WEST HOMESTEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL Caucus /Work-Shop Meeting April 4, 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, and President Baran. Ms. Scolieri and Mr. Guzzi were absent. A quorum was Borough Manager Bill Etherington, Mayor John Dindak, Solicitor(s) Stan Lederman and Michael Lederman, Engineer Mark Brashear, Borough Secretary Donna McMichael were also present. President Baran asked anyone in the audience if they had any questions not included on established. 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. Insurance estimate shows $22K with $1K deductible. Update from Police Pursuit on November 16, 2022. RTK request was denied due to open investigation. Mark Hamilton will be the attorney representing our insurance (Hub Int'). Manager discussed status on Guardian Angels Building collapse. Engineering report shows major concerns still present. Matt Bovee presented to Council his future plans. Solicitor and Matt Bovee to meet with Judge later this month on repair status. SVSD approached Council with the need for a Grantee to assist with a $1M RACP Grant. Total project = $32.5M. Council will review and get back to SVSD with a decision. Work should begin from Extreme Restoration in mid-April. Engineering Code Enforcement (See Slide Show for more details) Manager discussed the numerous Code Violations, repeat offenders that require escalation to citations, potential properties for demolition or Sheriff Sale. Code Enforcement is a "Process" and progress will eventually be made. Manager reiterated this process takes time and involves various actions with multiple players involved who must perform actions for the process to work in a timely and accurate manner. Need to check back in on any improvements to Walnut Street based on the most recent inspection showing a sea of garbage cans lining the street. A letter was sent to the Walnut Street residents and owners on the Ordinance. 454 West 8th Avenue continues to violate the Zoning Requirements set forth prior to allowing the Detailing Shop to operate. Another meeting was held, and another Per Baldwin EMS, YTD leading cause for medical response = Falls. This was See Slide Show for more details and Code Enforcement Report for 2023. letter was sent on these issues. Will continue to monitor. primarily due to lack of railings on steps. Streets Repair - General Streets for 2023 = Vivjon Drive, Schauffler Drive, West Hazel Way, Kran Drive. Bids have been received and will be opened at next week's Legislative Meeting. Need to put a plan together on the repair of Basic Avenue Retaining Wall. Appears that the -Beams are structurally secure, but the railroad ties need to be replaced. PADEP Consent Order - Manager shared Engineering document on PADEP Consent Order requirements, timeline of activities and fines associated with missing timelines. Mark (Engineering) has achieved the several deadlines for reporting, Due Diligence Report, Annual Waste Load Report, and Nine Minimum Controls Report. No update on Mult-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 Meeting scheduled for late April, then the implementation Calhoun Field Improvements - (See Slide Show) Manager provided Council with the current expenses for this project in terms of the value added fori 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 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 the project. This project had to extend for 1 more year due to the Alcosan Tunnel project. Manager and Engineer had a site visit with consultant on April 5, 2023, to determine work the West Run Stream Project with Army Corp. of Engineers. to the owners oft the Plan. the Manager. required to go forward. Authorties/Boards/Commissions See Slide Show Zoning Approvals/Matters See Slide Show Committee Reports Administration Manager/Secretary, Steel Rivers COG hosted a "Meet the Candidates" for Allegheny County Executive Still working on final wording to be used on Rules and Regulations for the parks. position on March 29th. The event was well attended. Administrations Role in Code Enforcement (See Slide Show) Borough Properties / Blighted & Vacant - (Ms. Scolieri) / (Mr. Harhai) Acommittee meeting was held on 03/14/23 to review a spreadsheet showing all properties that are under review. Including: Demolition, Sherriff Sale, Land Bank, and also Code Enforcement Notices of Violation or Citation Status. Community Affairs (Ms. Ferson) ) Scheduled Clean-Up Day for May 6th from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. Meet at the WVFD. Personnel (Ms. Scolieri) Manager provided Council the timeline associated with the hiring process of a Police Officer and the requirements from Civil Service Commission. Public Safety (Mr. Harhai) - See Slide Show - Police Report for 2023 Reviewed Police Report and Minutes/Actions from Public Safety Meeting. Discussed No Parking on 8th Avenue and Basic Avenue. Manager presented to Council updated YTD Police Overtime Analysis. 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 a light pole to run electricity for the corner of Manager is still searching for a location to house PW Vehicles and Equipment. Manager provided Waste and Recycling numbers. (See presentation) EdgewoodlPinewoo.d. Sewer Sanitary/Storm) Management (Ms. Cain) Sanitary & Combined Sewers - Major Projects Storm Sewers - Major Projects See the presentation for more details. Financial Management (Manager) Santaly/Combanedislom Sewer Maintenance - Consent Order 0 Manager presented the pros and cons related to Continental Real Estate proposal on NEW1 TIF Waterfront Apartments. Council voted in favor of going forward with the project. Account Balances as of 3/31/23 General Fund Escrow 173,299 0 $ 176,698 107,745 $ 16,352 $ 16,332 $ 38,795 26,571 $1,060,857 $1,051,429 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 319,943 Calhoun/PW-Truck, Preliminary Legislation for Next Week: Approve March 2022 Legislative Council/Caucus Meeting Minutes. Approve and ratify all bills paid and to be paid for the month of April 2023. Motion to approve resolution to apply for DCED Grant for $244K. Motion to approve bids for 2023 Street Openings for West Homestead. End of Meeting at 8:15 P.M.