BRADFORD WOODS BOROUGH COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING August 6, 2018 APPROVED

Transcription

1 BRADFORD WOODS BOROUGH COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING August 6, 2018 APPROVED The Bradford Woods Borough Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Charles Coltharp. There were 7 people present in the audience. The Officials in attendance were:, Council President, Vice President, Council Member, Council Member, Council Member, Council Member Robert Murray, Mayor The Official(s) absent were: Thomas Kosmala, Council Member Charles Means, Solicitor Natalie Thiess, Borough Manager CALL TO ORDER 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll Call ANNOUNCEMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. President announced there will be no executive session. MINUTES 1. President called for a motion to approve meeting minutes from the regular Council Meeting held on July 9, Vice President motioned to approve the meeting minutes. seconded. Ms. Pongrace, and made corrections to minutes. Motion to pass the July 9, 2018 minutes as amended. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA 1. (Issue not on agenda) David Hawkins, 503 Buttermilk Lane, submitted a complaint to Council regarding the leaf pile at 80 Forest Road. Council informed the resident Al Akner, Code Enforcement officer, will assess and report to 80 Forest Road regarding code violations. 1

2 2. (Issue not on agenda) James Beierle, 200 Washington Road, submitted a complaint to Council regarding the stormwater issue from Elm, across Bradford, and into his backyard. Council informed the resident the engineer will submit a plan for them to review. MAYOR S REPORT 1. (Report discussed later in meeting at 8:36 pm) Mayor Bob Murray commented on the speeding and disregard of drivers driving through the Borough. Mr. Murray requested the representative for the Police Board to ask why there are many violators of speed and not abiding stop signs. Mr. Murray requests the police to submit violations to those speeding and running stop signs for the safety of children and other pedestrians. MANAGER S REPORT Borough Manager Natalie Thiess reported on the following: 1. Ms. Thiess discussed the proposed structure for the solar panel. Ms. Thiess informed Council Allegheny Land Trust approved the structure so long that it matches the natural environment. The building inspector had also reviewed the structure with Mr. Turner and informally approved the plans. Mr. Rhule reviewed the plans, informed Council regarding the specifics with the solar panel, and other matters pertaining to the structure for the solar panels. Discussion among Council ensued regarding the structure, solar panel, herbicide treatments, and aerator, as well as costs associated with the items. Council decided to wait for any decision regarding the structure until a more defined drawing is submitted. 2. Ms. Thiess informed Council that North Allegheny School District sent letters to Marshall, Franklin Park, and Bradford Woods requesting money for two School Resource Officers (McCandless officers). The School Board of Directors approved SROs at NAI and NASH for Ms. Pongrace reviewed the cost ($199,040 total cost for two officers) and the request for money from the municipalities relating to proportion to students from the municipality in the school. Council was informed that Marshall, Franklin Park, and Chief of police was not involved in the discussion regarding the hiring of SROs and hesitant to contribute in a decision that the municipalities had no part of. Discussion ensued regarding the SROs. 3. Ms. Thiess updated Council on the organizations and other details for Community Day September 22 12pm-3pm. 4. Alex Ashcom, Borough intern, presented the Capital Improvement Plan submitted to Council. Mr. Ashcom explained the purpose and value of the CIP to both Council and the public as a means of financial stability by planning future costs. Mr. Ashcom reviewed the three sections of the CIP as follows: Introduction/summary; past, current, and future trends, risks, and fiscal summary; and capital projects and equipment purchases. Discussion ensued regarding the CIP. MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4) SOLICITOR S REPORT 1. Solicitor Charles Means reviewed short term rentals (such as Air B&B) relating to current Borough ordinances. Mr. Means state non-owner-occupied properties (such as Air B&B) is not permitted under the current Borough zoning, but bed and breakfasts are permitted under the zoning in the B-1 district. Mr. Means stated that other municipalities are having some issues with Air B&B and to consider to create an ordinance that identifies this issue in particular. COMMITTEE REPORTS FINANCE 2

3 1. Councilmember discussed the July check register. Mr. Hipwell reported there were 17 checks, 6 paychecks, and 4 electronic payments. Mr. Hipwell reported the largest checks included $150,000 for Shields Paving for the road project, $3,580 to the Fire Company for rent and contribution, $1, to engineer, and $932 for Goehring Rutter Boehm for legal matters. made a motion to pay and ratify payments for July Seconded by Victoria Pongrace. 2. Mr. Hipwell introduced the pre-ratified check list before Council for approval. Motion was made by Mr. Hipwell to pre-ratify bills for September. Motion was seconded by Ms. Pongrace. 3. Mr. Hipwell reported the July revenue and expense report. Mr. Hipwell reported the total revenue is $54,445 and total expense is $167,053 and carrying a cash balance of $227,641. SAFETY 1. Vice President reported there is no July police report. 2. Ms. Pongrace announced that Timothy Rubritz, Marshall Township, was selected to serve of the Police Pension Committee. 3. Ms. Pongrace announced the completion of the patrol officer interviews which were then ranked and selected for hiring. The officers should be sworn in at the next meeting. 4. Ms. Pongrace discussed the Allegheny County Citizen Review Board that the County Council voted (8-6) to approve public discussion of the County citizen s police review board. Ms. Pongrace discussed other avenues, such as Allegheny County Police Chief Association, in lieu of a citizen s police review board to provide training. FIRE 1. Fire Chief Vince Cannella reported 1 call (19 Y-T-D): electrical. ROADS 1. Councilmember discussed the tentative 2019 roads bid package to include: Meetinghouse; Market; Commons; phase 2 for Willow; alternate of Glenmore (Forest to Wexford Run Road). Mr. Baldonieri stated the stormwater lines will be TV d for assessment. 2. Ms. Hinston asked about this summer s sinkholes. Ms. Thiess stated there was one on Centervue and one on Seldom Seen by Boothbay Harbor. Centervue Shields fixed, but Seldom 3

4 Seen was a quick fix due to funds. Ms. Hinston asked why it sinkholes happen. Mr. Baldonieri stated the stormwater pipes fail and causes a sinkhole in the road to occur. Ms. Hinston asked if there are other identifiable areas that this may occur in the future. Mr. Baldonieri stated that is the purpose of TVing the pipes. Brief discussion ensued regarding sinkholes caused by aging infrastructure and future costs associated with them. 3. Mr. Baldonieri announced boom mowing August 13 th and residents were sent postcards notifying them of the occurrence. 4. Mr. Baldonieri announced a resident on Chestnut submitting a letter regarding a hazardous tree in which Ms. Thiess responded appropriately. PLANNING AND ZONING 1. Council reviewed the current Sign Ordinance (Chapter ) for clarification purposes. It was determined that the ordinance applies to temporary signs relating to an event, real estate, or campaign signs that must follow regulations set forth in the ordinance. Any sign that does not fall within the above stated categories are not permitted. Discussion ensued regarding the enforcement of the ordinance. Ms. Hinston stated that the Borough should not be policing signs. Mr. Coltharp stated it will be relying on neighbor complaints on the signs. Mr. Baldonieri spoke on the creation of the ordinance and the intention on the ordinance being objective for enforcement purposes. PERSONNEL COMMUNICATION /OUTREACH/ NORTH HILLS COG / PUBLIC RELATIONS / NORTHLAND LIBRARY ENVIRONMENT 1. Councilmember announced invasive species (insects and plants) informational session hosted by the Conservancy and DCNR at the Reserve. Discussion ensued regarding the hemlock wooly adelgid in the Reserve and treatment of the adelgid by root injections. 2. Ms. Thiess reported the two candidates that submitted applications to fill the vacancy on EPAC. Based on the resumes, Mr. Rhule made a motion to appoint Karen Brock on EPAC to fill the 2- year vacancy based on her experience in the subject. Mr. Baldonieri seconded. OLD BUSINESS 1. Discussion ensued regarding moving the regular Council meeting to the second Monday for the rest of the year. Mr. Baldonieri made a motion to move the regular Council meeting to the second Monday of each month until the end of the year. seconded. 4

5 Nay: 2. Ms. Thiess announced that Jordan Tax will be at the Borough office to collect Borough and School tax on Monday, August 27 from 9am-12pm. NEW BUSINESS 1. Mayor Murray presented a speech regarding his appreciation for serving the Borough as Mayor for the past 10 years. Mayor Murray spoke on the importance of serving the public by running as an elected official or serving on a board. Mayor Murray submitted his resignation to Council as Mayor for the Borough. Mr. Coltharp informed Council that at next meeting, Council will accept resignation and Council will have 45 days to appoint the Mayor until the following December. Upon the next election term, a mayor will be placed on the ballot to finish the 2-year term. Ms. Pongrace voiced her appreciation for Mayor Murray s service and passion for the Borough as Mayor for the past 10 years. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ADJOURN Motion to adjourn the public meeting at 9:09 P.M. by, seconded by, motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Natalie Thiess, Borough Manager Date 5