Trafford
Borough
Monthly
Business Meeting Minutes- September 1, 2020
The Trafford Borough Council held its monthly
business meeting on Tuesday, September 1, 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 Manager Nina Solivan:
(Present) Kris
Cardiff, Council President Craig
Alexander, Solicitor
Steven Perovich,
Council Vice-President Ed Llewellyn,
Mayor
Christopher Corrales, Councilmember Ashley Stack, Borough Manager
Zack Cole, Councilmember Adam Hlad,
Code Enforcement Officer
Leslie Peters,
Councilmember
Casey Shoub, Councilmember
(Absent) Ralph
Deabner, Councilmember Charles
Miller, Emergency Management Coordinator
Minutes: A motion "to accept the minutes of August 4,
2020, regular council meeting" was made by Councilwoman Peters and
seconded by Councilman Cole. The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Payment of Bills: A motion "to approve the expense voucher
list dated September 1, 2020," was made by Councilman Perovich
and seconded by Councilman Cole. The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Public Comment:
Councilman Cardiff read the rules for public
comment.
Solicitor Alexander called upon those who wished to
provide public comment.
Jason and Noel Stultz 528
Fairmont Avenue:
Mr. and Mrs. Stultz came before the council to
address the Fence Code Section 103-2 Subsection 2. Mr. and Mrs. Stultz are requesting a change to the code to make the code
clearer and to allow residents the opportunity to beautify and protect their
properties.
Code Enforcement Officer Hlad
stated a working group reviews ordinances, and fences are being looked into.
Code Enforcement Officer Hlad stated he is glad that
there are individuals in attendance and voicing their concerns for
change.
Solicitor Alexander stated he represents several
communities and is well acquainted with fence restrictions. Often the
restrictions state a fence in the front yard is only permitted to be a certain
height for sight distance around a corner. When a property is on a corner lot
and fronts two different streets, both yards are considered front yards. Which then the property is held to higher restrictions.
Amending the ordinance can be looked at; however, there is the option to apply
for a variance. Two things can be applied for; one is an interpretation of the
zoning officer's decision to see whose interpretation is correct or variance
with the zoning hearing board's decision. The zoning hearing board has the
power to alter the strict and literal terms of the zoning ordinance if certain
unique hardship can be shown. Fences are more dimensional than use variance and
are a more relaxed standard. The zoning hearing board has exclusive
jurisdiction over variance requests council does not have a say.
Solicitor Alexander stated the process for revising
an ordinance is to replace it with a new ordinance. To fulfill a change or
revision, the Pennsylvania Borough Code requires the proposed ordinance to be
advertised, brought before council for approval, and if enacted, sent to code360
for codification.
Councilwoman Peters stated her understanding is that
once the ordinance has been sent to code360, it takes a while to be
published.
Councilman Cole stated the Stultz'
fence abuts his property. The fence is beautiful and has made the neighborhood
look a lot better. Councilman Cole disagrees with the decision made that the Stultz's fence impedes the view of traffic. Councilman Cole
stated the fence is nowhere near the intersection; it does not impede the view
of traffic and a one way. Councilman Cole stated the reason there is a council
is to make changes as they see fit. A motion "to amend the fence code to
better suit the town" was made by Councilman Cole.
Councilman Cole stated he has two large dogs, and a
four-foot fence will not contain his animals. Councilman Cole stated he
purchased his home with a six-foot fence already erected on the same side as
Mr. Stultz'. Councilman Cole does not feel that it is
fair for Mr. Stultz as other properties have fences
in violation.
Manager Stack questioned what changes are being
proposed because we will need to draft an ordinance. Solicitor Alexander stated
that Code Enforcement Officer Hlad was previously
looking into changes. Solicitor Alexander questioned what Councilman Cole's
proposed changes were. Councilman Cole stated the code needs to be changed; it
was drafted in 2006 with no clarity as to why. Solicitor Alexander questioned
if Councilman Cole would be okay with Code Enforcement Officer Hlad looking further into this and bringing suggestions to
next month's meeting. Councilman Cole, agreed.
Councilman Perovich
suggested the work session held in two weeks be used to discuss changes.
Councilman Cole withdrew his motion pending the Code
Enforcement Officer's recommendations at the next meeting.
Councilwoman Peters questioned if there was an
option for the zoning hearing board to make an exception for Mr. Stultz. Solicitor Alexander stated that this is the purpose
of a variance, whereas an ordinance affects the entire town. The variance process
does involve a fee. Being that the fence is on a hill helps to demonstrate the
hardship to be awarded the variance.
Manager Stack stated if Mr. Stultz
applies for a variance, it is then out of the council's hands. With what has
previously occurred and under the current ordinance MR. Stultz
will need to apply for a variance for the fence approval.
Dolores Sutton 601 Brinton Avenue, Apt 2: Mrs. Sutton questioned why there has been a
Trafford Police Officer on duty at Trafford Manor and who is paying for the
officer's time.
Manager Stack stated the Westmoreland County Housing
Authority approached the borough for these services at their expense.
Kimberly Zeek 623 Sixth
Street: Mrs. Zeek provided support towards the review of the fence
code.
Brandon Lacina 430 Brinton
Avenue: Mr. Lacina announced the TBA's power wash and paint event went
well. With volunteers' help, a new wooden fence was installed between the
travel agency and the old Parente's. The TBA is
hoping to continue this event annually. Mr. Lacina
stated Larry George was hit with a $75.00 fence permit fee. There have been
discussions related to fees; the TBA would like to offer support on improving
fees for residents and business owners. Lastly, Mr. Lacina
was approached by Ms. Zeeman regarding Halloween. Mr. Lacina
stated he was unsure if Halloween was going to happen due to COVID19. Ms.
Zeeman had the idea to work with the businesses to have a Halloween parade if
the borough was planning on canceling Trick-or-Treat.
Councilwoman Peters stated the Recreation
Board is planning an activity and is always looking for volunteers. Mr. Lacina stated that Mrs. Zeeman was looking for the TBA to
support a possible event by providing candy donations, financial donations, or
organizing a parade. The TBA was looking at the stance if no one else was going
to do something, the TBA will.
Borough Manager's Report: Manager Stack reported we are moving forward in the
process of accepting online payments. The PA DCED announced the awards for the
PA Small Water and Sewer Grant; the borough was not selected. The borough will
need to consider alternate repair options on Meadow Street. Don Glenn, Lou, and
I are looking into the most cost-efficient ways. DCED was unsure if the grant
will be available next year. The 2019 audit has been completed; the council
will receive a copy via email. We did end the year with a surplus of
$500,000.00 in the general fund. Manager Stack stated she anticipates a similar
surplus ending 2020, with a portion dedicated to 2021 matching ant funds and
infrastructure. Having a surplus is crucial to cover the first quarter of the
next year's expenses. The borough is locked in at the rate of 11.2% return for
the 2012 bond refinance. The borough will see a total debt reduction of
$262,000.00. Manger Stack stated she and Councilman Shoub
worked on an application for Duquesne Light's LED Street Light Program for 14
lights in South Trafford. This is a pilot program. There are certain criteria
in order to perform the exchange. The lights must be in a contiguous location.
If this installation and program go well, we can look into other areas around
town that fit the criteria. The general fund balance is approximately
$698,514.00. The liquid fuel balance is approximately $113,338.00. The
recreation fund balance is approximately $5,033.00, the sewage fund balance is
approximately $578,583.00, and the Veteran's Memorial Park fund balance is
approximately $8,467.00. Manger Stack stated she has followed up with Port
Authority and received the following response, "At this time, I do not
have additional information to share; however, I am hopeful that we will have
an update in the near future. I look forward to speaking with you soon".
Councilman Cardiff questioned when the last time a
tax anticipation loan was taken out. Manager Stack stated prior to her
employment. Solicitor Alexander stated its been
several years.
Councilman Cardiff stated years ago; the borough
would need to take out a loan to pay the first quarter expenses because there
was not enough of a surplus at the end of the year, and the tax money does not
come in until late March early April.
Mayor Llewellyn questioned how long we were going to
allow PAT not to provide an update. Councilman Cole concurred.
Councilman Perovich stated
he feels PAT is using the Forbes Road closure as an excuse. Councilman Perovich stated he spoke with a PAT representative, and he
indicated that once the Forbes Road project was completed, something could
happen.
Mayor Llewellyn stated Shop n Save is closed so now
they have a turnaround.
Councilwoman Peters stated the trash can that was
anonymously placed on Viaduct Way was overflowed, and the trash is now all over
the hillside. Manager Stack stated Public Works removed the trash can and trash
on Monday.
Mayor's Report: Mayor Llewellyn reported for August there were
a total of one hundred forty-one service calls, with ten criminal complaints
filed, and twenty-five citations issued.
Community & Economic Development: Councilman Perovich
stated he did not have a report this evening.
General Government & Finance: Councilman Corrales stated he did not have a report
this evening.
Parks & Recreation: Councilwoman Peters thanked Public Works for the
maintenance at BY Park. The Recreation Board is planning a Halloween event that
will allow social distancing. Possibly having residents decorate their homes
for Halloween or fall to be judged by guest judges for most festive for a prize
and treat bag. Councilwoman Peters stated she is in the process of formatting
the handwritten memorial brick list to a more legible document for the website.
Councilman Perovich stated we should separate the
list into categories. Councilman Perovich suggested
meeting with Councilwoman Peters to compile lists and categories.
Planning, Property, & Ordinances: Councilman Shoub stated a
code review meeting was held between himself, Councilman Deabner,
and Code Enforcement Officer Hlad. Additional
meetings will be scheduled in the near future.
Public Safety: Councilman Cole stated he did not have a report this
evening.
Public Works & Sanitation: Councilman Shoub stated
the public works department has been very busy and to please be patient.
Presidents Report: Councilman Cardiff stated Governor Wolf signed a
renewal of the COVID19 disaster declaration. Councilman Cardiff thanked public
works and Manager Stack for attending to pothole complaints. School is back in
session; please be mindful with your speed. Councilman Cardiff announced all
financial information, minutes, council emails, forms, etc. can be found on our
website.
PMRS Ordinance
A motion "to approve an ordinance amending the
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 a formality
and is required every few years.
The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Savvy Citizen discontinuation
A motion "to discontinue the borough's Savvy
Citizen Membership" was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by
Councilman Perovich.
Councilwoman Peters stated the memberships have
declined, and the service was not being used to its full potential.
Councilwoman Peters stated she did not feel renewing was financially
responsible.
Councilman Cardiff mentioned looking for other
options.
The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Little Free Library
A motion "to Suzanne Brusco
to contribute and maintain a Little Free Library near Veterans' Memorial
Park" was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman Cole.
Manager Stack stated Mrs. Brusco
approached the borough with the idea. Public Works Director Lou Corrales and
Manager Stack met with Mrs. Brusco regarding the
placement. The proposed placement will allow Mrs. Brusco
to keep an eye on it. If all goes well, Manager Stack mentioned placing a bench
nearby.
The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Payment to Whitney Construction
A motion "to approve a payment to Whitey
Construction in the amount of $9,100.00 for the insulation and drywall repairs
in the municipal building" was made by Councilman Cole and seconded by
Councilman Perovich.
Manager Stack stated the project was bid out and
delayed due to COVID19. The project has been inspected and is now
complete.
The motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Discussion meeting via Zoom
Agenda item "approve holding the Tuesday,
September 15, 2020, Trafford Borough Discussion Meeting via Zoom" failed
for lack of motion.
New Business
Councilman Perovich
questioned the Homewood Avenue disorderly house item listed on the code report.
Code Enforcement Officer Hlad indicated the District
Magistrate dismissed all charges. Councilman Perovich
asked if an issue were to arise at this property again, would we need to start
the process over from the beginning? Code Enforcement
Officer Hlad stated, yes.
Councilman Perovich
questioned the status of the old Caruso building (201-203 Brinton Avenue). Code
Enforcement Officer Hlad stated there is a demo
company under contract.
Councilman Perovich
questioned if anyone had read the new sewage breakdown letter by the Manager
and Assistant Manager. It is very detailed; it breaks everything down and
provides a history.
Councilman Shoub stated
there were a lot of hours put into the letter.
Manager Stack stated Assistant Manager Solivan mostly put it together.
Councilman Cardiff stated the letter is on the
website and all the official social media platforms.
Councilwoman Peters stated the information has
always been provided; however, this letter is more detailed.
Manager Stack stated the admin office keeps a list
of those who were sent a sewage fact sheet when assumptions are made. We
decided not to mail them to each property owner due to cost and the letter
being four pages.
Adjournment
Councilman Cardiff announced the next regular
meeting for Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. the location will be
determined at a later date.
A motion "to adjourn" was made by
Councilman Cole and seconded by Councilman Shoub. The
motion carried unanimously 6-0.
The meeting ended at 8:06 p.m.