MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 1 100434 ASSEMBLY Council of the Borough of Tarentum met in regular session on Monday, September 15, 2014, with Councilman President Tim Rapp; Councilman Vice- President Hugh Fox; Councilman Eric Carter; Councilman Mike Gutonski; Councilman Raymond Kerr; Councilman Tim Firko; and Pete Varos. Also present were Mayor Carl Magnettai Borough Manager William Rosseyi Solicitor Charles Clark; and Upon motion by Councilman Varos, seconded by Councilman Gutonski, RESOLVED, this Council approves the Minutes of the Regular Council All Council members present were in favor and the Officer Matt Kaminski. RESOLUTION APPROVE MINUTES Meeting of August 18, 2014. resolution was adopted. PRESENTATION A presentation was given by Mara Dowdy from Town ALLEGHENY TOGETHER PROGRAM Center Associates regarding the Allegheny Together Program. Ms. Dowdy indicated that she has been working with Tarentum Borough for a number of years through the Allegheny Together Program. An outline was given regarding what improvements have already been made and what the goals will be for the business district in making it friendly, safe and beautifying the Borough. It was noted that participation in this program helped the Borough get grant money for the work that has already been done. Ms. Dowdy gave examples of other communities who have been successful in participating with the program. A discussion was held regarding what the Allegheny Together Program can provide for the Borough and discussed the cost to continue with the program being $17,900. PRESENTATION A presentation was given by Ed Bilik of Western WESTERN PA GAS LEASING CONSULTANTS Pennsylvania Gas Leasing Consultants, LLC regarding leasing of Borough property for its gas and oil rights. Mr. Bilik informed Council that MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 2 100435 all eligible Borough acreage would be put into a package and marketed to all interested drilling companies. He indicated that within six months, the Borough could have an attractive lease. Mr. Bilik stated he would meet with the Borough Solicitor to build a bid according to the Borough Code. He stated the properties would be marketed to each interested company individually. Mr. Bilik discussed other communities that he has worked with in successfully pursuing leases with drilling companies. The Borough could get $1,000 an acre or more per month, with royalties from 1248 to 1818, which would provide a stream of income for the Borough. Mr. Bilik stated that the Borough would sign an agreement with his company and if his company is not successful in leasing the Borough's properties, there is no fee, but if leasing is successful, the Borough would pay a commission of 68. A discussion was At this point in the meeting, Council invites held. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION questions and comments from members of the audience. REMARKS: MS. LANDA REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI REMARKS: MS. LANDA Ms. Landa asked if any studies have been made regarding the gas on the properties and any Councilman Gutonski stated studies were made through the government, but not specifically with Tarentum. He stated Council will definitely look into the downside of the matter. Ms. Landa stated there was an article in the newspaper regarding salt for the winter and asked if the Borough is going to be affected by the downside to the matter. huge price increase in salt. MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 3 100436 REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY Borough Manager Rossey stated the Borough has salt right now, but is over budget this year to last winter season. He stated he hopes no will be needed until January 2015, but the price of salt has gone up and will affect the Borough when it comes time to order salt again. Mr. Davidek stated he would like to remind Council that next year is the hundredth birthday of Tarentum High School and it would be nice to have some kind of celebration for the occasion. Mayor Magnetta stated plans are being made to REMARKS: MR. DAVIDEK REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP recognize the event. Councilman Rapp stated, under President's Comments, stated he had no report. Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the Mayor Magnetta stated he performed two weddings Mayor Magnetta stated for the month of August 2014, there were 450 calls for service which is a plus of 135 from 2013; 21 arrests which is a minus 16 from 2013; 57 citations issued which is a minus 91 from 2013; total accidents 9 which is a_plus 1 from 2013, accidents with injuries two which is a plus 2 from 2013; fines collected $3,447.14 which is a plus $319.37 from 2013; fines collected for year $27,988.08 which is a minus $19,698.52 from 2013; parking tickets issued 14 which is a minus 65 from 2013. Mayor. REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA for which no fee was accepted. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the Chief of Police. MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 4 100437 REMARKS: OFFICER KAMINSKI REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY Officer Kaminski stated he had no report. Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the Borough Manager. Borough Manager Rossey stated the Borough's Code Officer has passed his test and has become certified as the Borough's Code Official. The Code Officer can now enforce all codes related to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, the Pennsylvania Construction Code and can do both residential and commercial building inspections, plus can issue all occupancy permits, building permits and demolition permits, as well as other types of inspections, and is also the building code official for the Borough and has the ability for the Borough to establish their own fee schedule relating to the cost of permits. He stated a proposal for the permit fees will be given to Council for their consideration. It was noted that the fees have not been updated for ten years. He stated the state legislature is trying to pass a bill regarding code officials and what the legislature is trying to do is take away some of the Borough's control. He stated this was discussed at the County Borough's Association Board meeting and the association went on record and contacted state representatives and senators letting them know the Association opposition to the bill. He stated some churches in the area have approached him to discuss having community gardens in the Borough. He stated his wife and he attended a class provided by Allegheny County regarding community gardening. He stated a community garden could be started next year and the County will fund it and provide everything needed for MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 5 106438 two years. All produce will go back into the community through the churches to people in need. The only place for the garden sO far is the grassy area by the marina. He stated a meeting is scheduled with the representatives from the churches and the consultant from the County regarding the program. He stated the Heritage Trail that is to link Washington DC to Erie Tarentum is the first community on this end to identify the trail. The trail will come into West Tarentum. He discussed the route for the trail which is through the business district and through the park. He stated the Borough is getting more trees this fall and in the park and there are three trees that are considered a danger and need to get bids on taking those trees down before they cause any damage. Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: SOLICITOR CLARK Solicitor. Solicitor Clark stated Mr. Greco's attorney contacted him to inquire whether the Borough could put the deed to Tarentum Station property in the name of LLC that Mr. Greco is creating. He stated he advised Mr. Greco's attorney that it would be up to Council. He stated he still has to go to Pittsburgh to have the property taken off the records there and that should take place in about two weeks. He stated Council will be voting on a couple of items this evening and he will answer any questions Council may have A discussion was held regarding the request by Upon motion by Councilman Gutonski, seconded by regarding those items. Mr. Greco. RESOLUTION APPROVE NAME Councilman Kerr, RESOLVED, this Council approves MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 6 100459 Mr. Greco's request to place LLC on the deed for All Council members present were in favor and the the Train Station. resolution was adopted. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP RESOLUTION PAY BILLS Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Administrative, Employee Relations, Finance Upon motion by Councilman Fox, seconded by Councilman Varos, RESOLVED, this Council approves the payment of the September 2014 bills. Upon roll call, the resolution was adopted with Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the Water Committee. seven (7) affirmative votes. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP RESOLUTION SUSPEND HIRING Committee. Upon motion by Councilman Gutonski, seconded by Councilman Kerr, RESOLVED, this Council agrees to suspend the hiring process for a Water Plant position until a letter is received from the employee confirming his retirement. All Council members present were in favor and the resolution was adopted. Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the Electric Committee. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: COUNCILMAN KERR Councilman Kerr stated the presentation by Mr. Bilik regarding the gas leasing of Borough's property is very interesting because the Borough owns its own electric company and if there is gas, it might be possible to generate the Borough's own electricity. MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 7 100540 A discussion was held regarding the leasing of the land and the benefits of having a contract Upon motion by Councilman Kerr, seconded by Councilman Varos, RESOLVED, this Council authorizes the Borough Manager to sign the Consulting Agreement with Ed Bilik, Western Pennsylvania Gas Leasing Consultants, LLC. All Council members present were in favor and the Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Public with Mr. Bilik. RESOLUTION SIGN AGREEMENT resolution was adopted. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: COUNCILMAN FIRKO Safety & Civil Service Committee. Councilman Firko stated Eureka Fire Rescue report for July 2014, there were 34 calls representing 242 personnel hours and 260 calls for EMS representing 1,014 personnel hours; training hours 32. Eureka Fire Rescue report for August 2014, there were 31 calls representing 289 personnel hours and 246 EMS calls representing 938 personnel hours; and 26 training hours for the month. Summit Hose Company report for August 2014, there were 16 calls for service representing 60 man hours, with total details being 23, with 621 total man hours combined for Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Property : Zoning, Library & Health Committee. the month. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP RESOLUTION ORDINANCE 14-03 Upon motion by Councilman Kerr, seconded by Councilman Carter, RESOLVED, this Council passes Ordinance 14-03, l'arentum Borough Flood Plain Management, requiring all persons, partnerships, business and corporations to obtain a permit for any construction or development within areas of MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 8 166441 the Borough of Tarentum which are subject to All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Kerr, seconded by Councilman Carter, RESOLVED, this Council approves the subdivision plans presented by John Kristof, Jr., for Block & Lot 1223-R-282, to be divided into 4 separate parcels for residential A C discussion was held regarding why the property is to be subdivided and what type of housing would be placed on the properties. All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Kerr, seconded by Councilman Carter, a motion was read regarding Resolution 14-13, authorizing the condemnation proceedings of the real property Block & Lot 1223-J-375, for the construction, operation and maintenance of water tanks for Tarentum Borough Councilman Rapp stated the Borough paid to have the engineers come and say where to build the water tanks and now the engineers are saying it's going to cost the Borough a lot more money to get it done there, sO the Borough has to do an eminent domain. He stated he is against it. Borough Manager Rossey stated the site construction alone would be a million dollars just to build new tanks where they originally flooding. resolution was adopted. RESOLUTION APPROVE SUBDIVISION riverfront development. VOTE ON RESOLUTION RESOLUTION 14-13 resolution was adopted. water system. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY had planned to put them. MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 9 60646 REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA REMARKS: SOLICITOR CLARK Councilman Gutonski stated the original plan was for three million gallon tanks and the engineers were that far off on their estimation. Mayor Magnetta asked if the Borough was still liable to pay the firm since a big error was Solicitor Clark stated he would have to look into the matter and take it under advisement. He stated he would give Council his opinion next meeting about what steps can be taken, if any, Borough Manager Rossey stated there was a meeting with the engineers regarding the water bond the Borough took out four years ago and there's been some change orders and other matters brought to their attention. The Borough is now withholding money for the engineering firm. He stated a meeting is scheduled for Thursday with the engineering firm to try and resolved some of the issues. The alternative site is the two acre property off of West 12th Avenue. It's flat and minimal site preparation would need to be done. The ground has been tested and is perfect to place the water towers. It's basically abandoned property. He stated negotiations were held with the owner of that property and the owner requested payment of $250,000 for the property. He stated an offer was made to the owner of $10,000 for the two acre property. Councilman Gutonski suggested a letter be sent to the owner indicating the Borough's offer and informing him of other avenues that can be taken A discussion was held regarding the property. made. regarding the matter. REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI by the Borough. MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 10 1U440 RESOLUTION SEND OWNER LETTER Upon motion by Councilman Kerr, seconded by Councilman Varos, RESOLVED, this Council authorizes the Borough Manager to send the owner of the property, Mr. Sebak, a letter offering $10,000 for the two acre property and informing him of the steps to be taken by the Borough, if Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Streets & the offer is rejected. Sanitary Sewers Committee. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: COUNCILMAN CARTER REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP RESOLUTION ACCEPT BID Councilman Carter stated he had no report. Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Parks & Recreation Committee. Upon motion by Councilman Fox, seconded by Councilman Kerr, RESOLVED, this Council accepts the bid of $42,732.00 from Genesis Construction Group, for the installation of 20 decorative light poles for Riverview Memorial park. This is All Council members present were in favor and the Councilman Fox stated the Summit Hose and Recreation Board's annual Fall Festival is scheduled for September 25, 26 and 27. There is a schedule of events and will be placed on the Borough's website. He invited everyone to Councilman Rapp asked for a report from AVN/COG part of a CDBG Grant. resolution was adopted. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN FOX attend. Committee. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 11 REMARKS: COUNCILMAN FOX REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: COUNCILMAN KERR Councilman Fox stated he had no report. Councilman Rapp asked for a report from KOZ Committee. Mayor Magnetta stated he had no report. Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Redevelopment & Revitalization Committee. Councilman Kerr stated he would like Council to consider the presentation given by Mara Dowdy of Town Center Associates regarding the Allegheny Together Program. He suggested the Borough stay Councilman Gutonski stated the Borough doesn't have $20,000 to put towards this program. He stated the Borough is struggling for money and the money could be put towards what is really Councilman Kerr stated the Borough received a lot of grants through that program and Ms. Dowdy's firm has a lot of influence with the County. A lengthy discussion was held regarding the amount of money paid to Town Center Associates, the pros and cons of staying with the Allegheny Together Program, what the program has already accomplished in the Borough and the grants received through the program. Also discussed was the interest the business community has in the in the program. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI needed in the Borough. REMARKS: COUNCILMAN KERR program. MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 12 Ecs REMARKS: MR. BOWSER Mr. Bowser, West Tarentum, asked when the new water tanks are built, if there were any guarantees that if one of the tanks break, that it wouldn't flood the homes in West Tarentum and if the tanks could be put anywhere else. Councilman Gutonski stated there's home below A discussion was held regarding the placement of the water tanks and their safety. Mr. Bowser stated the Borough got the check back from Mr. Drum who was entitled to it. Councilman Rapp stated it was his impression that Mr. Drum gave the check back of his own free will. He stated Mr. Drum indicated he just wanted to make the place look nice. Mr. Moussad stated the Borough has a hazardous tree ordinance and there are multiple hazardous trees in the Borough and something should be done about those trees. He stated he found out that the Borough owns most of the trees that need A - discussion was held regarding trees that need There being no further business to come before Council, upon motion by Councilman Gutonski, seconded by Councilman Varos the meeting of September 15, 2014, was unanimously adjourned at REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI where the tanks are now. REMARKS: MR. BOWSER REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: MR. MOUSSAD taken care of. taken care of. ADJOURNMENT 8:10 p.m. VSouR William Rossey Borough Manager BOROUGH OF TARENTUM ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENT SIGN IN SHEET COUNCIL MEETING September 15, 2014 PLEASE PRINT NAME AND ADDRESS NAME 133B 1 5.GIMA LANAA ADDRESS 2.DALY ALTFATHER.S2 917 CORBET ST. Malhefal CRite SMaifHosc pS wwtlot 5k2 67H 6aPEROER IZO6Ana 7-7ecc pepstoud west 1+ 8.I6E DAVER 230 DAVIPSON ST 11. ErikasD.PAst 631 E-IO AvR. 9. SANBY COLLINS 10JM.BDg 12. JosH FeX 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 0209 MAIN 57. 314w84ye Op 344 WIOTK HE