MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 1  300457  ASSEMBLY  Council of the Borough of Tarentum met in regular session on Monday, December 15, 2014, with Councilman President Mike Gutonski; Councilman Tim Firko; Councilman Eric Carter; Councilman Raymond Kerr; Councilman Tim Rapp; Councilman Pete Varos; and Councilman Joe Davidek. Also present were Mayor Carl Magnettai Borough Manager William Rossey; Solicitor Charles Clark; and Upon motion by Councilman Davidek, seconded by Councilman Firko, RESOLVED, this Council approves the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of November 17, 2014. All Council members present were in favor and the resolution was adopted. At this point in the meeting, Council invites  Officer Matt Kaminski.  RESOLUTION APPROVE MINUTES  AUDIENCE  PARTICIPATION questions and comments from members of the  audience.  REMARKS: MR. BOWSER REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI  Mr. Bowser, West gth Avenue, wished everyone a Councilman Gutonski stated, under President's Report, the Borough received the Standard and Poor's rating and the Borough dropped to a Triple BI minus rating. He stated the reason seems to be that the Borough is relying too much on the utility income. Real estate taxes have not been raised since 2007. The report states that the Borough is not cutting expenses and spending too much. He stated the report does state if the Borough addresses these issues, there is a good possibility the rating could go up. He stated Council should meet with the Borough's accountants to get their opinion on what can be done that's best for the Borough. Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from the  Merry Christmas.  Mayor.    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING December 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 2  304458  REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA  Mayor Magnetta stated for the month of November 2014, there were 425 calls for service which is a plus of 178 from 2013; 417 action necessaryi 8 non-action necessaryi 29 arrests which is a plus 11 from 2013; 378 citations issued which is a plus 209 from 2013; 7 total accidents which is a minus 3 from 2013; accidents with injuries zero which is a minus 1 from 2013; fines collected $3,462.12 which is a plus $1,094.10 from 2013; fines collected for the year $43,097.55 which is an minus $15,003.90 from 2013; parking tickets issued 11 which is a minus 78 from 2013. Mayor Magnetta stated a letter was received addressed to him, as Mayor, members of Council and Chief Vakulick from Chief Jamie Bock of Brackenridge stating their thanks and appreciation to Officer Hanford and Officer Friberg for their assistance at a fire at the Brackenridge Apartments the morning of December 5, 2014. He stated the officers will be attending the next Council meeting sO they can be recognized for the help they gave Brackenridge. Mayor Magnetta stated the Recreation Board this past month has been fantastic. The Board worked with the parade from start to finish and the following week held the Christmas on Corbet Street which was a success with the food and prize giveaways. The senior bingo was also held last week at Dalton's Edge with about 90 people attending, with prizes given away and dinner being served. He commended the Recreation Board Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from the  for all their work. Chief of Police.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI    MINUTES REGULAR DECEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 3  00459  COUNCIL MEETING  REMARKS: OFFICER KAMINSKI REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY  Officer Kaminski stated he had no report.  Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from the  Borough Manager.  Borough Manager Rossey stated there are some issues with the company that manages the pension fund such as retirees not getting their checks on time and taxes not being withdrawn, sO a meeting was held with the actuary to get proposals from other companies to handle the pension fund. Proposals were received last week and were reviewed. He stated a change will be made the first of the year for a new company to handle the pension fund. He stated PNC Investment Bank is who will be taking over the police pension fund at about half the fees per year. The police have reviewed it and agreed to the change. Borough Manager Rossey stated he applied for and received a grant for rain gardens at the marina. A meeting will be held Thursday in Pittsburgh if anyone wants to attend. The rain gardens will be at the marina in the little islands and what they do is manage the storm water under EPA consent order, plus the MS4 reports that the Borough has to do for the storm water management all through DEP. These rain gardens will help the Borough to comply with the order. These rain gardens are set up sO the water that runs off will go into the rain beds and filter through the ground and not run directly into the sewer, into the river. He stated a kiosk will be placed there to educate the public on storm water management. Borough Manager Rossey stated several years ago the scouts painted all the catch basins. This is    MINUTES REGULAR DECEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 4  364460  COUNCIL MEETING  a grant through Allegheny County Conservation District and will apply for it sometime in the spring. He stated anyone wishing to attend the meeting that is scheduled to let him know. He stated the Train Station was sold and part of the reason was the Borough needed new equipment for the Street Department. The funds from the sale of the Train Station are going to pay for a new backhoe and excavator. No funds will be coming Councilman Gutonski commended Mr. Rossey for the work that he does for the Borough. He stated Mr. Rossey applies for many grants and gets money for the Borough to do a lot of things. He stated there are grants out there that many people don't know about, but Mr. Rossey finds them and applies for them and these grants do mal ke a difference. He stated Tarentum does get noticed for these Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from the  from the Borough.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI  projects. Solicitor.  REMARKS: SOLICITOR CLARK  Solicitor Clark stated an executive session was held before the Council meeting, to discuss personnel matters. He stated he has been working on acquiring the Sebak property in which there is a resolution this evening for Council's consideration. He stated there is an injunction against the Borough from tearing down the Laundromat. He stated the injunction was obtained last week and he received no notice of it. He stated a hearing will be held on Wednesday and he expects to either have that injunction dissolved and/or have it withdrawn.    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 5  06461  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI RESOLUTION HIRE ENGINEER  Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from Administrative, Employee Relations, Finance Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Councilman Davidek, RESOLVED, this Council hires Gibson-Thomas Engineering Co., Inc., as the A discussion was held regarding the engineer for Six (6) Council members present were in favor and the resolution was adopted. Councilman Kerr Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Councilman Rapp, RESOLVED, this Council approves the payment of the December 2014 bills. All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Councilman Varos, RESOLVED, this Council Passes the 2015 Proposed Budget.  Committee.  Borough's Engineer, for 2015.  the Borough.  VOTE ON RESOLUTION RESOLUTION PAY BILLS  voting no.  resolution was adopted.  RESOLUTION PASS BUDGET  A discussion was held regarding the $500 for each of the Fire Departments being included in the budget and for how long it will remain in the budget. Borough Manager Rossey indicated that the $500 for the Fire Departments can be taken out of the budget or changed at any time. All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Councilman Davidek, RESOLVED, this Council agrees to advertise Ordinance 15-01, setting the 2015 tax millage at 5.48 mills. (No Change)  VOTE ON RESOLUTION RESOLUTION ORDINANCE 15-01  resolution was adopted.    BOROUGH OF TARENTUM ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENT SIGN IN SHEET COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 15, 2014  PLEASE PRINT NAME AND ADDRESS  NAME 1.9 BetDuB 2.Jo54 Tof 3Ru fel 4.-7R mper,  ADDRESS  toss  Sowy weth  5. WAET ALTFATHER JR 917 CORBET, ST. 6a ulwlte IORWNLIE T/rICER /70 Cedarcst.  8.a2 9.GINA LANDA 10. 11. 12. Brod 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36.  344 hr M27 bAnA S126TH  Evraka Fire Rostve    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 6  66463  All Council members were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Councilman Davidek, RESOLVED, this Council agrees to advertise the following meetings for 2015: a. Council Meetings 3rd Mondays at 6:30 p.m. b. Committee Meetings 2nd Monday at 6:30 p.m. C. Recreation Board Meetings 1st Thursday at d. Civil Service Board 34d Wednesday at 7:00 e. Planning Commission 4th Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. f. Zoning Hearing Board 4th Thursday at 7:00 All meetings are held in the Borough Council All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by the 2015 Tax Collector commission rate at 28, for All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Charles T. Clark, Esq., as Borough Solicitor, for All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Merge & Hill, P.C., as the Borough Auditor, for  resolution was adopted.  RESOLUTION ADVERTISE MEETINGS  (as needed)  6:30 p.m. (as needed) p.m. (as needed) (as needed) p.m. (as needed)  Chambers.  resolution was adopted.  RESOLUTION COMMISSION  TAX COLLECTOR Councilman Carter, RESOLVED, this Council sets  current year taxes. resolution was adopted.  RESOLUTION SOLICITOR  HIRE BOROUGH Councilman Kerr, RESOLVED, this Council hires  2015.  resolution was adopted.  RESOLUTION  HIRE AUDITOR Councilman Varos, RESOLVED, this Council hires  2015.    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 7  106468  All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Councilman Carter, RESOLVED, this Council  resolution was adopted.  RESOLUTION APPOINT  VACANCY BRD. appoints Charles Blackburn to the Vacancy Board  for 2015.  All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Councilman Davidek, RESOLVED, this Council passes Resolution 14-16, amending Ordinance 1403, amended 2-26-1945 pertaining to the annual fees charged for Amusement Devices Mechanical Devices), effective January 1, 2015. The following yearly fees shall apply: a. Poker Machines b. Jukeboxes and Pool Tables  resolution was adopted.  RESOLUTION 14-16  $500.00 $100.00  C. All other coin operated devices $200.00 All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Councilman Kerr, RESOLVED, this Council hires Tim Rapp for the Water Treatment Plant position, Councilman Firko stated there were two candidates under consideration for this position. He stated al lot of conversations were held regarding the candidates and which candidate can give the most to the Borough and this is one of the reasons he is in favor of Tim Rapp for the position. Councilman Davidek stated he doesn't feel the  resolution was adopted.  RESOLUTION HIRE WATER PLANT POSITION REMARKS: COUNCILMAN FIRKO  effective January 1, 2015.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN DAVIDEK  position needs to be filled.    MINUTES DECEMBER 6:30 P.M. PAGE 8  REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING  34465  15, 2014  VOTE ON RESOLUTION  Upon roll call, the resolution was adopted with four (4) affirmative votes and two (2) negative votes and one (1) abstention. Councilman Davidek and Councilman Carter voting no. Councilman Rapp Councilman Gutonski stated Tim Rapp is a devoted worker of Tarentum Borough. He has been on Council for a number of years, helped out on the Recreation Board, helped the Borough Manager and has helped out in any position any time needed. He stated everyone deserves a second chance being that Tim is an upstanding citizen and individual Councilman Rapp stated he would like to resign his position on Council at this time.  abstaining.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI  of the Borough.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP RESOLUTION ACCEPT RESIGNATION  Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Councilman Kerr, RESOLVED, this Council accepts the resignation of Tim Rapp from the Borough of Tarentum Council, effective immediately. All Council members present were in favor and the Borough Manager Rossey asked that Mr. Rapp send a letter of resignation to Council, sO there is  resolution was adopted.  REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY REMARKS: MR. RAPP  a record of it.  Mr. Rapp stated it was an honor to serve on Borough Council and with the members of Council. He thanked Council on behalf of his daughter and  himself.    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 9  04463  RESOLUTION ADVERTISE VACANT COUNCIL SEAT REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI REMARKS: COUNCILMAN DAVIDEK REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI REMARKS: COUNCILMAN KERR REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI REMARKS: COUNCILMAN FIRKO  Upon motion by Councilman Davidek, seconded by Councilman Kerr, RESOLVED, this Council agrees to advertise the vacancy for the First Ward Council All Council members present were in favor and the Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from the  seat.  resolution was adopted. Water Committee.  Councilman Davidek stated he had no report.  Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from the  Electric Committee.  Councilman Kerr stated he had no report.  Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from Public Safety & Civil Service Committee. Councilman Firko stated the report for Eureka Fire, Rescue, November 2014, there were 33 fire calls representing 144 personnel hours; 6 mutual aid responsesi EMS 202 calls representing over 826 personnel hours; total company training for Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from Property & Zoning, Library & Health Committee.  the month 20.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 10  30.466  RESOLUTION PURCHASE PROPERTY  Upon motion by Councilman Kerr, seconded by Councilman Carter, RESOLVED, this Council a to purchase the property designated as Block & Lot 1223-J-375, 301 West 12th Avenue, from John and Frances Sebak, in the amount of $38,835.00. This property will be used as the site for the Councilman Davidek asked when the property will  new water storage tanks.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN DAVIDEK REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY  be developed.  Borough Manager Rossey stated the drilling has already been done, the core sampling has been done and the ground is level and the specifications have been written for the tanks. All that needs to be done now is the advertising for the construction of the tanks. A discussion was held regarding the property and any buildings on the property. Councilman Davidek stated the properties at 100 Block and 300 Block have been demolished and is just a parking lot now. He stated he would like to see something done with the properties. Borough Manager Rossey stated the Mayor and he spoke with a real estate agent to try to market some of the properties that the Borough has sitting empty. The agent was given a list of the properties and will see what can be done with A discussion was held regarding the properties. Upon roll call, the resolution was adopted with  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN DAVIDEK REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY  them.  VOTE ON MOTION  six (6) affirmative votes.    334467  MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 11  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI RESOLUTION 14-17  Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from Streets & Sanitary Sewers Committee.  Upon motion by Councilman Carter, seconded by Councilman Davidek, RESOLVED, to pass Resolution 14-17, approving the PennDOT Reimbursement and Maintenance Agreement No. 118970, for construction of ADA compliant pedestrian facilities on State Route 1001 (Tenth Borough Manager Rossey stated that's all the crosswalks on Tenth Avenue from Lock Street to Warner Street in Brackenridge. Next year the All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Carter, seconded by Councilman Varos, RESOLVED, this Council agrees to purchase a backhoe and excavator from Groff Tractor and Equipment, with the funds from the sale of the Train Station, for $128,506.66. All Council members present were in favor and the Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from Parks  Avenue).  REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY VOTE ON MOTION RESOLUTION PURCHASE EQUIPMENT  ramps will be put in. resolution was adopted.  resolution was adopted. Recreation Committee.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI RESOLUTION GRANT PERMISSION  Upon motion by Councilman Kerr, seconded by Councilman Carter, RESOLVED, this Council grants the Highlands Emergency Services Alliance permission to use the Deck Hockey Rink on Saturday, January 3, 2015, to hold their Annual HESA Winter Classic Hockey Tournament fundraiser. All Council members present were in favor and the  resolution was adopted.    MINUTES DECEMBER 6:30 P.M. PAGE 12  REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING  106460  15, 2014  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI REMARKS: COUNCILMAN FIRKO REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI REMARKS: COUNCILMAN KERR REMARKS: MS. LANDA REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY  Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from  AVN/COG Committee.  Councilman Firko stated he had no report.  Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from KOZ  Committee.  Mayor Magnetta stated he had no report.  Councilman Gutonski asked for a report from Redevelopment & Revitalization Committee. Councilman Kerr stated he had no report.  Ms. Landa, East 6th Avenue, asked why Council Borough Manager Rossey stated there were some problems with the current engineers over the water plant and the renovations that were done. There were also some issues with change orders and items left out in the bid documents and there were a couple of omissions on their layout of the Ms. Landa stated she is a retired engineer and knows what omission is and knows what  was looking for new engineers.  plant.  REMARKS: MS. LANDA  incompetence is.    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 15, 2014 6:30 P.M. PAGE 13  160463  REMARKS: MR. BOWSER  Mr. Bowser stated it was mighty kind and out of Council's heart to give Mr. Rapp a chance to try to be good and take care of his daughter. He stated Mr. Rapp deserves a second chance and is a good outstanding citizen in this Borough and done Councilman Gutonski wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He stated the next meeting will be held January 19, 2015. There being no further business to come before Council, upon motion by Councilman Davidek, seconded by Councilman Firko the meeting of December 15, 2014, was unanimously adjourned at  a - lot for this Borough.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI ADJOURNMENT  7:10 p.m.  -  William Rossey Borough Manager  5R