To deviate from the Regular Order of business to hear concerns and requests of citizens

Transcription

1 REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2012 MINUTES 7:00 PM BOROUGH COUNCIL CHAMBERS THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE GLASSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY THE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL TERRY DIMARCO. ROLL CALL: Bradley, present; Crncic, absent; Kowalski, present; Kudla, present; Skerkoski, present; Trunzo, present; DiMarco, present; Mayor Michael Evanovich, present. Pledge of Allegiance. Motion: Kudla seconded by Skerkoski present. To deviate from the Regular Order of business to hear concerns and requests of citizens Sandra Brooks Eighth Street, Glassport - About where they knocked the wall down on the corner of Eighth and Hemlock Alley now they are trying to knock the other wall down from the other apartment. Mayor Evanovich said we have police officers in there all the time. If we catch them on the porch we will arrest them. It is a slow process. If we see them doping something we will grab them. We have not been successful since that wall went down. Sandra said if they knock that wall down all of the roofs will come down. Solicitor Gary Matta said if we know who they are or if you see them we will need you to testify and you would have to point to who did it. Mayor Evanovich said it is catching them in the process and having someone testify against them. If we get lucky and catch them and find them on the porch. We have a police car there every half hour. It has gotten a lot more quieter. Sandra said they are out fist fighting in the alley. Mayor said we are not going to give up on this. Vina March Summit Avenue, Glassport I am sick of people saying that Council does nothing. I want to thank you Terry for letting the Street Department spread the gravel in the back lot behind the center. The Center paid for it and not the Borough. Thank you for letting the street department come and do the work. Bill Kortz brought in today some absentee ballot information and any old information is no good. You have to show your 2

2 photo ID and have to use the last four digits of your SS#. Make some so that you have them down here at the office. Charlotte Napoli 831 Ohio Avenue, Glassport I have been asking for someone to cut the grass in the empty lot at 829 Ohio Avenue. It is like a jungle up there right now. It is starting to dry up. We got that hot weather. I was promised one month ago that it would be cut. It was only cut one time and we got that dry weather. We paid last year to have it cut. The grass was never planted right in the first place. This lot is between two nice homes there. Terry DiMarco, President of Council, aid we did cut it twice this year. Solicitor Gary Matta said the Borough cannot cut it. Charlotte said it was only cut one time. Terry DiMarco said I was going to get two part time laborers to cut it. We are looking for funds to do that. Charlotte asked if Council could pay to have someone cut it? Terry said this keeps going over and over. We are going to talk about it tonight. If we have the money we will probably do it. Eugene Skerkoski, Council, said we are in the process if looking to see if we can do this. There is no owner of record right now. We are looking to hire two part timers to cut this lot. If someone goes on there and gets hurt the Borough will be liable. Mayor Evanovich said we have a lot of property that is abandoned. Terry DiMarco said if we cut that grass and lien it you might have a lien on this property. William Donofrio 300 Monongahela Avenue, Glassport I was driving down Hemlock Alley and the kids refused to move to let me go through. Something needs to be done about this. These kids do not move and are very defiant. Mayor Evanovich said we put a lot of time in this area. When they call 911 the police go up there and the kids go. When they see the police car coming they are gone. William Donofrio said if you had an unmarked car go there you wouldn t have this problem. Sandra Brooks said they know even the unmarked cars. Mayor Evanovich said that alley has become a little battle ground. 3

3 Donofrio said they are breaking the law. Solicitor Matta said if the police come up and there is no one there or no proof of anything there is nothing you can do. If you said it is the person that lives in that house we can find them and put a search warrant on the house. You can say that they went into that house. Donofrio said I have come through that alley and I come down Eighth Street. I always notice where they tore that porch off on Eighth Street. Terry DiMarco, President of Council said they put a little extra funding into that area. Donofrio said I am not condemning the Mayor. I am just offering suggestions to the problem. Eugene Skerkoski said we are making an effort. Paul Trunzo, Council, said call the police and we will take them down to Armand s. Solicitor Matta said I am not telling anyone to take matters into their own hands. I don t want anyone to handcuff someone. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: Parks and Recreation: David Kowalski, Chair/Council Everybody s A Kid Today was held on June 22, There were 257 children that participated. Thanks to all of those who participated. There was only one glitch. We needed more drinks for the kids. Letter from Assembly of God regarding the Christian Concert that they would like to have at the Ninth Street Ballfield on Saturday, August 18, 2012, from 5 to 9 p.m. Pat Vandroft is the contact person. Dave requested a roll call vote. Motion: Kowalski seconded by Kudla To approve the request of the Assembly of God Church for the Christian Concert to be held on Saturday, August 8, 2012, from 5 to 9 p.m. All agreed. Sewage Committee: Thomas W. Bradley, Jr., Chair/Council Glassport Development Corporation/Chair Total expenses for the Month of June, 2012.$ 68, January thru May Expenses..$ 182, Year to Date Expenses..$ 250,

4 Total receipts for the Month of June, 2012 $ 44, January thru May, 2012 receipts..$ 218, Year To Date Receipts..$ 262, Delinquent Sewage Collected...$ 16, New Sub Pump, chlorinator pump, blower was received and new stairs got put in. Everybody that has been down said it was a well done job. The plant is being maintained good. We had a surprise inspection from the County and everything was good. There is no report for the Glassport Development Corporation. Last month the meeting was held on June 20. I proposed a rate hike for the sewage. I was mistaken the way I worded it about McKeesport. By no means did I want to insinuate that these rates are outrageous. Their rates are not outrageous what I was trying to establish was the rate from $18 to $21, if we didn t do it and our plant doesn t last, how the increase was going to be a substantial increase for the residents. By no means did I mean to insinuate that about McKeesport s rates. Street & Light Committee: Terry DiMarco, Chair/President of Council Read the report for the Month of July, 2012 Street Sweep, Patch Potholes, New Wall on Lemon Alley, Put in Boat Docks and clean River Bank for Fishing Contest. Put fence up at the Youth Center. Put up and take down tents for Everybody s A Kid Today. Weeds under the trees on the main street. Rebrick catch basins on Delaware, Hemlock & Summit Avenues. Cut weeds all over town. Cut Honor Roll & Youth Center. Clean Catch Alls on Harrison and Detroit Hollows. Clean out ditch in Fern Alley. Police & Ordinance Committee: Eugene Skerkoski, Chair/Council Eugene Skerkoski commented on the lighting situation at the PNA from the last meeting. I talked to the PNA President and Duquesne Light came and put a deflector screen on the light. There is a considerable difference. Duquesne Light did a good job. Vehicle Report for the Month of June, 2012 Vehicle Work Performed Ending Mileage Miles 2011 CV 4 Tires 18,398 2, Ch 44, CV 99,600 1,257 SUV OUT OF SERVICE 115,550 0 Total Miles 4,255 Traffic Citations..28 Non-Traffic Citations..31 Parking Meters Parking Violations.-0- JP Fines 2108 Total

5 June UCR Reports Available Upon Request Fire, Water and Ambulance Committees: Anna Kudla, Chair/Council There were a total of 36 incidents Alarm Date Between (06/01/2012) And (06/30/2012) Fires. 17 Rescue & Emergency. 2 Hazardous Condition. 9 Service Calls.. 4 Good Intent Calls. 4 Senior Citizen s Report : Paul Trunzo, Chair/Council June 2012 Number of meals served in June was 503 The June bingo made a profit for the center. Next bingo is Tuesday, August 7. Everyone is welcome. The center received a $250 donation from the Glassport Lions Club, we would like to thank them. Thanks to the street department that assisted with preparing the back lot so that we can have additional parking. Sanitation Report: Paul Trunzo, Chair/Council Make sure all trash is placed out the night before the scheduled pick up day. Mayor Evanovich introduced Ron Joseph, paramedic from Clairton Ambulance along with Doug Kimball. Ron Joseph stated that he was present to give a check to the police department in the amount of $1,000 for the purchase of police radios. Ron Joseph said he is a paramedic and he knows that after a period of time the police have worn out and broken equipment. This money will help offset the cost of the radios. The Daily News took a picture of the paramedics presenting the check to the Mayor. Mayor Evanovich said that the radios were around $1,450 so we really needed this donation. Mayor Michael Evanovich Police Report Mayor Evanovich said that in the 800 block of Hemlock Alley it is very costly for the Borough every half hour. The effort is there. When I went to Council to see what we could cover I got the ok. It is a battle. We can t control what or who moves in. We are putting as much resolution in as we can in this area. Tracy Harris Treasurer s Report Total Revenues for the Month of June, $ 442, Total Year To Date Revenues.$ 1,593, Current Year Budget.$ 1,817,

6 Total Expenses for the Month of June, $ 158, Total Year To Date Expenses.$ 860, Current Year Budget.$1,817, Excess of Revenue/(Exp) $ 283, Jennifer Pasinski Bell Tax Collector Collections: Balance Collectable:.$ 750, Total Collectable: $ 750, Less: Face Collected for the Period.$ 379, Balance Collectable End of Period. $ 370, Reconciliation of Cash Collected: Face Amount of Collections $ 379, Less: Discounts $ 7, Total Cash Collected per Column $ 372, TOTAL CASH COLLECTED Payment of Taxes Amount remitted during the period (SEE ATTACHED SCHEDULE).$ 372, TOTAL REMITTED THIS PERIOD.$ 372, Carryover from Previous Period.$ 750, Amount Collected this Period..$ 372, Ending Balance.$ 378, Solicitor Gary Matta We have two action items this evening. Ordinance No Increase the Sewage Rates from $18 to $21 for 0 5,000 gallons of water used and anything over the 5,000 gallons will remain at $3.60 per 1,000 gallons of water. Motion: Bradley seconded by Skerkoski To approve the Ordinance proposing the Sewage Rate increase from $18 to $21 and make a part of Borough Records. 7

7 Ordinance No Implementing Act 1 of 1996 and Act 20 of 2003 Concerning Collection of Municipal Fees designating Pennsylvania Municipal Service Company as the collector for delinquent sewage fees imposing on delinquent ratepayers the obligation to pay reasonable costs incurred by the delinquent fee collector for collection of delinquent fees, penalties and interest. Motion: Trunzo seconded by Kudla To approve Ordinance No pertaining to the collection of the delinquent sewage by PAMS. Demolition/Slum Blight - Resolution No. 2 (7/17/2012) 625 Summit Avenue, 532 Ohio Avenue, 403 Erie Avenue, 401 Erie Avenue, 710 Sixth Street, 618 Eighth Street, 707 Peach Alley Motion: Skerkoski seconded by Trunzo To accept the Resolution No. 2 (7/17/2012) as read and make a part of Borough Records pertaining to the demolition of certain properties in the Borough. The solicitor said that he was in possession of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance from Allegheny County and that he would prepare an ordinance for the Borough of Glassport and use the County s as a model because the subdivision ordinance of the Borough needed to be updated. Motion: Skerkoski seconded by Bradley To authorize the solicitor to update the Borough s subdivision ordinance. Resolution #1 (7/12/2012) - Designating the Pennsylvania Municipal Service Company as the Borough s agent for the purpose of collecting the Borough s sewage fees by entering into the sewage fees collection agreement. Motion: Trunzo seconded by Kudla That the resolution be accepted as read and made a part of Borough Records designating the Pennsylvania Municipal Service Company as its agent for purposes of collecting the Borough of Glassport s sewage fees and any and all penalties, interest, expenses and costs assessed and levied by the Borough. 8

8 COMMUNICATIONS: Terry DiMarco, President of Council Received a letter from Dodaro, Matta & Cambest regarding Southwestern PA Economic Development Lot/Block#558-K-75 Tax Appeal. This appeal carries a total market value for tax purposes of $1,556,500. The matter was scheduled for a Board of Viewers Hearing on June 12, The taxpayer did not appear. The figure was sustained. A letter from Allegheny County & Western PA Association of Township Commissioners regarding the 40 th Annual Joint Fall Conference which will take place at Seven Springs from Thursday, September 27, thru Sunday, September 20, Anyone interested in attending, please contact the secretary. A memo from SHACOG regarding the Contract Amendment storage offer for remaining rock salt to be purchased by municipalities. We were notified of the arrangement made with Cargill, Inc., to store rock salt not yet purchased against the 80% minimum purchase requirement for the winter season. For those who lacked storage capacity Cargill has agreed to extend the period for compliance until December 31, Without the agreement in place, Glassport will be required to meet its purchase obligation by the end of the first contract year (June 30, 2012). NEW BUSINESS: Terry DiMarco, President of Council Teamsters Local Union No. 205 Clerical Contracts January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014, needs to be accepted and approved by Council. Motion: Skerkoski seconded by Bradley To accept the contract of the clerical from January 1, 2012 to December 31, ROLL CALL VOTE: Bradley, yes; Crncic, absent; Kowalski, no; Kudla, yes; Skerkoski, yes; Trunzo, yes; DiMarco, yes. 5 yes 1 absent (Crncic) 1 no (Kowalski) A subdivision plan was submitted by George A. Caliguri, of 734 Monongahela Avenue, Glassport, PA FOR Lot 216R and 217. Robert Bednar, Chairman of the Planning Commission has reviewed this plan with the Planning Commission and has approved the request. He will be signing the area where it is designated. Council also needs to sign this plan. A request has been made for money to be reimbursed to the Mayor for his cell phone expenses. Need motion by Council and roll call vote. Motion: Kudla seconded by Skerkoski To discuss the Mayor s cell phone.

9 Remarks: Terry DiMarco said no Mayor has ever had their cell phone paid for in the whole valley. Mayor Evanovich said it is a piece of equipment that I am using to do my job. Eugene Skerkoski, Council, said with the additional equipment available today everybody in the whole world wants to send you a text message. The Mayor has always been a figure head in the community. We are dealing with a little more technology today. I don t feel that the Mayor should just shut his phone off. Where are the complaints going to go? Anna Kudla, Council, said we should have money to pay for work phones. Terry DiMarco, President, said there are cell phones that don t cost you $30 to use it. Where are we going to get $30 a month more? I talked to you two or three weeks ago and it didn t bother you. Maybe you should be accountable for these calls. ROLL CALL VOTE: Bradley, yes; Crncic, absent; Kowalski, yes; Kudla, yes; Skerkoski, yes; Trunzo, no; DiMarco, no. Motion Passed. Mayor Evanovich said let s do a public phone. Why am I using my personal phone? 9 Eugene Skerkoski said we will put it to a vote. No one wants to file a complaint. Now everything is texts and phone calls. Terry DiMarco asked are we going to pay for people s mileage on their cars? Nancy Crncic should get paid for her car and mileage. Eugene Skerkoski said I feel that the Mayor has a valid concern. Received an invitation to Liberty Borough Centennial Celebration Parade to be held on Friday, July 27, Line-up is 6:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 7:00 p.m. Food & DJ FOLLOWING PARADE AT THE Liberty Volunteer Fire Department. To make a donation to the Citizen s Hose Company No. 1 towards their annual street fair which will be held on July 19 through July 21, Motion: Kudla seconded by Kowalski To make a donation to Citizen s Hose Company No. 1 in the amount of $500 towards their annual street fair. 10

10 Motion to approve SMV Associates invoices for the Month of June, 2012, in the amount of $1, Motion: Skerkoski seconded by Kowalski To approve SMV Associates for the Month of June, 2012, invoice in the amount of $1, Motion: Trunzo seconded by Skerkoski To adjourn to the call of the chair. Submitted by: BOROUGH OF GLASSPORT Nancy M. Piazza-Whaby Borough Secretary Approved by: BOROUGH OF GLASSPORT Terry DiMarco President of Council