Monthly Business Meeting Minutes- July 7, 2020
The
Trafford Borough Council held its monthly business meeting on Tuesday, July 7,
2020, at 7:00 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 Borough Manager, Nina Solivan:
(Present) Kris Cardiff, Council President Craig
Alexander, Solicitor
Steven
Perovich, Council Vice-President Don Glenn, Engineer
Christopher Corrales,
Councilmember Ed Llewellyn, Mayor
Ralph Deabner, Councilmember Ashley Stack, Borough Manager
Leslie Peters,
Councilmember Adam Hlad, Code Enforcement Officer
Casey
Shoub, Councilmember
(Absent) Zack
Cole, Councilmember, and Charles Miller, Emergency Management Coordinator
Councilman
Cardiff announced an executive session held on June 29, 2020, for matters of
litigation.
Minutes: A motion “to accept the minutes of June 3, 2020, regular council
meeting” was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilwoman Peters. The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Payment of Bills: A motion “to approve the expense voucher list dated July 7, 2020,”
was made by Councilman Perovich and seconded by Councilman Shoub.
Councilwoman
Peters questioned the expense listed Prime Pay in the General Fund. Manager
Stack stated that’s the borough’s payroll provider.
Councilwoman
Peters asked for an updated number on the PennVest Loan. Manager Stack stated
she provided the information a few meetings ago and will have to check on the
new total and get back to council.
Councilwoman
Peters suggested placing the PennVest loan information on the website. Manager
Stack stated this information would be included in the five-page sewage letter
Nina and I have been working on.
The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Public Comment:
Councilman Cardiff read the rules for public
comment.
Solicitor Alexander stated any individual who is a
taxpayer or resident of the borough and wishes to provide comments now is the
time to do so.
Brandon Lacina 430 Cavitt Avenue: Mr. Lacina
reported WHT would have merchandise for sale at Lisa’s Bike Shop. All revenues
from WHT merchandise purchases will go towards the maintenance and future
project along the WHT. Memberships are available at Lisa’s Bike shop and
Digital Trafford. Memberships are yearly, $20.00 for individuals and $30.00 per
family. This month a few businesses opened Immaculate Perception, Money Mikes,
and Bowser’s Premium Dog Services. Mr. Lacina also mentioned Keith’s Katering
recently remodeled his restaurant and looks great. Mr. Lacina thanked the
Trafford Lion’s Club for taking care of the Welcome to Trafford sign along
Route 993. The TBA’s website is now up and running.
Councilwoman Peters thanked Mr. Lacina for his
efforts with the WHT.
Alisha Zeeman 817 Fifth Street: Mrs. Zeeman
expressed concerns regarding Councilman Cole’s remarks on Governor Wolf’s
Facebook page regarding Dr. Rachel Lavine. Individuals who represent our town
need to be mindful of what’s said on social media. Think before you speak or
type.
Reynold Peduzzi former Trafford Mayor: Expressed
thanks to Mr. Lacina for taking on the role to represent Trafford with the WHT.
Mr. Peduzzi stated it had been his goal since 2001 to bring the trail into
downtown Trafford.
Councilman Cole entered the meeting via ZOOM at 7:12
p.m.
Manager Stack read a letter sent by Michelle
Klingensmith, resident of 298 Hillcrest Drive: I am not able
to attend tomorrow's Trafford Borough council meeting, so I am asking you to
read my statement below into the record at the July 7 meeting. I have been a
resident of Trafford Borough since 1992, and I expect that my elected officials, including
councilpersons and the mayor, as well as Trafford employees, including Borough
staff and police to act with respect and decency and to be a role model
for others. I am disgusted by the disrespectful comments Zack Cole
has made about our PA Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine. His
statement was rude, immature, and shows he does not value people different from
himself.
I
ask that all members of Borough Council read the attached
article about this accomplished doctor and Penn Stater and to have it
published for Trafford citizens to read to counteract the hateful and mocking
rhetoric of Councilman Cole. If Mr. Cole cannot respect Dr. Rachel
Levine, how can Trafford citizens expect he would respect us or vote with any
concern about our needs here in Trafford. I ask
Mr. Cole to resign his office if he cannot treat all people with the dignity we
each deserve. Sincerely, Michele Klingensmith.
Councilman
Cole stated he would not be resigning his term expires next year,
and the voters can decide if he gets reelected. He does not have any further
comment.
Don Glenn, Engineer:
Don
reported on the agenda this evening there is a motion to purchase a Pipehunter
Jetter. Don stated he had prepared a letter of support for this purchase. Don
stated with this purchase during an emergency; the borough will not need to
wait for a third-party to respond, it will save the borough thousands of
dollars; and contribute towards MS4 credits when cleaning and flushing catch
basins.
Secondly,
Don reported on a blight remediation grant that is available through DCED. He has
prepared an application for $262,197.00 with a 10% borough match of $29,133.00
for the demolition of five blighted properties in town.
Lastly,
Don reported El Grande had started the 2020 paving program. The contractor has
milled and placed a binder course down thus far. The project should be
completed soon.
Councilwoman
Peters questioned the 10% match of $29,133.00. Don stated the more the borough
contributes, the more likely we are to receive the grant.
Councilman
Shoub mentioned the binder course at First Street, and East Fairmont was thin.
Don stated he would have Joe review the area in the morning.
Mayor
Llewellyn questioned which five structures are being applied for. Manager Stack
stated the properties were chosen based on blight and resident complaints. The
five structures were listed in Dropbox.
Borough Manager’s Report: Manager Stack
reported Clean up Day’s went well. Manager Stack thanked Mayor Llewellyn,
Councilman Cardiff, Councilman Corrales, Councilman Deabner, and Councilman
Shoub for volunteering. Manager Stack stated she contacted Westmoreland County
regarding the CDBG grant for the paving project of Inwood Road and Mary Street
the awards will be announced in September. Public works obtained quotes and met
with an electrician to retrofit the current borough building parking lot lights
to LED. Retrofitting the lights saved the borough
approximately $5,000.00 rather than replacing and installing new poles. Public works tore down the old salt shed and
completed a major repair on Hird Road. Manager Stack stated she received the
following response from Melissa Girty liaison with Port Authority, “we received
a favorable response to our request from the officials at Haymaker. However, there
are several details that need to be worked through before any changes can be
finalized. It is unlikely that the details will be in place before this
evening’s meeting. I am hopeful to be able to provide you with a more detailed
update in the near future. We appreciate your patience while trying to work on
this request”. The general fund balance is approximately $720,620.00, the
liquid fuels balance is approximately $234,748.00, the recreation fund balance
is approximately $3,793.00, and the sewage fund balance is approximately
$780,090.00. Manager Stack stated the next round of sewage bills will be going
out before the end of the month.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Llewellyn reported for the month of June there were a total
of one hundred thirty-six service calls, with ten criminal complaints filed,
and fifteen citations issued.
Community & Economic Development: Councilman
Perovich reported Mr. Lacina covered most of the new business news. Mr.
Perovich stated there is a meeting scheduled later this week to discuss new
business and such.
General Government & Finance: Councilman
Corrales stated he did not have a report this evening; however he is still new
and learning the ropes.
Parks & Recreation: Councilwoman Peters reported all of the playgrounds had received
their annual inspections. During the inspection process, it was identified that
mulch was needed at the Sixth Street playground and the Terrace Playground.
Also, the tetherball and string need to be replaced at the Terrace Playground.
Councilwoman Peters questioned what she needed to do to have the tetherball and
string replaced. Manager Stack stated Mary Dobos always took care of that.
Councilwoman Peters stated she would check on that. Councilwoman Peters
mentioned the plexiglass board at BY Park and possibly replacing it.
Councilwoman Peters questioned if public works would be able to pressure wash the structure. Manager Stack stated she would check
with public works; however, she expressed concerns regarding the pressure
washing of the structure.
Planning, Property, & Ordinances: Councilman
Deabner reported complaints were received regarding fireworks. Councilman
Deabner spoke with Code Enforcement Officer Hlad, and Mr. Hlad indicated the
borough follows the sate guidelines pertaining to fireworks. Councilman Deabner
suggested updating the current ordinance because it does not clearly specify
the state guidelines. Councilman Deabner stated if you see something,
please report the issue to the police by dialing 911, whether it is an
emergency or non-emergency.
Public Safety: Councilman Cole stated he did not have a report this evening.
Public Works & Sanitation: Councilman
Shoub stated the Inwood sanitary sewer repair project
has been completed and is looking forward to the Blight Grant.
Presidents Report: Councilman Cardiff reiterated Councilman Perovich’s mention of a
meeting that will be held on Thursday with the Trafford Business Association.
The meeting’s intent is to work together, encourage new businesses, and promote
existing businesses. Councilman Cardiff suggested forgoing an in-person meeting
due to the virus. It has just been
announced bars, and indoor dining will be closed for two weeks starting
Thursday.
Resolution for Blight Grant
A
motion “to approve a resolution for the Pennsylvania Department of Community
and Economic Development 2020 Blight Remediation Program grant for $262,197.00,
with a borough match of $29,133.00” was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded
by Councilman Cole.
Councilman
Perovich questioned who the property would belong to once the structure is
demolished and who would be responsible for maintaining the parcel. Solicitor
Alexander stated the property would remain with the property owner and a lien
would be placed on the parcel. The lien would need to be satisfied upon the
sale of the parcel. The property owner is also responsible for the maintenance.
Manager
Stack stated we would seek reimbursement from the property owner for the
matching funds. Notification will be sent to property owners once we receive a
grant award.
Councilman
Deabner questioned the status of the sidewalk at 501 Cavitt Avenue. Solicitor
Alexander stated the sidewalk issue would be addressed; it is on hold due to
COVID-19.
The motion carried
unanimously 7-0.
Lion’s Club Adopt a Space
A
motion “to approve the Trafford Lion’s Club to Adopt a Space at the Welcome to
Trafford sign and large bed between Westmoreland Park and State Route 993” was
made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman Deabner.
Councilwoman
Peters and Councilman Cardiff thanked the Lion’s Club for their efforts and
involvement.
The
motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Resolution for Veterans Memorial
A
motion “to approve a resolution creating a separate bank account for the
Trafford Veterans Memorial Park” was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by
Councilman Shoub.
Former
Mayor Rey Peduzzi stated this renovation project has been very meaningful. The
committee raised a lot of money and put a lot of effort into the renovation of Memorial
Park. Mr. Peduzzi stated he wants to continue to have the park exist. The
account currently has $8,467.73 that will be turned over to the borough for the
sole purpose of maintaining the park. This park is an asset in this community
and hopes it never reverts into disrepair.
The
motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Advertisement for Non-Uniform Pension
A
motion “to approve the borough manager to advertise an ordinance amending its
non-uniform pension plan administered by the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement
System” was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman Perovich.
Manager
Stack stated this ordinance is required by law; it is just a formality.
The
motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Payment to U.S. Municipal
A
motion “to approve a payment of $25,000.00, to U.S. Municipal for the
Pipehunter Jetter to be paid for out of the Sewage Fund” was made by Councilman
Deabner and seconded by Councilman Cole.
Manager
Stack reiterated Don’s report on this item being a good investment for the
borough.
Councilwoman
Peters questioned the life expectancy on the jetter. Borough Engineer Don Glenn
stated as long as the machine is maintained at least 20 years. Manager Stack
stated William Holby and Dakoma Thomas are well versed in mechanics,
they would be able to fix anything on the machine.
Councilman
Perovich questioned if the machine came with a limited warranty. Manager Stack
stated no, we purchase from the vendor often and will accommodate us.
The
motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Hire Cynthia Beacon
A
motion “to approve the hire of Cynthia Beacon to the position of part-time
crossing guard at the rate of $8.00 an hour” was made by Councilwoman Peters
and seconded by Councilman Perovich.
Councilwoman
Peters questioned if this individual would be replacing Mary at First Street
and 993. Manager Stack stated there is another individual who isn’t always able
to cover, we have a shortage, and the police have to cover shifts. Manager
Stack stated she did not know the specifics to the location.
Councilman
Shoub stated Mrs. Beacon would be at Woodlawn because she lives near this stop.
The
motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Resignation of Blake Huck
A
motion “to accept the resignation of Police Patrolman Blake Huck, effective
July 1, 2020,” was made by Councilman Cole and seconded by Councilman Shoub.
The
motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Hire Walter Carlson
A
motion “to approve the hire of Walter Carlson to the position of part-time
police officer at the rate of $20.00 an hour” was made by Councilman Deabner
and seconded by Councilman Perovich.
Councilwoman
Peters questioned if $20.00/hr was the base pay. Mayor Llewellyn stated yes it
was raised from $15.00 to $20.00.
The
motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Rate increase William Holby
A
motion “to approve an hourly rate increase to $15.00 for William Holby” was
made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman Deabner.
Councilwoman
Peters questioned if all employees receive a rate increase each year. Manager
Stack stated yes, however, Mr. Holby did not for the year 2020. His part-time
rate is $12.00/hr. He saves the borough a lot of money each year with his
mechanical experience. Normally the borough would hire two seasonal/summer
help, but we did not need to do so this year.
Roll
call vote was taken: Councilman Cardiff voted yes, Councilman Cole voted yes,
Councilman Corrales abstained, Councilman Deabner voted yes, Councilman
Perovich voted yes, Councilwoman Peters voted no, and Councilman Shoub voted
yes.
Councilwoman
Peters stated she voted no due to the annual review period being around the
corner.
The
motion carried 5 yay, 1 nay by Councilwoman Peters, and 1 abstain by Councilman
Corrales.
Playground Mulch
A
motion “to approve a payment to Yocca Business Systems, Inc., for $2,075.00 for
playground mulch” was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman
Deabner.
Manager
Stack questioned Councilwoman Peters if the Rec Board plans to contribute towards
the purchase. Councilwoman Peters stated historically the mulch has always come
out of the general budget.
Councilman
Corrales questioned how many tons of mulch is expected. Manager Stack stated
100 yards. Linda Bires did the inspection and ordered the mulch.
The
motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Payment to State Pipe
A
motion “to approve a payment to State Pipe for $190,347.00, for the Inwood
Sanitary Sewer Project” was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman
Perovich.
The
motion carried unanimously 7-0.
New Business
Mayor Llewellyn thanked public works for completing
the MS4 project around the ball fields. The fields are completely dry.
Mayor Llewellyn circled back to the blight
remediation grant. Mayor Llewellyn questioned with the Caruso building on
Brinton Ave being on the list why we would let them build a garage in the rear.
Manager Stack stated we don’t know if the grant application will be approved.
We need to continue to be proactive, issue permits, violations, and citations.
Code Enforcement Officer Hlad stated he has issued a
number of violations and is working through the channels that are available.
Councilman Perovich stated there is a petition online
with the court administrator’s office regarding the future of District Judge
Helen Kistler’s office. The deadline for the petition is July 10th.
Councilman Perovich mentioned adding a speed limit
sign for folks who leave the ball field near Brownstone Court. Wallace Avenue
becomes a speedway. Manager Stack stated she would speak with the PD, and PW.
Councilwoman Peters mentioned the no parking sign
near the ball field needs replaced. Councilwoman Peters also mentioned individuals
are parking on private property and grass. Councilwoman Peters asked Mayor
Llewellyn to please put out a friendly reminder.
Councilwoman Peters feels Councilman Cole should
resign from his position and broke his oath of office with his comments on
social media. Councilwoman Peters called for Councilman Cole’s resignation.
Councilman Cole stated he would not be resigning.
Solicitor Alexander stated there was an executive
session on June 29, 2020, to discuss Mr. Coles Facebook post and litigation.
Adjournment
Councilman
Cardiff announced the next regular meeting for Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at 7:00
p.m. the location will be determined at a later date.
A
motion “to adjourn” was made by Councilman Shoub and seconded by Councilman
Cole. The motion carried unanimously 7-0.
The
meeting ended at 8:24 p.m.