WEST HOMESTEAD BOROUGH Caucus /Work-Shop Meeting February 6, 2023 Minutes  Call to Order  President Baran called the meeting to order at 6:15 P.M.  Roll Call  The roll was called to establish a quorum. Present were, Ms. Cain, Ms. Ferson, Mr. Harhai, Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Guzzi, Ms. Scolieri and President Baran. A quorum was established. Also in attendance: Borough Manager Bill Etherington, Mayor John Dindak, Solicitor(s) Stanley Lederman and Michael Lederman, Borough Secretary Donna McMichael.  President Baran asked anyone in the audience if they had any questions not included on  the agenda. No response.  The Caucus was turned over to Borough Manager Bill Etherington Hot Topics and Actions from Prior Month Meeting  Manager reviewed the Hot Topics for discussion. Manager provided status on the frozen pipes bursting on Christmas Day. Currently waiting on Insurance Estimates. Manager provided on his investigation into the Penn-Vest Loan. There was an error ini the Manager discussed the Dog Ordinance. WH Borough enforces the State Leash Law and Manager discussed the revenue option of including a Business Privilege or Mercantile Tax on businesses in the borough. Council was told to review and decide at the March  No update from Police Pursuit on November 16, 2022.  amortization table that was corrected.  also enforces it's ordinance on animal waste removal.  Caucus Meeting.  Engineering  Code Enforcement (See Slide Show for more details)  Manager, once again discussed the numerous Code Violations, repeat offenders that require escalation to citations, potential properties for demolition or Sheriff Sale. Currently show 5 Properties within the Borough which have been "Posted" by BIU showing "No Occupancy". Solicitor will investigate the progress on the Guardian Angels Building. Manager reiterated that Code Enforcement is a "Process" which takes time and involves various actions with multiple players involved that must perform actions for the process to work in a timely and accurate  manner. Need to perform an inspection on Walnut Street.    Manager reminded Council that the Borough Properties Committee will include Code Enforcement on the agenda for each meeting to not only discuss the respective properties, but also discuss ways ofi improving the process. See Slide Show for more details and Code Enforcement Report for 2023.  Streets Repair - General  Streets for 2023 = Vivjon Drive, Schauffler Drive, West Hazel Way, Kran Drive. Need to advertise for bids to complete the 2023 Streets Project. Need to put a plan together on the repair of Basic Avenue Retaining Wall. Appears that the I-Beams are structurally secure, but the railroad ties need replaced. PADEP Consent Order Manager shared Engineering document on PADEP Consent Order requirements, timeline of activities and fines associated with missing timelines. Mark has several deadlines on reporting, Due Diligence Report, Annual Waste Load Report, and Nine Minimum Controls Report. No update on the West Run Stream Project Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan - Manager advised Council that the final summary of the Plan was presented during a Zoom Meeting on 01/12/23 at 4 P.M. The next step would be the Public Notice, then the implementation to the owners of the Plan. Calhoun Field improvements - (See Slide Show) Manager provided council the current expenses for this project in terms of the value add for the residents VS. the replacement of existing asphalt. Manager working with DCNR/DCED and Pashek-MTR on new funding that will hopefully cover close to 100% of the project. Recent update: A NEW DCED Grant - Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program will be applied for by the Riverfront Park - Scope of Work & Timeline - Pashek-MTR ($40K Grant), $34K DCNR, $6K Borough. 1.8 Acres along Mon River. Council agreed to move forward with project. This project had to extend for 1 more year due to the Alcosan Tunnel project.  with. Army Corp. of Engineers.  Manager.  Authorties/Boards/Commissions  See Slide Show. Zoning Approvals/Matters See Slide Show.    Committee Reports  Administration Manager/Secretary,  Meet-n-Greet was moved to a dinner for elected officials in February. Rentals Ordinance. Manager/Secretary discussed details with Solicitor. Administrations Role in Code Enforcement (See Slide Show).  Borough Properties /E Blighted & Vacant - (Ms. Scolieri) / (Mr. Harhai)  Committee meeting held on 01/10/23 to review spreadsheet showing all properties that are under review. Including: Demolition, Sherriff Sale, Land Bank, and also Code Manager recommended this committee meet monthly in order to show progress in this area of concern. Meetings will be scheduled for 2nd Tuesday at 4 P.M.  Enforcement Notices of Violation or Citation Status.  Community Affairs (Ms. Ferson)  Administration is still finalizing the wording on the Rules & Regulations to include the  Leash Law. Include NO SOLICITING, NOI L LOITERING.  Personnel (Ms. Scolieri)  Manager advised Council on the resignation of Officer Derek Lincoln effective January 24, 2023, in consideration of his remaining PTO. Chief Rozzo introduced the effectiveness of hiring an additional "Flex" Officer to reduce Overtime Expense in 2023.  Public Safety (Mr. Harhai) = See Slide Show Police Report for 2022 Reviewed Police Report and Minutes/Actions from Public Safety Meeting. Received 2 estimates for replacing lights and removing Electrical Junction Boxes. After Rt-837 project, need to enforce NO PARKING. Move to Public Safety Meeting. Manager provided the Cost/Benefit Analysis on the replacement of the Waterfront Officer and the non-replacement of the Waterfront Officer. Provide OT analysis at next meeting. Public Works (Mr. Mclaughlin/Manager, See Slide Show - PW Report for 2022 Glenn to work with Manager on "Preventive Maintenance" for Vehicles & Equipment. Council is recommending adding light pole to run electricity for corner of Manager provided Waste and Recycling numbers. (See presentation).  EdgewoodPinewood.  Sewer Sanitary/Storm) Management (Ms. Cain) Sanitary & Combined Sewers - Major Projects. Storm Sewers - Major Projects. See presentation for more details.  SanlayCombned'siom Sewer Maintenance - Consent Order.    Account Balances as of January 31, 2023  General Fund Escrow  68,827 190,040 (2022 Reserve) 113,519 319,380 CalhounPW-ruck, 8,281 $ 13,721 $ 12,647 $ 38,726 75,998 $1,011,988 $1,066,063  Highway Maintenance (Liquid Fuels) Capital improvements Police DEA Task Force Police Pension Fund Service Employee Pension Fund Penn Vest Reimbursements Sanitation Sewer Fund Penn-Vest Loan  Preliminary Legislation for Next Week:  Approve December 2022 Legislative Council/Caucus Meeting Minutes. Approve and ratify all bills paid and to be paid for the month of January  2023.  Motion to approve resolution to renew Animal Control Contract. Motion to approve resolution to destroy 2015 Records.  Motion to approve HARB recommendation for 210 West Hazel Avenue for  Exterior Renovations.  End of Meeting at 7:56 P.M.