TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HUNTINGDON, BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST2 21, 2024, 7:001 P.M. 11279 Center Highway, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 Presiding Officer- -Jason Atwood, President, Board of Commissioners  CALLTO ORDER  Commissioner Atwood called the meeting to order at 7:001 P.M.  ROLLCALL Commissioner Hempel Commissioner Haigis Commissioner Gray Commissioner Zona Commissioner Bevan Commissioner Gass Commissioner Atwood PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OPENING PRAYER  Present Present Present Present Present Present Present  Also Present: Manager Harry, Faulk Solicitor Dice Ryan Fonzi Lt. McCurdy Rich Albert Kody Grabiak  CITIZENS INPUT- Solicitor Dice makes an opening statement that some oft the audience may be here concerning the sports complex and notes that iti is not on the agenda and had ai meeting last week but has heard nothing from any of the representatives from the sports complex nor their attorneys, sO there is absolutely nothing new that wasn't discussed last week and no action item on the agenda tonight. He: suggests that an action item on this matter will take probably more than next month and probably other months as there is no timeframe on their actions of granting or denying a lease. It is completely up to council whenever they decide they've heard enough. Solicitor Dice states there isi no action item on the agenda tonight and suggests to check the agenda to see ift this subject is on the agenda. Commissioner Gray states people are welcome to speak on the issue even though it is not on the agenda and there is no timeframe on the Board's behalf however the developer appears to think it was going to be voted on tonight clearly a timeframe in David Martinelli - 14292 Valley View Drive states he would like to add additional items to be consider by the Board as they go through this negotiation process because the residents are dependent upon the Board to protect the financial well-being and don't want to suffer a finançial catastrophe because they have not been given a sufficient amount ofinvestigation about what the Township's rule is or isn't and what they should expect from the developers. He states the developerispainting: aj pretty picture but with no plan attached to it and] how can thel Board evaluate  their world.    August 21,2024  the request for an unrestricted lease when the Board has not gathered items of what they want in the lease for the Townships benefits. Mr. Martinelli states he had occasional conversations with employees from the Public Works Department about how their ability to do the Township's business would be affected by the limited information seen on the only drawing made publicly available and how it will impact their work and if additional roads, new storage buildings or new dumping sites have to be acquired, who is going to pay for that. He feels this is a great idea, but has no plan and you can't finance an idea. He strongly urges the Board to continue getting input fromj places such asl Public Works and any other Township entity that would be affected, plus EMS may be required to provide services to the events happening in the sports complex with only one road in and out, would citizens be at risk. Mr. Martinelli states he would be more than happy to work with anyone on the Board or in the Township in what he feels is necessary relative to Bob Kettren - 11661 Frog Road - states late last year, he met with three Board members on Frog Road and was told / promised that something was going to be done with the crick running along Frog Road by dredging it. He states to date nothing has been done that he knows of. He states years ago he was told the crick could not be dredged because of environmental reasons. He was also told the ditch between he and his neighbors was going to be taken care of but was not. John Puskar - 551 Charles Drive - states he would like to talk in opposition of the sports complex and his major concern is thel location tol his house and his currently quiet neighborhood. The three most major concerns that he and the majority of his street have are lights, noise and extra traffic. He states the latest drawings show five outdoor fields and asks ifall will havel PA systems creating al lot ofnoise. He read an article about their sister facility in Coraopolis where they are currently in litigation and suing this group because of outrageous noise and traffic. He was also told that right off one oft their streets they plan on putting an entrance to a biking trail creating even more Edward Taylor - 11651 Frog Road - states he would like toi talk about the crick on Frog Road and the water that is coming into his basement where he has to pump it out dumping it into his yard. He states now his yard is sinking and the crick is a foot below from the road. He states the Township cleaned a storm drain on his property but it didn't do anything and is still clogged. David Crane - 11581 Frog Road - states the Township put a new pipe at the end of] his yard that was too high and now his yard is a swamp. Also, the crick on his property used to run straight, but Vince Ott moved the crick and is one of the reasons the crick is filling up because he movedit and filling up the pipe with dirt. He states his house is sinking and his yard is a swamp. John Tapocik - 571 Janet Drive - states he is here to speak about the proposed sports complex. He states his wife was here last week and spoke and emailed the Board about the article regarding the Montour Riverhounds complex. He states he has the same concerns of] Mr. Puskar and would be overlooking the complex. He asks ift there would be a set time for the lights to be turned off  gathering information sO aj proper plan can be presented.  traffic.    August 21,2024  and is concerned about the noise and traffic. He also is concerned about how many access roads willl bet to get tot the complex and the safety oft the children int thei neighborhoods. He feels this will not benefit the local kids and will only invite travel teams and tournaments. He is also concerned Ken Kienzle - 811 Northeast Drive = states he has worked for the Township for thirty four years and this is the first timel he has felt the need to speak about the sports complex. He asks what the value of the forty two acres that could be given away and have they done an appraisal. He asks why would they give the residents' property away to aj professional soccer organization who will make a lot ofmoney offofthei residents and should pay forit. Hel knows this will be ai traffic issue and is the Township putting any money into redesigning the intersection at Malts Lane. The developer also claims the property is basically undevelopable SO how can they developit. He feels they are hurrying this along and selling a sweetheart deal. He asks why the Township would consider doing a deal with this group that has no experience developing athletic complexes. Mr. Kienzle states he has concerns on the impact at Public Works and in looking at the drawings, they will not be able to function as the drawings show a splash pad right along the road where triaxle trucks, backhoes, high lifts make deliveries and go in and out of the complex. He states last week, eight hours before the Work Session, they revised the drawings toi include baseball fields, football fields, pickleball courts, basketball and tennis courts, etc. He is concerned that without all of this in writing, a lease will be signed and they will do whatever they want resulting in a lawsuit. He feels the Board should walk away from this deal, put aj plan together of what the Township wants Tom Kerber -= states he has nothing to add this evening as the Board heard his comments last  with the proposed walking trails right in their backyards and security.  and put it out for bid is the fare way to doi it.  Thursday.  Dan Kohrnak = states he has nothing to add.  LaVonne Shields-371 Charles Drive - states she agrees with al lot oft the comments made tonight about people complaining about making deals with this organization who will take advantage of the residents and the' Township. She states Commissioner Gray was the only Board member who was here when the property was purchased. She has worked for the Township for forty seven years and when that property was purchased, it was done itt twol lots, onel lot fort the road department and the other lot was owned by Shuster that have multiple right of ways from the Taylor development that anybody can use which could open up into that neighborhood. She agrees that there will be lights, PA systems, etc., and states the Board represents the community and has to do the right thing. She asks who is really buying into this and have they done an analysis on what kind of income the community will get from this development and do they have any restrictions toi impose on the development. She believes thisi is al PED1 zone sO they have toj present it toi the Township and what kind oftaxes ifthel land is leased for one dollar. Right now, the Township does not pay tax on it because we owni it, but what kind of tax analysis will be  done on it and will they have to pay property taxes.    August 21,2024  Greg Rogers - 501 Janet Drive - states his property is one of the bordering properties where the right ofway leads to the proposed facility. He has some concerns such asi noise and light pollution. He states during the Centennial celebration, which was a short period oft time, was very noisy and the lights were extreme and a lot of people came through his yard and onto Charles Drive. Hel has heard they may put a boundary fence around the property and take trees out to do SO. He states he has seen drawings that have changed from all soccer fields to a couple hours before the last meeting, changed again to meet the needs of the public. He asks how a plan can be changed without doing a market and feasibility study to even know ifit it will be profitable. He states the proposed lease has no restrictions or guidelines to what they have to adhere to. He asks who is going to pay for the police to monitor traffic and his other concern is the tax issue and why they are considering exemptions. He states the Township has inhouse leagues such as PAL, NCAA and soccer which is a great youth development, but this type of complex is pay to play, not a community event. He hopes a lot more consideration will be made before moving forward. Amy Geshion -11575 Dennis Circle - states when you play travel sports with indoor facilities, they practice all year round, SO when the road department is going in to make the roads safe in the wintertime there will be traffic in and out of that facility also making it difficult for them to do  theirj jobs.  RESPONSE TO CITIZENS INPUT  Sports Complex - Commissioner Gass states he appreciates everyone coming out because everyone should voice their opinions. He asks to give the Board credit and there are no sweetheart deals and must be approved by everyone. He said negotiations are in the very early stages and states Mr. Shuster said the property is unbuildable and an unbelievable amount ofl land is going to be moved in order to make this happen and ift the residents want to do this themselves be prepared for increased taxes, which have not increased in approximately twenty years. He states there is a lot to consider and he likes thei idea, but of what cost to the residents. Commissioner Haigis states he brought up the issue of the plans changing hours before the previous meeting and the twenty nine year lease with the renewals with the Township having the right to terminate the lease after the first term. Also, there is no language in the current contract that Township residents would get X,y,2 and is no different than leasing property to a Whole Foods as a business to make money. There is also no language of any benefits to the residents. Commissioner Gass states he has continuously asked the organization what the benefits are to the residents. Commissioner Gray asks Commissioner Gass that hes seems tol be offended by people challenging him about his motives but we' re talking about a land lease and asks if he read the lease because there is nothing in the lease that benefits the residents and ifthe lease is signed, as is, there are: no more bargaining rights  and the organization has full control.    August 21, 2024  Frog Road - Manager Faulk states we have been actively working on Frog Road for the past year and have not made any promises. The advertisement for bids for road inlets on Scotch Hill #1 is on the agenda SO the work to remove the pipe that is dumping water behind the homes can begin. As far as the dredging oft the creek, himselfand Kody Grabiak met with the Westmoreland County Conservation District and: few months ago and will review the notes as to how to move forward. Commissioner Gass states he has been meeting with the residents on Frog Road for years on this issue and all the homes are in threat of receiving water in their back and front yards. He understands KUI Resources is involved but something needs tol be done soon. He states Mr. Crane's first floor is four inches away from being flooded because his neighbor shifted the creek. Rich Albert, Director of Public Works, states he disagrees and feels that it isa civil matter between the two neighbors and the Township should not be involved. He states any work that is done in this area is not going to do anything until the stream is dredged and the existing pipes are all clogged. He: states this has been an ongoing issue for many years. Commissioner Gass states this needs to move faster. Mr. Albert states the cost to dredge the creek would be astronomical. Mr. Grabiak states this area is considered ai floodplain and is supposed to: flood during large rains. As far as the neighbor moving creek, he said he did not, but the other neighbor states he did and Mr. Grabiak has no evidence that the creek was ever moved and feels the Township should not do anything on  that end ofit.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve (Special Meeting 7/11/24)  Motion carried 7-0-0  Motion: Commissioner Hempel Second: Commissioner Bevan  Motion to approve (Regular Meeting 7/17/24)  Motion carried 7-0-0  PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve Voucher No. 32946 through  Voucher No. 33023. Motion carried 7-0-0    August 21,2024  STAFF REPORTS: PUBLICWORKS REPORT  Director. Albert states the crews are working diligently to get the roads ready for paving and has a  lot ofwork to do and doing their best with work requests.  PARKS REPORT  Commissioner Gass states there have been dog biting issues atl Indian Lake. Manager Faulk states  one complaint was: received and will discuss at next weeks staff meeting.  POLICE REPORT  Lieutenant McCurdy states the department is anticipating the two new hires and both perspective  hires are excited to join the department to add to the force. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT There are no Board comments. ENGINEERING REPORT There were no Board comments. FIRE OFFICIAL'S REPORT There were no Board comments.  SUBDIVISION & LAND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION REPORT  1) S-09-2024: Lyons-Botti IIS Subdivision, Myers Lane, R-4 Zoning Action to approve aj proposedsubdivision. on Myers Lane for single-family home.  Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0    August 21,2024  SOLICITOR'S REPORT = Solicitor Dice 10. SOLICITOR'S REPORT  Bruce E. Dice & Associates  1) Action to approve Ordinance No. 2303 accepting the dedication to public use certain roads known as. New Hope Drive and Isabella Drive in the Hollybrook Plan oflots.  Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Gray  Motion to approve. Motion carried7 7-0-0  TOWNSHIP MANAGERS REPORT  1) Action to approve the. July check register.  Motion: Commissioner Hempel Second: Commissioner Zona  Motion to approve. Motion carried7-0-0  2) Budget Report - July 20241 Report. 00-0-014 known as Rivertowne.  3 Action to advertise for bids for the demolition oft the structure located onl Parcel Id#54-03-  Motion: Commissioner Gray Second: Commissioner Gass  So moved. Motion carried 7-0-0  4) Action to approve Resolution No. 125 authorizing the disposal of specific records in  accordance with the procedures established by Ordinance No. 674.  Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Bevan  Motion to approve. Motion carried7-0-0  5) Action to approve Resolution No. 126 designating the President and Manager to execute all documents and agreement with the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the park  security camera upgrade in the amount of $85,936.00.  Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve.    August 21,2024  Commissioner Gray asks ifthis is a grant or borrowing the money. Manager Faulk states this is a grant with LSA Funds. Commissioner Gray asks why the cameras are being put in the parks. Manager Faulk states complaints have been received of criminal activity and the cameras need to be upgraded to ensure safety. Commissioner Gray asks if temporary cameras could be used to capture the activity and also has a problem with surveillance of every car that goes in the park. Commissioner Zona states anywheres yougo.youare on camera and these cameras assist inl keeping the community safe. He states these cameras are a tool that is desperately needed for law enforcement. Commissioner Haigis states an incident with a dog happened at one ofthe parks and  acamera would have been helpful to address the situation.  No: Commissioner Gray  Motion carried 6-1-0  6) Action to approve Resolution No. 127 authorizing amendments to the 2024 budget.  Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0  7) Action to award the bid fort the North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue RoofReplacement: to Bella  Construction in the amount of$39,417.05.  Motion: Commissioner Haigis Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0  8) Action to award the Pine Hollow Slide Repair to JP Operations in the amount of  $396,450.00. Motion: Commissioner Gass Second: Commissioner Zona  Motion to approve.  Commissioner Gass clarifies a grant has been received in the amount of one hundred eighty  thousand dollars from Senator Kim Ward towards this project.  Motion carried7 7-0-0  9) Action to purchase twenty-one 2l)semi-automatic rifles int the amount of$19,808.04 from Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. under the COSTARS Contract #012-E22-281.  Motion: Commissioner Hempel Second: Commissioner Zona  Motion to approve. Motion carried7-0-0    August 21,2024  10)Action to purchase a tractor and boom mower in the amount of $175,670.40 under  COSTARS Contract #DG4400028305.  Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0  11)Action to appoint Ryan Fonzi to the position of Assistant Township Manager and approve  the employment agreement. Motion: Commissioner Gray Second: Commissioner Haigis  So moved.  Motion carried 7-0-0  12)Action to appoint Lydia Kinkaid to the position ofl Parks and Recreation Coordinator.  Motion: Commissioner Haigis Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve. Motion carried7-0-0  13)Action to approve Resolution No. 128 amending the 2024 Salary and Wage Schedule.  Motion: Commissioner Hempel Second: Commissioner Bevan  Motion to approve.  Commissioner Gass asks for clarification on the amendment. Manager Faulk states this sets the  salary for the Assistant Manager and Parks Coordinator.  Motion carried7-0-0  14)Action to appoint Alyssa Campbell toi the position orTelecommunications Officer pending successful completion of the pre-employment drug screen and background check.  Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Gray  Motion to approve. Motion carried7-0-0  15)Action to hire Ethan Fagnelli and Brendan Duffy for the position of police officer pending successful completion ofa aj physical, psychological, drug screening and credit check.  Motion: Commissioner Gass Second: Commissioner Gray  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0    August2 21,2024  16)4 Action to advertise for Public Works Laborer.  Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0  17)Action to advertise internally for the positions of Public Works Director and Director of  Community Development. Motion: Commissioner Hempel Second: Commissioner Zona  Motion to approve. Motion carried7-0-0  18)Action to release the surety bond in the amount of $154,147.19 to Barnes Lake Animal  Hospital.  Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Gray  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0  19). Action to release $73,112.65 cash bond for the Irwin Car Parking Lot Expansion Project.  Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Gray  Motion to approve. Motion carried7-0-0  20).Action to advertise for bids for the Scotch Hill Road #1 Inlets Project.  Motion: Commissioner Haigis Second: Commissioner Gass  Motion to approve. Motion carried7-0-0  21)Action to advertise for bids for the 2024 Stormwater Retention Ponds Improvements.  Motion: Commissioner Haigis Second: Commissioner Zona  Motion to approve. Motion carried7-0-0  22)Action to approve the demolition ofs structure located on Parcel ID; #54-08-11-0-056 known  as 8825 Broadway Street. Motion: Commissioner Gass Second: Commissioner Zona  Motion to approve.  Motion carried 7-0-0    August 21,2024  23).Action to approve the demolition ofs structure. located onl Parcel ID#54-08-11-0-091 known  as 8856 Broadway Street. Motion: Commissioner Gass Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0  24)Action to reduce the line of credit for Tuscan Hills VII Grading from $174,297.20 to  $17,429.72. Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Haigis  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0  25)Action to release the $132,994.55 Performance Bond for the Hollybrook Residential  Subdivision Plan. Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0  26)Action to remove from the table the refund to Circleville VFD.  Motion: Commissioner Gass Second: Commissioner Hempel  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0  27)Action to refund Circleville VFD ini the amount of $272.18 for tax year 2022.  Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Hempel FURTHER BOARD COMMENTS  Motion to approve. Motion carried 7-0-0  Commissioner Gass thanks Director. Albert for his years served as Director of Public Works.  ADJOURNMENT Motion: Commissioner Zona Second: Commissioner Haigis  Motion to adjourn. (8:33 P.M) Motion carried7-0-0  1) Regular Meeting Minutes of. July 17, 2024 were approved by the Board of  Commissioners on. August 21,2024.  REOA Harry R. Faulk, Township Manager  717  /ijh