Meeting Minutes Trafford Borough Council Meeting

December 3rd, 2024  

 

1.       Call to Order- Meeting called to order by Councilmember Cardiff at 7:04pm.

 

2.       Moment of Silence & Pledge of Allegiance

 

3.       Roll Call - done by Secretary Nina Mulnix

 

Councilmembers present: Councilmember Cardiff, Councilmember Perovich, Councilmember Schopp, Councilmember Shoub.

 

Councilmembers not present: Councilmember Bayko, Councilmember Dapra, Councilmember Deabner

 

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 December 3rd, 2024, for matters of personnel and litigation.

 

5.       Approve November 6th, 2024 Regular Council Meeting minutes. 

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich   

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub  

c.      Discussion: No discussion

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)  

 

6.       Approve the November 2024 expense voucher lists.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich   

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (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

 

Jim Wohlmacher- (101 Belleau Wood Blvd) stated he is in attendance to discuss the matter of a fence that was installed on property 266 Timber Drive. Mr. Wohlmacher stated this fence is blocking an access way to Shadow Wood to Belleau Wood, and there are questions about whether a permit was obtained and did the homeowner need to obtain variance to install the fence. Mr. Wohlmacher also mentioned that if the fence was constructed and it’s not on their property, he would like to see the fence taken down.

Bob Lane- (103 Ardennes Court) stated he is in attendance to discuss the same matter of the fence on 266 Timber Drive, and get questions answered if a survey was conducted by the homeowner before installing the fence. Mr. Lane wanted to know who could answer and address his concerns.

 

Borough Response:   

 

Manager Peticca replied that the borough office had been made aware in November of a fence that was constructed on the property located at 266 Timber Drive. Code Enforcement mailed out a violation letter to the homeowner to inform them that a permit needed to be obtained prior to installing the fence.

 

Code Enforcement Hamill stated the homeowner has obtained the application from the borough office but has not submitted the completed application along with the supporting documentation.

 

Manger Peticca stated the homeowner was given a certain amount of time to comply with the violation, and if they do not comply Code enforcement will file a non-traffic citation at the magistrate.

 

Further comment was provided by the residents that stated that this fence blocks the neighborhood from having a path to the local ice cream establishment, and the borough is going to force children to walk along a dangerous roadway. The 500 feet of access could also serve any emergency personnel needing to get to Belleau wood Blvd. The property owners should change the direction of the fence and allow the neighborhood access to the route, while still maintaining their privacy and allowing individuals the access to walk on the parcel (a) beside their property.

 

Manager Peticca stated the borough is only concerned with the property owner obtaining the permit for the fence. The borough did not approve the fence, but it is the property owners to know the boundaries of their parcel. Manger Peticca also stated that if the fence application does not go against any restrictions in the ordinance the permit gets approved. The current concerns that are being addressed currently sound like a civil matter with Parcel owner A and Parcel owner B.

 

Solicitor Alexnader stated that the borough does not have any say in private property disputes. Solicitor Alexander offered to review the recorded plan and then suggested that a land use attorney may be needed for further investigation.

 

The borough will also investigate the presence of an easement.

 

Councilmember Cardiff asked the residents to remain present till the conclusion of the meeting to exchange information.

 

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- Penn E&R has confirmed that work on the lot has begun. The retaining wall and portions of the flowable fill and underdrain are installed.

·       Bluff Street Stormwater Ponding- Penn E&R provided a written summary to the borough manager the week of November 4th, and the borough is to explore the condition of the nearest existing storm sewer.

 

·       Boundary Survey of Parcel 36-03-03-0-011- Penn E&R is working on a conceptual layout for a proposed parking lot. The parcel is exempt from zoning by Westmoreland County, meaning there are no setbacks or zoning requirements for the proposed parking lot.

·       Borough MS4 Program Compliance- Penn E&R will review the MS4 program compliance and will aid with meeting the control measures (MCM)s 1 through 6 as well as assistance with the Pollutant Reduction Plan (PRP) implementation.

·       Borough GIS Updates: Penn E&R will update the Borough’s GIS mapping to reflect field verified revisions, and to track the progress of CCTV and repair of the sanitary sewer system.

b.     Public comment on Penn E&R’s report –

There were no comments or questions for Penn E&R.

 

9.       Mayor’s Report- Mayor Llewellyn read the November police report to councilmembers and the public. The mayor also stated the no parking information for the upcoming Holiday Happenings will be posted in the next few days to make residents aware not to park in those spaces.

 

10.    Committee Reports

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

Councilmember Perovich stated that there is a new business that opened on Cavitt Avenue and welcomed Mystic Emporium to Trafford Borough. The other neighboring business Harmony Holistic is also operational and creating some community development on Cavitt Avenue. Councilmember Perovich stated there was no additional old business to cover in his report.

b.     General Government & Finance (Chair Pat Bayko/Co-chair Rose Schopp)

Councilmember Bayko was absent from the meeting, there was nothing to report.

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

Councilmember Perovich stated that he attended the last recreation board meeting and learned of the events in 2025 that the rec board is planning. The board is planning an Easter Egg hunt, a fishing derby, and Flavor-fest, dates to be announced later.  

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

Councilmember Shoub deferred to Code Enforcement Officer Hamill to read his November report to Councilmembers and the public.

e.      Public Safety (Chair Rose Schopp/Co-chair Pat Bayko)

Councilmember Schopp stated there was nothing to report.

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

Councilmember Shoub stated there was nothing to report.

g.     Junior Council Person (JCP) Report

JCP Member Claypool stated there was no rotation for the month of November to report on and that he was the only one in attendance at this meeting and previous meetings.

h.     President Kris Cardiff

Councilmember Cardiff deferred to Jeff Contillo to present a TECDC report. Mr. Contillo stated that Saturday Dec 7th is Holiday Happenings. The American Legion will be hosting a vendor craft show. Cavitt Avenue will close from 4:30pm to 8:00pm for the Food Trucks, the parade will come across the bridge, then a stop at the borough building to light the tree, and the event will finish in the Manchester Room with Santa and cookies.

Councilmember Cardiff wished everyone happy holidays.

 

 

 

11.    Manager’s Report – Manager Peticca stated that Public Works are still waiting for the no parking signs to arrive to place on Wallace Ave and Westmoreland Road. The borough received the rate resolution from ALCOSAN and stated that the borough is not raising our rates, the increases are from ALCOSAN. The new rates are as follows for 2025 Wastewater Collection: The current charge of $11.14 is increasing by $0.78 to $11.92 per each 1,000 gallons used. The flat rate customer service charge will change from $23.41 increased by $1.64 to $25.05 per bill issued. The average customer who uses 12,000 gallons of water per quarter will $11.00 more per quarter changing their bill from $157.09 to $168.09. This is an increase that takes place every year. The information will be posted to the borough website. Manager Peticca ended her report by wishing everyone a Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.  

 

 

12.    Motion to approve the 2025 General Fund and 2025 Sewage Fund Budgets

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub  

c.      Discussion: Councilmember Cardiff stated that we have set the line for any tax increases and thanked the borough admin staff for staying within the budget.   

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)  

 

13.    Motion to approve Jeff Contillo to the Recreation Board for a 3-year term ending 12/31/2027 

** Councilmember Cardiff made a motion to table this agenda item. **

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub  

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich

c.      Discussion: No discussion

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)  

 

14.    Motion to implement the next round of the Hometown Hero’s Banner Program with Mastro Signs at a cost of $225.00 per banner includes

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Schopp   

c.      Discussion: Councilmember Perovich asked if there were some words missing on the agenda item. Manager Peticca stated this included installation. The banner program is adding a small design change to the banners, and the borough will be adding a few more poles to display them on. There are 35 spots available, and it will be a First Come First Serve basis. The banner program will be advertised by including an insert with the next round of sewage bills.

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

15.    Motion to enter into contract agreement with Plate Smart Technologies to be the software company for the

LPR at cost of $4,746.00 yr. 1; $4,746.00 yr. 2; and $4,982.00 yr. 3,  

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich  

c.      Discussion: No discussion

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)  

 

 

16.    Motion to reappoint Nick Petrucci to a 3- year term for the Recreation Board term ending December 31st, 2027.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub  

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)  

 

17.    Motion to reappoint Ron Klingensmith to the Planning Commission for a 4-year term ending December 31st, 2028.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich    

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

18.    Motion to reappoint Mark Kozubal for a 3-year term to the Zoning Hearing Board term ending December 31st, 2027. 

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich   

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub    

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

19.    Motion to approve Ordinance 7-2024 Repeal of Chapter 46 Article I. 

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub   

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich   

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated this is an ordinance that is abolishing compensation for the council and mayor.  Solicitor Alexander stated the action was already taken but it was never officially approved in a meeting.

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

20.    Motion to approve Ordinance 8-2024 2021 IPMC 

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub  

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich     

c.      Discussion: Solicitor Alexander stated this is for the adoption of the 2018 IPMC.  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

21.             Motion to approve Ordinance 9-2024 Vacant Property Registration fees.  

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich   

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub  

c.      Discussion: Solicitor Alexander stated that there is a current ordinance in place, however this update is to include that fee changes to bi-annually (January & June). There can be a resolution to amend any fee changes in the future.

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

 

 

 

22.             Motion to approve Resolution 11-2024 Fixing the Tax Rate for the 2025 fiscal year.  28.50 mills on each dollar of assessed valuation; 3.00 Mills of assessed valuation for debt service for a total of 31.50 Mills.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub   

c.      Discussion: Councilmember Cardiff stated that it is appreciated that we stay on this trend.  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)  

 

23.             Motion to approve Resolution 7-2024 Imposition of cost for Berkheimer to impose and retain costs of delinquent taxes 

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub  

b.     Second: Councilmember Schopp  

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated that this is for the collection of local services tax and per capita. There are additional agenda items for Berkheimer, nothing is changing, it is just a formality to have everything on file.  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

24.             Motion to approve Resolution 8-2024 Appointment of Berkheimer to collect Per capita tax and

Occupation assessment tax 

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich   

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub    

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)    

 

25.             Motion to approve Resolution 9-2024 Appointment of Berkheimer to collect Local Services Tax  

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich   

b.     Second: Councilmember Schopp   

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)  

 

26.             Motion to approve resolution 10-2024 Appointment of Berkheimer as its tax hearing officer for LST collection.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Schopp   

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

27.             Motion to approve Jeff Schroder to design a scope and drawings for police expansion project in the amount of $8,425.00.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub   

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich  

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)

 

28.             Motion to approve Century Insurance Consultants for liability insurance premium in amount of $93,496.00 for 2025.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub  

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

29.             Motion to approve Encova Workers Compensation insurance in amount of $50,444.00 for 2025.

a.       Motion: Councilmember Shoub   

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich   

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)                               

 

30.             Motion to approve B-Y Park to be used by the Recreation Board for Flavor-fest on Saturday June 22nd, 2025.  

a.      Motion: Councilmember Schopp

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub   

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

31.             Motion to hire Dominic Bucci as a seasonal PW member effective December 15th.                             

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub  

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich   

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated Dominic was a seasonal employee this summer and stopped by to see if there was work available during the holidays. There is some work that needs to be done, and he can assist.

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)  

 

32.             Motion to approve the B-Y Park and Pavilion #3 to be utilized for an overnight 100-mile Race that will take place along the Westmoreland Heritage Trail on Saturday October 11th, 2025, and Sunday October 12th, 2025.  

a.      Motion: Councilmember Schopp

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub   

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

33.             Motion for Trafford Library to use the Manchester Room on March 30th, 2025, for a fundraising event. 

a.       Motion: Councilmember Perovich   

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub  

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)   

 

34.             Motion to approve Act 120 Resolution 12-2024 to appoint Keystone Collections as the tax collector for exclusive collection of delinquent real estate taxes and municipal recovery costs fees and charges. 

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub   

b.     Second: Councilmember Schopp   

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated this is changing from Westmoreland County to Keystone. The county has a little longer and slower process collecting delinquent taxes where Keystone can provide this service more effectively and it was in the best interest of the borough to switch. Councilmember Cardiff stated we made the decision after they presented this information at the discussion meeting in November

d.     Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent)  

 

35.             New Business

• Chapter 141 usage of Parks section G. and rental of ballfields and possible action 

 

Solicitor Alexander stated this was discussed in the executive session prior to this meeting and no action or further discussion will be taken at this time.  

 

Councilmember Perovich suggested that the borough manager gather more information.

 

36.             Old Business

 

There was no old business to discuss.

 

Adjournment

a.      Announce the next Council Meeting on January 7th, 2025, at 7:00 pm in Council

Chambers 

b.     Move to adjourn: Councilmember

c.      Second: Councilmember Perovich  

d.     Discussion: No discussion  

e.      Vote: 4, 0, 3 (Absent) 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Nina Mulnix

Borough Secretary