Trafford Borough
Monthly Business Meeting Minutes- Tuesday, September 4, 2018
The Trafford Borough Council held
its monthly business meeting on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at 7:01 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 Borough
Secretary, Nina Solivan:
(Present) Kris Cardiff, President Ed
Llewellyn, Mayor
Carol Morrow,
Vice-President Craig Alexander,
Solicitor
Zachary Cole Don
Glenn, Engineer
Leslie
Peters Ashely
Stack, Borough Manager
Cheryl
Petersen Brian
Lindbloom, Fire Chief
Joshua
Sanders
Casey Shoub
(Absent) EMC John Eliyas
Council held executive sessions on
August 20, 2018, for matters of personnel and on September 4, 2018, for matters
of personnel, collective bargaining negotiations, and litigation.
Minutes- A motion “to
accept the minutes of the August 7, 2018, regular business meeting” was made by
Councilman Cole and seconded by Councilman Sanders. The motion carried
unanimously. 7-0.
Payment of Bills-
A motion “to approve the expense voucher list dated, September 5, 2018” was
made by Councilwoman Morrow and seconded by Councilman Cole. The motion carried
unanimously. 7-0.
Public Comment
Rey Peduzzi 314 Rowe Road,
Harrison City, PA 15636: Mr. Peduzzi informed council on November 11, 2018 at
Memorial Park there will be a commemorative service for the 100th Anniversary
of the end of World War I. The Veteran’s
Memorial committee in conjunction with the American Legion there will be an
activity afterward. The ceremony is called Bells of Peace which is held at
11:00 a.m. where the Trafford Elementary School Bell will be struck twenty-one
times. Hopefully some of the surrounding churches will ring their bells along
with ours for the commemoration. We will keep council posted on upcoming
details. Mr. Peduzzi also informed council that the Gold Star Mother memorial
had been knocked over. The street department placed it in its upright position,
he called the installer to reinforce the base. Mr. Peduzzi would like a camera
installed at the expense of the committee and would like the police to review
the tape periodically. The memorial statues are very expensive. We do not want
this area to be a play area, the borough needs to place some signs to indicate
this is a sacred area.
Borough Response: Regarding the
Bells of Peace please work with Ashley on. Councilman Cardiff stated he hopes
the memorial being knocked over was an accident, the park is a public park so
we will see what we can do.
Delores Sutton 601 Brinton Ave:
Would like the parking addressed at the top of Brinton Avenue, there is now a
truck with a camper attached to it. Ms. Sutton feels this is a major safety
concern, if her car gets damaged she will sue the borough along with the
vehicle owner. Ms. Sutton questioned the status of the slide on Brinton Ave and
Seventh Street. Ms. Sutton questioned Code Enforcement and occupancy permits.
Ms. Sutton mentioned that a storm drain on East Homewood Avenue is caving in.
Ms. Sutton stated at the last council meeting there was mention of police foot
patrol, has this started yet? If so she has not seen anyone come down her
street.
Borough response: Regarding the
truck and camper you need to call the police. The slide at Brinton and Seventh
Street the engineer will be reporting on during his report. The Code
Enforcement Officers have been keeping up with occupancies. Mayor Llewellyn stated
foot patrols are still happening.
Pat Paola 74 First Street: Mrs.
Paola informed council nothing has changed with the train situation and is
looking forward to the work session on September 18, 2018. Mrs. Paola stated at
the last meeting she was informed council does not have work session meetings
every month because of low attendance. Mrs. Paola questioned council by stating
she goes to the polls and votes for members of council to represent her, why is
it not enough if only one person shows? One tax payer, one person who has voted
you in! Mrs. Paola requests a copy of the expense voucher list. Mrs. Paola
lastly stated at the last meeting the audience was informed the police budget
was $27,000.00 underbudget, if residents are coming to council and complaining
about drug problems, and problem children why is council not doing anything. We
bring people in train them and they leave for better jobs, while the budget is
underbudget.
Borough response: The reason for
brining in Rep. Dunbar to our work session is to address the trains. If council
wants to do them every month council has the option to change. The borough code
only requires one business meeting a month. Any one can request a copy of the
expense voucher list, you can request a copy prior to the meeting. We lost two
of our higher paid part time officers and added to new officers at a
significantly lower rate. Some of those wages will go towards hiring a
full-time officer. Being underbudget is not necessarily a bad thing.
A member from the audience
suggested a copy of the expenses be placed on the website.
Carol Richardson 225 First Street:
Ms. Richardson informed council with Renee’s passing, she will be in charge of
Holiday Happenings and Community Days. Ms. Richardson stated she is trying to
get something organized for this year for Holiday Happenings. Ms. Richardson
has sent out emails and has only received a few responses. We would like to get
letters out to the business owners but needs to know the borough’s take on
this. Is the borough willing to allow this to continue, will the borough be
providing financial assistance or other support such as the Manchester Room? We
need input from council so we know how to proceed.
Borough response: Secretary
Solivan requested additional information regarding volunteers and committee
members. Borough Manager Stack stated she will review the calendar and get back
to Ms. Richardson.
Les Race 271 Hillcrest Drive: Mr.
Race thanked council for the seniors use of the South Trafford Ball Field. Mr.
Race expressed some concerns on the condition of the Park. Councilwoman
Petersen suggested a few months ago to remove some trees from that area, which
Mr. Race stated was a great suggestion. Mr. Race questioned if the borough’s
insurance will cover the costs of repairs for the fencing that has been damaged
and are there any plans to have them repaired. Mr. Race stated the borough as a
whole has put very little effort into the fields. The Trafford Girls Softball and
some other volunteers have put most of everything they had back into the
fields. Fifteen to twenty years ago the girls’ softball paid to put all new
fencing around the ball fields. One of the things that bothers Mr. Race over
the last ten years the borough through grants, in-kind service, the recreation
board and borough funding put upward of $250,000.00 into the Fairmont
Playground and nothing into the fields. There is a playground down at the
fields and nothing has been done. Ten to fifteen years ago the senior group has
drawn up a grant to receive some funding and were chastised by PTARC and were
told we were not authorized to write grants for any playground, it has to be
processed and authorized by PTARC. Mr. Race does not feel that is correct, if
we can receive funding. Mr. Race read in the paper that there is talk about
selling off the property where the terrace playground is, if the borough cannot
provide support in use of the field’s council may want to consider putting the
fields up for sale as well due to the deterioration.
Ann LeCuyer 205 E Gilmore Ave:
Mrs. LeCuyer commented on the potential sale of the Terrace Playground, she was
not in support of the sale. A big part of purchasing her home here in Trafford
was a playground close by. Mrs. LeCuyer provided statistics regarding childhood
obesity and the benefits of a playground. Mrs. LeCuyer was wondering if there
were any updates on the possible child abduction.
Borough response: The sale of the
playground was not discussed by council, this was brought up by the Rec Board.
We need to do our due-diligence and look into the deed because it was granted
to the borough by the school, we may not have the ability to sell this off.
This would entail a very long process if council would decide to go that route.
Mayor Llewelyn did speak to the Chief he did speak to his officers and did look
for the woman that was described.
Borough Engineer
-
PA Rock &
Soil will be bringing in their drilling rig this week for the slide on Brinton
and Seventh Street. The one call has been placed and completed.
-
Slide on
Route 130: Two letters were sent to PennDOT regarding Route 130 and Prospect.
The public works crew went up to show PennDOT where the slide is, the first
comment from PennDOT was they are only responsible from curb to curb if its
outside the curb we are not responsible and it’s the boroughs responsible. The
road is undermining due to a gas leak and a water leak. In 1935 legislators
passed a law that PennDOT is only responsible for their streets from curb to
curb and for grading on inlets from curb to curb however under the grading the
municipality is responsible. PennDOT is not happy with work that was done on a
discharge pipe that is not our responsibility, we need to re-enforce our
position that we are not responsible.
-
Murrysville
Road: Paving on Murrysville Road has been completed, Mr. Glenn drove the road
today and is not happy with a few of the manhole cover drops that are a bit
excessive. Mr. Glenn did send a letter to the contractor regarding the penalty
clause and is willing to discuss what needs done.
-
Sent a letter
to State Pipe Services requesting some televised tape they performed on Forrest
Avenue.
-
Sent a letter
to the property owner at 410 Wallace Avenue, the property owner has their
gutters draining into their backyard and is essentially flooding their own
yard.
-
Sent a letter
to the Borough Manager concerning 330 Third Street.
Rey
Peduzzi questioned if the slide at 7th and Brinton will be
remediated. Engineer Don Glenn stated the borough is not taking responsibility
for the slide the work the borough will be performing is to secure our road and
sanitary lines. Mr. Peduzzi stated this area is a major concern for the trail
the county is trying to purchase this area.
Administrative Reports:
Borough Manager- Peoples
gas has classified the gas leak at the slide of 130 and Prospect as a class 2
and 3. It is not an emergency due to the location of the gas leak it is not
surrounded by a lot of homes. The physical and written testes have been
completed for the full-time officer’s position, the next step is the oral
interview and a recommendation to the civil service commission.
Code Enforcement- Report
on file.
Borough Solicitor- Solicitor
Alexander has prepared two resolutions one regarding PA Turnpike and the other
exonerating taxes. Has reviewed the school resource officer agreement with the
school district and has continued work on CBA. Met with an appraiser to get a
true value regarding easements that were not filed during the sewer project
back in 2014.
EMS- There were
thirty-eight calls for the month of August all but two were handled by
PT-Ambulance. The Flu clinic will be held in the Manchester Room on October 10,
2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
VFD- There were
seventeen calls for the month of August with zero calls for fire! Chief
Lindbloom stated he has never had a month without a fire call. The 200 Club
will be held on November 11, 2018, in the Manchester Room. If anyone wants a
specific number please call. The ticket price is $25.00 which includes a full
dinner and drinks.
EMC- Councilwoman
Peters questioned why there is never a report. Councilman Cardiff stated there
is supposed to be a monthly report and if the appointed member is inactive
council can discuss their options.
Westmoreland Heritage Trail- Rey
Peduzzi passed out a flyer with a survey on Monroeville’s website in support of
the Westmoreland Heritage Trail eventually connecting to Pittsburgh. Thanked
the public works for removing a tree on the trail. Would like to ask for a
non-monetary donation, there is scrap alongside the borough building that the
trail group could use towards materials on the upkeep of the trail.
Mayor’s Report- Chief
Disso was on vacation so we do not have a report this month. The school
resource officer has started. Mayor Llewellyn stated he will speak to the Chief
regarding foot patrol on Brinton Ave. The library will be hosting a bingo on
Saturday, September 22, 2018, at the legion tickets are $25.00 presale and
$30.00 at the door.
Committee Reports
General Government-
Councilwoman Morrow reported Borough Manager Stack and Secretary Solivan will
be attending a budgeting class provided by the PSAB on September 13, 2018. The
office will be closed.
President’s Report- Reminder
if anyone has a concern you can email a member of council all emails are on the
website. School is back in session please drive carefully.
Resolution 08 of 2018 Supporting the PA Turnpike
A motion “to approve a resolution
in support of the design and construction of a new Pennsylvania Turnpike
interchange located between exits 57 and 67 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike near
State Route 130” was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilwoman
Morrow. The motion carried unanimously.
7-0.
Resolution 09 of 2018 School Resource Officer
A motion “to approve a resolution
to enter into an agreement between the Penn-Trafford School District and
Trafford Borough to provide a School Resource Officer Program at Trafford
Elementary and Trafford Middle Schools” was made by Councilman Shoub and
seconded by Councilman Cole.
Borough Manager Stack stated the
school district just provided the agreement to the borough, we were waiting for
the agreement and for both solicitors to review.
A member of the audience requested
a copy of the job description for the SRO.
Councilman Cardiff stated the
school district is providing the funding for the position which is why the
borough will be hiring a full-time officer.
The motion carried unanimously.
7-0.
Resolution 10 of 2018 Exonerating Past Taxes and Fees for Map
Number 36-03-0-521
A motion “to approve a resolution
exonerating past taxes and other fees on Trafford Borough Property, map number
36-03-0-521, located on Cavitt Avenue, lot number 330” was made by Councilman
Shoub and seconded by Councilman Sanders. The motion carried unanimously. 7-0.
Advertisement for BY Park ADA Restroom Renovation Project
A motion “to approve an
advertisement of the BY Park ADA Restroom renovation project” was made by
Councilwoman Morrow and seconded by Councilwoman Peters. The motion carried
unanimously. 7-0.
Advertisement to amend Trafford Borough Code to follow the 2015
International Code Standards
A motion “to approve an advertisement
to amend the Trafford Borough Code to follow the 2015 International Code
Standards” was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman Cole.
Borough Manager Stack stated the
codes will go into effect October 1, 2018.
The motion carried unanimously.
7-0.
Payment to Jeffery Associates
A motion “to approve payment to
Jeffery Associates in the amount of $35,791.00, for the Fairmont Playground
Project” was made by Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilwoman Morrow.
Borough Manager Stack stated we
are withholding $5,000.00 until the fencing has been completed.
The motion carried unanimously.
7-0.
Resignation of Elaine Wilson from Rec Board
A motion “to accept Elaine
Wilson’s resignation from the Trafford Borough Recreation Board and advertise
for letters of interest for the vacancy” was made by Councilman Sanders and
seconded by Councilwoman Peters.
Councilwoman Peters suggested the
vacancy be placed on the website.
The motion carried unanimously.
7-0.
Savvy Citizen for Public Safety Alerts
A motion “to approve a one-year
agreement beginning on October 1, 2018, with Savvy Citizen for $1290.00 to
provide text messages, emails, and/or push notifications to Trafford Borough
residents regarding public safety alerts and municipal news” was made by
Councilwoman Peters and seconded by Councilman Sanders.
There was discussion amongst
council regarding Savvy Citizen.
Roll call vote was taken:
Councilman Cardiff, Councilwoman Morrow, Councilwoman Peters, Councilwoman
Petersen and Councilman Shoub were all in favor Councilman Cole was not. The
motion carried 6-1.
New Business
No new business was presented to
council.
Adjournment
Councilman Cardiff announced a
discussion meeting will be held Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in
the Manchester Room.
Councilman Cardiff announced the
next regular business meeting will be held Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at 7:00
p.m. in the council Chambers.