Meeting Minutes Trafford Borough Council Meeting

February 6th, 2024

 

1.       Call to Order- meeting called to order at 7pm by Councilmember Cardiff.  

 

2.       Moment of Silence & Pledge of Allegiance

 

3.       Roll Call- done by Nina Mulnix.   

 

Councilmembers present: Councilmember Bayko, Councilmember Cardiff, Councilmember Dapra, Councilmember Deabner, Councilmember Perovich, Councilmember Shoub.  

 

Councilmembers not present: Councilmember Cole.  

 

Other staff present: Mayor Llewellyn, Solicitor Craig Alexander, Borough Manager Jaime Peticca, Borough Secretary Nina Mulnix, Borough Engineer Don Glenn.

 

4.       Notice of Executive Session held February 6th, 2024, for matters of personnel and litigation.

 

Agenda item # 12 was moved after Agenda # 4.

 

Oath of Office by Mayor Llewellyn

-        Jesse Dapra III.

 

12. Motion to Re-Appoint Jesse Dapra to a 2 year-term ending Dec 31st, 2025, and ratify the January 2nd meeting minutes to accurately reflect this appointment.  

                  a. Motion: Councilmember Deabner   

                  b. Second: Councilmember Perovich

                  c. Discussion: No discussion

                  d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)  

             

5.       Approve the January 2nd, 2024, Reorganization Meeting minutes and Regular Council Meeting minutes.

a.   Motion: Councilmember Perovich  

b.     Second: Councilmember Dapra   

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)  

 

6.       Approve the January 2024 expense voucher list.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Bayko

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

7.       Public Comment

a.      Public Comment for all matters which the public has concern.  No public comment or questions on agenda items will be received after this point.

b.     Public comment for motions not listed on the agenda will be received when called for.

c.       Borough Response

 

Mark Bittner (130 Bradford Square Drive) - spoke about issues that he and the neighbors are experiencing with the local water company Wilkinsburg Penn Joint Water Authority. The water pressure in the neighborhood is very low, and it has been like this for years but has been consistently getting worse over the last 2-3 weeks. Mr. Bittner explained his frustrations dealing with WPJWA and the rudeness of the customer service staff at the water company. Mr. Bittner will pursue the advice of legal counsel and file litigation against the water company and/or the borough. Mr. Bittner is asking council members for suggestions or options to resolve the matter.

 

Missy Martz (135 Bradford Square Drive) - spoke about the same water concerns, having little to no water pressure, especially on the higher levels in her home. Mrs. Martz stated that it is very difficult for anyone in her house to shower because of the little to no water pressure that comes out of the faucets. She also stated it is very difficult to flush the toilets in her home. Mrs. Martz further explained that the water company reports no current outages when the water pressure is low, and that a WPJWA representative recommended that the neighbors all gather and form/file complaints. She continued to state that the water company is not addressing the residents’ concerns.

 

 Charles Betz (139 Bradford Square Drive) – spoke about the inconsistencies with the low water pressure on Bradford Square. Mr. Betz is asking for council members to help with the situation.  

 

Lindsay Learn (138 Bradford Square Drive) – spoke about how the Bradford Square neighborhood is always impacted compared to surrounding neighbors within the borough like Ridgecrest and Coventry Court. She stated that the problem is annoying, and they can’t shower with low water pressure. Mrs. Learn would like to know how the water lines flow and what can be done to resolve these issues.

 

Borough Response:

 

Manager Peticca stated that there was a water main break reported in the Hillcrest Neighborhood.

 

Residents responded to the managers comment and stated that their pressure was actually alright today despite that water main break.  

 

Councilmember Shoub stated that residents in Coventry Court are also experiencing the same issues.

 

Councilmember Cardiff asked if Don Glenn would have any input on why these issues could be occurring and Mr. Glenn stated that it would be best to set up a meeting with WPJWA. The borough manager will reach out to the water company to organize a meeting to discuss these issues.

 

8.       Report from Borough Engineer, Glenn Engineering

a.      Report submitted: Don Glenn stated in his report that Glenn Engineering will be advertising bids in the newspaper for the BY walking trail, with the bid opening taking place on March 4th at the borough office. There will also be a pre-bid meeting taking place onsite. The next item that was discussed was the bids that will be opened on February 27th for the Sewer project. The engineering reports for the street paving project have been completed, and Glenn Engineering will advertise those bids and gather proposals to be announced at the next council meeting. The final item covered under the engineer’s report was the consent order report, the report was completed as of December 31st, 2023, and it has been shared with the DEP.

b.     Public comment on Mr. Glenn’s report

c.      Glenn Engineering dismissed from meeting.

 

9.       Mayor’s Report – Mayor Llewellyn read to councilmembers and the public the Police report for December of 2023 and January of 2024. Mayor Llewellyn also confirmed approval to All American Baseball to utilize the South Trafford ballfields for the dates listed on their application. It was confirmed with the girls’ softball league that they will schedule their games around All Americans request. The mayor also reported that sign-ups for girls’ softball leagues are currently taking place.

 

10.    Committee Reports

a.      Community & Economic Development (Chair Steve Perovich/Co-chair Jesse Dapra)

Councilmember Perovich- stated that the WYE brewery is open for business and things are going very well in that plaza.

b.     General Government & Finance (Chair Pat Bayko/Co-chair Zach Cole)

Councilmember Bayko- stated there was nothing to report.

c.      Parks & Recreation (Chair Jesse Dapra/Co-chair Steve Perovich)

Councilmember Dapra stated there were new members recently appointed to the recreation board at the last meeting, the board welcomed Melissa Daykon and Jodi Kerston. The recreation board is organizing the Easter Egg hunt for March 23rd with an online registration and deadline on March 16th. Councilmember Dapra mentioned the Recreation board is looking for any new ideas and for volunteers to attend the board meetings.

d.     Planning, Property, & Ordinances (Chair Casey Shoub/Co-chair Ralph Deabner)

Councilmember Shoub stated there was nothing to report.

e.      Public Safety (Chair Zach Cole/Co-chair Pat Bayko)

Councilmember Bayko stated there was nothing to report.

f.      Public Works & Sanitation (Chair Ralph Deabner/Co-chair Casey Shoub)

Councilmember Deabner stated there was nothing to report.  

g.     Junior Council Person (JCP) Report

JCP Ally Moraca reported that she and the JCP members met with the borough solicitor, Irwin Borough JCP members, and other admin from local municipalities for their January rotation.

Councilmember Cardiff stated that there were JCP members from Irwin Borough present at the meeting, they were there to experience what a council meeting was like in a different municipality.

 

A proclamation for Inaugural JCP Members was presented to:

-        Erica Fierle

-        Raven Walker

-        Ally Moraca

-        Ainsley Gilmore

-        Gregory Maynor

h.     President Kris Cardiff

Councilmember Cardiff stated in his report about some comments being reported about potholes. The borough will repair the potholes to the best of our ability given the resources available, the borough uses cold patch that doesn’t adhere and make a permanent fix. Councilmember Cardiff stated to contact the borough office if a pothole problem is discovered that can assessed, when information is posted on social media sites it is not something that is always seen by all.

 

11.    Manager’s Report –

Manager Peticca thanked Councilmember Bayko for helping with organizational tasks at the Borough office. Manager Peticca mentioned there are two properties that are in the bidding phase of a demolition project those addresses are 112 Hird Road and 15019 Murrysville Road. Manager Peticca made note that the Girl Scout troop will be utilizing the library parking lot to sell cookies during the month of March. Those dates are March 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd from 5:00pm to 8pm, and March 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd from 9am to 4pm. Councilmembers have approved this request in the past.

 

 

12.    Motion to Re-Appoint Jesse Dapra to a 2-year term ending Dec 31st, 2025, and ratify the January 2nd meeting minutes to accurately reflect this appointment.

a.      Motion:

b.     Second: 

c.      Discussion: This agenda item was moved and covered after agenda item # 4.

d.     Vote: 

 

13.    Motion to set the 2024 Clean Up days to May 3rd & 4th, 2024.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Deabner

c.      Discussion: The times for clean days will be as follows: May 3rd from 12pm to 8pm, and May 4th from 8am to 4pm. It was mentioned that volunteers are welcomed.   

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)   

 

14.    Motion to approve Resolution 3-2024 Resetting of the Zoning Hearing Board Terms

a.   Motion: Councilmember Perovich

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub  

c.      Discussion: Solicitor Alexander stated this is something that hasn’t been consistent in order to be in compliance the terms would need to be staggered 1-, 2-, & 3-year terms.  

d.     Vote:  6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

15.    Motion to approve Resolution 4-2024 Partnership with Westmoreland Conservation District for 5 years ending Dec 31st, 2029.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Dapra  

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated by partnering with the Conservation District it will aid and help with grant funded projects and collaborate with public awareness.

d.     Vote:  6, 0, 1 (Absent)   

 

16.    Motion to appoint Gina Lera to the Trafford Recreation Board for a 2-year term ending Dec. 31st, 2026.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Dapra

b.     Second: Councilmember Bayko

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated that Ms. Lera attended the last recreation board meeting.  

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

17.    Motion to approve the Local Government Day for 4th grade Trafford Elementary Students on April 12th, 2024.  Organized by the JCP Committee, Borough Admin Staff and TES Principal Mr. DiNapoli, and TES teachers.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich

b.     Second: Councilmember Deabner

c.      Discussion: Councilmember Cardiff stated this is an opportunity to involve the youth at an elementary level, this event will provide students to tour the Borough office, the Police Department, and Public Works.  

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

18.    Motion to approve Resolution 5-2024 Proclamation for Inaugural Junior Council Member Program

Meeting Exchange Month

a.      Motion: Councilmember Bayko

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich

c.      Discussion: No discussion

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)  

 

19.    Motion to advertise for bids for the B-Y Walking Trail grant through the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Deabner  

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub  

c.      Discussion: This was mentioned under the Borough Engineers report. This grant is to make improvements to the walking trail at BY Park.  

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

20.    Motion to advertise to bid out for the 2024 Street Paving- Lower Brinton, Ridgecrest Court, Catherine St, and Fairmont (3rd – intersection).

a.      Motion: Councilmember Deabner

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub  

c.      Discussion:  The Borough manager added Edgewood and 5th Street intersection to the list of streets for paving. Councilmember Bayko stated she was glad to see the addition of the added intersection to the paving list. The borough manager also confirmed that the top binder coat on Ridgecrest will also be completed this year. 

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

21.    New Business

•        PA Lottery Machines/Amusement Yearly fees and possible action

 

Councilmember Cardiff discussed some information he received and made his recommendations. It was mentioned that is in the borough’s best interest to continue to receive grants from the Department of Revenue that council agrees to waive and excuse the Lottery machine fees from the annual amusement fee collection. It was decided that this item be tabled until further information can be obtained.  

 

•        1994 Tarco Leaf Vacuum- Municibid $1,672.00 and possible motion to sell.  Discussion on new leaf vacuum.  

 

Manager Peticca stated the leaf vacuum is currently in need of repair, it needs a new clutch and parts. However, the extent of the work to repair the machine would cost more than the machine is worth. A decision needs to be made to sell the equipment and review our options for leaf collection in the fall.

Councilmember Shoub stated we are going to need a leaf vacuum but can determine which type, price, and style at another time. The recommendation by Councilmembers was to sell the leaf vacuum to the highest bidder on Municibid.

 

A motion is on the floor to accept the Municibid in the amount of $1,672.00 and sell the leaf vacuum.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub

c.      Discussion: No Discussion

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)  

 

•        Money Market Accounts for General and Sewage 5% CD for a 6–9-month term and possible action to move money from general and sewage into 2 separate money market accounts with S&T Bank.  

 

Manager Peticca stated rates are currently up to accumulate some interest on available funds that are in the General and Sewage Accounts. That amount to be placed in the CD’s would be $150,000.00 from General Fund, and $400,000.00 from Sewage Fund. The recommendation by councilmembers was to proceed with opening the Money Market Accounts.

 

A motion is on the floor to accept the terms and conditions on a 9-month CD Money Markert Account.

a.      Motion:  Councilmember Bayko

b.     Second: Councilmember Dapra

c.      Discussion: No discussion

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

•        Re-Branding Trafford Borough’s Logo

 

Councilmember Cardiff stated he was interested in forming a committee to draft ideas on how to create new and consistent fonts, colors, and styles for all things related to the borough’s letterhead, logo’s, business cards, and website. This would be a project to collaborate with any party that would want to participate. Council members suggested involving local business owners such as Masto Signs and Mr. Capets from the Historical Society.

 

•        Police Car Municibid Auction $9,300.00 winning bid and possible action to sell.

 

Manager Peticca stated that the funds from the sale of the police car would be earmarked for a future purchase of a police vehicle.

 

A motion is on the floor to accept the Municibid in the amount of $9,300.00 and sell the police car.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmemebr Deabner

c.      Discussion: No discussion

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

•        Excavator Municibid Auction- Highest Bid $57,300.00 and motion to possibly sell. If sold, PW will not have anything to dig with and we will need to rent equipment until something new is purchased.

 

Manager Peticca gave some equipment pricing for a new backhoe/loader. The funds received from the sale of the current excavator could be utilized for a new purchase. A backhoe/loader would cost approximately $150,000.00. The equipment could be leased with 5 annual payments of $35,000.00 and a financing interest rate of 5.75%. At the end of the lease the equipment would be converted to ownership, and there is no penalty for an early payoff. The recommendation by councilmembers was to sell the equipment to the highest bidder on Municibid.

 

A motion is on the floor to accept the Municibid in the amount of $57,300.00 and sell the excavator.

a.      Motion: Councilmember: Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich

c.      Discussion: No discussion

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

A motion is on the floor to purchase a Backhoe/Loader from CAT for an estimated price of $150,000.00 in the form of 5 lease payments of $35,000.00 at a finance rate of 5.75%.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Councilmember Dapra

c.      Discussion: Councilmember Bayko asked where the money comes from for this purchase. A response provided was that the proceeds received from the sale of the excavator would be put towards this purchase. A roll call vote was called for, for this motion.

d.     Vote: 5 (Councilmembers Cardiff, Dapra, Deabner, Perovich, Shoub) 1 (Councilmember Bayko) 1 (Absent)

 

•        Board of Appeals and possible action

 

Solicitor Alexander stated that the Board of Appeals is to consist of no fewer than three members and no more than five members, with at least one term expiring each year. It is recommended that three council members fill the three vacancies. It was decided by councilmembers to nominate Councilmember Dapra to a three-year term, Councilmember Shoub to a two-year term, and Councilmember Perovich to a one-year term.

 

A motion is on the floor to appoint Councilmembers Dapra, Shoub, and Perovich to the Board of Appeal.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Bayko

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub

c.      Discussion: No discussion

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

•        Library Agreement with Penn Trafford Area Library and possible action

 

Manager Peticca stated the library agreement covers the library, so they do not struggle to meet the states standard regarding funding. The library operates under the branch of the Penn Area.

 

A motion is on the floor to accept the Library Agreement with the Penn Trafford Area Library.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Dapra

c.      Discussion: No discussion

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

•        Civil Service Rules & Regulations and possible action 

 

Under the current manual the Civil Service Rule states that an individual needs to be act 120 certified before applying for a police officer position. The borough is proposing a change to allow an individual to become act 120 certified upon hire, this would allow for more individuals to proceed with the written examination.

 

A motion is on the floor to accept the proposed change to the Civil Service Rules & Regulations.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich

c.      Discussion: Solicitor Alexander stated that it is getting harder to find applicants for police officers, and by making this change it opens the opportunity to allow an individual that recently graduated from the police academy a chance to apply.  

d.     Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)

 

•        Vacancy Chair Board and possible action 

 

The purpose of a Vacancy Chair board is to act in the event there is a vacant seat on Council the individual named to the Vacancy Chair can sit on Council and conduct business as usual. The chairperson can be a resident that is a registered voter. Anyone that is interested in the Vacancy Chair position can contact the Borough office.

 

22.    Old Business

•        Volunteer of the Year- Jeff Contillo

 

Mayor Llewellyn presented the Renee Copetti Volunteer of the Year Award to Jeff Contillo.

 

 

 Adjournment

a. Announce the next Discussion Meeting on Feb. 20th, 2024, at 6:30 pm in the Manchester Room

b. Move to adjourn: Councilmember Dapra

c. Second: Councilmember Deabner

d. Discussion: No discussion

e. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)