1. Call to Order – meeting called to order
by Councilmember Cardiff at 7:03pm.
2. Moment of Silence & Pledge of
Allegiance
3. Roll Call – done by Secretary Mulnix
Councilmembers
present: Councilmember Bayko, Councilmember Cardiff, Councilmember Deabner,
Councilmember Perovich, Councilmember Shoub.
Councilmembers
not present: Councilmember Dapra.
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 October
1st, 2024, for matters of personnel and litigation.
5. Approve the September 3rd, 2024,
Regular Council Meeting minutes.
a. Motion: Councilmember Bayko
b.
Second:
Councilmember Deabner
c.
Discussion:
No discussion
d.
Vote:
5, 0, 1 (Absent)
6. Approve the September 2024 expense
voucher list.
a.
Motion:
Councilmember Bayko
b. Second: Councilmember Perovich
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 5, 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
Marsha Irr – (114
Coventry Court) came to the meeting to discuss the importance and need for an
ordinance pertaining to fracking wells to protect the community. Mrs. Irr
provided to councilmembers an article from the newspaper and emphasized the
concerns of water contamination due to fracking. Mrs. Irr attended the
discussion meeting where Protect PT had a presentation regarding the fracking
wells, and Mrs. Irr wanted to follow up with concerns from that meeting.
Borough Response:
Manager
Peticca – stated that this topic is on the agenda for discussion later in the
meeting.
8. Report from Borough Engineer, Penn E&R
a. Report submitted: Amber Yon
provided some comments on her submitted report.
•
Trafford
Borough Parking Lot Paving Project – The borough received and opened four bids on September
23rd. Tresco Paving Company had the lowest bid at $102,290.00. There
was a bid tabulation along with a recommendation for
award to Tresco Paving Company provided to the Borough Manager.
•
Hillcrest
Street Stormwater Ponding – Penn E&R reviewed video provided by the borough of the
street during a prolonged period of rain. Stormwater runoff was conveyed to the
inlet along the gutter of the street. There was no heavy ponding, and it was
concluded that the repairs were appropriately implemented.
•
Zoning
Map Improvements –
Penn E&R updated the zoning map to correlate with the latest property
parcels from the County. Penn E&R added existing map layouts and submitted
the map to the borough manager. The borough can review and revise the Zoning
Map for any desired updates.
•
Boundary
Survey of Parcel 36-03-03-0-11 – The boundary survey was scheduled for today (Tuesday October 01st)
and Penn E&R will await deliverables.
•
Hird
Road Drainage and Pavement Improvements – Penn E&R conducted a site visit and
is preparing plan drawings for proposed drainage and
pavements improvements to Hird Road. Preliminary designs consist of full depth
reclamation, superelevation, curbing, inlet, storm pipe, and rock filled
trench. The borough will use plan drawings and engineer’s cost estimate of
construction to pursue grant opportunities for funding.
b. Public comment on Penn E&R’s report – There
were no public comments.
9. Mayor’s Report – Mayor Llewellyn read
the September Police report to Councilmembers and the public. The mayor also
stated that the police provided street monitoring while the American Legion
removed the American Flags that were on the poles around borough streets.
10. Committee Reports
a. Community & Economic Development
(Chair Steve Perovich/Co-chair Jesse Dapra)
Councilmember
Perovich – Councilmember Perovich stated that there is a new property
owner/tenant on Cavitt Avenue and Welcomed Baker & Nulf to Trafford.
Councilmember Perovich also stated that the Historical Society will be hosting
a presentation in the Manchester Room on Wednesday October 2nd at
6pm if anyone from the public is interested in attending.
b. General Government & Finance (Chair
Pat Bayko/Co-chair Zach Cole)
Councilmember
Bayko – stated that she and Manager Peticca are working on the 2025 budget, and
there will be more to report in November.
c. Parks & Recreation (Chair Jesse Dapra/Co-chair
Steve Perovich)
Councilmember
Perovich – stated he attended the Recreation board meeting and wanted to
mention the Halloween Parade on October 20th. The recreation board
is looking for a member that would like to join and become the treasurer. If
there is any interest in that position, one can submit a letter of interest.
d. Planning, Property, & Ordinances
(Chair Casey Shoub/Co-chair Ralph Deabner)
Councilmember
Shoub – deferred to Code Enforcement, and Officer Hamill read his September
Code 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
JCP Member – Greg
Maynor spoke about the September JCP rotation that took place at the Public
Works Department. Mr. Maynor mentioned that they toured the Public Works
building and gained information about the machinery used. They also had the
chance to see what a sewage inspection would look like being conducted at the
BY park. The JCP members also took part in the Penn Twp Fall Festival Parade.
h. President Kris Cardiff
Councilmember
Cardiff – stated he didn’t have anything to report but deferred to Jeff
Contillo to give a TECDC report. Mr. Contillo mentioned the TECDC is having a
chili cookoff on November 2nd, at the Manchester Room from 2pm to
5pm. The cost to attend is $10.00. The TECDC is also planning the Holiday
Happenings event on December 7th. There will be a parade and Santa
lighting the tree at 6pm. There will be food trucks and vendors at the event.
The American Legion is also looking to host a craft show prior to the holiday event,
there will be more information forthcoming. Mr. Contillo also stated the
organization is always looking for volunteers to help to make these events
successful.
11. Manager’s Report – Manager Peticca reported
that the Category 4 LSA grant application has been submitted for a new police
car. The approval is usually awarded in the spring. Contracts for the Sixth
Street Renovation
** Before
Moving to the next motion Councilmember Cardiff deferred to Solicitor
Alexander. **
Solicitor
Alexander stated that the two applicants interested in the vacant council seat
were both present and they were asked to step up to the podium to address
Councilmembers and speak for a minute about their interest in the vacant council
seat.
Rose Schopp -
stated she is a long-time resident of Trafford Borough, she stated she has a
strong involvement with the community and is willing to learn and then pass on
important information to the residents of the borough.
Shaelyn Lesko
– stated she is a business owner in Trafford Borough and is a member of the
TECDC organization. Mrs. Lesko is involved in several different projects within
the community. Shaelyn stated she wanted to apply to see how she can do more
good things within the community.
Solicitor
Alexander stated that this vacancy was publicized out to everyone with an
interest and Ms. Schopp and Ms. Lesko were the only applicants. Councilmembers
were asked to make a motion.
Solicitor
Alexander stated the motion below was made to nominate Ms. Schopp for the position;
the next step would be an up or down vote with majority rule vote as three
votes. Providing that Ms. Schopp receives the three votes she will be declared
the winner, unless there is another motion on the floor for Ms. Lesko.
12. Motion
to appoint applicant (Rose Schopp) to the vacant Council seat
a. Motion: Councilmember Bayko
b. Second: Councilmember Perovich
c. Discussion: Councilmember Cardiff asked
for a roll call vote.
d. Vote: Councilmember Bayko- Yes,
Councilmember Cardiff – Yes, Councilmember Deabner- Yes, Councilmember Perovich
– Yes, Councilmember Shoub- Yes. The vote was unanimous for Rose Schopp 5, 0, 1
(Absent)
Solicitor
Alexander congratulated both applicants and stated that there is an election
coming up for any future interest on Council.
Councilmember
Cardiff stated that council was very fortunate to have two good candidates
apply and express interest. Councilmember Cardiff mentioned that it is a good sign
to see anyone wanting to step up and help and serve the community. He also
stated that he encourages anyone to apply if the opportunity arises again.
** Mayor
Llewellyn swore Rose Schopp in with an Oath of Office, Councilmember Schopp was
then seated with councilmembers. **
Solicitor Alexander stated that Ms. Schopp
is permitted to vote on the remaining agenda items, if there is an item where
sufficient information isn't available to form an opinion Ms. Schopp can
abstain from voting.
13.
Motion
to accept Michael Hynes resignation effective 9-11-24.
a. Motion: Councilmember Deabner
b. Second: Councilmember Shoub
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
14. Motion to apply for the Scott
Electric Foundation grant for lighting retrofit of the municipal building and public
works building for LED lights and fixtures.
Cost estimate of $40,588.50 with a direct rebate savings of
$4,757.00.
a.
Motion:
Councilmember Shoub
b.
Second:
Councilmember Perovich
c.
Discussion:
Manager Peticca stated this is to have the lights in our buildings
retrofitted for energy savings, moving all to LED lights. The Public Works
building is very dark and difficult for them to see while working
vehicles/equipment. This opportunity is to have an 11% return on the investment
by switching to the led fixtures. This grant would cover the borough building
(Council Chambers, Police Dept, etc.) and the Public Works building.
d.
Vote:
6, 0, 1 (Absent)
15.
Motion
to approve Trick or Treat on October 31st, 2024, from 6pm-8pm
a.
Motion:
Councilmember Perovich
b.
Second:
Councilmember Deabner
c. Discussion: Councilmember Cardiff
stated this is on the same date every year, and this is a formality to set the
date if public services are needed.
d.
Vote:
6, 0, 1 (Absent)
16. Motion to approve the closure of the
400 block of Cavitt for the Holiday Happenings Event on Saturday Dec. 7th,
2024, from 3pm to 8pm.
a.
Motion:
Councilmember Deabner
b.
Second:
Councilmember Perovich
c. Discussion: The mayor stated the
timeframe for the police was requested was 4:30pm – 8:30pm. Manager Peticca
that the additional time frame in the motion was to provide extra time if
needed to set up and organize. Councilmember Cardiff asked Councilmember Deabner
if he would like to amend the motion.
** AMEND MOTION ** Motion to approve the
closure of the 400 block of Cavitt for the Holiday
Happenings Event on Saturday Dec. 7th, 2024, from 4:30pm to 8:30pm.
d.
Vote:
6, 0, 1 (Absent)
17.
Motion
to purchase the license plate reader in the amount of $19,974.00 from the
Westmoreland County infrastructure grant
a. Motion: Councilmember Shoub
b. Second: Councilmember Deabner
c. Discussion: Councilmember Bayko asked
if the reader is a handheld device, and what are the purposes of the reader. Manger
Peticca stated that the device would be mounted. Solicitor Alexnader stated
that the reader can identify if anyone has a warrant out for their arrest, the
officers can pull them over and take the suspect into custody.
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
18.
Motion
to remove the dead tree in Veterans Park with lowest written bid by Harper Tree
Service in amount of $3,000.00
a.
Motion:
Councilmember Deabner
b.
Second:
Councilmember Shoub
c. Discussion: Councilmember Cardiff
stated that this was brought to his and Manger Peticca’s attention by a concerned
resident about the structure of the tree and the threat it poses to safety.
d.
Vote:
6, 0, 1 (Absent)
19.
Motion
to approve the Cavitt Avenue parking lot repairs to lowest bidder by Tresco
Company in amount of $102,290.00
a. Motion: Councilmember Perovich
b. Second: Councilmember Shoub
c. Discussion: Councilmember Perovich
stated the borough made a commitment to the community to see this project
through, and grant funding was obtained. This will be a huge improvement.
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
20.
Motion
to approve Resolution 6-2024 for the demo of 90 1st Street in
Trafford through the Westmoreland County Redevelopment Authority and Westmoreland
County to seek grant funding to remove the blighted structure.
a.
Motion:
Councilmember Deabner
b.
Second:
Councilmember Shoub
c.
Discussion:
No discussion
d.
Vote:
6, 0, 1 (Absent)
21.
Motion
to approve the library to utilize Council Chambers for a Halloween part on
October 25th,2024 from 6 pm- 9pm.
a. Motion: Councilmember Bayko
b. Second: Councilmember Perovich
c. Discussion: Manager Peticca stated the library
approached the office for the request.
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
22.
Motion
to approve the library to utilize the Manchester Room on November 23rd,2024 for a book sale from 10am to 5pm.
a.
Motion:
Councilmember Deabner
b.
Second:
Councilmember Bayko
c.
Discussion:
No discussion
d.
Vote:
6, 0, 1 (Absent)
23. New Business
· Special Event for Harmony Holistic’ s use of
the library parking lot on Oct 11th 4-8 (2pm set up) pending
application submission and police & public works approval
Manager
Peticca stated this is a request that has been taking place monthly for the
past several months. The owner Shaelyn Lesko has asked to utilize the library lot
for vendor set up. The library closes on Friday at 2pm. Manager Peticca stated
there is also a request to use the library lot on November 29th and
December 20th for the same event.
There is a
motion on the floor to allow Harmon Holistic to utilize the library parking lot
on October 11th, November 29, and December 20th pending
application submission and police and public works approval.
a. Motion: Councilmember Bayko
b. Second: Councilmember Perovich
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
· Discussion and possible action on
advertising for a new ordinance for guidelines/limitations on fracking injection
wells
Manager Peticca
stated this was a topic at the last discussion meeting in September, and concerns
and potential issues have been brought to the attention of council.
Councilmember
Cardiff stated the information provided in the discussion meeting about this
topic was very informative. To be thorough in the process of making the
decision it was suggested that a presentation be made by a representative from
the fracking well companies to have all the information. Councilmember Cardiff
also mentioned that we could bring attention to something that we don’t bring
attention to.
Councilmember
Perovich stated that other municipalities have acted against this type of
activity, and it would be beneficial to consider an ordinance based on the information
we received at the discussion meeting.
Manager
Peticca stated that it was important to mention that an ordinance doesn’t have
to eliminate something from happening but provide guidelines to follow.
Solicitor Alexander
recommended that he and Manager Peticca meet to discuss the best way to present
a solution to council, whether it be a stand-alone
ordinance or amending the current ordinance. Solicitor Alexander is asking
councilmembers to agree to allow him to create a draft ordinance, and then proceed
to make a motion to advertise the proposed draft at the November council
meeting.
A motion is on
the floor to authorize Solicitor Alexander to compose a draft ordinance for the
fracking/injection wells.
a. Motion: Councilmember Perovich
b. Second: Councilmember Bayko
c. Discussion: There will be a motion to
advertise once councilmembers have the opportunity to review the draft.
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
· Discussion and possible action for parking
on Westmoreland Avenue
Manager
Peticca stated that the ordinance currently states that there is no parking permitted
on both sides of Westmoreland Avenue, it is at the council’s discretion to move
forward and place no parking signs on both sides of the street and enforce
that, or to make any alterations to said ordinance. The first suggested change
would be no parking along the railroad side of the street,
parking would be permitted along the buildings side closer to the houses. Another
option would be to allow parking on both sides and rescinding the language in
the ordinance or allow parking along the railroad side and not the other.
Mayor
Llewellyn stated that he recommends allowing parking along the building sides
and do not allow parking along the other side. He stated that it benefits the residents
who live on that street to park on the house side.
A motion is on
the floor to advertise to change the current ordinance to state No parking
along the eastern side of Westmoreland Road (railroad side)
a. Motion: Councilmember Deabner
b. Second: Councilmember Shoub
c. Discussion: Councilmember Perovich asked
if this would permit parking on the road. Manager Peticca stated that no parking
means no parking. The borough has 10ft right of way along
that road even if someone states they are parking in the grass it still means
no parking on that side.
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
· Discussion and possible action for parking
on Wallace Avenue
Manager
Peticca stated that the current ordinance does not have any language that
indicates that there is no parking along the western side of Wallace Ave. (The
side of the ballfields). In order to enforce the current no parking signs that
are up and outdated there needs to be an update to the ordinance. This change
will help officers cite and ticket anyone in violation of the no parking ordinance.
Mayor
Llewellyn asked why there would be signs placed stating no parking if it was
not stated in the ordinance.
Councilmember
Deabner stated it has been that way for years.
A motion is on the
floor to advertise no parking along the 100 & 200 blocks of Wallace Avenue.
a. Motion: Councilmember Deabner
b. Second: Councilmember Perovich
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
· Discussion and possible action on Vacancy
/ Abandoned fee rates
Manager
Peticca stated that code enforcement has been receiving vacant registration forms
and payments, which started some conversations about our current fee schedule compared
to other neighboring municipalities. There
are two different collection options for such registration, bi-annually or on a
scale.
Irwin Borough charges
Semi-Annually starting at $150.00 from Jan-July and then an additional fee of $150.00
for July – Dec if the property is still vacant.
Jeanette is a
scale starting at $350.00 for the first next year where property is vacant and
then the following year it is increased to $1000.00.
The recommendation
would be to collect and charge Bi-annually. The goal is to entice property
owners to do something with the property. In addition, there would need to be
some clarity on what an abandoned and vacant structure is. Solicitor Alexander stated that there would need
to be a discussion, and some definitions clarified and classify permitted uses.
Councilmember
Cardiff stated he would like to see the clarifications and defined changes presented
before the end of the year to update the change by January 2025.
A motion is on
the floor to authorize Solicitor Alexander to work with Manager Peticca on a
new ordinance regard to vacant/abandoned buildings.
a. Motion: Councilmember Shoub
b. Second: Councilmember Deabner
c. Discussion: No discussion
d. Vote: 6, 0, 1 (Absent)
Councilmember
Perovich stated he had one thing to add for new business. There is a dead tree at
the BY park and the Recreation Board members were asking if Public Works can look
at removing the tree.
Manager
Peticca stated that the particular tree may be too large for Public Works and may
need to be contracted out for removal. We can send them out to access the tree
tomorrow.
Old Business
· 2024 Volunteer of the Year award
submission deadline due by Oct 31st, 2024
Councilmember
Cardiff confirmed the deadline and asked for nominations to be submitted.
Mayor Llewellyn
added one additional piece of information under old business. The handicap parking
space was previously discussed: the location of that space was decided and
approved by the police chief to be relocated to the parking spot in front of
Krick’s Tavern.
Adjournment
Respectfully
submitted
Nina Mulnix
Borough Secretary