MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 17, 2013 6:30 P.M. PAGE 1  100279  ASSEMBLY  Council of the Borough of Tarentum met in regular session on Monday, June 17, 2013, with Councilman President Tim Rapp; Councilman Vice-President Hugh Fox; Councilman Tim Firko; Councilman Mike Gutonski; Councilman Eric Carter; Councilman Raymond Kerr; and Councilman Pete Varos. Also present were Mayor Magnetta; Borough Manager Rossey; Solicitor David Strellec; and Police Upon motion by Councilman Varos, seconded by Councilman Fox, RESOLVED, this Council approves the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May All Council members present were in favor and the At this point in the meeting, Council invites  Chief Vakulick.  RESOLUTION APPROVE MINUTES  20, 2013.  resolution was adopted.  AUDIENCE  PARTICIPATION questions and comments from members of the  audience.  REMARKS: MR. LOVASIK  Mr. Lovasik, West 7th Avenue, stated the house that was demolished next door to him isn't finished enough. People are walking between the buildings and someone may fall and get hurt. He stated people are throwing garbage on the property and there isn't anything there to keep people from going onto the property. He stated he just wanted to let Council know what was going Ms. Namesnik, West Tarentum, thanked the police there was a letter in the Post Gazette regarding the wonderful job the police are doing with the war on drugs only to have the people that deal the drugs put back on the street the next day. The jails are too crowded and the courts are backlogged. She stated the Department of Safety and the DA's Office monitor and compile lists of properties called nuisance properties and  on with the property.  REMARKS:  MS. NAMESNIK for watching traffic on 7th Avenue. She stated    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 17, 2013 6:30 P.M. PAGE 2  100280  disruptive properties and they go after the landlords who rent to drug dealers. If the properties are violating any state or city codes, the landlord is cited and pressure is put on them to evict the drug dealers. She stated people need to get on the phone and start reporting everything they see that's going on with those kinds of properties. She asked if Tarentum police would like to get phone calls about some of these kinds of properties in the Borough. Chief Vakulick stated yes, residents can call the police when they see something going on. It takes a lot of reporting and paperwork to get a property designated as a nuisance property. He stated the more documentation the police have about a property, the better it is to get a property designated as a nuisance property. A discussion was held regarding the process to get a property designated as a nuisance and having residents call when they see something going on that they feel is wrong or illegal. It was noted that calls can be anonymous. Mayor Magnetta stated the police can't say too much about what is going on regarding any drug investigations, but a lot of surveillance is going on and it takes a lot to build a proper case. He stated residents will see things  REMARKS: CHIEF VAKULICK  REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA  happening very soon.  REMARKS: MR. BOWSER  Mr. Bowser, West 8th Avenue, asked when grass will be planted on the property where the house was torn down and to get somebody to pick up the  garbage that's on the property.    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 17, 2013 6:30 P.M. PAGE 3  100281  REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY REMARKS: MS. LANDA REMARKS: CHIEF VAKULICK  Borough Manager Rossey stated he will look into the matter and see what can be done.  Ms. Landa asked if landlords can run criminal background checks on prospective tenants. Chief Vakulick stated the landlords can call the the police and a check can be run through the system, but the landlords aren't doing it. He stated the Borough has an ordinance that after three calls in thirty days, the Borough can go Mr. Polly stated his house burned down at 601 East gth Avenue and he is attempting to rebuild at that same site. He stated he may need a variance Borough Manager Rossey stated he is going to look into the need for a variance and discuss it with the solicitor to see if there are any problems A discussion was held regarding the building of the house and setback requirements. Mr. Rozewicz stated he lives in Lower Burrell, but lived in Brackenridge and worked at Allegheny Ludlum for 35 years and has taken the route through Tarentum every day. He stated the East 6th Avenue renovation along Lock Street isn't safe. He stated he's had a couple near misses. Traffic backs up and the street is narrowed sO much with the protrusions that there isn't enough room for two cars to pass safely. Vehicles have even stopped to allow another vehicle to go through. He stated before the renovations, there  after the landlords.  REMARKS: MR. POLLY  before the house can be build.  REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY  with the setbacks.  REMARKS: MR. ROZEWICZ  was never a problem.    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 17, 2013 6:30 P.M. PAGE 4  100282  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP  Councilman Rapp stated there is room for two vehicles to safely pass each other. He stated traffic is slowing down and that was the intention. He stated he sees no problem with the A discussion was held regarding the renovations and the reasons and need for the renovations. Mr. Lovasik asked if speed limit signs were Chief Vakulick stated progress is being made towards the speed limit signs and work on the A discussion was held regarding the speeding through the Borough and what measures can be taken to help curb the speeding. Mrs. Polly asked if there was a way to put restrictions on parking in the alleyway on 10th Chief Vakulick stated all the corners are in the process of being repainted and everything will be Councilman Rapp stated, under President's Report, that he attended the Recreation Board meeting. He stated the Public Works employees' contract is up this year and received a letter indicating that they would like to begin talks regarding the contract. He stated if any Council member is interested in sitting on the committee, to let Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the  renovation.  REMARKS: MR. LOVASIK REMARKS: CHIEF VAKULICK  going to be placed.  traffic lights also.  REMARKS: MRS. POLLY REMARKS: CHIEF VAKULICK REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP  Avenue.  done to what the law requires.  him know. Mayor.    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 17, 2013 6:30 P.M. PAGE 5  100283  REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA  Mayor Magnetta stated the report will be given to Council members in their mailboxes. He stated next meeting a recommendation will be made to Council regarding a new full time police officer. The written test and agility test have been given. The interviews took place by three outside police chiefs earlier this day. He stated with the recommendation of Chief Vakulick, Public Safety Chairman Firko and himself, he would like to have a motion passed to give the Civil Service Board permission to administer the test for the position of sergeant. This position will enable the Police Department to have the coverage of a sergeant for all three shifts and will fill the management team. The position pays an additional fifty cents per hour and fits into Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the Chief  the police budget. of Police.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: CHIEF VAKULICK  Chief Vakulick stated a search warrant was executed June 6 with Harrison Township and assistance from the Attorney General on 201 Allegheny Street. Arrests were made. There were approximately four hundred stamp bags and sixty- four hundred in cash confiscated. He stated Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the  there is more to come. Borough Manager.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY  Borough Manager Rossey stated there is money in the budget for demolition and discussion was held regarding the properties on West 7th. He stated he would like Council to come up with four more properties for this year to be demolished. He stated some of the buildings on West 7th, the    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 17, 2013 6:30 P.M. PAGE 6  100284  developer may be able to tear down which would Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the  save the Borough money.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: SOLICITOR STRELLEC REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP RESOLUTION PAY BILLS  Solicitor.  Solicitor Strellec stated he had no report.  Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Administrative, Employee Relations, Finance Upon motion by Councilman Fox, seconded by Councilman Kerr, RESOLVED, this Council approves the payment of the June 2013 bills. Upon roll call, the resolution was adopted with seven (7) affirmative votes. Upon motion by Councilman Fox, seconded by Councilman Kerr, RESOLVED, this Council agrees to hire Alice Drisko as a full time clerical/bookkeeper, at the rate of $16.00 per hour, starting July 1, 2013. Upon roll call, the resolution was adopted with seven (7) affirmative votes. Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the  Committee.  RESOLUTION HIRE CLERK BOOKKEEPER  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: COUNCILMAN GUTONSKI REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP  Water Committee.  Councilman Gutonski stated he had no report.  Councilman Rapp asked for a report from the  Electric Committee.    MINUTES JUNE 2013 17, 6:30 P.M. PAGE 7  REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING  100285  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN KERR REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP RESOLUTION 13-05  Councilman Kerr stated he had no report.  Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Public  Safety & Civil Service Committee.  Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Councilman Kerr, RESOLVED, this Council passes Resolution 13-05, relative to the procurement of professional services for the Municipal Pension System, sponsored by the Borough, based on the All Council members present were in favor and the Upon motion by Councilman Firko, seconded by Councilman Fox, RESOLVED, this Council agrees to add a Sergeant's position for the Police Department, at the Sergeant's rate of an additional fifty cents per hour. All Council members present were in favor and the resolution was adopted. Councilman Firko stated Highland Hose report from April 18 to May 20, 2013, there were 3 automatic fire alarms; 2 smoke investigation; 2 motor vehicle crashes; 1 odor of gasi 1 EMS assist; and 1 structure fire; for total manpower hours of 122. Mutual Aid 1 East Deer Township. Highland Hose report from May 21 to June 17, 2013, there were 4 automatic fire alarms; 3 smell of smoke; 1 EMS assist; 1 motor vehicle crash; 1 odor of gas; 1 search detail; and 1 structure fire; for total manpower hours of 162. Mutual Aid 1 East Deer Township. Eureka's report for May 2013, there were 8 motor vehicle crashes; 1 residential structure fire; 1 rapid intervention response; 1 community service; 6 automatic fire  requirements of Act 44 of 2009. resolution was adopted.  RESOLUTION SERGEANT POSITION  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN FIRKO    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 17, 2013 6:30 P.M. PAGE 8  100286  alarms; 2 smoke investigations; 6 wire or transformer fires; 2 car fires; 2 residential flooding; 2 false alarms; 1 pedestrian/car accident; 1 physical rescue; 1 search; 1 brush fire; and 1 EMS assist; representing 84 personnel hours; Mutual Aid responses 8 to East Deer, Frazer, Cheswick, Springdale, Buffalo Township, as well as Tarentum, Brackenridge and Fawn Townshipi 288 EMS calls; representing all together 1258 personnel hours.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: COUNCILMAN VAROS REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP RESOLUTION GRANT PERMISSION  Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Property Z Zoning, Library & Health Committee. Councilman Varos stated he had no report.  Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Streets &  Sanitary Sewers Committee.  Upon motion by Councilman Carter, seconded by Councilman Gutonski, RESOLVED, this Council grants Jamie Bombalski permission to hold a block party on Saturday, June 29, 203, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and to close the 800 Block of Ormond Street, from East 8th Avenue to East gth All Council members present were in favor and the Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Parks &  Avenue, during this time. resolution was adopted. Recreation Committee.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: COUNCILMAN FOX  Councilman Fox stated the first concert in the park was rained out and will be rescheduled. The next concert will be held next Wednesday at 7:00    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 17, 2013 6:30 P.M. PAGE 9  100287  p.m. and the Snack Shack will be open at 6:00 p.m. He stated there are new fern baskets hanging along the park. The Recreation Board will be meeting to talk about this year's Festival in the Park, along with Summit Hose. He stated if anyone wants to volunteer, the Recreation Board would love to have them. Councilman Rapp asked for a report from AVN/COG  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: COUNCILMAN FOX REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: MAYOR MAGNETTA REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: COUNCILMAN KERR REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY  Committee.  Councilman Fox stated a meeting is scheduled and the information will be given in Council Councilman Rapp asked for a report from KOZ  members' packets. Committee.  Mayor Magnetta stated he had no report.  Councilman Rapp asked for a report from Redevelopment & Revitalization Committee. Councilman Kerr stated he had no report.  Borough Manager Rossey thanked Councilman Gutonski and two others who attended the classes to become official tree tenders. He stated the Borough is entitled to 50 trees at one  time.    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 17, 2013 6:30 P.M. PAGE 10  100288  REMARKS: MS. KIM POLLY  Ms. Polly stated some townships have garbage cans along the streets and asked if the Borough might be able to install them along the streets to help against littering. She stated her children pick garbage up and throw it away and it would be helpful to have garbage cans available. Councilman Rapp stated there are garbage cans  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP REMARKS: COUNCILMAN FOX REMARKS: MR. BOWSER  in the business district.  Councilman Fox stated he will look into the matter further to see if something can be done in providing garbage cans along the streets. Mr. Bowser stated two or three years ago there were discussions about taking care of the electric bills for the fire companies and asked if anything has been done about that. Councilman Firko stated the fire companies get a reduced rate which is the same as the Borough pays. He stated Council supports the fire departments and gives what it can to them. Mr. Figore asked if 117 First Avenue is going to Borough Manager Rossey stated Council is going to place properties on the list to be demolished. A discussion was held regarding properties that could be added to the list to be demolished. Mr. Rozewicz stated the hockey ring was a great idea and he enjoys watching the kids play.  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN FIRKO REMARKS: MR. FIGORE REMARKS: BOROUGH MANAGER ROSSEY  be demolished.  REMARKS: MR. ROZEWICZ    MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 17, 2013 6:30 P.M. PAGE 11  1C0289  REMARKS: COUNCILMAN RAPP ADJOURNMENT  Councilman Rapp stated the hockey ring is the reason Highlands started their hockey team up There being no further business to come before Council, upon motion by Councilman Varos, seconded by Councilman Fox the meeting of June 17, 2013, was unanimously adjourned at 7:15 p.m.  again.  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