Monthly Business Meeting Minutes- February 4, 2020
The
Trafford Borough Council held its monthly business meeting on Tuesday, February
4, 2020, 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, Council President Craig
Alexander, Solicitor
Steven
Perovich, Council Vice-president Don Glenn, Engineer
Zackery Cole,
Councilmember Ed Llewellyn, Mayor
Ralph Deabner, Councilmember Ashley Stack, Borough Manager
Leslie Peters,
Councilmember Adam Hlad, Code Enforcement Officer
Casey
Shoub, Councilmember
(Absent) Christopher
Corrales, Councilmember and Charles
Miller, Emergency Management Coordinator
Minutes: A motion “to accept the minutes of January 6, 2020, reorganization
and regular meeting” was made by Councilman Deabner and seconded by Councilwoman
Peters. The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Payment of Bills: A motion “to approve the expense voucher list dated, February 4,
2020” was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman Cole. The motion
carried unanimously 6-0.
Public Comment:
Patricia Paola 74 First Street: Mrs. Paola came
before the council to inform them of a down stop sign at the intersection of
Fourth Street and Viaduct Way. Mrs. Paola stated she almost got run over by a
bus. Mrs. Paola questioned the bus driver and the bus driver indicated he was
unaware of there being a stop sign. Mrs. Paola stated the railroad is using
Westmoreland Road as a storage facility. Mrs. Paola stated there are rails,
railroad ties, and containers all along the roadway. The grass is torn up and
there is also mud in the roadway. Mrs. Paola questioned if there is anything
that can be done as residents to stop this from happening. Mrs. Paola stated
she will start a petition if she must. Mrs. Paola also congratulated Mr.
Christopher Corrales for wining the election.
Manager Stack stated she was unaware of the down
stop sign and will have public works address it. Manager Stack stated we have
made several attempts to contact them with zero response. If you wish to start
a petition, we will gladly forward that along.
Ann Lecuyer 205 East Gilmore Avenue: Mrs. Lecuyer
came before the council to discuss the option of using the Manchester Room for free
for a free summer food program for children up to the age of 18. Mrs. Lecuyer
contacted the Westmoreland County Food Bank and the school district if there
are 20 interested children we would qualify and be eligible to hold the
program. Mrs. Lecuyer stated there are several requirements for example the
facility must have a refrigerator, a hand washing station and the children must
be kept out of the weather. The program would be held Monday – Friday from
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for 12 weeks with a paid supervisor. The fire
department has offered their support for any volunteering needs.
Mr. Perovich stated this program would fall under
his committee and he would like to sit down and get further details. Manager
Stack stated there are a few scheduled events that have the Manchester Room on
Friday’s once Steve gets the information, we can figure it out.
Gillian Graber 110 Belleau wood Blvd: Mrs. Graber
Executive Director of Promote PT came before the council in support of Mrs.
Lecuyer’s effort to provide a summer food program. Promote PT is a non-profit
organization that ensures safety, security, and quality of life for a more
viable and communal future for Penn Trafford and surrounding communities in
both Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties. Mrs. Graber asked the council to
please support this effort and allow the use of the Manchester Room free of
charge to feed the children of Trafford who qualify for the state free/reduced
lunch program.
Don Glenn, Engineer:
Don
reported on the agenda this evening there is a motion to advertise the street
paving program. Mr. Glenn mentioned this is a great time to advertise because
contractors are looking for work. Mr. Glenn predicts the borough will receive
multiple bids. Mr. Glenn stated the bids will be opened prior to the next
regular council meeting.
Borough Manager: Manager Stack stated the Westmoreland County
Redevelopment Authority has approved the DEMOFUND grant in the amount of
$25,000.00 for the demolition of 315 Fifth Street. The borough has an agreement with a neighboring
property owner, and they are going to pay the costs that exceed the amount of
the grant. The county is awarding that next week. We do not have a timeline at
this point. Just as an FYI there may be a closure on route 130 on fifth street,
but until we speak to the contractor, we don't have anything definitive. Manager
Stack stated she has spoken with North Huntingdon regarding the weight limit
signs on Murrysville Road, they do not have their section of the road posted.
The manager requested a copy of the engineer’s study to review. Public Works
will be placing the 5-ton weight limit signs on our portion of the road.
Manager Stack provided the current bank balances; the General fund is
approximately $480,000.00, the Liquid Fuels is approximately $164,000.00, The Recreation
fund is $3,330.00, and the Sewage fund is approximately $783,000.00. Manager
Stack mentioned sewage bills went out in January for the period of August 9th
through the November 7th are due on February 12th.
Code Enforcement: Code Enforcement Officer Adam Hlad
reported there were twelve new occupancy inspections, and four new occupancy
permits issued. Three building permits were issued.
Grass/Weeds include:
841 8th. Magistrate
issued fines on each of the 14 outstanding citations.
Garbage/Trash/Debris include:
836 Forbes
Road. Summary trial scheduled mid-February.
Highland. Abated.
Pine
Street. Summary trial continued, waiting on new
date.
Property Maintenance include:
Corner of 3rd
and Cavitt. Owner is on track with magistrate’s
directions to get the property demolished. Has established a price, put the
property up for sale and gained some interest. Waiting for follow-up hearing
with magistrate to be scheduled
7th
Street. Working with property maintenance
company to abate.
8th Street. Working with
property maintenance company.
Fairmont. In process, deadline to avoid
multiple citations is later this week.
Cavitt Ave. In process.
Shady. Attractive nuisance, abated.
Abandoned
vehicle:
Stewart St. 1 in process.
Permit
violations include:
Gilmore: 1 excavation, 1 sidewalk opening
in process.
5th Street: 1 excavation in process.
Duquesne: 1 excavation, 1 sidewalk opening, both
resolved.
Disorderly
House violations include:
5th Street Ext. Meeting with
property owner next week.
432 Homewood. Citations issued; summary
trial scheduled early March.
Councilwoman Peters
questioned if it would be helpful to post the excavation section of the code on Savvy Citizen. Code
Enforcement Officer Hlad stated that is a great idea as to many people are
unaware.
Councilwoman Peters
stated the property at 106 Shady Lane is pending sale. Code Enforcement Officer
Hlad stated the property did close on Friday. Councilwoman Peters stated
hopefully the new owner will take care of the overgrowth. Code Enforcement Officer
Hlad stated there was an extensive conversation held with the new owner on
multiple violations.
Councilman Perovich questioned the status of
the temporary pole on Cavitt Avenue. Manager Stack stated Verizon installed
that temporary pole. Halle from the County was going to speak to the contractor
to see what was still needed in order to complete the project. Once she has
spoken with the contractor, she will let us know and we can let both Verizon
and Duquesne Light know so they can coordinate.
Solicitor: Solicitor Alexander stated both Adam and Ashley alluded that there
are still lingering issues with 501 Cavitt Avenue on the demolition. As the
Mayor and Council is aware, we’ve discussed during executive session many times
there's going to be ongoing litigation regarding the property. Manager Stack mentioned we have secured a
grant for 315 Fifth Street, Solicitor Alexander stated he is in the process in
preparing an agreement with the neighboring property owner so they may assist
with funding. Solicitor Alexander stated he has prepared two resolutions and
were provided to council prior to this meeting. Solicitor Alexander asked all
to review the resolutions to act on them at the next regular council meeting.
Solicitor Alexander stated he has worked with Code Enforcement Officer Hlad on
several code issues.
EMS: Manager Stack stated Mr. Grant will be
present at the next regular council meeting to present Penn Township
Ambulance’s annual report.
VFD: Chief Brian Lindbloom reported seven total calls for the month of
January. There were five rescue and emergency medical service calls, one false
alarm call, and one fire call. Chief Lindbloom reported for the month of
January there were 220 non-emergency medical transports. Dispatch to on scene
time of five minutes and thirty seconds for fire related calls. Dispatch to on
scene time of five minutes of thirty-six seconds for EMS calls. Chief Lindbloom
reported the Fire Inspector completed 32 hours of National Fire Codes
Essentials Course. Chief Lindbloom reported both fire and ems personnel
completed a blood borne pathogen and harassment training course. Chief
Lindbloom mentioned there are currently 1400 strains of the flu and
Coronavirus. Chief Lindbloom stated there is an ongoing 95th
anniversary t-shirt sale fundraiser, shirts may be purchased via email, by
phone, or on their website. The fire department will also hold its annual
hoagie sale in conjunction with cleanup days. The advanced life support personnel
Paramedics and Advanced EMT’s completed UPMC’s requirements for medical command
for 2020. This certification gives us permission to act on behalf of the doctor
to give medications and use cardiac monitors. The advanced life support
personnel also received Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
waiver through the Centers for Medicine and Medicaid Services. The CLIA waiver allows
us to take blood samples for blood glucose diabetics. We're not a laboratory,
but we must have permission to specifically take blood and how to dispose of it
once the sample is taken. Chief Lindbloom offered the Fire Departments support
on Mrs. Lecyuer’s effort for a summer lunch program. If the room is rented the
participants are free to use the fire department, we cannot commit to seven
days a week, but we could accommodate a few days for the duration.
EMC: Manager Stack stated there was a meeting earlier today with Penn
Township, Penn Township Emergency Management, Dr. Harris, Penn Township
Ambulance, Penn Borough, and Penn Borough Emergency Management to discuss
training opportunities that are coming up. Penn Township is leading the charge
and gathering ideas to better prepare for emergencies.
Rec Board: No report.
TECDC: No report.
WHT: No report.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Llewellyn reported for the month of January there were a
total of one hundred forty-seven calls, with ten criminal complaints filed, and
eighteen citations issued. Mayor Llewellyn announced
Community & Economic Development: Councilman
Perovich reported the bank building is finally down they still have a bit of
work to do by filling everything in. There are a couple of new businesses
coming into town. On the corner of Cavitt and Fifth Street across from the
t-shirt shop, there’s going to be a music store. In the old Fanty’s flower shop
there is going to be a dog groomer and kennel service. Hopefully the old
Parente’s will be up and running soon. We’re moving in the right direction.
Sherm Edwards is planning on adding a few offices which will bring additional employees
and tax revenues.
General Government & Finance: No report.
Parks & Recreation: Councilwoman Peters reported the list of DCNR Grants are out and
feels there may be an opportunity to capitalize on one. The idea is to get
updated limestone for the track at the BY and a possible bike path from the
trail to the restrooms. Hoping to have additional information next month.
Planning, Property, & Ordinances: Councilman
Deabner reported a property assessor is coming to do an evaluation of all
borough assets. Councilwoman Peters questioned all the borough’s buildings or
just the borough building. Councilman Deabner stated just the borough building.
Councilwoman Peters questioned why. Councilman Deabner stated for the purpose
of refinancing the loan. Manager Stack stated she has started an engagement
letter for a possible refinance just to receive the information. Solicitor
Alexander was contacted by the originators of the bond to which they stated
they could save us approximately tens of thousands of dollars, due to the
current low rates. Manager Stack stated she just signed the engagement letter
it is at no cost. This is just the preliminary, they will be gathering the
information. It'll take close to four weeks before they would have the
information for me to present to council as to what we're looking at interest
rate wise. Once we have the information, she will be presenting that to
council.
Public Safety: Councilman Cole stated he has spoken with the EMC on gathering an
Emergency Cert team. We're waiting for instructors to get certified and then we
can begin the next steps of getting volunteers and getting them trained.
Public Works & Sanitation: Councilman
Shoub announced clean-up days on May 1, 2020, and May 2, 2020. May 1st
from 12:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. and May 2nd from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. all
HHW must be disposed of via the at your door program with Waste Management.
Presidents Report: Councilman Cardiff thanked the council for embracing the new
committees and picking up the ball and running with it. He stated he appreciates
the donation of time volunteering on the board.
Payment to Katofsky Construction
A
motion “to authorize payment to Katofsky Construction in the amount of
$4,167.50, for work completed in the borough building” was made by Councilman
Cole and seconded by Councilman Shoub.
Manager Stack stated we received several quotes to look at water damage that was caused upstairs on the third floor. There were two locations where there was water damage. We thought
it was from the roof. Upon further review the contractor got
in there and the damage was a lot more
extensive than anticipated. The contractor’s opinion is there was not enough ventilation
when they built the building. The condensation had built up and
so did the damage. This is just for the removal of the damage. We have met with Don Glenn and with the original architect and will come up with
a plan.
The motion carried
unanimously 6-0.
Advertisement for 2020 paving project
A
motion “to authorize the borough engineer to advertise for the 2020 street
paving program” was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman Cole.
Manager
Stack stated Don wanted to get a jump on the advertisement because contractors
are looking for work and we will get the most bang for our buck. In one of
Don’s other municipalities, they had 12 contractors put in bids, which is huge.
We went out and assessed the roads to which were roads are the worst that we
can afford to rectify at this point. We will be advertising for First Street,
Gilmore Avenue, Homewood Avenue and Sixth Street keyway, and a larger patch in
Jeannine Court. Councilman Shoub questioned which section of First Street.
Manager Stack stated First Street from Route 993 up to East Gilmore Avenue.
Councilman Perovich questioned if we were planning on paving all of Gilmore
Avenue. Manager Stack stated yes. The estimated quote of East Gilmore Ave would
have eaten up the entire paving budget.
Manager Stack stated she understands the condition of the road and she
will be looking into possible grants.
Manager Stack acknowledged that Hillcrest Drive needs repaired. However,
we’re going to have to keep patching the road until the new development has
been completed. It's pointless for us to put the money into it when there is
construction going on and heavy equipment is being moved in and out.
Councilwoman
Peters questioned if there has been any further discussion on repairing the
intersection of Fourth Street and Adrian Avenue. Manager Stack stated if one of
the committees would like to work with Port Authority on this issue that would
be helpful. The quote from Glenn Engineering was astronomical and was just to
pull the tracks up which didn’t include the paving costs.
Resident
Patricia Paola stated the borough would not have to pay as much as we are if
the borough would seal all cracks and re-tar. This would prohibit trees and
grass from growing through the seal.
Mrs.
Paola questioned why the tracks would need ripped up if we’ve been paving over
them for forty-five years. Why couldn’t the tracks be covered again? Manager
Stack stated she doesn’t know the answer to that question, she will follow up
with the engineer. Councilwoman Peters stated she will contact Don to get the
history and share her findings.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Appointment to Vacancy Board
A
motion “to appoint Jim Comunale to the Vacancy Board for a term ending December
31, 2020” was made by Councilman Cole and seconded by Councilman Shoub. The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Appointment to Planning Commission
A
motion “to appoint Jim Comunale to the Planning Commission for a term ending
December 31, 2023” was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman Deabner.
Solicitor
Alexander stated the code allows Mr. Comunale to serve on both boards they are
not incompatible.
The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Mayor
Llewellyn conducted the Oath of Office appointing Mr. Jim Comunale to the
Vacancy Board and the Planning Commission.
New Business
Mayor
Llewellyn questioned if the Trafford Girls Softball would be able to provide
field aggregate in lieu of paying the field use fee. They also would like to
paint the dugouts and the concession stand and repair the fencing. Mayor
Llewellyn also requested the use of the library parking lot for a Hoagie sale
on April 18th from 11:00 a.m. until they’re gone.
Manager
Stack stated we will need to check with public works and the union regarding
the painting and repairs.
Mayor
Llewellyn questioned if this could be voted on at the discussion meeting,
reason being we are expecting some nice weather and we’d like to get this done
as soon as possible.
A
motion “to change the discussion meeting to a voting meeting and get it
properly advertised” was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman
Cole. The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Mayor
Llewellyn reported Trafford Girls Softball sign-ups will be held at the
Trafford American Legion on February 15th and 22nd from
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Final sin-up day will be held on February 26th
from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Adjournment
Councilman
Cardiff announced the next discussion voting meeting for Tuesday, February 18, 2020,
at 6:00 p.m. in the Manchester Room.
Councilman
Cardiff announced the next regular meeting for Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at 7:00
p.m. in the Council Chambers.
A
motion “to adjourn” was made by Councilman Deabner and seconded by Councilman Cole.
The motion carried unanimously 6-0.