Index Council Meeting, February 24, 2014 Page No. Adjournment 8 Approval of Minutes 2 Bids Public Works Vehicles (2) 7 Appointments Library Board Beinhauer, Danyo, McEvoy 2 EQB Cribbs, Suneja 3 Cable TV Sandala 3 Miscellaneous Parks & Recreation Quarterly Update 4 Real Estate Tax Appeals 5 Survey of Financial Condition 6 Hancock Settlement 7 Penn DOT/Columbia Gas 8 Road Tour 8 Gas Drilling Trax Farms 8 Sugar Camp Bridge 8 Payroll and Bills 5 Resolutions Ichiban Liquor License Transfer No. 02-04-14 4 Special Permits St. Benedicts Fish Fry Signs 5 1
Council Meeting Monday, February 24, 2014 7:30 PM Council Chambers, Municipal Building 610 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317 Roll Call Present: James Berquist, Frank Arcuri, David Ball, Robert Lewis, Monica Merrell, Gary Stiegel Jr., Meghan Also: Michael A. Silvestri, Township Manager Paul Lauer, Assistant Township Manager John M. Smith, Township Solicitor Mark A. Zemaitis, Township Engineer Ed J. Zuk, Planning Director Pledge of Allegiance Public Hearing See Separate Transcript 1. Approval of Minutes Motion: To approve the minutes of the February 10, 2014 Council meeting as amended. Moved by David Ball, Seconded by Meghan Vote: Motion carried by roll call vote (summary: Yes = 6, No = 0, Abstain = 1) Yes: James Berquist, David Ball, Robert Lewis, Monica Merrell, Gary Stiegel Jr., Meghan Abstained: Frank Arcuri 2. Special Reports There were none. 3. Audience Comments There were none. 4. Unfinished Business 4. A. Board Appointments There are 3 boards that still have vacancies. Library Board There are 4 candidates for the Library Board. Frank Danyo, he is an Attorney and CPA and former professor at Robert Morris; second is Kathleen McEvoy a doctor in literature and an assistant dean at W&J college; third is Scott Beinhauer of Beinhauer Funeral home and fourth is Vince Suneja an attorney and MBA who owns his own international research and advisory firm, he also was interested on the Parks & Recreation and Cable TV Board. This is a 3 year term, however we are someone unbalanced in 2
terms and I would recommend you appoint someone for a 1 year term to expire January 2015 to balance the term expirations out. Motion: To appoint Scott Beinhauer to a term to expire January 2017, Frank Danyo to a term to expire January 2016 and Kathleen McEvoy to a term to expire January 2015. Action: Appoint Moved by Frank Arcuri, Seconded by Monica Merrell Environmental Quality Board There are 3 candidates for the position, Amanda Cribbs, who is Assistant Principal for an environmental charter school; the second is Anthony Santaguida, who also interviewed for the Parks & Recreation Board, he is a program manager for Eaton Corp and the third is Kevin Collins, who interviewed for Parks & Recreation, he is a senior administrator for Federated Investors. This would be a 5-year term expiring January 2019. Motion: To appoint Amanda Cribbs and Vince Suneja to the EQB with terms to expire January 2019. Action: Appoint Moved by Monica Merrell, Seconded by David Ball Cable Television Board There is one position vacant, formerly held by Mrs. and it expires January 2016. There are 3 people interested in this position. Gregory Oleynik is a high school student and his mother is on the Library Board; second is Rich Sandala, a former Cable Board member in Upper St. Clair, with engineering and leadership experience; the final candidate is Vince Suneja mentioned above. Motion: To appoint Rich Sandala to the Cable TV Board with a term to expire January 2016. Action: Appoint Moved by Frank Arcuri, Seconded by David Ball Mrs. Merrell said that under old business, she would like to know the status of Mr. Farrand who was on the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Silvestri said that he spoke with Mr. Farrand and he will be on vacation until April. Mr. Arcuri asked if they could change him to an alternate member and appoint a full time member. 3
Mr. Silvestri said yes, that has been done before. Motion: To appoint Mr. John Thacik as a full time member to the Zoning Hearing Board and reclassify Mr. Farrand to an alternate position. Action: Appoint Moved by Monica Merrell, Seconded by Frank Arcuri 5. New Business 5. A. Resolution for Liquor License Transfer Ichiban Liquor License-- The request is to transfer a liquor license from out of the Township (Somerset Township) to a new restaurant, Ichiban Steakhouse located at 3981 Washington Road (formerly Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse and the GNC). This facility is similar to the prior use, but somewhat larger. There was a liquor license for the prior use. According to receipts from the state, we currently have 29 Liquor Licenses in Peters Township. Peters Township has very limited review in this matter, but it is mandatory that a hearing be conducted and a resolution approved. Council can only deny such a request if it finds that the request would adversely affect the welfare, health, peace and morals of the municipality. Under Act 141 the Township is required to submit a resolution approving the transfer, the Liquor Control Board will then act on the application. Motion: To adopt Resolution No. 02-04-14 A RESOLUTION OF THE PETERS TOWNSHIP COUNCIL, COUNTY OF WASHINGTON, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF A RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE NO. R-20220 INTO PETERS TOWNSHIP FROM SOMERSET TOWNSHIP, WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. Action: Adopt Moved by Frank Arcuri, Seconded by Monica Merrell 5. B. Parks & Recreation Quarterly Update Jeff Crummie, was present to represent the Parks & Recreation Board. He stated that the board decided to host a monthly cable TV program on the YES Initiative to address issues with the youth programs. The board was reorganized in January with new officers, Pat Airhart President and Jeff Crummie Vice President. Two new board members were added, John Hilzendeger and Buzz Gardner. Two projects at Elm Grove Park were completed, paving of the parking lot and a fence project. There was a sports alliance meeting in October and all sports associations attended. There is a concussion awareness training scheduled this spring. Mr. Arcuri asked about the proposed scoreboard by Football. Mr. Crummie stated it would be similar to what is there. Ms. Harmel, noted that they do hope to have some signs on there and they are currently reviewing the Township s scoreboard policy. 4
Mrs. Merrell asked about the status of clearances. Mr. Crummie said since the new simplified system was implemented, compliance has been very good. 5. C. St. Benedict Fish Fry The Church is requesting to put signs on all 3 bridges (McMurray, Bower Hill and Sugar Camp) for the full time period of March 3 through April 18 th. The Township already has the bridge booked for Cleanup Day from April 13 th through the 26 th. In addition requests are in from the Thespians for February 24 through March 9 th and The Bible Chapel from 9 th through the 24 th, although the Bible Chapel may be denied as they have placed signs without permission in the past. The other 2 bridges are wide open. Based on last year s approval, Mr. Silvestri is recommending Council approve the requests for the Sugar Camp Bridge and for the Bebout Bridge and from March 24 through the April 12th on the McMurray Bridge. Mr. Fred Abrew was in attendance to represent St. Benedict Church. They have decided to back away from having signs around the Township and only would like to place them on the 3 bridges. Mr. Silvestri reiterated the Township policy of 2 week time periods on the bridges and other requests that have been received. Motion: To approve the request by St. Benedict the Abbot Church for a special permit to place signs on Arrowhead Trail Bridges at Sugar Camp and Bebout for the entire time period requested for the annual fish fry, and on the McMurray Bridge from March24th to April 12 th. Moved by Frank Arcuri, Seconded by David Ball 6. Payroll and Bills Motion: To pay the Payroll and bills as follows: General Fund: Checks # 140273 140369; Payroll Account: 44360 44367; V104933 V105024. Moved by David Ball, Seconded by James Berquist 7. Correspondence Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeals Council will note an offer by Fred Sentner to settle cases with a promise not to file any more appeals until 2017. Mr. Silvestri would not recommend settling the 13 cases on the basis of Mr. Sentner s offer 5
not to appeal. Mr. Biernacki is willing to settle 50 cases with an across the board 35% reduction, for the Hidden Brook Plan. Mr. Lauer and Mr. Silvestri are recommending that the Township have an appraisal of 5 units to determine the appropriate amount and then proceed from there. The 4 Prestonwood cases are in line with previous court decisions and recommend they be settled. Motion: To authorize the settlement of the Prestonwood Tax appeals as they are in line with previous court decisions and subject to approval by the school district. Moved by Frank Arcuri, Seconded by Monica Merrell Motion: To not settle the 13 cases being represented by Fred Sentner and to authorize the appraisal 5 units in the Hiddenbrook development to get an assessment value. Moved by Frank Arcuri, Seconded by James Berquist Mrs. Merrell asked about the appraisals as it only represented 10% of the properties. She asked if this was sufficient to provide a representative cross section. Mr. Silvestri stated that these were all in the patio home section and should not be an issue. 8. Reports Reports submitted fro review and discussion: Administration Financial Solicitor Public Safety Police Fire Planning Engineer Public Works Parks & Recreation Library Cable TV 9. Miscellaneous Survey of Financial Conditions Prior to filing it, Mr. Silvestri likes to include the Survey of Financial Conditions in the docket as he is certifying the Chairman of Council has reviewed the information. He is stating it is correct to the best of his knowledge. No action was required by Council. 6
Hancock Settlement The insurance company has settled for $11,250. Mr. Smith and he have reviewed the release and settlement and are fine with the terms. No action is required by Council. Public Works Vehicles As you know there are numerous vehicles budgeted for public works. A priority based on work demand is to purchase the tractor with boom mower and the track skid loader/trailer. Both of these vehicles will be needed in the spring. Mr. Overcashier and staff examined a number of vehicles and would like to purchase them through the state contract. Tractor with Boom Mower-The Tiger Mower can be placed on a number of tractors. Two reviewed were the New Holland Tractor and the John Deere both available under state contract and in compliance with the Vehicle Procurement Act. The budget was $95,000 the John Deere would be $93,856.06 and the New Holland is $92,948.92. The Deere is preferable as it has a superior and safer control system. Motion: To approve the purchase of a John Deere Tractor with Tiger Boom in the amount of $98,856.06 through the state purchasing contract. Moved by Frank Arcuri, Seconded by James Berquist Skid Loader/Trailer-There were numerous machines looked at including a Caterpillar, a Takeuchi and a Kubota. The CAT with less equipment is $62,748 the Kubota is $59,695 with more attachments. It is also preferred due to its wider tracks. With the trailer the cost is $64,245, the budget is $65,500. If everything checks out, we wish to purchase the Kubota. The total amount for the Deere and Kubota will be $2,400 under budget. Mr. Overcashier stated that he is waiting for a price from a third vehicle, a Gehl. Mrs. Merrell asked why the quote is from Contractor s Connection as opposed to a Township firm that sells Kubota. Mr. Silvestri stated that contract is through a state COSTARS contract and is actually through a company called Walletz, and Contractor s Connection is their locally authorized dealer. To buy outside the contract would require bidding directly and would delay purchase and increase costs of the bidding process. Motion: To approve the purchase of a Skid/Loader (Kubota or Gehl) through the state purchasing contract; whichever Mr. Overcashier believes is the most preferable as long as the amount is not over the price does not exceed the amount stated for the Kubota ($59,695). Moved by Frank Arcuri, Seconded by David Ball 7
Penn Dot/Columbia Gas Mr. Silvestri said that Columbia Gas and Penn DOT will be doing construction work on East McMurray Road and several of its side streets beginning in July of this year. The work will be to install new gas lines. Mr. Silvestri said that he was hoping to convince Columbia Gas to wait until the Valley Brook Project was finished before they starter their work. Columbia is stating that it is best for them to replace the pipes will school is not in session. He is asking Council permission for Columbia Gas to work at night to minimize the impact of traffic on East McMurray Road. Consensus of Council was to grant permission for Columbia Gas to work in the evenings on East McMurray Road. It was also noted the work would occur in the summer when school is not in session. Road Tour Mr. Silvestri said that the road tour was on March 8, 2014 at 8:30 AM. Gas Drilling/Trax Farms Mr. Silvestri said presented a letter from a resident (Orchard Hills) complaining about the lights and noise coming from the Trax Farm drilling site. Mr. Silvestri said that he spoke with Union Township and they are working with EQT. We have no authority over the situation but we are keeping in touch with Union Township. Sugar Camp Bridge Mrs. Merrell asked if the equipment is still at the bridge. Mr. Silvestri said yes. The matter has been complicated by a dispute concerning the amount of damages being claimed by the contractor. He is still waiting for a detailed cost estimate of the overages. He believes that it may go to mediation. 10. Next Agenda Mr. Berquist said that he thinks that more signs need to be posted at the entrances of the trail with the rules and regulations. 11. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM. Michael A. Silvestri Township Manager 8