Meeting Minutes for Trafford Borough Council Meeting

January 7th, 2025   

1.       Call to Order

 

2.       Moment of Silence & Pledge of Allegiance

 

3.       Roll Call – completed by Borough Secretary Nina Mulnix

 

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

 

Councilmembers not present: Councilmember Dapra, Councilmember Schopp

 

Other staff present: Mayor Llewellyn, Solicitor Alexander, Manager Peticca, Secretary Mulnix, Code Enforcement Hamill, Borough Engineer Penn E&R Amber Yon.

 

4.       Notice of Executive Session held January 7th, 2025, for matters of personnel and litigation.

 

5.       Approve the December 3rd, 2024, Regular Council Meeting minutes. 

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich

b.     Second: Councilmember Bayko   

c.      Discussion: No discussion   

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)  

 

6.       Approve the December 2024 expense voucher lists.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Bayko

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub    

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (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

 

Michael Krauza (28 Stewart Station Rd) – came to the meeting to address concerns regarding the All-American Baseball organization. Mr. Krauza stated that Council members voted against a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between AAB organization and Trafford Borough last year, and AAB is asking for councilmembers to reconsider that decision. Mr. Krauza stated that AAB brings business and revenue into the borough every time they host tournaments; last year there were approx. 120,000 spectators over 20 weekends (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday). Mr. Krauza speculated that all the local businesses in Trafford (ex, Veronica’s on Cavitt, and Dom’s Pizzeria) would appreciate these spectators patroning their establishments. Mr. Krauza stated that there have been some mistakes made on behalf of AAB, and they are willing to take accountability for that and they are asking Council to grant them another opportunity to

 

invest in Trafford Borough. Mr. Krauza further stated that he and Dan Ninemire are always available to answer any questions or address any concerns that council may have.  

 

Borough Response:

 

Mayor Llewellyn stated that the borough does not have a problem renting the fields to the All-American Baseball organization. The mayor stated the problem arises when the fields are left a mess along with the bathrooms, and leaving borough property unlocked. Specifically, after those terms were discussed in a meeting. The mayor suggested that All-American hire a field manager to observe and respect the fields. 

 

Councilmmeber Bayko stated that the borough appreciates what All-American is doing for the community with the business that it brings in and stated that there is also negative feedback that councilmembers are approached about. For example, Councilmember Bayko stated that residents hear things like “this is nothing but trash for the town” while spectators and patrons just dump their garbage when leaving the fields. Councilmember Bayko suggested that All-American address the borough’s concerns with the patrons from their organization.

 

Michael Krauza asked if he could rebuttal to the council’s feedback. Councilmember Cardiff allowed for a brief response.

 

Dan Ninemire- (28 Stewart Station Rd) stated that he and his organization are big supporters of Trafford Borough, and he stated that if anyone disrespected the community, they disrespected his organization as well. Mr. Ninemire mentioned that it is difficult to police all our guests. Mr. Ninemire also spoke about the previous parking issues that have been a concern: With the addition of the new indoor facility building the guests will now have additional spaces to utilize.

 

Councilmember Cardiff stated that he feels that there is an opportunity to collaborate with the AAB organization and future organizations. With the rebirth of the TECDC, there are positive changes for economic and community development. Councilmember Cardiff stated that everything has a solution.

 

Dan Ninemire made one further comment about the topic. In other locations where AAB rents fields, those places charge additional fees for 100% maintenance of the fields and bathrooms. Mr. Ninemire stated his organization is open to any of those discussions.

 

Councilmember Cardiff stated he and councilmembers will consider that additional information and discuss further.

 

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 stated that work is underway on this project. The retaining wall, flowable fill, and underdrain are installed. Awaiting warmer temperatures to pour concrete surrounding the trench drain.

·       6th Street Park Improvements Project- Penn E&R is to meet with the borough manager to determine project scope. Penn E&R will also develop a bid book and specifications following the site meeting.

 

·       Bluff Street Stormwater Ponding- The borough is to explore the condition of the nearest existing storm sewer. State Pipe is scheduled to CCTV the storm sewer on Tuesday January 7th. Penn E&R will report the results to the Borough Manager and Council.  

·       Boundary Survey of Parcel 36-03-03-0-011- Penn E&R is currently working on a conceptual layout for a proposed parking lot. This parcel is exempt from Zoning by Westmoreland County, meaning there are no setbacks or zoning requirements for the proposed parking lot. Penn E&R is to provide the Borough Manger with the conceptual plan the week of January 6th.

·       Hird Road Drainage and Pavement Improvements- Penn E&R will be attending the Westmoreland County Conservation District meeting on January 9th.

·       Borough Consent Decree Reporting- Penn E&R is to review the status of Consent Decree compliance and to prepare a report for submission in February of 2025.

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

b.     Public comment on Penn E&R’s report – Councilmember Shoub asked if the railroads right of way be shown in the boundary survey? Amber Yon replied that yes, the property boundary will be outlined, and any other overlapping boundaries.

 

9.       Mayor’s Report – Mayor Llewellyn read the December Police report to councilmembers and the public.

 

10.    Committee Reports

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

Councilmember Perovich – stated there was nothing to report.

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

Councilmember Bayko- stated there was nothing to report.

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

Councilmember Perovich – stated that he was at the December recreation board meeting and mentioned the rec board was very appreciative for the funds that has budgeted from the borough. Councilmember Perovich stated there are a few upcoming activities that the rec board has planned that are on the agenda tonight for approval.

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

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

e.      Public Safety (Chair Rose Shopp/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. Councilmember Deaner thanked the Public Works department for keeping the roads maintained during the last two winter weather events.

g.     Junior Council Person (JCP) Report

JCP Member Claypool – stated there was no JCP rotation in December. Mr. Claypool mentioned that they are in the process of setting up the local government day where the fourth graders will have a field trip to the borough and visit the public works building, the police station and the borough building.

h.     President Kris Cardiff

Councilmember Cardiff- stated that he will be working with the JCP members to set up the January rotation. That will consist of parliamentary procedures and the role of the borough solicitor. Councilmember Cardiff deferred to Jeff Contillo for a TECDC update.

 

Jeff Contillo- stated that the Holiday happenings event that took place in December was very successful. There were 250 to 300 people that patroned the many events that day. (the craft show at the legion, food trucks, the holiday parade, and Santa at the Manchester Room). The next meeting for TECDC will be on January 20th.

 

11.    Manager’s Report – Manager Peticca stated that the Hometown Hero Banner program will kick off next week when the applications are mailed out with the sewage bills. It was mentioned that the applications will be available at the borough office and online. Manager Peticca stated that the borough office will be closed on Tuesday January 14th, the office staff was invited to attend a media/luncheon event at Live Casino to celebrate being a recipient of the Local Shares Account. The borough received funds from the grant opportunity to repair the Cavitt parking lot. Manager Peticca thanked Public Works for all their time they’ve been putting in to keep the roads safe. 

 

12.    Motion to advertise the Injection Well Ordinance 1-2025 

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich   

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated this ordinance is uploaded in the boroughs shared files to review and is available at the office for the public.  

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)   

 

13.    Motion to approve Resolution 2-2025 Records Disposition retention.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich  

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated this is to allow the borough office to purge records in the office, according to the retention guidelines.    

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)   

 

14.    Motion to advertise to adopt the International Fire Code Ordinance 2-2025

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich

b.     Second: Councilmember Deabner  

c.      Discussion: No discussion   

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)  

 

15.    Motion to approve Resolution 1-2025 Reducing the member contributions, Police Pension set at 1% of compensation. 

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub   

b.     Second: Councilmember Perovich  

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated this is standard practice per calendar year.

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)   

 

 

** Solicitor Alexander stated Item # 16 motion needs to be amended to: Motion to authorize the advertisement of an ordinance reducing the Recreation Board members from 7 to 5 members. **

 

16.    Motion to approve Resolution 3-2025, reducing the Recreation Board members from 7 to 5 members.    

a.   Motion:

b.     Second:

c.      Discussion:

d.     Vote:

 

Amended Motion: Motion to authorize the advertisement of an ordinance reducing the Recreation Board members from 7 to 5 members.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Deabner

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated the borough has no record that this request was ever followed through to reduce the recreation board members from seven to five. There is nothing uploaded to the online e-code to prove this action was executed. The borough office learned that it had been advertised in the past but was not executed. Manager Peticca stated this will correct that action. Councilmember Perovich asked if Jeff Contillo was ever appointed to the recreation board. Manager Peticca responded that that did not happen because the rec board consists of only 5 members. It was mentioned that the borough is very fortunate to have so many individuals that want to volunteer, and voluntarism is encouraged. Jeff Contillo can/will act as a liaison.

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)

 

17.    Motion to approve the November 19th, 2024 Discussion meeting minutes.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich   

b.     Second: Councilmember Deabner    

c.      Discussion: No discussion   

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)   

 

18.    Motion to ratify the Council Meeting dates and Council Discussion meetings dates for 2025.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Deabner   

b.     Second: Councilmember Bayko   

c.      Discussion: Councilmember Cardiff stated he will update the dates on the borough website. Councilmember Cardiff stated the only change to the regular council meeting date is Wednesday November 5th, this is different because of the election being on Tuesday November 4th.   

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)   

 

19.    Motion to approve the Recreation Board 2025 meeting dates.  

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich   

b.     Second: Councilmember Deabner  

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated the only change from the usual rec board meetings will be on Monday May 19th, because of the Memorial Day holiday the meeting will be a week earlier.

 

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)   

 

20.    Motion to approve the Recreation Board Easter Egg Hunt on April 12, 2025.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich  

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub   

c.      Discussion: Councilmember Perovich confirmed that this will be held at Westmoreland Park. The idea was to host the event at BY Park but with the colder temperatures the bathrooms are not heated and will not be open yet for the season.  

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)                               

 

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

a.      Motion: Councilmember Bayko

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub   

c.      Discussion: Councilmember Cardiff stated that he is optimistic about this event, and the rec board has been building the event up from last year.

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)  

 

22.    Motion to authorize the Civil Service Commission to meet and advertise for the Civil Service examination for full-time police officer.  

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub

b.     Second: Councilmember Deabner   

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)  

 

23.    Motion to approve Matt Hamill as the Borough’s BCO Code Administrator. 

a.      Motion: Councilmember Shoub   

b.     Second: Councilmember Deabner    

c.      Discussion: Manager Peticca stated this will give Matt the ability/authority to oversee code enforcement activities officially with official certification. Congratulations were given to Matt.  

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)  

 

24.    New Business

•        Girl Scouts use of the Library parking lot on March 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th 15th 16th 22nd and 23rd from 10am to 4pm.  

 

Manager Peticca stated this is for the sale of Girl Scout Cookies.

 

A motion is on the floor to Approve the Girl Scouts to use the library parking lot on March 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th 15th 16th 22nd and 23rd from 10am to 4pm.  

a.      Motion: Councilmember Deabner 

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub  

c.      Discussion: No discussion 

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)

 

25.    Old Business

•        South Trafford Ballfields application usage and possible action. 

 

Manager Peticca stated that the office has made some changes to the application, the updates are as follows:

·       Rental Amount: $250.00 per field/per day with a $100.00 security deposit per field/per day.

·       Renter is responsible for all field maintenance, security deposit, locking bathrooms when finished, cleaning up all garbage and equipment, returning bathroom keys to the borough office, supplying all paper products for the bathrooms, and cleaning the bathrooms. Keys must be picked up at the borough office before 3pm on Friday before the weekend rental. Cancellation of rental for any reason will result in a $75.00 cancellation fee.

 

The current application is old and outdated and needs revised.

Councilmember Cardiff stated that the borough office has been updating forms, and this one was next on the list. 

 

A motion is on the floor to accept the update South Trafford Ballfield rental form.

a.      Motion: Councilmember Perovich

b.     Second: Councilmember Deabner  

c.      Discussion: Councilmember Bayko asked if this updated form encompasses the MOU with AAB?

Councilmember Cardiff responded and said no, this is a general ballfield application just as if someone would be renting a park. Dan Ninemire asked to comment on Councilmember Bayko’s question: The rental amount that Jaime described is different than what was presented in the MOU so that would need to be resolved before moving forward.  It was made clear that this application is for the general public for all rentals at the South Trafford Ballfields. Solicitor Alexander stated this would not prevent any future potential MOUs with AAB.  Manager Peticca clarified that there were language and details missing on the old application.

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)

 

 

Adjournment

Announce the next Council Meeting on February 4th, at 7:00 pm in Markosek Council Chambers.

a.      Motion to adjourn: Councilmember Deabner  

b.     Second: Councilmember Shoub   

c.      Discussion: No discussion  

d.     Vote: 5, 0, 2 (Absent)  

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Nina Mulnix

Borough Secretary