BRADFORD WOODS BOROUGH COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING December 10, 2018 APPROVED

Transcription

1 BRADFORD WOODS BOROUGH COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING December 10, 2018 APPROVED The Bradford Woods Borough Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Charles Coltharp. There were 4 people present in the audience. The Officials in attendance were:, Council President, Vice President, Council Member, Council Member, Council Member, Council Member, Council Member Douglas Marsico, Mayor The Official(s) absent were: Kate Diersen, Solicitor Natalie Thiess, Borough Manager CALL TO ORDER 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll Call SWEARING IN OF NORTHERN REGIONAL POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICER Captain John Sicilia introduced the newly hired officer, Michael Stevenson: 29 years old, attended Seneca Valley High School, received a criminal justice degree, attended Allegheny County Police Academy, and was previously posted at West View Borough. Mayor Douglas Marsico swore in Mr. Stevenson under oath. CALL OF RECOGNITION Borough Manager Natalie Thiess recognized and commended Alfred Akner for the past 10 years of service as the Borough Zoning and Code Enforcement officer by presenting a plaque. Mr. Akner spoke on his time working for the Borough. ANNOUNCEMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. President announced there will be an executive session to discuss personnel matters. MINUTES 1. Mr. Coltharp called for a motion to approve meeting minutes from the regular Council Meeting held on November 12, motioned to approve the meeting minutes. seconded. 1

2 Motion to pass the November 12, 2018 minutes. Abstain: PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA MAYOR S REPORT 1. Mr. Marsico requested an specifically for the mayor. Ms. Thiess stated she will create an . MANAGER S REPORT Borough Manager Natalie Thiess reported on the following: 1. Ms. Thiess announced the PSAB magazine subscription for 2019 and requested who wishes to receive a subscription: Rhule; Hinston; Kosmala; Pongrace; Coltharp; and Marsico requested subscriptions. 2. Ms. Thiess introduced Resolution 15 of 2018, regarding the established Northern Regional Police Department s retirement plan and the Borough s 5% contribution to that plan. Victoria Pongrace made a motion to approve. Mr. Coltharp asked if there was a change. There is no change. seconded. 3. Ms. Thiess introduced Ordinance 459, setting the tax millage rate to 2.483, being $2.483 of each $1,000 of assessed valuation of real property in the Borough. The tax rate remains unchanged. made a motion to approve. seconded. Abstain: 2

3 4. Ms. Thiess introduced the lease renewal with Bradford Woods Volunteer Fire Department. The amendment previously discussed regarding use of Borough chambers is included in the lease. Rent remains the same with $17,304 and contribution $27,150. made a motion to approve. seconded. 5. Ms. Thiess announced the upcoming cable franchise agreement renewal through the NHCOG along with Pine, Marshall, and Richland Township to renew agreement with Armstrong. The proposed cost with the Cohen Law Group (CLG) (who has been previously hired to complete franchise agreements for the COG) is an estimated cost of $18,000, at a shared cost of $4,500 each. Ms. Thiess explained what is included in the memo: elected officials three critical roles in renewing a cable franchise agreement; and nine potential franchise benefits. Some of the benefits would not apply to the Borough, but one of a couple that has not been utilized is the franchise fee revenue that could help diversify the Borough s revenue without raising taxes. Ms. Thiess stated she will be having a conversation with the other municipalities and CLG regarding the upcoming renewal and requested if Council is open to explore the fee further and gather more information. Discussion ensued regarding the cable franchise fee. made a motion to accept legal services from CLG for the cable franchise negotiation with Armstrong. seconded. 6. Ms. Thiess presented the monthly public reports that will be presented at the meetings by the Manager to keep track of public works completed tasks and information. MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4) 1. Ms. Thiess announced yearly Council training for MS4 that was open to the public before this evenings regular council meeting. 2. Ms. Thiess announced the upcoming DEP MS4 inspection. SOLICITOR S REPORT COMMITTEE REPORTS FINANCE 1. Councilmember discussed the November check register. Mr. Hipwell reported there were 26 checks, 4 paychecks, and 4 electronic payments. Mr. Hipwell reported the largest 3

4 checks included $5,965 to PIRMA for elected official liability, $3,579 to Bradford Woods Fire Company for rent and contribution, $2,000 to LSSE for engineering fees, $3,266 to Morton Salt for road salt, and $1,887 to Jordan Tax Service for tax collection. made a motion to pay and ratify payments for November Seconded by. 2. Mr. Hipwell introduced the pre-ratified check list before Council for approval. Motion was made by Mr. Hipwell to pre-ratify bills for January. Motion was seconded by Ms. Pongrace. 3. Mr. Hipwell reported the November revenue and expense report. Mr. Hipwell reported the total revenue is $43,745 and total expense is $33,089 and a balance of $370,908. Discussion ensued about 2018 expenses. 4. Mr. Hipwell presented the 2019 budget. Mr. Hipwell pointed out the roads budget line item of $174,000, lower than previous years, only leaving Crystal Springs to be paved for Victoria Pongrace made a motion to approve 2019 budget. seconded. SAFETY 1. Vice President reported the November police report as follows: 29 calls; 39 traffic warnings; 71 citations. Year to date: 217 calls; 63 traffic warnings; 54 citations. Ms. Pongrace requested Captain Sicilia to stay at the meeting to address any concerns or questions. Mr. Coltharp asked about the recent spike in warnings and citations. Captain Sicilia stated there was an increase of calls for concern throughout the Borough and completed traffic studies by 4

5 traffic officers. The study presented that there is an issue and posted a heavy police presence. Discussion ensued regarding enforcement, speeding, current laws, and speeding alleviation tactics. FIRE 1. Fire Chief Vince Cannella reported 12 calls (45 Y-T-D): Mr. Cannella reported on the November 15 ice storm which caused major tree hazards and electrical line issues (power outages). Discussion ensued regarding the November 15 storm. ROADS 1. Councilmember commented on the tree damage remnants from the November 15 storm that is piled on the sides of roads and the residents responsibility to clean up the storm remnants. Mr. Baldonieri requested a news blast reminding residents to clean up brush. Mr. Coltharp asked if individual letters should be sent out for particular issue spots. Mr. Baldonieri stated a news blast can be sent to begin the process. 2. Mr. Baldonieri discussed the berm damage that occurred due to the trucks fixing power lines. PLANNING AND ZONING 1. No permits for November 2. Ms. Hinston reported the Planning Commission meeting held on Thursday, December 6 to review the plat subdivision adjustment for 518 Spruce Lane, applicant Scott Payne (currently residing on 65 Seldom Seen). The application is to merge two lots to eventually develop. Planning Commission recommends to Council to approve the application. made a motion to approve the plans. seconded. 3. Ms. Hinston announced the Zoning and Code Enforcement officer position is still open with one applicant. 4. Ms. Hinston requests to move the Planning Commission meeting back to the first Mondays of each month. Council had no objections. PERSONNEL COMMUNICATION /OUTREACH/ NORTH HILLS COG / PUBLIC RELATIONS / NORTHLAND LIBRARY 1. Mr. Kosmala discussed the NHCOG meeting on November Mr. Kosmala updated Council on Northland Public Library items including the garden, HVAC system, and solicitor. NPL received the Gold Star Library certification. 5

6 ENVIRONMENT 1. Mr. Rhule reported on the Conservancy meeting including: grants for residential maintenance; Conservancy 25 th anniversary on March 22; January newsletter; speaker series; events (Earth Day); air quality monitoring report; raising chestnut trees. The Conservancy also would like to place a sign on the plot of land at the Reserve for the area designated for butterflies. Council stated the Conservancy is to submit a plan regarding the sign. EPAC should review the plan and present a recommendation before Council review. OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. Ms. Thiess acknowledges the Fire Company and Borough Roads for their hard work during the November 15 storm. ADJOURN Motion to adjourn the public meeting and go into executive session at 8:28 P.M. by, seconded by, motion carried. Motion to adjourn executive session and go into public meeting at 9:13 P.M. by, seconded by, motion carried. ADJOURN Motion to adjourn the public meeting at 9:13 P.M. by, seconded by, motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Natalie Thiess, Borough Manager Date 6