Borough of Coraopolis Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Regular Council Meeting via teleconference December 13,2023 6:30PM  The Regular Meeting of the Borough of Coraopolis was called to order by Council President, David Pendel.  Police Chief Denbow led the gathering in the Pledge to the Flag.  Al Roll Call of Members was then taken.  Present Robb Cardimen Rudy Bolea Ed Pitassi George Mihalyi Allison Marine Gary Flasco Joe Szabat David Pendel Michael Dixon, Mayor  Mr. Pendel said are there any questions from Borough Council on the Agenda? Mr. Pendel said are there any visitor Mr. Cardimen made a motion to approve the Minutes oft the November 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting. Mr. Pitassi  requests and comments regarding these Agenda items? Being none, the meeting continued.  seconded the motion.  Motion passed by Unanimous Voice Vote,  Mr. Cardimen made a motion to approve the Minutes of the December 6, 2023 Regular Council Workshop Meeting. Mr.  Szabat seconded the motion. Motion passed by Unanimous Voice Vote.  Mr. Cardimen made a motion to approve the Invoices for December 2023 in the amount of $221,480.12. Mr. Bolea  seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call Vote Robb Cardimen Rudy Bolea Ed Pitassi George Mihalyi Allison Marine Gary Flasco Joe Szabat David Pendel Motion carried. 1  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes    Mr. Cardimen made a motion to approve the Payroll for the month of November 2023 in the amount of $139,576.05.  Mr. Pitassi seconded the motion. Upon Roll Call Vote Robb Cardimen Rudy Bolea Ed Pitassi George Mihalyi Allison Marine Gary Flasco Joe Szabat David Pendel Motion carried. the motion. Upon Roll Call Vote Robb Cardimen Rudy Bolea Ed Pitassi George Mihalyi Allison Marine Gary Flasco Joe Szabat David Pendel Motion carried.  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes  Mr. Bolea made a motion to approve Resolution 23-414: setting the millage for 2024 at 12.5 mills. Mr. Pitassi seconded  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes  Mr. Bolea made a motion to approve the slate of wage increases as discussed in the Workshop Executive Session for the Library Director, Library Aides, Administrative Assistant, Dispatchers Full-time and Part-time, Public Works Foreman and  the Custodian. Mr. Szabat seconded the motion.  Upon Roll Call Vote Robb Cardimen Rudy Bolea Ed Pitassi George Mihalyi Allison Marine Gary Flasco Joe Szabat David Pendel Motion carried.  No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes  Mr. Cardimen mad a motion to approve Resolution 23-415 establishing Public Meeting Rules and Regulations. Mr. Bolea  seconded the motion.  Motion passed by Unanimous' Voice Vote.  2    Mr. Bolea made a motion to approve the 2024 General Fund Budget in the amount of $6,106,187.00. Mr. Szabat Mr. Cardimen said this is the eleventh year that we have not raised taxes and this budget has continually gone up.  seconded the motion. Thank you, Mr. President. Upon Roll Call Vote Robb Cardimen Rudy Bolea Ed Pitassi George Mihalyi Allison Marine Gary Flasco Joe Szabat David Pendel Motion carried.  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes  Mr. Pendel said we have a pay request from the Engineer and asked Mr. Null to explain.  Mr. Drew Null said the 2023 Road Program was completed about two months ago. There were a couple of punchlist Items remaining, but have been addressed and we recommend the 5% retainage payment to Youngblood in the amount Mr. Cardimen made a motion to approve Partial Payment #3 (Final) to Youngblood Construction in the amount of  of $22,937.19.  $22,937.19 for the 2023 Road Improvement Program. Mr. Flasco seconded the motion.  Upon Roll Call Vote Robb Cardimen Rudy Bolea Ed Pitassi George Mihalyi Allison Marine Gary Flasco Joe Szabat David Pendel Motion carried. Solicitor's Report  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes  Mr. Richard Start said the Reorganization Meeting per Borough Code is scheduled on the first Monday of the year and that happens to fall on New' Years Day next year. Council needs to decide on what day it would like to reorganize. Mr. Bolea made a motion to hold the Reorganization Meeting on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6:30PM. Mr. Cardimen  seconded the motion.  Motion passed by Unanimous Voice Vote.  3    Mr. Richard Start said there will be a legal advertisement coming up giving notice ofa public hearing that the Manager and Ihave tentatively scheduled for February 7th. This is also the Workshop Meeting night sO we would hold this public hearing at 6:00 PM. The purpose oft the public hearing is to take public comment on a proposed liquor license transfer from an establishment in the city of Pittsburgh to an establishment here in Coraopolis at the Coraopolis Cash Market. They seek to have al license to sell beer and wine and they would have a very small eating area where they would serve no more than two beers or two glasses of wine. Their intent is to sell retail beer and wine and he continued to explain.  Police Chief's Report  Chief Denbow, gave the Police Department Report for the month of November 2023.  Chief Denbow said asl I mention during every Council Meeting; please keep your vehicles locked and especially do not keepi firearms in the vehicles. Isuggest not keeping any valuables in your vehicle, but if you do keep them out of sight  and everyone have a safe, healthy and Merry Christmas.  Fire Chief's Report  Chief Spencer gave the Volunteer Fire Department report for November 2023 and said we answered 12 calls. Seven which were mutual aid calls, one rescue call, two false alarms, and two motor vehicle accidents for at total of 89.07 hours Chief Spencer said the Fire Department will be driving Santa Claus around tomorrow night through the neighborhoods  for the VFD.  and will start by 6:30.  Chief Spencer said lwant to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe New Years.  Mayor's Report  Mayor Dixon approached the podium and read a proclamation to extend his warmest holiday wishes unto everybody in Mayor Dixon said Iwould like to take a moment to recognize Council Member Ed Pitassi. This is his last Council Meeting  the Borough (copy will be filed for record).  and awarded him with the Outstanding Community Service Award.  Engineer's Report  Mr. Drew Null said Idon'thave anything more to report on. The Park: still has some minor outstanding items,  Mr. Cardimen said have we turned the water on there? Mr. Null said turned on and winterized. Mr. Drew Null sald Merry Christmas.  4    Committee Reports/Comments from Council  Mr. Flasco said Iwould like to thank Mr. Pendel and Mr. Pitassi for their long service and dedication, youl both will be  missed very much.  Mr. Flasco said Iwould like to wish all of the residents of Coraopolis a Happy and Safe Holiday.  Mr. Mihalyi said as everyone knows, leaf season is over. The Public' Works Department took out over 601 truckloads this year. Ify yous still have leaves you will need to bag them and put them out with the regular trash pick-up. Mr. Mihalyi said ai few weeks ago we had a truck spill nails on the road. A resident saw it and tried to pick them up. Please do not do that, she called the Police and let them handle the situation. The Police called Public Works and they  took care ofit.  Mr. Mihalyi said I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays.  Mr. Bolea said I have nothing other than to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season. want to thank Mr. Pendel and Mr. Pitassi for your service, it has been a pleasure working with you and to: say that you will be missed is not enough. Ms. Marine said the Parks and Recreation Committee met last month and discussed the future outlook and design for the Midtown Square Area. Our committee will be working on quotes and bids in the new year for furnishings to beautify Ms. Marine said last month we had a Public Meeting for the Parking Study, sO thank you everyone who has been part of Ms. Marine said I want to give my thanks to the two individuals serving their last meeting. Ihave worked closely with Mr. Cardimen said Iwould like to thank our Public Works Department for getting the end of Ridge Avenue cleaned up Mr. Cardimen said lwould like to thank Mr. Pitassi for his service and his years of tenure on Council and a good friend and confidant. Mr. Pendel, you were a great friend and confidant of mine while I was president of Council and lwant to Mr. Cardimen said want to wish the Borough residents of Coraopolis a Merry Christmas and al Happy New' Year. Mr. Pitassi said last week we started the discussion on the trees and the placement on Midtown Square, have you come Mr. Bolea said we decided to go with the lesser number oft trees and moving some of them from where they were Mr. Pitassi said we need to make a resolution on the nine trees that are going to be on Borough property which includes  and improve that space.  this journey. The Consultant is close to completing the final report and she continued to explain.  during my first two years on Council and she continued to explain,  and he continued to explain.  thank you for your years of service, you willl be greatly missed.  up with a conclusion for the number oft trees? It was a toss up on either five or seven.  indicated and he continued to explain. the five in Midtown Square.  5    Mr. McCutcheon said does the Pittsburgh Tree Vitalize require a resolution ori is itj just a motion? Mr. Cardimen said what is the number of trees that you want the Borough to accept?  Mr. Pitassi said believe it is just a motion. Mr. Pitassi said a total of nine.  Mr. Cardimen made a motion to approve the placement of nine trees by the Coraopolis Shade Tree Commission. Mr. Bolea said t thought we were going to include the location of where the trees are being planted in the motion. Mr. Cardimen amended his motion to approve the placement of nine trees by the Coraopolis Shade Tree Commission to be placed as; five at Midtown Square, two at the top of the Ferree Street Steps and two at the parking lot between the  CCDC and. Jailhouse. Mr. Bolea seconded the motion. Motion approved by Unanimous Voice Vote.  Mr. Pitassi said the total number of trees to be placed on private property ist fourteen. This will be on the corner of Mr. Pitassi saidI Iwant to thank the Mayor for the beautiful plaque, the recognition and everyone on Council and lam going to miss this Council and it was a pleasure working with you folks and he continued to explain. Mr. Pitassi said Iwant to also thank the people who helped me when trying to win the votes. Mr. Pitassi said everyone have a really nice Christmas and New Year's Holiday.  Ferree. Street and Edgewood. Avenue and the corner of Edgewood and' Vine.  Mr. Szabat said Iwould like to thank the Public' Works Department, there are a lot of leaves on my block of Hiland  Avenue and they made short work oft them and it was appreciated by those on the block.  Mr. Szabat said due to at faulty smoke detector in my home at false alarm was triggered. The response from our Police  and Fire Department was quick and much appreciated.  Managers' Report  Mr. McCutcheon said Imet with Waste Management and the contract expires at the end of February. Iwas asked if we were going to move forward with the Option Year 2 which will be the final year of the contract and he continued to Mr. McCutcheon said Mr. Pendel, your leadership and level headedness throughout the years has been great for the Council. Mr. Pitassi, your energy is something that we are, going to miss and there will be a lot ofs slack that will need to  explain.  be picked up. lappreciate everything you both do for the town. Mr. McCutcheon said Ijust want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas,  Comments from the Public  Mr. Clarence Sellers of 1227 Vance. Avenue. said I know al lot of positive things go through the Council here, but it's not always positive, Ihave some negative things to say, Ihave a good repour with my Councilman, Gary Flasco and Ih have brought things up to him before, so Fwouldn't have to come down here and voice my opinion or whatever and this is my  6    opinion. Throughout my living in Coraopolis, we' ve had four Wards, two Councilmen per Ward. We've gone froma large population to a smaller population doing the same job and not really accomplishing anything substantially. Who do you guys work for? When was the last time one of you Councilmen came up with what you're doing int the Ward, there'st two ofy you. Idon'thold any animosity toward anyone, but lam not stupid, Ibring these things to you because believe, you have al love, like me, for our Cory and the changes needed. Ipray that Iwills see a change from the good ol' boys' system of politics that has ruined life in steel towns along the Ohio. Ijust want to let youl know I feel driving through the streets of Coraopolis like the signs say and see how embarrassing they look. It seems like there are no laws and if there are they are not being enforced. So, thati is a small thing that is on my mind. Icame to Coraopolis in 55,1 left here in 67, and Icame backi in 2010 and it's changed. Idon't know ifl l'm going to live long enough to see al big change in Coraopolis. Coraopolis Is changing and I think it's because of the things on the minds of people like myself, we need to go to our Councilmen with problems and talk to them about it and maybe he can come up with a solution to any problem we may have because he will take it and bringi it to you guys and try to solve any problems we have. Like Isaid before, have no animosity toward anybody Ijust want good for this Coraopolis. It's changed al lot and lappreciate everything that you guys are doing, Ican't do everything and neither can you. There's eight of you, it's a small town, and Isee good things happening and it's probably myself and probably not fast enough for me because I'm getting older and Iwant to see changes now and! Iwant to be part oft the changes too. Ithink if we bring our concerns to our Counciimen,  they can do the job.  Mr. Pendel said typically in the December meeting Iread our list of accomplishments and share the good news of our Road Program was completed totaling contracts of $458,000.00 for asphalt work throughout town and in conjunction Concrete Road Reconstruction Projects on Chestnut Street between 4th and! 5th Avenues which include a new Authority New traffic signals at State and Montour Street are almost complete and was partially funded by a Green Light Go Grant An ARLE Grant was awarded to replace the traffic. signal at Watt Street and 4th Avenue and should get started by early The Borough was awarded al Local Share Account from the DCED of $150,000.00 for the Ridge Avenue Tot Lot The Borough was also awarded a Commonwealth Finance Authority Multimodal Grant of $325,000.00 for the Riverfront Park Phase land II have been completed and the park was partially funded by two DCNR Grants of over As study of the parking meters (as mentioned earlier by Ms. Marine) in the Central Business District utilizing Trans- Associates Engineering is almost at completion and Borough Council willl be deciding the next steps and timeline for For the tenth consecutive year Borough Council will not increase taxes. The last time taxes were raised dates back to The Shade Tree Commission had a planting this spring and the work of Eddie Pitassi and. Jeff Simonetti was exceptional  labors of this past year. In2023 the;  with the CWSA for stormwater work at the Public' Works Plant. waterline and that project was over $400,000.00.  of $160,000.00. This will make a major impact for residents and commuters in this high traffic area.  spring of 2024.  Playground. The equipment has been ordered and the project should begin in spring.  reconstruction of Mill Street. $500,000.00.  implementation.  2014 when we rebuilt Ferree Street between 4th and 5th Avenues,  on our flower pots this year. The purchase ofa a new Police vehicle.  The new trash receptacles that we ordered should be delivered by the end oft the year.  7    Mr. Pendel said certainly the ability to not raise taxes and the financial soundness in our town is a direct reflection oft the time, effort and dedication put forth by our Borough Manager Ray! McCutcheon who was nominated and awarded Distinguished Service Award by the Pennsylvania State Association of Borough's. We are proud of our work and our  accomplishments.  Mr. Pendel said tonight is my last meeting serving the Borough not only as a Council Person, but also having the honori to represent this Council as its Councif President. Mr. Pendel continued to explain and thanked those who encouraged him, his family, the Coraopolis Volunteer Fire Department, the Coraopolis Police, Borough Engineers, Borough Solicitor, and Borough Management. Mr. Pendel shared some family history and thanked the voters for trusting him to represent their interests and thanked the current body of Council trusting him and appointing him in this capacity. Mr. Pendel said want to wish everyone a very healthy and Happy Christmas and Happy New' Year.  Mr. Cardimen made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Bolea seconded the motion.  Motion approved by Unanimous Voice Vote.  MEETING. ADJOURNED  8