they were told they were not going
to be able to or not permitted to do. Manager Stack stated she wasn't part of
the conversation. Councilwoman Peters stated she is asking because you said
they weren't permitted to. Manager Stack stated she will have to pull up the
email. Councilwoman Peters stated she was just asking for clarification.
Manager Stack stated she'll bring that up on her new business. However, the
borough administrative offices were left out of all those conversations. We
were not privy to any of that which will be discussed on the agenda under new
business.
Borough Engineer:
A public hearing on the Borough of Trafford’s
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Pollution Reduction Plan. Don Glenn,
Borough Engineer stated the borough will complete five projects to eliminate
pollution. First, 1500 lineal feet of stream restoration alongside Brush Creek will
need to be completed by public works. Second, public works will also be constructing
a retention facility behind the south Trafford ball fields. A letter was sent
to Maronda Homes, the developers for Bradford Square phase II to allow the
borough to receive credit for the new retention pond in the new development to
which they responded and granted our request. The retention pond on Coventry
Court is on the agenda tonight if council so chooses to approve this, the
borough will need to preform minor restoration and maintenance. Lastly, the
borough will install a sediment trap at BY pond. Again, that will all be
completed by the public works department. They will be removing debris before
it enters the streams. All of the projects will satisfy both the Turtle Creek and
the Brush Creek sediment reduction load. Don asked if there were any questions
from the audience. We're open to any questions if there are no questions that
closes hearing and we will submit the report to DEP. Don asked if council had
any questions. Councilwoman Peters stated she didn't hear what was said about
the backside of Wallace. Don stated public works will be constructing a
retention facility that will need to be maintained by the borough and will give
us credit toward a 10% reduction. Public Works Foreman Lou Corrales stated we
get a lot of water off from route 48 in North Versailles. Which runs across
Wallace Avenue and back behind the ball fields. We're in the planning stages of
trying to get some type of retention back behind the ball fields. Councilwoman
Peters questioned if the facility is going to be like a big building, or a
power plant facility? Public Works Foreman Corrales stated a retention pond is
just somewhere that the water has to rest. It doesn't overload the Creek. It's
a hole in the ground. The water goes into the pond and then into the Creek. It
is not a constant flow directly into that Creek. Every time we get heavy rains
off the Hill. Okay. Councilwoman Peters stated I'm wondering how that's going
to affect the rest of South Trafford where I live as well as Mrs. Fields. So, I
didn't know if that was going to back up anything above the Creek or not. Don
stated what it will do is reduce the amount of silt and sediment going into the
creeks, which of course raises the table when that's the problem. Don closed
the hearing.
Don reported he has received the final report from
the Grow Grant and has confirmed with the borough office that the final payment
has been received.
Don stated on the agenda this evening there is a
motion to award a contract to State Pipe Services in the amount of $190,455.00
for sanitary sewer repairs. It is my recommendation to accept this bid. The
bids ranged from $190,455.00 to $440,500.00
Lastly, Don reported McKee Ashplant will be in on
Thursday to start milling for the approved 2019 paving project.
Borough Manager- Borough Manager
Stack reported Penn Township Ambulance will be offering free adult flu shots in
the Manchester Room on October 9th from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The two
CDBG grant applications for the paving of Inwood and Mary Street were submitted
to Westmoreland County last week. McKee Asphalt will begin the 2019 paving
project this week at the intersection of Brinton and Sixth, the small section
of Duquesne Avenue near Third, and the underpass at Stewart Street. Work on
Fairmont should begin the following week and will be posted by the contractor.
Manager Stack stated she is waiting to hear back from Duquesne Light for
clarification on using their poles for cameras and fiber optics within the
borough. We need this information prior to ordering the cameras and materials.
Sewage bills will be sent out within the next couple of weeks – this will be
for the service period of May 9th through August 8th.
Councilman Perovich questioned if there are any
updates with Port Authority and the condition of our road. Manger Stack
replied, not at this time.
Code
Enforcement- Code Enforcement Officer Adam Hlad reported there were nineteen new
occupancy inspections, and eight occupancy permits issued. Six building permit
applications submitted, and one issued. One amusement inspection and two
amusement inspections pending.
Grass/weeds
include:
6th St.
1 abated, 1 in process.
Cavitt Ave.
1 in process.
8th St.
Abated.
217 Woodlawn.
Filed 2 additional citations with the magistrate. Abated. Will be posting this
week.
1st St.
In process.
841
8th. Filed 12 citations with Magistrate.
804 8th. 12 citations issued with magistrate.
Garbage/Trash/Debris
in progress include:
106 Pine St.
Large pile of debris. Citation filed with magistrate.
Property
Maintenance in progress include:
Stewart St.
Stormwater management project in process. Reviewed progress report, issuing Nov
1 deadline.
7th St.
Multiple trash cans stored in front of buildings, notices mailed, some to be
hand-delivered this week.
Duquesne.
Trash/abandoned vehicles. In process.
Corner of 3rd and Cavitt. Condemned. Owner erected a protective fence. Will be
filing multiple citations on 10/4 if not in compliance.
501 Cavitt.
Met with Judge Smail on 9/20, he scheduled a status conference on 10/8.
Disorderly house
violations:
6th
St. Tenant evicted.
Zoning:
2
Zoning Hearing Board meetings conducted.
Councilman Perovich questioned the status of
the home at Fourth and Duquesne Avenue. Mr. Hlad stated he has been in contact
with the owner and she is willing to turn the property over it is just a matter
of back taxes. She was sent an application for the county’s program. I will
follow-up regarding the taxes.
Borough Solicitor- Solicitor Alexander stated he has also reviewed the bids and concur that
State Pipe is the lowest responsible bidder on that project. Adam mentioned the
status conference concerning 501 Cavitt Avenue on October eight we're trying to
do so that the public is aware is to get some concrete time periods for
completion. At the last hearing, the
judge stated when things had to commence, but he didn't say when it had to be
finished. That left that open to interpretation. So, what we're trying to get
is not a hearing, it's a status conference and we're hoping that we can get
some relief about when that demolition work and rehabilitation work needs to be
completed by. Hopefully, we'll have some good news coming out of there. We had
a public hearing on the liquor license transfer, and you'll see the resolution
on your agenda item number eighteen for consideration.
EMS- No report.
Trafford VFD- Fire Chief Lindbloom reported Response: The
Department responded to 8 emergencies and 169 Non-Emergency Medical Transports
in September. Four of these responses were Fire related with an average
“dispatch to on scene” time of 4:36. Four responses were EMS related with and
average “dispatch to on scene” time of 5:12.
The average for ALL Calls was 4:54 (see a complete breakdown in the
attached report).
Fire
Prevention: Members provided and installed smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for
a resident on Fairmont Ave; general fire safety information was provided along
with the development of an escape plan which included a drill for the
occupants.
A
tour of the fire station and fire safety presentation for a local children’s
play group and their parents; fire safety materials and home safety check-lists
were provided to the parents. The kids participated in “stop, drop, and roll”
exercises, “friendly fireman” interaction, and escape drills.
Members
assisted Trafford Crime Watch with the Bicycle Safety and Helmet Awareness
event at the B-Y Park.
Fire
& Life Safety Presentation provided to the Day Care Staff at Praise Kids
Daycare Center in N. Versailles. Participants received fire extinguisher
training; an escape plan was developed, and a Fire Drill was observed. The
smoke alarms were also tested for their Annual State License Recertification.
A
General Fire Safety & Awareness presentation was provided for 2 Staff
members at Trafford Library.
The
Fire Chief met with the Public Works Director to identify new Fire Hydrant
locations for the Development at Ridge Crest Court (off Bradford Square Drive).
Training:
In addition to the regular Station Drills we complete every month; our members
also attended or completed the following:
Active
Shooter Preparedness delivered by Allegheny Health Network at Forbes Regional
Hospital.
Recruiting
& Retention Workshop – Sponsored by Westmoreland County SAFER Grant
Fundraising:
Amazon Smile Foundation: Our Department is registered for donations through
this program. Citizens who use the Amazon Shopping services are now able to
designate Trafford Fire Co. No. 1 to receive funds based on their purchases.
200
Club Fundraiser: Meetings and
preparation are well underway for the November 9th Event. Ticket sales are
going very well. We are still accepting donations for door prizes and sponsors
for auction baskets and other prizes.
Fund
Drive: The first round of donations netted just over $13,000 which represents
an 11.9% response. This is 5.82% lower than last year. The second round of
requests will be mailed out very soon.
For comparison, last year the Department received $18,826 for its
Operating Expenses through the Annual Fund Drive.
Relief
Audit: The Department completed the tri-annual Relief Association audit
conducted by the Office of the State Auditor General. The Auditor reported “No
Findings”, “No Written Observations”, and “No Observations”. All Funds and
Equipment were accounted for and no corrective actions required. A complete
report will be forwarded to the Borough Manager from the Auditor General’s
Office once completed.
Hose
Testing: The Hose Testing originally scheduled for September 8th was postponed
by the vendor until October 12th.
Agape
Development: The Fire Chief testified at the Zoning Hearing Boards’ public
hearing on September 5th, citing several concerns for fire department vehicle
access. The hearing was continued until September 26th, at which time the
request for variance was “denied”.
Holiday
Happenings: The Department continues to work with the committee in preparation
of the December 7th event.
Chief
Lindbloom has been selected by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) to
participate in the development of the next edition of NFPA 14: Standard for the
Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems.
The process is expected to take several months with the release in the
3rd quarter of 2020.
Next
month (October 2019):
Fire
Chief will tour the ACT Laboratory Facility on October 3rd as part of the
Zoning Hearing Boards’ “conditions of occupancy”. The Boroughs’ Insurance Agent will tour the
fire department spaces on October 8th.
Members
are scheduled to attend training related to “crush injuries” presented by
Allegheny Health Network on October 9th. Members are also scheduled for their
Annual Advance & Basic Life Support Skills Review on October 15th.
Halloween
“Trick or Treat” Safety Patrol on October 31st from 6 P.M. – 8 P.M. Crews will
position at designated intersections to provide lighting and assist with
pedestrian crossing.
Recreation Board- Rose Frolinni submitted the 2020 Recreation Board
budget to Manager Stack. Rose reported the board has been working on the
Halloween event. The registration dates are October 9th, 10th, and the 15th.
The contest will be on October 26th at the Legion. Rose thanked Public Works
for repairing the handicap fishing dock. Rose mentioned she went to a college
campus in Saginaw, Michigan and they had a very nice pond with two swans. After
a few minutes, it was clear that they were artificial. Rose questioned what the
purpose of the swans were. The host responded to alleviate the goose problem. If
you can get the swans in the pond and the pond area before the geese show up,
they may avoid the area because they don't want to tangle with the swans. Rose
contacted the artificial Swan vendor and they suggested that it could work if
you deploy the swans as soon as the pawn thaw. Rose mentioned to the vendor the
geese nest here and the vendor suggested we get another pair to put in the
nesting areas. Rose stated it’s a toss-up It could work, might not. If nothing
else, the swans look nice swimming in the pond. Last evening the recreation
board voted to purchase two pair of swans providing council and public works
agree. Rose questioned if this is something council would want to try.
Councilman
Sanders questioned the cost per pair. Rose stated they’re $99 a pair plus the
cost of the weights. Manager Stack stated compared to the $5,000 that we got as
an estimate from Crespo its worth a shot.
A
motion “to allow the recreation board to purchase two pair of decoy swans to be
utilized at BY pond” was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman
Shoub. The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
TECDC- No report.
Westmoreland Heritage Trail- Councilman Cole stated the WHT group recently
had a work party where added additional mile markers. They also added 17
historical landmarks. Marking where sites previously stood. Councilman Cole
learned that Washington's camp, once was in the area that crosses Forbes Road.
The WHT group also added additional memorial benches that individuals have
purchased. Councilwoman Peters questioned if the trail group had installed
benches along the backside of BY Park, Councilman Cole replied yes.
Mayor’s Report- Mayor Llewellyn reported for the month of
September there were one hundred fifty documented calls, with twenty-five
citations issued and ten criminal cases filed. Mayor Llewellyn reported the
Crime Watch hosted their bike safety event in conjunction with the Fire
Department and Police Department fourteen children attended and all were
provided a bicycle helmet.
Community Development- Councilman Perovich reported on the agenda
this evening there are several appointments along with a few resignations.
Councilman Perovich also stated the Trafford Historical Society has erected a
sign at the corner of Fifth St and Brinton Avenue near the bridge. The sign
designates Trafford being founded by George Westinghouse. The Historical
Society is also planning on adding an informational stand near the sign to
point out the Westinghouse plant area.
Finance- No report.
Community Development- Councilwoman Peters reported the Holiday
happenings committee has continued to meet and are pretty finalized with the
parade lineup. It's going to be very similar to last year with a few
enhancements. The event will take place on December 7th. If any person, group,
business or entity is interested in participating in the parade please contact
us via our email addressTraffordHolidayHappenings@gmail.com. The parade line-up
is at Haymaker Village at 5:45 p.m. with the parade to follow starting at 6:15
p.m. New this year to increase safety away from the corner, we're going to have
a throw zone on both sides of the streets. All goodies will be in that area.
It’s a little bit safer than people darting out in the road. We do need bakers
if anyone is interested to bake a dozen or two or ten of cookies. We are
getting excited. Once the details are firmed up, they will be posted on the
website and Facebook.
Public Safety- No report.
Public Works- No report.
Sanitation- No report.
President’s Report- No report.
Accept Cheryl Petersen’s Resignation
A motion “to accept the resignation of Councilwoman
Cheryl Petersen” was made by Councilman Cole and seconded by Councilwoman
Peters. The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Nomination(s) for vacant council
position
Councilwoman
Peters nominated Patricia Paola. Councilman Sanders, Councilman Shoub and
Councilman Perovich nominated John Daykon. Councilman Cole nominated Ralph
Deabner.
Solicitor
Alexander stated a roll call vote will now be taken between John Daykon and
Ralph Deabner.
Roll
call vote was taken; Councilman Cardiff, Councilman Cole, and Councilwoman
Peters voted for Ralph Deabner. Councilman Perovich, Councilman Sanders, and
Councilman Shoub voted for John Daykon. There was a split vote 3-3. Mayor
Llewellyn broke the tie vote and chose Ralph Deabner as the nomination for the
vacant council position.
Appointment to vacant council position
A
motion “to appoint Ralph Deabner to serve the remainder of former Councilwoman
Petersen’s term, expiring December 31, 2021” was made by Councilman Sanders and
seconded by Councilwoman Peters. The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Zoning Hearing Board alternate
appointment
A motion “to appoint Patricia Bayko to serve as an
alternate on the Trafford Borough Zoning Hearing Board” was made by Councilman
Perovich and seconded by Councilman Shoub. The motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Mayor
Llewellyn swore in Patricia Bayko to the Zoning Hearing Board and Ralph Debhner
to Council. Mr. Deabner took his seat alongside the council.
Appoint Emergency Management
Coordinator
A
motion “to appoint Charles Miller, Jr. to serve as the Trafford Borough
Emergency Management Coordinator, receiving a monthly stipend of $200.00 a
month” was made by Councilman Cole and seconded by Councilman Shoub.
Councilman
Cole stated he’d like to express his support on this motion. With not having a
coordinator and inconsistencies whenever we did. I feel that this will be a
very good investment for the borough.
The
motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Authorize contract with State Pipe
Services
A motion “to authorize a contract with State Pipe
Services in the amount of $190,455.00, for the sanitary line repair at Inwood
Road” was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman Sanders. Councilman Cardiff stated the bids ranged from
$190,455.00 to $440,550.00. With a total project estimate of $269,810.00.
Assistant Borough Manager Nina Solivan stated, “for
those individuals who question where the sewage money goes, it goes into
repairs such as this one. This is one line for $190,455.00, they are
expensive”.
Manager Stack stated the CDBG grant for this project
only pertains to paving, not the line repairs.
The motion
carried unanimously 7-0.
Authorize Savvy Citizen renewal
A motion “to authorize the renewal of Trafford
Borough’s Savvy Citizen annual subscription for $1,089.00” was made by
Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman Sanders. The motion carried 6-1
Councilman Cole voted no.
Approve resolution for liquor license
transfer
A motion “to approve the resolution for an
inter-municipal transfer of Liquor License, no. R-19223, from North Huntingdon
Township to 427-429 Cavitt Avenue, Trafford (formerly Parente’s Ristorante)”
was made by Councilman Sanders and seconded by Councilwoman Peters. The motion
carried unanimously 7-0.
Authorize Manager to apply for PA
Small Water & Sewer grant
A
motion “to authorize the borough manager to apply for a 2019 PA Small Water and
Sewer grant to improve the storm sewer system on Meadow Street” was made by
Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman Shoub.
Councilman
Perovich questioned what the grant entails.
Manager
Stack stated the state of the road is in very bad condition. It's not worth us
putting any money into the road until the drainage is properly rehabilitated.
We're hoping to get a grant for the necessary repairs. The drainage issues are
very costly. I'll have more to report on that once Don Glenn and I get further
into the application process.
Accept retention pond at Coventry
Court
A motion “to accept the retention pond at Coventry
Court, parcel ID 36-02-09-0-103, currently owned by Mackenzie Land Partners LP”
was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilwoman Peters.
Councilwoman Peters questioned if the borough would
be absorbing or obtaining any financial responsibility.
Manager Stack stated there are no costs. My
understanding is the borough was supposed to take this over quite some time ago
and it never happened. This is an item we could use this for the MS4 credit.
The motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Approve Adopt a Space at the Welcome
to Trafford Sign
A motion “to approve residents, Annette Costlow and
Delores Sutton, to Adopt a Space at the Welcome to Trafford sign, located near
B-Y Park” was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman Sanders.
The motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Approve handicap parking sign
A motion “to approve the placement of an ADA
handicap sign at 834 Eighth Street” was made by Councilman Sanders and seconded
by Councilman Cole. Manager Stack stated this has been approved by the police
department.
Manager Stack mentioned this was a resident request.
The police chief receives the request and looks at the location to see if it is
feasible. Once approved by the police chief it goes before council. When a
handicapped sign is placed in front of a residence, it is open to anybody who
is has a handicap placard or handicap license plate. It is not designated for
the resident only. The motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Approve Trick or Treat
A motion “to approve Trafford Borough’s Halloween
Trick or Treat for Thursday, October 31, 2019, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.” was
made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman Sanders. The motion carried
unanimously 7-0.
New Business
Penn
Township Ambulance being prohibited from posting an ambulance in one of the
borough building’s garage bays due to lack of space.
Manager
Stack stated the only reason she had received any notice, was an email this
morning stating that the issue has been resolved. With decisions like this I
would hope that from now on the borough would be consulted before a decision is
made or addressed. This is a decision that affects every resident in this town
and that shouldn't be determined without council being aware of it. Whether
it's the public safety committee chair and vice-chair or herself, it should not
have been told to Penn Township Ambulance without us being made aware. I'm glad
that it has been resolved and that we can go from there.
Councilman
Cardiff questioned if it has been resolved to where Penn Township Ambulance
will be able to post the vehicle inside the garage.
Manager
Stack read an email from Ed Grant that states “I was able to meet with Brian
Lindbloom last evening and we created a plan that will allow our ambulance to
be placed in the fire station during predicted winter weather events”.
Councilman
Cole requested the Borough Solicitor to draft an ordinance pertaining to a
vacant building registry. Councilman Cole stated the City of Greensburg
recently passed an ordinance that creates a registry for the city's vacant
properties at the expense of absentee property owners. Property owners will now need to register
those properties with the city for a fee and renew the registration yearly. The
city council has yet to set that fee. This is a way for us to know what
properties are vacant and will also make it easier for code enforcement to
contact the correct individuals.
Solicitor
Alexander stated he has created ordinances such as this one in several other
communities. The problem is the property owners, they sit on the property for
years and years and they become dilapidated. The fee would be based on a
sliding scale, for example, the first year a $100.00 fee and an increase each
year after.
Adjournment
Councilman
Cardiff announced the next regular council meeting will be held on Wednesday,
November 6, 2019, at 7:00 PM.
A
motion “to adjourn” was made by Councilman Cole and seconded by Councilman
Shoub. The motion carried unanimously 7-0.