TOWNSHIP OF O HARA COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

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1 TOWNSHIP OF O HARA COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 I. OPENING PROCEDURES A. Pledge of Allegiance lead by President Smith B. Call to Order by President Smith at 7:04 p.m. C. Roll Call Council Members Present: Robert John Smith, President of Council; Brian R. Kozera, Sr., Vice-President of Council; Charles Vogel, First Ward; Mark F. Rothert, Second Ward; John R. Denny, Jr., Fourth Ward; Alan C. Templin, Fifth Ward, Bart E. Bodkin, At-Large Also Present: Richard J. Stampahar, Treasurer; Julie A. Jakubec, CPA, Township Manager; Brock McCandless, Township Solicitor; Charles W. Steinert, Jr., P.E., Township Engineer; James R. Farringer, Superintendent of Police; Pauline Williams, Recording Secretary II. ANNOUNCEMENT President Smith announced that Council conducted an Executive Session on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at the Township municipal building, which began at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Council also conducted an Executive Session this evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of the Executive Sessions was to discuss legal issues related to fire department service. III. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION A. Presentation by ABC Family Mr. Peter Martorano, Location Manager for ABC Family Channel, explained plans to film a musical for television titled, Elixer which is about everlasting love and takes place in Italy. Mr. Martorano stated the perfect Italian Villa happens to be located in O Hara Township, at the Costa residence near Meadow Park. He provided a packet of information to Council including equipment location, people involved with filming the movie and filming dates and times. Mr. Martorano indicated equipment, crew and actors would be transported to the Costa residence from an area near the Highland Park Bridge and Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company. He stated most of the residents had been contacted and informed about the filming dates and times. A few residents have not responded to attempts to contact them, and the Manager was provided a list of those individuals. Mr. Martorano indicated he had not received any objections. Should any issue arise, it would be addressed. Manager Jakubec indicated that she reviewed information with Mr. Martorano regarding temporary use permits and park rental procedures and requirements. Council Workshop Minutes 1

2 Mr. Bodkin inquired about the number of people on the site during filming. Mr. Martorano estimated 75 to 125 people would be on site. However 25 extra people would be on site during the filming of the bachelorette party. He stated 80 to 90 percent of the employees are employees of Boss Productions, which has contracted with ABC Family to produce the film. Other contractors on site include the tent company, a caterer, the security company and any special equipment delivered the Costa residence. President Smith inquired about security. Mr. Martorano indicated he intends to hire Peak Security, to provide security services. Manager Jakubec noted Mr. Martorano would be meeting with members of Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company to discuss emergency access. Mr. Martorano stated emergency access would always be available to the neighborhood. President Smith expressed concerns of bright lights and loud noise. Mr. Martorano explained the height of the lights and noise would be adjusted if issues arise. Vice President Kozera, Sr. noted an existing tree line which should obstruct the lights. Mr. Rothert inquired if residents concerns would be addressed, which Mr. Martorano confirmed, adding that a certificate of insurance was also provided to the Township. Based on discussion, the consensus of Council was for the movie to be filmed at the Costa residence near Meadow Park. B. Powers Plan of Lots, Powers Run Road - Application for Minor Subdivision Manager Jakubec stated the Township Planning Commission reviewed the subject Plan during the July 18 th scheduled meeting and has recommended Council approval. The Plan involves subdividing parcel 290-E-10 located along Field Club Road into four lots. The four created parcels will be acres, acres, acres and acres. She acknowledged Mr. Tom Powers was in the audience. It was noted the newly created lots were buildable, though there was no intention to develop the lots in the near future. C. Aerotech Application for Final Land Development The Manager noted Aerotech has proposed a redevelopment of the existing site located at 101 Zeta Drive. The Plan involves the demolition of the adjacent building and construction of a new 64,655 square foot addition to the existing structure, as well as additional parking. Council granted Preliminary Land Development approval at the July 12 th meeting. The Township Planning Commission reviewed the application for Final Land Development at its July 18 th meeting and has recommended Council approve the plan subject to seven remaining conditions. Mr. Jim Roose, of RSSC Architecture, was in attendance representing Aerotech. He explained the proposed plans for the new addition and indicated the addition would match the existing structure. Council Workshop Minutes 2

3 Mr. Steinert, Jr. P.E. stated the intersection of Zeta Drive at Gamma Drive currently operates with deficiencies and the traffic impact study conducted by HRG indicates that a traffic signal is justified. He indicated Aerotech may be requested to participate in a future traffic signal. Police Superintendent Farringer indicated police officers would monitor and evaluate the intersection. D. 122 Gamma Drive Parking Addition Application for Minor Subdivision Manager Jakubec stated RIDC has proposed the consolidation of parcels 227-H-51 and 227-H-53, located along Alpha Drive and Gamma Drive, into one lot. The Township Planning Commission reviewed the Plan at its August 15 th meeting and has recommended Council approve the Plan. Ms. Jackie Mazza, of MDS was in attendance representing RIDC. She explained that the parking island was reconfigured to meet the ordinance requirements. President Smith verified that there are no outstanding conditions of approval. The consensus of Council was to include a resolution for consideration on the September 13 th regular E. 122 Gamma Drive Parking Addition Application for Minor Land Development The Manager noted it has been proposed by RIDC, owner of 122 Gamma Drive, to add 35 parking spaces in a divided parking lot that does not permit cut through traffic. On August 15 th, the Planning Commission reviewed the Plan and has recommended to Council that the Plan be approved subject to four conditions as stated in the proposed resolution. F. Chapel Harbor At The Water Application for Minor Subdivision Manager Jakubec stated Chapel Harbor at the Water Associates, LP is proposing to revise the subdivision plan for Phase II. The revision reduces the remaining 41 townhome lots to 24 lots to allow for the construction of townhomes and carriage homes. The Township Planning Commission reviewed the Plan during its July 18 th regular meeting and has recommended to Council that the Minor Subdivision Plan be approved subject to one (1) condition as stated in the proposed resolution. The Manager recalled past history concerning the Chapel Harbor At The Water development. Mr. Dave Brandner, 15 Locust Street, inquired about the contractor. It was noted PVE Sheffler submitted the application on behalf of Stapleton Homes, the contractor. Mr. Jay Richards, of Stapleton Homes, Inc., explained the plan proposes the construction of single family and carriage homes for Phase II of the Chapel Harbor At The Water Plan, which includes 7 buildings and 14 units. Council Workshop Minutes 3

4 Vice President Kozera, Sr. noted stormwater concerns. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. indicated the contractor is working to resolve the stormwater issues. Mr. Bodkin asked if the setback requirements were met. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. explained Council is requested to grant comparable departures. G. Chapel Harbor At The Water Application for Preliminary Land Development The Manager noted it has been proposed by Chapel Harbor At The Water to modify the approved Land Development for Phase II to allow the completion of the development with new housing options. The Planning Commission reviewed the Plan during its July 18 th meeting and has recommended Council approval of the Plan subject to ten (10) conditions as listed in the proposed resolution. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. indicated the conditions which had since been satisfied and should be removed from the resolution. H. Chapel Harbor At The Water Application for Final Land Development Manager Jakubec stated Chapel Harbor At The Water has proposed a modification to the approved Phase II Land Development Plan to allow for the completion of the development with new housing options. The Township Planning Commission reviewed the Plan during its August 15 th meeting and has recommended to Council that the Final Land Development Plan be approved subject to nine conditions as listed in the proposed resolution. It was noted eight conditions remained outstanding for Final Land Development approval. IV. CITIZEN COMMENTS CONCERNING NON-AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Cindy Harris, 53 Fox Pointe Drive, expressed concern about the revised excavation ordinance, and questioned whether she would need a permit every time she digs a hole. She also questioned why the ordinance was not available for review on the Township website? Mr. Steinert, Jr. P.E. noted the Township provides for two levels of earth movement, 500 yards and under, and 500 yards and over. He acknowledged sometimes landscaping can require a grading permit. The ordinance was clarified to stipulate a change to the contour of land where it adversely affects water runoff conditions. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. noted the stormwater management ordinance Council Workshop Minutes 4

5 and grading ordinance go hand-in-hand, and the stormwater management ordinance provides remedies for such situations. Manager Jakubec indicated she would verify the availability of the ordinance on the Township website. Mr. Tom Powers, 1417 Powers Run Road, provided a verbal update concerning catalog filing and digital photo files for the History Room at the Cooper Segal Community Library. President Smith thanked Mr. Powers for his continued interest in the O Hara community. III. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION CONTINUED I. Update on Township Fire Service The Manager informed Council about recent correspondence between Guyasuta Volunteer Fire Department. Motion by Mr. Vogel to continue the suspension of fire services indefinitely by Guyasuta Volunteer Fire Department, was seconded by Mr. Denny, Jr. On roll call, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bodkin extended appreciation of support from fire departments in the surrounding communities. He also expressed appreciation to the individuals who serve the Guyasuta Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Vogel stated it pains him to take this step. However, Council gave Guyasuta VFD 90 days to correct the issues, but to no avail. He indicated the action necessary in order to provide O Hara Township with the best available fire protection. Mr. Denny, Jr. stated Guyasuta VFD shut themselves down. It has always been the hope and intent of the Township and Council for Guyasuta VFD to take the right actions and come back. He encouraged other fire departments and companies to welcome Guyasuta members into their organizations. There were no citizen comments concerning the indefinite suspension of Guyasuta VFD. Motion by Mr. Denny, Jr. to introduce for first reading ordinance Bill No. B , Removing Guyasuta Volunteer Fire Department as an Emergency Service Provider to the Township of O Hara, was seconded by Mr. Rothert. On voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. J. GASB 54 Standards and Applications Manager Jakubec explained the Governmental Accounting Standards Board has issued GASB Statement 54 Fund Balance Reporting and Governmental Fund Type Definitions. GASB 54 changes the way governmental fund types are reported and requires maintaining only certain monies in Special Revenue Funds. The Township will maintain a General Fund, Community Center Fund, Sewer Fund and Highway Aid Fund. All other Special Revenue Funds will be combined into the Council Workshop Minutes 5

6 General Fund. Council is required to adopt GASB 54 for the Township to be in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. K. Employee Pension Plan Budgets for the Year 2011 The Manager stated the Township is required by law to establish an appropriation in each year s budget for police and employee pension plans. The appropriation for 2012, referred to as the Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO), will be zero for the non-uniform defined benefit plan, $14,225 for the non-uniform defined contribution plan, and $141,084 for the police plan according to documentation received from the pension actuary, Mockenhaupt Associates. L. Recognizing the Services of Russell D. Orkin Manager Jakubec noted Mr. Russell Orkin, member of the Township Zoning Hearing Board, has submitted a letter of resignation. He was appointed to the Township Zoning Hearing Board in The proposed resolution recognizes Mr. Orkin for his years of service to the community. The consensus of Council was to include the resolution on the September 13 th regular meeting agenda. M. Appointment to Fill Vacancy on Zoning Hearing Board The Manager indicated staff has requested Council s consideration of appointing Alternate Zoning Hearing Board member Scott Duffy as a board member to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Orkin. Mr. Duffy is the longest serving Alternate on the board. The consensus of Council was to include a motion on the September 13 th regular meeting agenda for consideration. N. Update on Saxonburg Sanitary Sewer Project / Easement Agreements Manager Jakubec noted staff is reaching out to Allegheny County with regard to the pump station issues. Mr. Steinert, Jr., P.E. explained the County is coordinating the permitting issues. Solicitor McCandless stated the easement agreements are in the process of being sent to the residents affected by the sanitary sewer project. No comments. O. Solicitor s July 12, 2011 and August 9, 2011 Invoices Council Workshop Minutes 6

7 P. Proposed Agenda for the September 13, 2011 Regular Council Meeting Manager Jakubec indicated second reading of the ordinance removing Guyasuta VFD would be included on the September 13 th regular Q. Review of Long Range Comprehensive Plan Manager Jakubec noted Jeff Pierce, Consultant from Olsen Engineers, is currently updating information per Council s request. The consensus of Council was to continue review of the proposed Long Range Comprehensive Plan beginning with Chapters 7, 8 and 9, during the September 13 th workshop. The Manager anticipated the final Plan to be considered for adoption in November V. CONCERNS OF COUNCIL Vice President Kozera, Sr. noted the Community Center recently hired a new program manager. Mr. Denny, Jr. noted the importance of the Fire Funding and Safety Committee to meet each month so that progress may continue. VI. CONCERNS OF STAFF The Manager referenced a request to execute the required Penn D.O.T. Permit Application for the closure of Powers Run Road during the Fox Chapel Area High School Homecoming Parade. Conditions noted in the past would continue. The consensus of Council was to authorize the execution of the Penn D.O.T. Permit Application. VII. ADJOURNMENT Council adjourned the workshop at 8:51 p.m. and following a brief break, Council entered into Executive Session to discuss labor and legal matters. Attachment: Sign-In Sheet(s) Cathy Bubas, Manager s Secretary Council Workshop Minutes 7