Trafford Borough Council Meeting Minutes
September
3rd, 2024
1. Call to Order – meeting called to order at 7:04 pm by Council President Cardiff.
2. Moment of Silence & Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call- done by Secretary 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
Alexander, Manager Peticca, Secretary Mulnix, Code Enforcement Hamill, Penn E
& R Amber Yon.
4. Notice of Executive Session held September 3rd, 2024, for matters of personnel and litigation.
5. Approve the August 6th, 2024, Regular Council Meeting minutes.
a. Motion: Councilmember Bayko
b. Second: Councilmember Perovich
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
6. Approve the August 2024 expense voucher list.
a. Motion: Councilmember Bayko
b. Second: Councilmember Dapra
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
Lou Corrales – (287 Hillcrest Drive) spoke about a benefit/fundraiser that is being organized for former borough employee Bill Holby. Mr. Corrales stated that he will inform everyone when the date is determined.
Borough Response: Councilmember
Cardiff asked Mr. Corrales to just let the borough know when and where the
benefit/fundraiser will take place.
Theresa Severino – (317 East Edgewood Avenue) spoke about the traffic and parking issues that the residents along Edgewood Avenue are having. Mrs. Severino stated that there is a lot of traffic and motorists are unaware that there is a dead end at the end of the street. This causes unsafe driving situations where cars are backing up or turning around in driveways that are private property. Mrs. Severino is asking council members for a solution if by ordinance or no parking signs being placed.
Borough Response: Manager
Peticca stated we will review the ordinance and review the information with the
police chief.
Councilmember Cardiff stated upon review with the police
chief if there is anything that needs to be addressed it can be presented to the
council for action.
Councilmember Perovich suggested that maybe some no outlet
signs could be purchased and placed.
8. Report from Borough Engineer, Penn E&R
a. Report submitted. Amber Yon provided some updates on the projects happening in the borough.
•
Trafford Borough Parking Lot Paving Project: The
project was advertised, and no bids were received, the project will be readvertised.
•
Hillcrest Stormwater Ponding: Penn E&R held
a site meeting with EL Grande. EL Grande made the necessary repairs as
discussed. Penn E&R will perform a final inspection.
•
Bluff Street Stormwater Ponding: Penn E&R
performed deed research to determine the presence of draining easements and
Borough right-of-way limits. Penn E&R will provide a written summary to
Manager Peticca.
•
Boundary Survey of Parcel # 36-03-03-0-011:
Penn E&R provided a price quote to the borough in the amount of $1,890.00
to complete the survey. The deliverables include monuments set at the property
corners and a signed and sealed survey drawing.
b. Public comment on Penn E&R’s report – There were no public comments.
9. Mayor’s Report – Mayor Llewellyn read the August Police report to councilmembers and the public. Mayor Llewellyn also stated that police officers have been monitoring the areas of reported speeding concerns, (First Street, State Route 130, Woodlawn, Edgewood Ave) Traffic Citations and warnings were issued.
10. Committee Reports
a. Community & Economic Development (Chair Steve Perovich/Co-chair Jesse Dapra)
Councilmember Perovich – Thanked Harmony Holistic’ s for
the events that have been held to support the community. Councilmember also
provided an update about the Historical display; The sign is ready to be
installed.
b. General Government & Finance (Chair Pat Bayko/Co-chair Zach Cole)
Councilmember Bayko – stated that she has been working
with Manager Peticca to review and start the 2025 Budget, and the status for
the 2024 is right on point.
c. Parks & Recreation (Chair Jesse Dapra/Co-chair Steve Perovich)
Councilmember Dapra - stated he had nothing to report.
Councilmember Perovich - stated that he attended the recreation board meeting
and reported that the summer playground program was successful. There was some
equipment issues reported at the Woodlawn playground that will need addressing
for next years program. There is also a new member expressing interest in
joining the recreation board, and that is on the agenda.
d. Planning, Property, & Ordinances (Chair Casey Shoub/Co-chair Ralph Deabner)
Councilmember Shoub - deferred to Code Enforcement
Matthew Hamill to read his August report to councilmembers and the public.
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
Councilmember Cardiff – introduced JCP lead member Greg
Maynor. Mr. Maynor introduced four new JCP members, three of them being seniors
and one junior. Dylan Claypool, Hannah
Walters, Ella Malloy. There was a pre-term meeting in August and the upcoming
rotation for September will be at the Public Works building. The JCP members
will also be participating in the fall festival parade in Penn Township.
h. President Kris Cardiff
Councilmember Cardiff – stated he is proud to welcome all
the new JCP members to the program, and he is very excited to work with all the
students. Councilmember Cardiff had one additional item to mention and that was
garbage collection will be delayed by one day because of the Labor Day holiday.
11. Manager’s
Report – Manager Peticca spoke about the email she received from the
property owner of 408 Cavitt Avenue (James Baker). There is a request to move
the current handicap parking space in front of his building to the opposite
side of the street where the vehicle owner resides. The property owner is also
requesting a no parking space at the entrance of their driveway. There is a
Verizon pole that is there now and is in the process of being removed, once the
pole is removed, they want to have access to their driveway. Manager Peticca
also mentioned there was a meeting with the Westmoreland County Conservation district
to discuss further scope and project details for Hird Road. There was a grant
opportunity last year and the same grant will be available to apply for in the
upcoming year. This project and funding will help manage the stormwater flowing
down the hillside.
12. Motion to hire Michael Hynes for Part-time public works employee at $14.00/hr with a start date of 9-9-24.
a. Motion: Councilmember Deabner
b. Second: Councilmember Shoub
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
13. Motion to approve the updates to the Zoning Map by Penn E&R for $750.00
a. Motion: Councilmember Perovich
b. Second: Councilmember Dapra
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
14. Motion to accept Gina Lera’s resignation form the Recreation Board effective August 26th, 2024
a. Motion: Councilmember Dapra
b. Second: Councilmember Perovich
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
15. Motion to waive solicitation fee for food trucks and approve use of the Manchester room for Holiday Happenings on December 7th, 2024.
a. Motion: Councilmember Dapra
b. Second: Councilmember Bayko
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
16. Motion to accept the Non-Uniform pension MMO for the 2025 fiscal year in the amount of $35,260.00
a. Motion: Councilmember Bayko
b. Second: Councilmember Deabner
c. Discussion: Councilmember Cardiff stated this is an annual formality.
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
17. Motion to hire Gavin Scholl for full-time police officer retroactive to 8-15-24
a. Motion: Councilmember Shoub
b. Second: Councilmember Dapra
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
18. Motion to approve Ordinance 5-2024 to amend Chapter 160 pertaining to Sewers.
a. Motion: Councilmember Shoub
b. Second: Councilmember Dapra
c. Discussion:
Manager Peticca stated the old ordinance had some outdate
and incorrect verbiage. Some different language was added to clarify an
abandonment of a sewer line and capping of a sewer line, and the requirements
when a transfer of property takes place. Councilmember Deabner asked is the
borough not inspecting the sewer line when repairs are being conducted?
Manager Peticca stated that inspections are still
required: 1. When there is a sale of a property. 2. When a homeowner does a refinance,
and a sewer lateral inspection has not been conducted within the three-year
time frame. 3. When a sewer lateral inspection fails, there is still a
re-inspect and pass result that needs to happen for a deed transfer to take
place.
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
19. Motion to reimburse Carl Beltram for sewer lateral charges for 6 years, due to lateral line issues in amount of $14,083.69. Alcosan has provided a credit adjustment in amount of $8,288.95.
a. Motion: Councilmember Deabner
b. Second: Solicitor Alexander stated if there is no Second then the motion will fail for lack of a Second.
Solicitor Alexander asked Manager Peticca to
provide an overview.
Manager Peticca
stated the borough was approached by the property owner after finding out that
the property’s sewer line was never connected into the main sewer line. Mr.
Beltram’s attorney contacted us requesting a refund for the sewage billing from
the time of the Penn-Vest project to current. The borough office contacted
ALCOSAN to inquire if reimbursement was even possible, and ALCOSAN did confirm
that they can issue a refund back six years. It was advised by Solicitor
Alexander that the borough follow suit with what ALCOSAN does. Solicitor
Alexander provided comment and stated that the initial request from Mr.
Beltram’s attorney was asking for a much larger amount and further back timeframe
that what ALCOSAN was able to reimburse. It was the recommendation of Solicitor
Alexander to approve this motion and indicate payment in full on the
disbursement. Further comments made by Councilmembers were that this could be
potential litigation if payment is not issued, and that the borough is doing
the right thing.
c. Second: Councilmember Shoub
d.
Discussion: Councilmember Perovich stated that we
are in a position to pay this? Solicitor Alexander answered that you’re doing
the right thing, and you are matching ALCOSAN’s policy. Further comments were
made that it was hard to understand that this property wasn’t connected. During
the Penn-Vest project the manhole was moved, and this re-connection was missed.
e. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
20. Motion to have Penn E&R conduct a boundary survey for Trafford Property Parcel #36-03-03-0-011 in amount of $1,890.00
a. Motion: Councilmember Dapra
b. Second: Councilmember Perovich
c. Discussion:
Manager Peticca this is the parcel that Trafford Borough owns adjacent to
the railroad.
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
21. Motion to approve TECDC to use the Manchester room for a Chili Cook off on Nov 2nd with WYE Brewery.
a. Motion: Councilmember Dapra
b. Second: Councilmember Shoub
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
22. Motion to re-apply for the Low Volume, Dirt Road program thru the WCD for stormwater management updates to Hird Road with an in-kind donation of $15,000 for 2025 fiscal year.
a. Motion: Councilmember Perovich
b. Second: Councilmember Dapra
c. Discussion: Manager Peticca stated that there has been some revision to the application since last year. It was mentioned to make the motion to allow the WCD to continue to proceed with the plans/redesign of the low-volume and dirt road program for Hird Road stormwater management and determine the in-kind donation later.
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
23. Motion to accept Zach Cole’s letter of resignation effective August 28th, 2024
a. Motion: Councilmember Perovich
b. Second: Councilmember Deabner
c. Discussion:
Solicitor Alexander stated that the resignation is effective today, under
borough code it is effective the day you accept it. In addition, the borough
has thirty days to fill the vacancy. There are thirty days between today (now)
and next month’s council meeting. The seat would need to be filled by October 1st.
If the empty seat is not filled, it would then go to the Vacancy Board.
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
24. Motion to accept Ryan Krause’s letter of resignation from full-time police officer effective September 12th, 2024.
a. Motion: Councilmember Deabner
b. Second: Councilmember Shoub
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
25. Motion to accept Jamie Ward’s letter of interest for Recreation Board Term ending December 31st, 2026.
a. Motion: Councilmember Perovich
b. Second: Councilmember Dapra
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
26. New Business
• Christmas Tree Purchase- donations or purchase of a real or fake tree
Manager Peticca commented that the borough has been
purchasing a real Christmas Tree at an average cost of $500.00 to $700.00. The idea
was brought up to change to an artificial tree with quotes ranging from
$6,000.00 with a 5-year warranty. Manager Peticca also mentioned that if anyone
had a tree that they wanted to donate for the holiday season that is an option
as well, the height requirement would need to be 12ft to 14ft.
A resident spoke up and stated that the tree donation had been discussed in the past and the results were that the residents were just looking to have you cut their tree down and the quality of the tree was not very good.
Councilmember Cardiff stated that the life span of an
artificial tree is $6,000.00 for 5 years and the cost vs purchasing a real tree
it is more cost effective and value to continue to purchase a real tree. There
is always the option to accept a donation of a tree if it meets the inspection.
Councilmember Deabner asked if there is room to store an
artificial tree.
Manager Peticca replied that it would be stored at the
Public Works building.
A motion was on the floor to purchase a real Christmas tree with the possibility/potential of a public donation contingent upon inspection and approval by the public works department/borough manger.
a. Motion: Councilmember Bayko
b. Second: Councilmember Dapra
c. Discussion: It was confirmed that the artificial tree purchase has been ruled out for now.
d.
Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
• 2024 Volunteer of the Year award submission deadline due by Oct 31st, 2024.
Councilmember Cardiff stated that the borough office is
accepting the nominations and is open to the public. Submissions can be
submitted to the office via email or in person. The nominations will be reviewed and awarded
at the January Council meeting. There is a resolution in place, so no action is
needed.
• Halloween Parade Road Closure Oct 20th 1:30 pm from Duquesne to 6th to Cavitt and possible action
Manager Peticca
stated the borough was asked by the Recreation Board to approve the route and
road closure for the parade.
Councilmember
Cardiff stated that the residents always liked to see the kids parade in their
costumes like it had been done in the past.
A motion is on the floor to approve the Halloween Parade Road Closure Oct 20th 1:30 pm from the Four Hundred block of Duquesne Avenue to Sixth Street to the Three and Four Hundred block of Cavitt Avenue.
a. Motion: Councilmember Dapra
b. Second: Councilmember Perovich
c.
Discussion: Councilmember Deabner asked if it’s
permitted to close Cavitt Ave and will there be police or the fire department
on site? Manager Peticca stated
that it is pending approval from the police department and that Chief was made
aware that this was up for discussion.
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
• Cavitt Lot restoration bids and possible action
Councilmember
Cardiff that the borough did not receive any bids for the Cavitt Lot.
A motion is on the floor to readvertise for the Cavitt Lot restoration bids.
a. Motion: Councilmember Bayko
b. Second: Councilmember Perovich
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
• 408 Cavitt Avenue; Handicapped sign relocation to other side of street and possible action
Councilmember
Cardiff asked if there is a recommendation from the Police Chief?
Manager Peticca
stated that Chief will be looking into the request. The handicap space was originally
approved at its current location due to the building on that side of the street
being vacant. There is a new owner of that building and he is asking for the parking
spot be relocated. Manager Peticca stated there are four parking spots on the
other side of the road to place the handicap parking spot.
Councilmember
Cardiff stated he did not want to make a motion without the police chief’s
approval.
Manager Peticca
stated that chief he was uncertain about the space to choose.
Councilmember
Dapra suggested that Councilmembers proceed with a motion contingent upon Chief
Disso’s approval.
A motion is on the floor to relocate the handicap parking space on Cavitt Avenue contingent upon the Police Chief’s recommendation.
a. Motion: Councilmember Dapra
b. Second: Councilmember: Perovich
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
• Removal of dead tree in Veteran’s Park across from 424 Edgewood, Vasco’s tree service quote $5,500.00
Manager Peticca stated the office fielded a complaint
call about the dead tree. The tree is very large and is a liability if it were
to fall.
Councilmember Dapra asked if there were additional tree
services contacted for quotes.
Manager Peticca stated that there was not, but we could
contact others and gather the information.
Councilmember Cardiff stated the cost amount to remove
the tree is under the bid threshold, so additional quotes were not needed, however
the concern is getting the tree removed before any inclement weather conditions
happen.
Councilmember Perovich stated that he would like to see
additional quotes gathered if they could be done within the next week.
No action was taken until additional quotes are gathered.
• Steph Sciullo requested a memorial plaque/bench at B-Y for her late father.
Councilmember Perovich spoke with Ms. Sciullo and is
requesting a memorial bench at the BY park near the Willow tree.
Councilmember Cardiff suggested that Public Works review
with Ms. Sciullo about placement, and dimensions of the bench.
No action was taken under further information is
gathered.
27. Old Business
• Police Expansion/ Statewide LSA grant application Resolution 6-2024 and possible action
Manager Peticca stated that there was a motion made at
the last meeting to move forward with the LSA grant submission for the Police
evidence room and elevator totaling $243,611.00 from the Commonwealth Financing
Authority. The concern with the grant request is the time frame that it takes
to award the grant, it could be up to a year, and the police are running out of
space in their evidence room. Manager Peticca brought up for discussion the
option of utilizing funds from the VFD lawsuit and putting the project out for
bids rather than apply for a grant for a larger expansion.
Mayor Llewellyn recommended proceeding sooner than later,
because of the space that is needed in the Police Department.
Councilmember Shoub recommends working with Penn E&R
to scale the project and set it up for bids.
A motion is on the floor to request the borough engineer Penn E&R to create RFPs for the expansion of the police department.
a. Motion: Councilmember Shoub
b. Second: Councilmember Deabner
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
• VFD lawsuit $68,200.00 for police expansion and possible action
A motion was made above regarding this item, no further
discussion or action was needed.
• LSA Category 4 grant submission action for Code Enforcement Vehicle and or New Police Vehicle in amount of $55,000.00
Manager Peticca stated at the last meeting we discussed possibly
submitting two separate requests for LSA Category 4 grant opportunity. After
doing some research it was understood that the finance authority can review two
project requests, but there is no guarantee that both submissions would be
approved. The advisement was to submit one project request. Manager Peticca
recommended applying for a new police vehicle and then utilizing an older police
vehicle as a code enforcement car.
There was mention in previous discussions about a leaf
vac purchase, Councilmember Bayko it is the understanding that Waste Management
provides the services to pick up leaves if the leaves are bagged.
A motion in on the floor to authorize the borough manager to submit a grant application for the LSA Category 4 for new police vehicle in the amount of $55,000.00 with the stipulation that the old police vehicle will be reassigned to code enforcement.
a. Motion: Councilmember Shoub
b. Second: Councilmember Dapra
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
Adjournment
a. Announce the next Discussion Meeting on September 17th, 2024, at 6:30 pm in the Manchester Room.
b. Move to adjourn: Councilmember Deabner
c. Second: Councilmember Shoub
d. Discussion: No discussion
e. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
Respectfully submitted,
Nina Mulnix
Borough Secretary