Joseph A. Frauenholz, Jr., Second Ward

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1 TOWNSHIP OF O=HARA COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES JANUARY 9, 2007 I. OPENING PROCEDURES A. Pledge of Allegiance lead by President Smith B. Call To Order by President Smith at 7:03 p.m. C. Roll Call Council Members Present: Robert John Smith, President of Council; Marshall J. Treblow*, Vice-President of Council; Charles Vogel, First Ward; Brian R. Kozera, Sr., Third Ward; Dempsey D. Bruce, III, Fourth Ward; Ilene L.S. Kurfeerst, Ph.D., Fifth Ward Absent: Also Present: Joseph A. Frauenholz, Jr., Second Ward Richard A. Stampahar, Treasurer; Julie A. Jakubec, CPA, Township Manager; Daniel Garfinkel, Township Solicitor; Eric Tissue, P.E., Consulting Engineer; James R. Farringer, Superintendent of Police; Cathy Bubas, Manager=s Secretary President Smith noted meeting procedures and requested anyone with comments to approach the microphone, and state their name and address for the record. II. FOX CHAPEL DISTRICT ASSOCIATION PRESENTATION Mr. David DiBenedetto, Ms. Trish Klatt, and Mr. David Kamin, presented a monetary donation to the Township for the trails project. Mr. Kamin was acknowledged as a major contributor to the project. Mr. DiBenedetto, on behalf of the Fox Chapel District Association, stated they are happy to be involved and hope to help expand the trail project. President Smith accepted the donation on behalf of Council, noting the Association s generosity and hard work ahead to raise funds for park amenities. III. CITIZENS COMMENTS CONCERNING NON-AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Clyde Lobaugh, Auxiliary Fire Police, apologized for his comments at the December 12, 2006 workshop. He expressed appreciation for the positive things that resulted from his comments.

2 IV. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION A. Riverfront Trail Amenities and Park Bench Naming Rights Manager Jakubec explained the Fox Chapel District Association has requested an opportunity to fund raise for various amenities omitted from the Trails Project and two seating areas around the Squaw Valley Park pond, at no cost to the Township. Mr. DiBenedetto noted a great number of requests have been received from prospective contributors, but they would like to have something recognizing their contribution, or to honor people. He suggested selling the rights of items deleted from the project. Mr. DiBenedetto stated the Fox Chapel District Association was provided a list of items omitted from the trail and pond projects. Mr. Kozera questioned if other benches the Township purchased could be sponsored at the Township s cost. Manager Jakubec indicated the Township could be reimbursed for the bench and a plaque could be added to acknowledge the contribution or commemorate a person. She recommended the Parks and Recreation Commission determine the size of the plaque. The consensus of Council was to approve the fund raising by the Fox Chapel District Association for park amenities. Dr. Kurfeerst requested the Manager to also provide a list of items approved for the trail and pond projects. B. Request for No Parking Along Boyd Avenue Manager Jakubec referenced a letter received from Brian Wozniak, President of The Cove at St. Charles Condominium Association, requesting No Parking along Boyd Avenue. The Manager and Township Engineer visited the site at various times of the day to assess the parking situation and possible options to alleviate the problem. Mr. Eric Tissue, Consulting Engineer of KLH Engineers, noted two areas, including a paper street, which if cleared and graveled, could provide a few parking spaces. Gravel may need to be added occasionally to maintain the parking areas. Mr. Tissue also stated some cars park too close to the top of the street near Freeport Road. Due to the proximity of the parked cars and the stop sign, a no parking zone is warranted. Manager Jakubec suggested discussing the proposed parking areas with the Boyd Avenue residents. Mr. Frauenholz, Jr. suggested requesting The Cove at St. Charles to financially participate once a cost estimate is determined. Mr. Bruce, III did not approve of inconveniencing the local residents by restricting parking. President Smith questioned if the residents would expect the Township to plow the created parking areas. Mr. Frauenholz, Jr. recalled the former Township Engineer had obtained information related to parking issues on Boyd Avenue, and requested the information be reviewed and further discussed in March, to which Council concurred.

3 C. CCLA Request for Support of Sharpsburg Library Branch The Manager referenced a letter received from Stephanie Flom, Executive Director of the Lauri Ann West Memorial Library, requesting financial support of the Sharpsburg Library branch. Dr. Kurfeerst, Mr. Frauenholz, Jr., and Mr. Kozera, Sr. preferred Township residents to donate, if so desired. President Smith and Mr. Vogel noted the community service provided by the library. Vice-President Treblow arrived at 7:34 p.m. Dr. Kurfeerst suggested allocating the earnings from the recycling dumpster to the Sharpsburg Library branch. Vice-President Treblow requested data to determine if the Sharpsburg Library branch is sustainable. He also noted municipal contributions determine the amount of funding received through the Allegheny County Library Association. The consensus of Council was to obtain and review additional information relative to the use of the Sharpsburg Library branch. D. Clarification of CCLA Board Members Manager Jakubec recalled questions relative to the Community Center Bylaws and Council appointing Board Members. Manager Jakubec explained two Board Members appointed by Township Council resigned from the CCLA Board. The Community Center recruited two individuals to the Board, who have been functioning as Board Members. The Community Center requests Council ratify the current Board Members. Vice-President Treblow stated the goal of the Board is to find the best, qualified people, with special expertise in various areas. The Board Members are appointed to serve three-year terms and the terms are renewable up to six years. Two members are replaced each term. Manager Jakubec stated the Library and Community Center Board is a joint board and will eventually be dissolved. The Community Center Board is semi-official, and the Library Board was established in preparation of the split from the Community Center. The consensus of Council was to include the ratification of CCLA Board Members on the January 16 th regular meeting agenda for consideration. E. Private Lessons in Township Parks Policy Manager Jakubec recalled a conversation with Stephanie Flom, whereby the Boyd Community Center would like to utilize Township parks for conducting private lessons. The Manager explained the Community Center currently screens the instructors for other programs offered, and suggested possibly the Township could partner with the Community Center to allow private lessons in Township parks which are approved through the Boyd Community Center. Mr. Frauenholz, Jr. indicated the Township should also screen instructors of private lessons.

4 Difficulty in controlling the use of Township parks for private lessons was discussed. Vice- President Treblow cautioned Council and staff with the process of selective prosecution and possible legal implications. The consensus of Council was to develop an ordinance relative to private lessons in Township parks. F. Request for No Parking On Old Freeport Road Trail The Manager noted complaints received of people parking on the trail along Old Freeport Road. The consensus of Council was to prepare an ordinance restricting parking on the trail along Old Freeport Road for first reading at the January 16 th meeting. G. Possible Hiring of Additional Police Officer Manager Jakubec recalled Council s request for additional information regarding the hiring of a patrol officer, as provided for in the 2007 Township Budget. The Manager suggested the patrol officer s start date could be deferred, possibly to March, noting the current Eligibility List expires the end of February Mr. Frauenholz, Jr. questioned the need, while Vice-President Treblow noted the availability of mutual aid from surrounding communities, and Mr. Bruce, III suggested paying the existing officers overtime, rather than an additional salary. Police Superintendent James Farringer explained availability of mutual aid is not guaranteed. He also explained the process of calling officers out per the union contract, and time for officers to respond when called out. It was also noted the officers are not obligated to respond for overtime. Police Superintendent Farringer also noted several new housing developments, resulting in additional people and traffic. Manager Jakubec stated more traffic enforcement would be available with three officers on each shift, which would decrease the amount of speeding complaints. If necessary, the third officer could be pulled from traffic control to assist with other calls. Mr. Frauenholz, Jr. suggested extending the shifts from eight hours to ten hours. Officer Dan Golembiewski noted his length of service on the O Hara Township Police force and how things have changed, such as junkies, persons with H.I.V., not to mention increased housing and traffic. He indicated public safety should be maintained based on improvements. Officer Golembiewski stated after eight hours he is ready to go home. Officer Dave Harajda also spoke on overtime issues. Mr. Kozera, Sr. noted police officers will become eligible for retirement and their position may not need to be filled. Officer Dugan explained an additional officer would allow for more detailed investigations. He also noted accident reports used to be one page, and are now six pages. Officer Lance Brusco noted policies in effect, such as two police officers are required to transport an individual to jail

5 or to Western Psychiatric, leaving the Township unprotected. He also stated mutual aid works both ways, and O Hara Police may be requested to assist the State Police with an incident on Route 28. Mr. Frauenholz, Jr. stated if another patrol officer is hired, he hopes it will not limit the utilization of the Fire Police. Mr. Clyde Lobaugh, Captain of the Fire Police, stated the Fire Police could not replace the additional police officer. The Township needs the officer due to all the development in the Township and surrounding communities. Manager Jakubec believed the hiring of an additional police officer is warranted. If circumstances change,future open positions may not be filled. She suggested hiring an officer from the current Eligibility List, who is experienced in D.U.I., to start in March. Mr. Ed Crates, Cabin Lane, noted a condition of approval of the UPMC Senior Living Facility was to pay a lump sum to the Township for police protection. He also noted the layout of the Township is time consuming when responding to calls on opposite sides of the Township. Manager Jakubec explained the UPMC Senior Living Facility has not yet received tax-exempt status. Therefore, they are subject to paying real estate taxes. Dr. Kurfeerst noted emotional stress and repercussions from incidents to police officers, and recommended hiring an officer. The consensus of Council was to proceed with the hiring of a patrol officer. H. Request To Purchase Police Vehicles Police Superintendent Farringer informed Council the 2005 Ford Expedition and 2005 Crown Victoria sedan are scheduled for replacement. He noted funds budgeted for the replacement vehicles, cost for new vehicles and trade-in values of existing vehicles. Police Superintendent Farringer stated bids were received through the South Hills Area Council of Governments (SHACOG), and the low bidder is Day Ford, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania. He also indicated the existing equipment on the patrol vehicles would be transferred to the new vehicles. Mr. Kozera, Sr. noted the Expedition trade-in value of $8, would not be received, as the Fire Police will be utilizing the Expedition. Manager Jakubec explained the trade-in value would be deducted from the Auxiliary Fire Police budget. Dr. Kurfeerst inquired on a related topic about the status of the digital video cameras. Manager Jakubec explained there are no authorized dealers in Pennsylvania. However, she was trying to get a dealer authorized in the area, and pay $9, for the cameras to avoid having to bid the purchase. Vice-President Treblow questioned with five officers on one shift, if there are enough police vehicles. Manager Jakubec explained the new Administrative vehicle to be purchased would be equipped to function as a police vehicle if needed. The consensus of Council was to include a resolution authorizing the purchase of police vehicles on the January 16 th meeting agenda for consideration.

6 I. Revisions to the Township Fee Resolution No. R Manager Jakubec recalled a prior discussion concerning the current electrical fees not covering the time for inspections. She explained the proposed increases to the electrical inspection fees. Dr. Kurfeerst noted fees for park and gazebo rentals, which the Manager further explained. Mr. Vogel noted BOCA has been replaced by the UCC Board of Appeals, and should be corrected in the fee resolution. The consensus of Council was to include a resolution amending the electrical fees on the January 16 th meeting agenda for consideration. J. Recognizing the Services of Anita Driscoll K. Recognizing the Services of Christopher Young L. Recognizing the Services of Ronald Miles Manager Jakubec stated traditionally the Township has recognized volunteers who have served the community. The consensus of Council was to include resolutions recognizing the above referenced volunteers for their service to the community on the January 16 th meeting agenda. Ms. Anita Driscoll, former member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, explained she would be unable to attend the January 16 th Council meeting, and extended thanks to staff and members of Council for their support of the Parks Commission. M. Appointment to the Township Parks and Recreation Commission Manager Jakubec recalled Council had expressed interest in reappointing Mark Yon to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Interviews are being scheduled for other board and commission vacancies. N. Proposed Amendment to the 2006 Township Budget The Manager explained the proposed 2006 budget amendment as an auditing procedure to reflect revenues exceeded expenditures by $166,895. The consensus of Council was to include an ordinance for first reading on the January 16 th meeting agenda for consideration. O. Fox Chapel Authority 2006 Annual Report and 2007 Budget Manager Jakubec stated the subject report appears to be in order.

7 P. Solicitor=s December 6, 2006 Invoice Mr. Frauenholz, Jr. questioned the practice of charging the full rate for travel time. Solicitor Garfinkel indicated he would request an explanation from Solicitor Weis. Q. Proposed Agenda for the January 16, 2007 Regular Council Meeting Changes to the proposed agenda were noted. IV. CONCERNS OF COUNCIL Mr. Kozera, Sr. noted a NewCom meeting has been scheduled for January 23 rd. He has not received a copy of the Bylaws as requested. Mr. Kozera, Sr. also indicated he would obtain financial information with regard to equipment purchased by Allegheny County. Mr. Frauenholz, Jr. noted an he received from Mr. John Stevens, from ARTEZ, pertaining to a meeting scheduled next week, which he is unable to attend. He requested any available Council Member to attend in his absence. Vice-President Treblow inquired of the status of speed hump signage on Crofton Drive. Mr. Tissue indicated signage should be installed by Thursday. Vice-President Treblow questioned the status of bus shelters to be installed within the Township. The Manager explained issues with PennDOT have been resolved and the Solicitor has one last form to execute. Vice-President Treblow inquired of the status of the Bruce Weiner development along Field Club Road. Manager Jakubec stated Mr. Weiner has not presented another proposal. Vice-President Treblow noted the Township website is outdated. He also suggested providing park shelter availability via the Township website. Manager Jakubec indicated she would have the website reviewed and updated. Vice-President Treblow recalled prior discussion concerning the availability of Homeland Security Grants. The Manager explained the grant requires a block of homes to be purchased, and the requirements for the grant are fairly complicated. Vice-President Treblow questioned the status of the lease agreement with Boyd, which the Manager indicated would be discussed during Executive Session, following the workshop. Vice-President Treblow recalled a comment pertaining to trash along Township streets and requested the trash be cleaned up. The Manager indicated the matter would be deferred to the Public Service Superintendent. Dr. Kurfeerst stated she is unable to attend the North Hills Council of Governments meeting scheduled the third Thursday of this month, and requested the alternate representative to attend in her absence.

8 Dr. Kurfeerst explained issues pertaining to the recycling bins located at the Lauri Ann West Memorial Library. After discussing the matter with Tammy at Abitibi, a third bin is to be received by the end of January. Manager Jakubec noted the process of collecting recycling information for 2006 has begun. She also stated if the third bin does not address the problem, the Code Enforcement Officer would be consulted, or placement of the bins could be discussed with library personnel. V. CONCERNS OF STAFF Manager Jakubec referenced a letter received from Stephanie Flom requested the sidewalks be repaired and trees be pruned at the Boyd Community Center site. Vice-President Treblow recalled the lease stipulations require repairs if it is a hazardous condition. Manager Jakubec added the outside of the community center is the Township s responsibility, and suggested Mr. Kephart and Mr. Bruce review the site for necessary repairs. VI. ADJOURNMENT Council adjourned the workshop at 9:33 and proceeded into Executive Session following a short break. Cathy Bubas Manager s Secretary Attachment: Sign-In Sheet(s)