MINUTES OF MEETING OF SEWICKLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL MUNICIPAL BUILDING SEWICKLEY, PENNSYLVANIA The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with President Jeff Neff presiding and leading the Meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call showed the following members present: Christine Allen John Dunn Tom DeFazio Todd Renner Larry Rice Hendrik van der Vaart Also present were Mayor Brian Jeffe, Borough Solicitor Richard Tucker and Borough Manager Kevin M. Flannery. Mr. Cornman was absent due to vacation and Mr. Figley was absent due to work. There were 26 visitors. President Neff announced that Council and Members of the Boards and Commissions listened to a presentation from Bill Fontana, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Mr. Fontana stated that the Sewickley Main Street Program under Explore Sewickley was in the upper tier of programs across the state. The Main Street Program for Sewickley was certified in 2017 and is good until 2021. Mr. Fontana reviewed statistics regarding trade area, technical support opportunities, housing and business incubator programs. President Neff announced also that a public interview was conducted with Andrew Friskhorn regarding an opening on the Shade Tree Commission. Unfinished Business: Solicitor Tucker stated that this is the time for the Continued Hearing on the Wasileski Consolidation Plan of Lots Public Hearing. Oaths were administered by Court Stenographer Donna McMullen. Ms. Wasileski stated that she bought the lot next to 401 Sprott Way and wanted to combine the properties into one single family residential lot. Ms. Waseleski stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the consolidation. Borough Manager testified that all notices to the public have been done in compliance with the Ordinances. In addition, the Borough Manager provided a List of Exhibits. On motion of Ms. Allen, seconded by Mr. Rice, Council voted, 7-0, to adopt Borough of Sewickley Resolution No. 2018-003, approving the Wasileski Consolidation Plan for Block and Lot No.508-J-139, 401 Sprott Way, and Block and Lot. No. 508-J-140, 326 Sprott Way, to be consolidated into a single residential parcel.
PAGE TWO New Business: Mark Turnley, CPA presented and reviewed the 2017 Borough of Sewickley Audit which stated a 271% increase in the Fund Balance. The Audit stated that the total receipts for 2017 were $6,275,641, and expenditures were $5,307,233 for all Borough government-wide programs. Mr. Turnley commended Borough Council and Management for a good year. On motion of Ms. Allen, seconded by Mr. Rice, Council voted, 7-0, to accept and order received and filed the 2017 Borough of Sewickley Audit. Kevin Brett, of Lennon, Smith and Souleret Engineers, reviewed the 2018 Road Project Bids. All 6 bids received were over the budgeted amount of $716,561. Mr. Brett indicated that some of the additional work was for sanitary sewer line repairs. Mr. Brett recommended the rejection of the bids and a rebid of the project with a different scope of services. Ms. Allen stated concern regarding Crescent, Dickson and other roads near these roads, noted that they aren t currently included in scope and aren t on the propose Road Project List through 2024. Kevin Brett stated that he d been on Crscent earlier in the day, and the road needs attention and suggested that any Council member who hadn t been on Crescent recently should do a site visit. Ms. Allen requested Crescent, Dickson and other roads in the vicinity be assessed by the Engineer and that Council add this to the agenda for appropriate meeting. Mr. Peter Floyd, of 337 Bank Street, addressed Council and stated that the storm piping and storm drains are not needed, that there is only some curb work necessary, and that Council can provide a waiver for compliance with Borough of Sewickley Ordinance No. 1335. Mr. Brett was in complete disagreement with Mr. Floyd s comments. Several Members of Council asked Mr. Brett about reducing the scope in order to save money. Mr. Brett indicated that it is possible, and suggested a meeting to review and discuss the roads. President Neff announced that a committee, comprised of Mr. Neff, Mr. Renner, Ms. Allen and Mr. Dunn, and Staff would meet with Mr. Brett on April 18, 2018, at 5:30 p.m., to review the road specifications for advertising of the Road Project. On motion of Mr. Rice, seconded by Mr. DeFazio, Council voted, 7-0, to reject all 2018 Road Project Bids received and opened on March 29, 2018, and to re-bid the 2018 Road Project. Approval of Minutes: On motion of Ms. Allen, seconded by Mr. Renner, the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of March 13, 2018 were approved, 7-0, and the reading of same dispensed with as copies were provided to the Members of Council, Mayor and Solicitor.
PAGE THREE Comments from the Council President, Members and Mayor: Mayor Jeffe attended the Presentation of the Banner Community Certificate for the Borough of Sewickley. Mayor Jeffe reviewed the events for the Memorial Day Weekend. President Neff announced that an Executive Session will be held at the conclusion of the meeting regarding a personnel matter and contract negotiations. President Neff appointed David St. Jacques, of Grove Street Extension, to the Sewickley Parking Authority for a term to expire December 31, 2020. President Neff appointed Del Miller, of Locust Place, to the Sewickley Parking Authority for a term to expire December 31, 2019. President Neff stated that there is one more position available for the Parking Authority. Mr. Dunn provided information on a Buying a Brick Program for various Borough owned parks to raise money for police car computers. In addition, Mr. Dunn reviewed the Comcast Care Day, scheduled for April 21, at the Sewickley Community Center. Ms. Allen addressed Council on a Resolution of Support for SB 22 and HB 722 to support fair redistricting in the state of Pennsylvania. Mr. van der Vaart stated that if Ms. Allen makes a motion, he will second the motion, but cannot vote for the motion. Darlene Dech, of Ackley Terrace, addressed Council and requested support for the Resolution. On motion of Ms. Allen, seconded by Mr. van der Vaart, Council voted, 1 in favor and 6 opposed, to support Borough of Sewickley Resolution No. 2018-004 in support of SB 22 and HB 722. Ms. Allen addressed the curbs at the corner of Centennial Avenue and Mulberry Street and cars parking in the intersection. The Borough Manager and Public Works Foreman are to meet Ms. Allen to review. Ms. Allen asked about the status of 860 Nevin Avenue. Susan Slater, of 863 Nevin Avenue, addressed Council and asked that the property be demolished and green space with gardens be planted. Borough Manager stated that the Quaker Valley School District did have a potential buyer for the property, but the documents have not been returned to the School District. Borough Manager reminded all that the School District has the larger value in all of the abandoned properties. It is easier if someone wants to buy the property and place it back on the tax rolls. Council stated that there are no budgeted monies for demolition in the budget for this year. Borough Manager suggested that the school be contacted for a firm answer as to whether a sale is possible, and that the Borough also review its options in the event that the sale is not going to take place.
PAGE FOUR Ms. Allen recommended Council take actions towards a positive outcome on 860 Nevin Avenue. She stated that currently it is a blighted property and potential hazard which ahs been abandoned, has had a known fire and is crumbling. This property owes back taxes and is negatively impacting the community property values and quality of life. Susan Slater, of 863 NEvin Avenue, addressed Council with her concern as the property facing 860 Nevin Avenue. Ms. Slater asked that the property be demolished, adding that she would volunteer to plant and maintain a garden on the site. Mr. John Orndorff, of 1115 Beaver Road, addressed Council regarding the Ohio River Trails Bicycle Safety Program on May 18 and 19. Valerie Gaydos introduced herself to Council and stated that she is a candidate for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the Sewickley area. Statement of Citizens: Council reviewed Explore Sewickley s Monthly Report. Ms. Markus stated that the Visioning Process for the Main Street Program begins on Thursday, April 12, at 7 p.m., at the Explore Sewickley office. Council and the public are invited. On motion of Mr. Renner, seconded by Mr. Dunn, Council voted, 7-0, to approve the closing of Bank Street on Friday, April 27, 2018 for the St. James School Race for Equation, and on Friday, May 25, 2018 for the Annual Field Day. The road closure will be from 8:15 a.m. to noon each day. Susan Kaminski, of the Tull Theater Board, addressed Council to provide a one year update on the Theater. For the first year, the Theater sold 35,000 tickets, provided special needs and classical showings of movies, and welcomed 2,000 guests to special events, both public and private. For 2018, the sales are 27% higher in the first quarter than in 2017. Mark Schuster, of TurnKey Taxes, addressed Council on delinquent collections of taxes and fees. There are potential revenue sources that can be found. Mr. Schuster stated that his company does performance based measurements. President Neff asked if Mr. Schuster could forward a potential Service Agreement for consideration by Council. Council reviewed a letter from Sewickley Public Library inviting Council to an Open House on Sunday, May 20 to discuss options with the recent monetary gift to the library. Council reviewed a Right-to-Know Request.
PAGE FIVE On motion of Mr. van der Vaart, seconded by Ms. Allen, Council voted, 4-0-3, with Mr. Renner, Ms. Allen and Mr. Rice abstaining, to approve the use of space in the front of the Tull Theater to be used by North Way Christian Community Church on Sunday, April 15. Approval of Accounts: On motion of Mr. DeFazio, seconded by Mr. Rice, Council voted, 7-0, with Mr. Dunn abstaining only to the approving of Comcast bills as he is employed by Comcast, to approve the General Fund account payables, in the amount of $88,384.32, for the month of April 2018, as presented. On motion of Mr. DeFazio, seconded by Mr. Renner, Council voted, 7-0, to approve the Capital Reserve #4 Fund accounts payable, in the amount of $34,450.70, for the month of April 2018, as presented. On motion of Ms. Allen, seconded by Mr. Renner, Council voted, 7-0, to approve Capital Reserve #6 Fund accounts payable, in the amount of $3,270.70, for the month of April 2018, as presented. On motion of Ms. Allen, seconded by Mr. Renner, Council voted, 7-0, to approve Road Construction Fund accounts payable, in the amount of $11,854.03, for the month of April 2018, as presented. On motion of Ms. Allen, seconded by Mr. DeFazio, Council voted, 7-0, to approve Liquid Fuels Fund accounts payable, in the amount of $20,209.23, for the month of April 2018, as presented. On motion of Ms. Allen, seconded by Mr. Renner, Council voted, 7-0, with Mr. Dunn abstaining only to the approving of Comcast bills as he is employed by Comcast, to approve the Sewer Fund accounts payable, in the amount of $113,377.47, for the month of April 2018, as presented. The March 2018 General Fund and Sewer Fund Budget reports were received and filed. The March 2018 Fund Statement Report was received and filed. The March 2018 Labor and Vendor Report was received and filed. Council reviewed the monthly Legal Expense Report.
PAGE SIX Department and Commission Reports: Council reviewed the Building Inspector s Report, indicating that 6 permits were issued, with fees of $6,393.88 collected on $585,914.40 worth of construction. There were 11 building inspections performed and 5 code enforcements issues. Council reviewed the Public Works Report for March, highlighting snow removal, the cleaning of dock areas due to flooding and preparation of parks. Council reviewed the Wastewater Treatment Plant Report for March, indicating that 29.310 million gallons of sewage were treated and 405,601 cubic feet of digester gas was used. In addition, work on the screen and installed rebuilt #1 raw pump. On motion of Mr. DeFazio, seconded by Mr. Rice, Council voted, 7-0, to approve an expense of up to $8,000 for removal of the dome at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Council reviewed the 2017 Chapter 94 Report which stated that the Sewickley Wastewater Treatment Plant is not hydraulically or organically overloaded. Council reviewed the March Police Report, highlighting 191 calls for service per the Uniform Crime Report, and the Cochran Hose Company Report, highlighting 20 calls for the month and 11 QRS calls. There was no Civil Service Commission Meeting in April. There was no Historic Review Meeting in April. Council reviewed the April 4, 2018 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Mr. Dunn reported that the informational session for the A-Frame Sign went well, and that the Planning Commission is tweaking the proposed ordinance and will most likely forward a final recommendation at the May 8 Council meeting. Council reviewed the Shade Tree Commission Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2018. In addition, Council reviewed the 2018 Spring Tree Planting List, letters and advertisement. On motion of Mr. Rice, seconded by Mr. van der Vaart, Council voted, 7-0, to appoint Andrew Friskhorn, of 322 Ferry Street, to the Shade Tree Commission with a term to expire December 31, 2019. There was no Zoning Hearing Board Meeting in April.
PAGE SEVEN Borough Manager: Council reviewed the fuel prices for the month which showed a $0.15 per gallon increase in prices. Borough Manager advised that the Green Light-Go Program adaptive timing is up and running. Wellington Power will install the yellow and black back stops on the signs the first week of May. Borough Manager reminded all that the 2017 Statement of Financial Interests Forms are due by May 1, 2018. Council reviewed the Auditor General 385 Pension Report and the 2017 Act 205 Actuarial Valuation Reports for the Sewickley Pension Plans. Council reviewed the March 2018 FNB Wealth Management Pension Reports for the Borough of Sewickley Police Pension Report and the Non-Uniform Pension Report. Council reviewed the Government Accounting Standards Board Reports for the General Employee and Police Pension Plans for 2017. Council reviewed the 2017 Survey of Financial Condition Report. Mr. Rice stated that he has forwarded comments to the Quaker Valley Council of Governments on the proposed By-Law changes. Borough Manager reviewed the Municipal Benefit Services Rate Mitigation statement for the 2017. Some of the funds will be used for the Borough s 2018 Wellness Program. Council reviewed email from Sewickley Heights Borough on the Blackburn Road closure at the Thawmont Curve. On motion of Mr. DeFazio, seconded by Mr. Dunn, Council voted, 7-0, to authorize the exercising of a Third Year Option through the SHACOG Purchase Alliance for the road rock salt. Borough Manager advised that the Borough of Sewickley received a $14,259.77 dividend from the MRM Property and Liability Trust and a $66,308.06 dividend from the MRM Workers Compensation Pooled Trust. Both dividends have been deposited into the Subsequent Years Budget Fund which is the restricted reserve account. The Borough Manager s Report was received and filed.
PAGE EIGHT Solicitor's Report: Solicitor Tucker reviewed highlights of this month s activities, which include Wastewater Treatment Repairs, Parking Authority and real estate tax assessment appeals. Council reviewed the Solicitor s invoice in the amount of $2,638.00. Solicitor Tucker reviewed Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeals. Solicitor Tucker reviewed the sale of property to satisfy a judgement. The sale scheduled for May 7, 2018. Solicitor Tucker reviewed a letter provided to the Auditor in compliance with legal issues. The Solicitor s Report was received and filed. Tax Collector's Report: On motion of Mr. Rice, seconded by Ms. Allen, Council voted, 7-0, to accept and order received and filed the Real Estate Tax Collector's Report and exonerations for the Month of March 2018. Council reviewed the Jordan Tax Service Delinquent Real Estate Tax Report in the amount of $2,147.29. On motion of Mr. DeFazio, seconded by Ms. Allen, Council voted, 7-0, to accept and order received and filed the Allegheny North Tax Collection Committee Earned Income Tax Report from Keystone Collections for the month of March, 2018. Executive Session: Council went into Executive Session at 10:22 p.m. for a Personnel Matter, with the Executive Session concluding at 10:35 p.m. Adjournment: On motion of Mr. Rice, seconded by Ms. Allen, the meeting was adjourned at 10:36 p.m.
PAGE NINE Respectfully submitted, KEVIN M. FLANNERY Borough Manager and Secretary JEFF NEFF President of Council