BOROUGH OF TARENTUM ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA BOROUGH COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING 6:30P.M. JULY20, 2015  SGR :  1. CALLTO C ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEIGANCE  2. ROLL CALL Joe Davidek Erika Josefoski Tim Firko Pete Varos Eric Carter Mike Gutonski Bill Rossey Mayor Magnetta Solicitor Clark Chief Vakulick  3. MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE. JUNE 15, 2015 COUNCIL MEETING Motiont to approve by Councilman Varos, seconded by Councilman Davidek.  4. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS REMARKS:  Krista! Strellec Livingston of2 219 North Street, Tarentum, representing The David Strellec Memorial Fund scholarship. David: served as Borough solicitor from 1986 until his passing in 2013. The Fund gives $500 scholarships to students in the Highlands school district who are attending any post-secondary! institution. Krista recognized two students: Kaitlin Grosholz, who will be studying nursing at Penn State, and Melissa Gustafson, who will be studying English and psychology at Leigh University. These two young women have done extensive volunteer work as well as have outstanding academic records. Also, the Fund is now a 501(c)3 non-profit and all donations made to it are 100%1 tax deductible.  COUNCILMAN FIRKO  Congratulations to the winners of the scholarships. The Fund is a truly fitting tribute to Dave, who was a strong part of the Borough for many years.    5. PRESIDENT'S REPORT PRESIDENT FIRKO  We regretfully report that we need to find a replacement for our code officer. Chris did a wonderful job and he will be very difficult to replace. Ihave created a budget committee to keep a tight eye on the Borough's finances and to communicate financial issues to the Council and the community. Erika has been doing a lot ofv work in submitting figures to the Council.  6. MAYOR'S REPORT MAYOR MAGNETTA  Calls for service for June 2015: Calls for service 491; action necessary 360; no action necessary 131; arrests 30; Citations issued 94; Total accidents 12; Accidents with injury is 2; Fines collected $3,242.56. Fines collected for the year  $27,153.38. Parking tickets issued 30.  Month has been a little slow, but on 6/8, worked the concert in the park. On 6/9, attended the steelworkers' rally in the park and also performed a wedding.  Received $100 donation for the recreation board.  ***NO POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT THIS MONTH***  8. MANAGER's REPORT REMARKS: COUNCILMAN ROSSEY  After much thought about retirement effective November 3, last day will  instead be August 3.  RESOLVED, upon motion by Councilman Davidek, seconded by Councilman Varos, to accept Councilman Rossey'sretirement as Manager effective August3, 2015. Motion passed with unanimous vote by all Council members.  Congratulations to Mr. Rossey.  304574    9.SOLICITOR'SI REPORT REMARKS: SOLICITOR CLARK  Work for the month included the deed for the parking at the Hope Center, exemptions for the water tank property, the real estate exemption, and had to  attend some hearings with Mr. Fabec.  COMMITTEE REPORTS  A. ADMINISTRATIVE, EMPLOYEE RELATIONS, FINANCE COMMITTEE  Tim Firko, Eric Carter  1. RESOLUTION TO PAY. JULY BILLS  Upon motion by Councilman Carter, seconded by Councilman Varos. RESOLVED, this Council approves the payment of the. JULY: 2015 bills. Upon roll call, the resolution was adopted with five (5) affirmative votes.  2. MOTION TO GRANT COUNCIL, THE MAYOR, AND MIKE GUTONSKI PERMISSIONTO ATTEND THE: 2015 FALL CONFERENCE. AT SEVEN SPRINGS SEPTEMBER: 24"THROUGH RESOLVED, upon motion by Councilman Carter, seconded by Councilman Davidek, to grant the Council, the Mayor, and Mike Gutonski permission to attend the fall conference. Motion passed by a unanimous vote from all Council present.  THE 27"H.  3. MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF CHRIS FABEC AS TARENTUM BOROUGH RESOLVED, Upon motion by Councilman Carter, seconded by Councilman Varos, and to a unanimous vote of those Council members present, this Council approves the resignation of Chris Fabec as Borough Code Enforcement Officer, effective August 1,  CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER EFFECTIVE. AUGUST1, 2015.  2015, contingent upon him changing his mind.  10.573    REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA  We are losing a very good employee whoi followed the books, who we spent a lot of money on sending for training to be certified, andi it isa a shame something  can't be done.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN DAVIDEK REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI REMARKS: CHIEF VAKULICK REMARKS: PRESIDENT FIRKO  Seconded that sentiment. Shame to be losing Mr. Fabec.  Can: something be done to keep him? Should we table it?  Chris has a full-time police job at Carlow College.  What we can doi is add on to the motion until we see Mr. Fabeci to discuss things with him and give us time to work out a plan. Ifnot, we accept the resignation.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN DAVIDEK  We'll accept the resignation contingent. This is aj job where al lot oft timei is needed to educate a person. What are the procedures necessary?  100575    REMARKS: PRESIDENT FIRKO  We have al lot of work to do to find a replacement. Ifv we could retain, that would be optimal. Ifr not, the employee relations and finance and administrative committee will have to come up with some criteria on a replacement.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN DAVIDEK  Any chance Mr. Fabec would still want to work part-time until we hire someone  ifh hei is only working 8 hours per day at the college?  REMARKS: CHIEF VAKULICK  That is not a good idea. Iwould have to chase him down to attend hearings and his other job may conflict with hearings. He would not be able to take any  vacation.  REMARKS: PRESIDENT FIRKO  Itv will conflict too much. But we will add to the motion that his resignation will  be contingent upon his changing his mind.  ***NOI WATER COMITTE REPORT THIS MONTH***  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN DAVIDEK  Part oft the property zoning is dealing with a property we are thinking of putting the new tank on, but we will leave that up to the property committee.  100572    ***NOELECTRICCOMMITTEE REPORT THIS MONTH***  REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA  Was brought to attention that we received al bill for $22,000 from Allegheny County for 15 percent local share for some decorative lights that were placed in the park. Ibelieved that was covered under the grant we received. Would like  to know where we will get $22,0001 to pay this bill.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN ROSSEY  That was last year's lights, not this year's. This should have all been approved at  Council meetings.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN DAVIDEK  Not clear how Ifeel about it. The only way we will come up withi this money is to tighten some belts around here. We don'twant to raise rates and we don't  want to raise taxes.  D. PUBLICSAFETY AND CIVIL SERVICE COMMITTEE  Tim Firko, Erika. Josefoski  REMARKS: PRESIDENT FIRKO  Inj June, Highland Hose reported 161 fire calls, representing 9.5 man hours. 2 In May, Highland Hose reported 81 fire calls, representing 144 man hours. 1 For Eureka Fire Rescue, 41 fire calls representing 91 personnel hours. Training  training sessions, representing 52 man hours. training detail representing 32 hours. hours for the month of. June are. 24.  - 17 525    EMS, 270 calls, representing 1,016 personnel hours.  Our firemen operate on a volunteer basis and as always are a very important asset to this Borough and we thank them for that commitment.  E. PROPERTY & ZONING, LIBRARY & HEALTH COMMITTEE  Pete Varos, Ray Kerr  1. Motion to hire Hass Excavating & Demolition to demolish house & shed at 301 West RESOLVED, upon motion by Councilman Varos, seconded by Councilman Davidek, witha unanimous vote by all Council present, to hire Hass Excavating & Demolition to demolish house & shed at 301 West 12th Avenue fora acost of $5,000.  12h Avenue fora a cost of $5,000.  REMARKS: BOROUGHMANAGER GUTONSKI  This is being done because this is property we own, and kids have gotten upi into the area and have vandalized the house and built a racetrack around it. In order to prevent anyone from getting hurt, we thought it best to have the property This is not a complete clean-up of the entire property. This focuses on the house, the shed, and some debris, which willl be paid for by the bond. There will be another bill coming up that will take care of the rest oft the property.  torn down.  F. STREETS & SANITARY SEWERS COMMITTEE  Eric Carter, Tim Firko  1. Motion to award the 2015 paving contract to Ron Gilette Inc., for the amount of RESOLVED, upon motion by Councilman Carter, seconded by Councilman Davidek, to award the 2015 paving contract to Ron Gilette Inc., for the total amount of $96,000, contingent upon the amount needed for repair of Lock Street, from E. 7ttoE E.gth Avenue. Motion passed by unanimous vote of all Council present.  $72, 430.50.  104573    REMARKS COUNCILMAN DAVIDEK  Lock Street from 7th or gth Avenue is in deplorable condition due to rains lifting up the asphalt. Requests Mr. Gilette take al look at the area and add onto the existing contract to take care oft this area as well. We have about $96,000 for  paving that can cover it.  2. Motion to grant the Tarentum Fraternal Order of the Eagles permission to hold al Nationwide Food Drive on Saturday, October 3, 2015, and to block RESOLVED, upon motion by Councilman Carter, seconded by Councilman Davidek, and to a unanimous vote by all Council present, to grant the Tarentum Fraternal Order oft the Eagles permission to hold a Nationwide Food Drive on Saturday, October 3, 2015, and to block Wood Street from 2"d Avenue to 4th  Wood Street from 2"d Avenue to 4th Avenue.  Avenue.  REMARKS: RUTH JORDAN  Thisi isar nationwide event happening all over Pennsylvania and other states. We have the support of a fire company, andi there willl be al lot of advertising. My support, Karen, and lwould appreciate the help oft the Borough with this event as we would like to stock our food pantries and look forward to community support. Willlb be given approvali in writing to hold this event? Al letter granting approval for the event will be given to Ms. Jordan.  REMARKS: PRESIDENT FIRKO  3. Motion to authorize Gibson Thomas to start the design of the 4th Avenue Bridge superstructure replacement after the grant has been approved by the County and the Borough signs the grant agreement, price not to exceed RESOLVED, upon motion by Councilman Carter, seconded by Councilman Davidek, to authorize Gibson Thomas to proceed with Option 41 for the 4th Avenue Bridge replacement. Motion passed by unanimous vote by all Council  $600,000.  present.   580    30.585  BOURGH MANAGER GUTONSK!:  Last meeting we had a representative from Gibson Thomas  come in and go over 4 options. Of those 4 options, 3 of them involved federal funding and PennDOT involvement. The 4th option did not involve PennDOT: and there's no federal funding. Thisisap project they feel they could do not to We should have the $500,000 grant that will come up in the next motion. The remaining $100,000 we should be able to take from liquid fuels money over the  exceed $600,000.  course of the next 10 years.  REMARKS: PRESIDENT FIRKO  This is our best and cheapest option.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN DAVIDEK REMARKS:  Concern that there may be unforeseen contingencies that we may have to pay  engineers for.  Speaking with the engineers, theyl have a lot of experience with bridges and superstructures, SO we need to trust them on this to do their job.  G.PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE Erika Josefoski, Greg Schmitt  REMARKS:  Regarding the basketball courts in' West Tarentum, we are looking into how much it would be to repave them and work with Dick's on getting some new backboards and nets to fixi it up. Mike has been working on this as well.  COUNCILWOMAN JOSEFOSKI  We! have also been brainstorming about having a dog park in' West Tarentum at the crab diamond location. There have been some thoughts on having dogs in    100583  Riverview Park, and this may be a good way to get some common, ground oni it. 1. Motion to grant Abundant Joy Fellowship permission to use Riverview Park on Sunday, July 19, 2015, from 6:001 to 9:00 PM for a church: service, and Sunday, August 30 2015, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM to hold a church service RESOLVED, upon motion by Councilwoman Josefoski, seconded by Councilman Carter, to grant Abundant. Joy Fellowship permission to use Riverview Park on Sunday, July 19, 2015 and Sunday, August 30, 2015 fort their services. Motion  Ifanyone has any ideas, please let me know.  and picnic.  passed by unanimous votes of all Council present.  2. Motion to grant Summit Hose Company permission to install a permanent 20-foot pole along the riverbank behind the Hebie Statue for use during their RESOLVED, upon motion by Councilwoman. Josefoski, seconded by Councilman Carter, to grant Summit Hose Company permission to install a 20-foot pole along the riverbank behind the Hebie! Statue for use during their Fall Festival. Motion passed by unanimous votes of all Council present.  Fall Festival.  REMARKS: BOROUGHMANAGER GUTONSKI  Have spoken with some members of Summit Hose and they would gratefully request the use of our mini excavator on August 7th for help with the installation oft the pole and the box that'sg going to be installed. It will take about 2-3 hours.  REMARKS: COUNCILWOMAN JOSEFOSKI  Generations House of Worship would like permission to hold a night of music in the Park and cookout on Friday nights throughout the summer in order to  bolster community spirit and involvement.    10.383  REMARKS: SOLICITOR CLARK  Ift they are going to be using the pavilion, is that something that we usually grant? Because it may be against the U.S. Constitution for us to allow any religion toj just go and use the pavilion every Friday night. Ican see this being more problematic than a one-shot deal because they are saying "Friday nights"  and' "using ouri facilities."  REMARKS: CHIEF VAKULICK REMARKS: PRESIDENT FIRKO  Will the streets be closed as well?  Does not say anything about closing the streets. Ican runi it by the Rec board to see what they think. Why don't we looki into this al bit more and contact the  church? No motions being made at this time.  H. AVN/COGCOMMITEE Erika Josefoski, Eric Carter  REMARKS: COUNCILWOMAN JOSEFOSKI  We accepted the rock sait bid for $59.29 per ton, and that is through the Shacog*. This Wednesday, the 22, is for the water bill.    ***NOKOZ COMMITTEE REPORT THIS MONTH***  10.58  "NOREDEVELOPMENT & REVITILIZATION COMMITTEE THIS MONTH***  BUDGET COMMITTEE REMARKS: COUNCILWOMAN JOSEFOSKI  Ihave been working on the budget using last year's budget and this) year's.year- to-date. Everyone has a copy oft the revenue and lalso have a copy of the expenses. Ifanyone has questions, please let me know.  11. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS  REMARKS:  Jim Bowser, 106th West 14t", for Mr. Mayor: You say you stood up for United Steelworkers the other day; are yous still supporting them?  REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA REMARKS:  Isupport them 100%. This is nota a publicity stunt.  Director of Parks & Recreation: mower is broken, motor is not working and mower had to be towed. Here tonight asking for ar new motor for the mower.  REMARKS: PRESIDENT FIRKO  We will address it and get that fixed.    REMARKS:  Larry Troutman, 1* Avenue: What happened to the locomotive that was supposed to come from McKees Rocks and be placed somewhere with a bridge  view? Youl haven'treported on it.  30585  REMARKS: PRESIDENT FIRKO  It was going to cost more than we anticipated. We have not been ablet to come  up with thet funds.  REMARKS: BOROUGHMANAGER GUTONSKI  The railroad company actually would not agree to the stipulations. They weren't willing to give the time and effort, and there was no money. Ithought there was a $200,000 grant to build some sort of roof overi it.  REMARKS: REMARKS: COUNCILMAN ROSSEY  The train is sittingi isolated in McKees Rocks near al lumberyard because tracks were taken out stranding the train. CSX took their tracks out. No one wanted to put down 4001 feet of track to get the train out ofi isolation. The grant would not pay fori it because it was a temporary measure. The railroad would not doi it asa donation. So we could not get anyone to put in that 4001 feet oft track. The money had tol be spent by the end of June. It'sgone. It's been sent back  because it wasn't used.  REMARKS:  Cindy Sander, 506 6th Avenue: Ihave been here before to complain about the neighbors at number. 507 and their dog. We have a shared sidewalk. They have ruined their backyard and there is trash and dog doo everywhere. When it rains, there is mud and trash and dog doo everywhere. They are renters, andl  have contacted property management.    REMARKS: BOROUGHMANAGER GUTONSKI REMARKS: CINDY SANDER  Have you contacted Code Enforcement?  100586  Code Enforcement was contacted ai few weeks ago but did not respond, which was at first, because they had been out toi fix the drains. Ihad a lot of water coming ini my basement. Code Enforcement did come back out and clean the gutters, but the water is still pouring and there's silt because there's no grass. Water keeps getting in. Ihad to spend $1,300 on a fence because their Ido have to commend you all on the great work you did on the park. Give Mr. Gutonski your phone number and he will look intoi it.  backyard is SO disgusting.  REMARKS: PRESIDENT FIRKO  ADIOURNMENT  Motion by Councilman Davidek, seconded by Councilman Varos to adjourn. There being no further business to come before Council, the meeting of July 20,  2015 was unanimously adjourned at 7:25P.M.  RESPECTFULbY SUBMITTED BY PEN MICHAEL J. GUTONSKI TARENTUM BOROUGH MANAGER