May 22, 2001



Regular Meeting of California Borough Council, July 12, 2012, 6:30 pm

President Bittner called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm

ATTENDANCE: Mr. Alfano, Mr. Bittner, Mr. Difilippo, Mr. Glab, Mrs. Gutosky, Mr. Mariscotti, Mayor Casey Durdines

ABSENT: Mr. Encapera

MOMENT OF SILENCE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO AGENDA

Mr. Mariscotti added paving Porcupine Alley between Strawberry & Second St.

Mr. Alfano added a Conditional Use Hearing

Mr. Bittner added – hire the firm of Campbell, Durante, Beatty, Polumbo, & Miller for personnel issues.

ADOPT AGENDA – Mr. Bittner stated the agenda will stand adopted as printed & amended.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment at this time

MINUTES:

Motion by Difilippo/Gutosky to accept the minutes of the Special meeting June 7, 2012 duly carried with all members present stating aye.

Motion by Glab/Mariscotti to accept the minutes of the Regular meeting of June 14, 2012 duly carried with all members present stating aye.

SECRETARY’S REPORT – MS. EVANS

Ms. Evans read the account balances & accounts payable.

Motion by Difilippo/Mariscotti to approve the Secretary’s report duly carried with all members present stating aye.

MID MON VALLEY TRANSIT AUTHORITY PRESENTATION

Mark Roncone passed out an information packet and gave an explanation of how the MMVTA comes up with the Local Match contributions by municipalities. Mr. Rancone stated they have to match the state operating funds with a match of 15%. He stated they are not collecting 15% of 2.1 million dollars, but this year the state is telling them they need to $57,000.00 to match the 2.1 million dollars operating assistance from the state. MMVTA they are estimating that they will receive approximately $600,000.00 from passenger fair revenue and that includes the $104,000.00 contribution from the University. They have another category of income which is a little over $64,000.00 which is ad revenue, interest, or non-program things they receive funds for. In 2009 Act 44 the current state transportation bill states that MMVTA has to meet that 15% and to do that they are telling the MMVTA that they have to raise 5% year over year above and beyond what they have collected the year before until they reach that 15%. Obviously, it is going to take many many years to reach that 15% mark and that is a whole another discussion for a different day. California’s local match is based on a formula that takes the total passengers & mileage through each community and you need to know where people are getting on and off. Right now it is impossible for the Authority to fully track that so what they do is random sampling. They track from October through March which keeps Cal U students in the mix because they are riding the transit. There could be 1 sample during one week and 4 samples during another week. These sample numbers are what is used in the formula required by the Board of the MMVTA. The actual services provided to California you have two routes in service one which is the Cal commuter that operates directly from downtown Pittsburgh to the University through the borough which is a nice feature. There are four trips on week days during school and one trip when school is not in session. There is also the Valley2 which is a shopping service from California to shopping centers over in Rostraver Township. Cal U students are being counted in California but they are also being counted in the communities where they are boarding or deboarding in as well. Mr. Bittner asked if California could be being penalized a little bit because of the University students riding the bus. Mr. Roncome stated yes they do contribute to part of the local match going up but they also contribute to California having more service in the community. There are senior citizens and other types of riders also. Mr. Roncone stated he understands that California has a concern about the local match going up but keep in mind that the Governor has not yet decided what to do with the transportation bill. It could go away or it could go up. Mr. Glab asked a question concerning the random sampling numbers. Mrs. Gutosky asked if the people who have free passes are counted also. Mr. Roncone stated yes all passengers whether discounted fares, free fairs, or full paying passengers are counted. Mr. Roncone stated the communities that do not pay anything do not have service in their communities and passenger wanting to ride have to go to another community that has service. Mr. Roncone thanked council for inviting him to tonight’s meeting.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – MR. BITTNER

REPORT ON EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Bittner stated that the executive session on June 14, 2012 was on personnel & legal issues.

FINANCIAL INSTITUIONS – REFINANCING BOND ISSUE

Mr. Bittner stated we probably need a little more discussion on this before we select one.

Mr. Melenyzer stated that you may mention that refinancing the bonds will save the borough somewhere between $500,000.00 and $700,000.00. Mr. Bittner stated we should probably extend this meeting to handle that because time is of the essence, so at the end of the meeting we will come up with a date to reconvene.

KENNYWOOD DAY

Mr. Bittner announced that California Kennywood Day will be July 25th and tickets will be sold at the fire hall Monday evening before the event from 6:00-9:00 pm and all day Tuesday on the 24th from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.

INSURANCE RENEWAL

Motion by Glab/Difilippo to renew the Property & Liability insurance through PIRMA in the amount of $54,002.00.00 duly carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

Motion by Difilippo/Glab to renew the Workers Compensation Insurance through State Workers Insurance Fund for the Fire Dept. in the amount of $13,237.00 duly carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

Motion by Difilippo/Glab to renew the Workers Compensation through the Housing & Redevelopment Insurance Exchange in the amount of $65,807.00 duly carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

Motion by Glab/Difilippo to renew the Municipal Liability insurance through Housing & Redevelopment Insurance Exchange in the amount of $7,725.00 duly carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

HIRE CAMPBELL, DURANTE, BEATTY, POLUMBO, & MILLER

Mr. Bittner stated that he was asked by a couple of council members to put this on the agenda. This firm helps with advice & legal service on employee issue.

Motion by Glab/Mariscotti to retain the service of Campbell Durante, Beatty, Polumbo, & Miller professional carried on a roll call cote with all members present voting yes.

Under discussion Mr. Alfano asked if they will bill us at an hourly rate and no retainer. Mr. Bittner stated that is how he reads it yes, but he will have Mr. Melenyzer look at this before we sign it.

PUBLIC HOUSING – MR ALFANO

CODE ENFORCEMENT UPDATE

Mr. Alfano stated for the month of June they collected $12,591. 10 in fees bringing the total for the year to $30,544.55. He stated that the Zoning office is extremely busy doing all the inspections for the rental units and they have also gotten 28 code violations. Mr. Alfano stated what was impressive is they are getting a lot of anonymous calls in reporting violations.

VITCHOFF SUBDIVISION

Mr. Alfano stated the subdivision is taking place just off of Knob Road and there was some sewage lines that had to be installed. It is a minor subdivision so it did not go to the Planning Commission for review. The solicitor’s office has reviewed this and there are no issues from their part.

Motion by Alfano/Mariscotti to approve the Vitchoff subdivision contingent on the land developer getting his letters from the Washington County Planning Commission and the Borough Engineer duly carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

SEDONA LAND DEVELOPMENT SITE PLAN REVIEW

Motion by Alfano/Mariscotti to approve the Sedona Land Development Site plan review to construct an addition to the existing building at 400 Technology Drive contingent on Borough Engineer’s review of the storm water management plan and getting approval from the Zoning Hearing board on the special exception duly carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

CONDTIONAL USE – LABOON

Mr. Alfano stated prior to this meeting we had a conditional use hearing for the Laboon family and they requested changing the use of that property to a Rooming House and allow up to four students to reside there. They have submitted all their plans and applications as required. There will be one condition that they get the final review from the Code Enforcement office to add adequate parking. Mr. Agrafiotis stated there was a little more than that. Mr. Petro stated they have to provide adequate parking for four students and they have to have a change of use inspection by McMillen Engineering from a single family dwelling to a rooming house. This is a conditional use in the C2 zone.

Motion by Alfano/Difilippo to approve the conditional use for Justin Laboon at 229 Liberty Street to have a rooming house with a max of four tenants contingent on final review of the zoning office for required parking and a change of use inspection done by McMillen Engineering duly carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

Mr. Alfano stated that this week council and the redevelopment Authority of Washington County heard two presentations for development of the site of the Hollywood Theatre so we will have to consider these two projects presented to us for acceptance or rejection or whatever pretty soon because they want to get on with that as soon as they can.

RECREATION AUTHORITY

BASKETBALL SUMMER LEAGUE

Mr. Alfano announced that they are still having the summer league basketball games every Tuesday and Thursday evening with three games each night. The crowds have been great. They have also added an instructional night which is on Wednesdays. One of the coaches is going to do a clinic for junior high students, sixth, seventh, & eighth grade both male and female. So any kids that want to take advantage of learning some basketball skills need to get down there at 6:00 pm on Wednesday evenings.

SECURING FUNDING

Mr. Alfano stated that the Recreation Authority has the opportunity to secure some funding to do some work so they will be asking Borough council to consider participating along with the recreation authority to get matching grant monies because the folks that are doing the grants look favorably upon having multiple communities and multiple organizations working together. We may even go to Coal Center and get them to participate a little bit. We need to get the master site plan done initially and then they can apply for some project grants. We can use services provided by the borough crew and we need to put a dollar figure on those services. We are going to need some surveying done so maybe council can consider having Fayette Engineering do some surveying work. It is pretty exciting because we have a lot of projects lined up and a lot properties to develop and we have to start somewhere.

PUBLIC WORKS – MR. MARISCOTTI

STREET DEPARTMENT UPDATE

Mr. Mariscotti gave a brief update on what the street department has been doing.

BOBCAT QUOTES

Mr. Mariscotti stated he has handed out bids on purchasing a bobcat for the borough crew and he has spoken with Zach at First Niagara bank this week and we were approved for up to $200,000.00. He just had him run some numbers because we did not have a final price on the bobcat with attachments on that day. Also in your packets is the financing and what this is a lease program through the bank and we can take it for three, four, or five years. It is one annual payment and then there is a $1.00 buyout at the end or whatever we choose. Interest rates run from 2.79 to 3.05. This is just to give you all an idea.

Mr. Mariscotti stated if we are continuing this meeting he will make a motion at that meeting to purchase the bobcat.

PAVING PORCUPINE ALLEY

Mr. Mariscotti stated they are working on a housing project on Second St., the Morris Development, and he asked Mr. Maund to pave approximately. six feet from the alley to the new sidewalk and both Mr. Maund and Mr. Morris have agreed that if the borough pays and provides enough asphalt, approximately. two tri-axles of asphalt, they will pave the alley from Second St. to Strawberry Way. Mr. Alfano stated so they are going to extend the paving out. Mr. Mariscotti stated yes they will extend theirs out and pave the alley way if we buy the asphalt. Mr. Alfano stated he does not remember our cost on asphalt. Mr. Tuday stated it is about $57.00. Mr. Bittner asked how many ton in a tri-axle. Mr. Tuday stated 22-23 ton per tri-axle. Mr. Bittner stated so we’re talking 40 ton. Mr. Mariscotti stated $59.50 is the price on the asphalt and they will haul it all we have to do is pay.

Motion by Mariscotti/Alfano to approve purchasing asphalt for the paving of Porcupine alley between Strawberry and Second St. by Maund Industries at a cost not to exceed $3,200.00 duly carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

PUBLIC SAFETY – MR. GLAB & MR. ENCAPERA

Mr. Glab stated he has nothing at this time and will defer to the Mayor.

Mr. Bittner announced that a police contract negotiation has been set up for this coming Tuesday, the 17th, at 6:00 pm.

FINANCE – MRS. GUTOSKY

Motion by Gutosky/Difilippo motion to pay the bills with the exception of the Response Computer invoice for $8,249.00 duly carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

MID MON VALLEY TRANSIT AUTHORITY – MATCHING FUNDS

Motion by Gutosky/Alfano to pay the contribution for the local match in the amount of $3,947.00 duly carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

PUBLIC HEALTH – MR. DIFILIPPO

TAP IN FEES

Mr. Difilippo stated that tap in fees have been doing real good and it looks as though there are maybe six that haven’t responded yet. He was told citations will start to be issued on those six.

DELINQUENT SEWER BILLS

Mr. Difilippo stated that delinquent sewer collections are going good too. Letters went out on the 27th and he knows that seven or eight people have already come in and paid their bills in full and they have until July 27th, 30 days from the letter, and then we will start proceedings after that.

PERSONNNEL – MR. GLAB & MR. ENCAPERA

Mr. Glab stated he has nothing at this time

MAYOR’S REPORT – MR. DURDINES

GRANT APPLICATION

Mr. Durdines announced that he wants to make everyone aware that he has applied through Penndot, with help from Mr. Glab tracking down application paperwork, for crosswalk designators. These are the ones that are set out in the middle of the road to help increase pedestrian safety. There are some on the Cal U campus; the bright yellow indicators in the middle of the road are very similar. They are free from Penndot after they review the application.

RIVERFEST DONATION

Mr. Durdines was approached by a representative from the River Town organization which is working with the recreation authority to hold a festival towards the end of August of this year. They have received several contributions from local businesses and clubs and she asked if the borough would be willing to contribute some money. He feels it is in our best interest to do so. It would be nice to see a festival here again annually in our community. They have raised about $1,700.00 so far and they believe they have another $1,000.00 committed from a student group on campus and he would like to see California Borough donate $1,000.00 towards operating costs and fireworks that they would like to have at the conclusion of the festival. It is his understanding that the recreation authority has created separate account to handle these funds, so the check would be made the California Borough Recreation Authority.

Motion by Alfano/Mariscotti to contribute $1,000.00 to the River fest event and funds to be taken from the gaming revenue funds duly carried on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.

CIVIL SERVICE TESTING

Mr. Durdines stated we currently have one individual left on our civil service qualification list and this officer currently works part time for us and he is probably going to be moving on to a full time position with another department and he feels it is within the borough’s best interest to maintain a valid list in case of resignation, retirement, etc. so at this time he is asking to advertise for civil service testing for police officers.

Motion by Mariscotti/Glab to advertise for civil service testing after review of the qualifications by council.

Mr. Durdines stated to give some background on it when we tested last time we ended up hiring two of them. We then hired the third officer part time with the understanding that that would be a trial period for both of us and if an opening comes up we have an officer already there to step up and take it. We are going to need some part time police with one officer already leaving and another part time officer who has found full time employment elsewhere leaving within a month or so leaving us down two people in addition to Officer Costello being off. What he wants to do is since we don’t need any full time people today, he would like to civil service test these people, hire them part time and then if it works for both parties they are here if a vacancy does occur they can be bumped right in. Whether we change the qualifications of a full time position or not we are still going to need part time people shortly. We can bring the qualifications back to the continued meeting. Mr. Melenyzer stated at the continued meeting everyone could have an opportunity to review the qualifications we are currently requiring and then decide if we want to change any of them. Mr. Glab stated even if these people start off as part time and then move on to full time if we are going to change those minimum requirements we need to change them before they take the exam or it is a catch twenty-two.

Motion by Glab/Difilippo to table civil service testing duly carried with all members present stating aye.

Mr. Bittner emailed to everyone Mr. Glab’s suggestions on the qualifications for the advertisement for police chief so let’s try to get that wrapped up and our continued meeting if we’re going to get that out let’s get that taken care of and get that out there also. Mr. Bittner stated we are also getting close to the school year starting and the SRO officer and he believes the school district is still interested in that and it needs taken care of. Mr. Durdines stated that he has been working on that but at this time he does not know who exactly we would send up there.

FIRST ANNUAL CALIFORNIA ITALLIAN CLUB BIKE RUN

Mr. Durdines announced that the first annual California Italian Club Motorcycle ride and this ride is going to benefit California Borough and California University police officer Mark Costello. Officer Costello was diagnosed with lung cancer and he’s been unable to work and he has mounting medical bills and also he and his wife just welcomed their first child. If you don’t have a motorcycle you can still participate at $10.00. There will be a meal at approximately 4:00 pm at the Italian club. If you do have a motorcycle and wish to participate in the ride registration is from 9:00 -11:00 am and it is $20.00 per rider and $10.00 per passenger and they will be leaving the Italian club at 11:30 am. Officer Costello has done an excellent job for us and he’s really gotten us through some tough times in the community and has shown a lot of dedication and commitment to the citizens that live here and it would be great to see some of our citizens’ return that favor and show that same level of commitment to Officer Costello. Mr. Durdines is encouraging anyone who is available on Saturday to participate in that benefit at the California Italian Club.

ENGINEER’S REPORT – WILLIAM JOHNSON

UPDATE ON MAIN PUMP STATION

Mr. Johnson updated council on the main pump station and the dialers were received today and will be installed tomorrow and if all that checks out which he expects it to they will schedule the removal of the service of the old pump station in the near future.

NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

Mr. Johnson stated that Pennvest has reviewed our application and approved the borrowing for the main pump station and Malden. This will reimburse the capital fund 2 mil. The loan would close out at 3.4, the original amount was 6.9, and the payments would be reduced by half and the term would remain the same.

AUTHORIZATION TO PRE-PURCHASE

Mr. Johnson stated they are seeking authorization to pre-purchase end item equipment for the sewer treatment plant project which would include the SBR Process package, controls, MCC aeration, the bar screen, uv units, the centrifuge package for the sludge handling, and the generator set and transfer switch. Mr. Bittner asked the solicitor if they reviewed this list with him. Mr. Melenyzer stated not as of yet and that a general comment was made but nothing was given to him as far as what we were spending and what we were buying. Mr. Bittner asked if they could have it for the continued meeting. Mr. Johnson stated he will get it here in the morning.

HIGHPOINT SEWER STUDY

Mr. Johnson stated they have prepared the cost comparison on the previous engineers proposal versus theirs. After review they will suggest a meeting with council members to decide how far to take that project up the hill. He expects that sometime next week and then they can schedule a work session.

PEACH ALLEY REMEDIATION

Mr. Johnson stated they have reviewed the potential for a replacement and found that to be cost prohibitive so they are recommending a combination of slip lining and a liner product in the existing sewer line, both saving time and dollars on the project. This also includes the replacement or repair of existing manholes on that main. Mr. Johnson expects to have that proposal shortly.

Mr. Difilippo stated he has talked to both Art and Doug and some of the pumps that we are going to take out of the old pump station we are looking at maybe selling them out to any other municipalities that may have a use for them. Mr. Johnson stated that is correct and they work for a couple of other municipalities that may be able to use those.

ROBINSON PIPE CLEANING

Mr. Bittner asked Mr. Johnson if Robinson Pipe has been contacted to finish cleaning out the Water St. line. We need to get that taken care of before school starts. Mr. Baker stated we contacted them to get a price and we will have that for the continued meeting.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Melenyzer stated there is one issue that a letter from Seiler Excavating, that was received threatening litigation and we have some additional information on that so he would like an executive session. Mr. Bittner stated we will finish the agenda items and then go into executive session and report at the next meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

No old business at this time

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Glab stated he had received a telephone call from one of the residents and he’s not sure where the borough stands in this process but he saw that we were replacing the sidewalks from here to the end of town and he thought that if it was not too late in the process perhaps we could get Allegheny power to relocate that last telephone pole right at the cemetery between Allstar transmission and the cemetery, it sits right on the edge of the sidewalk. He had an opportunity to speak to someone today who works for Allegheny Power and generically the cost of moving a pole is contingent upon two factors; how far they have to move it and the numbers of utility lines they have on there and the voltage on those lines and that cost may go anywhere from $2,000.00 - $20,000.00. Mr. Bittner stated if you can get West Penn Power to move that fast you will become the next miracle worker.

RECOGNITION OF CITIZENS

DAN FOWKES

Mr. Fowkes requested for the street department to wear shorts. Mr. Bittner advised him to discuss this with the Safety committee and have Mrs. Clancy check with the insurance company and see what they say. Mr. Fowkes stated the trees on Second Street between Liberty and Wood St. are causing a hazard. Those trees are a nuisance and it is a health hazard down there. None of you would ever park your vehicle overnight down there you would wake up the next morning and your car is going to be polluted down there. It smells and the street crew just painted lines down there and none of those stalls are ever utilized down there. It is a disgrace down there. Mr. Fowkes also suggested that a program needs to be implemented on replacing equipment. They have some very old equipment.

JOE SEPESY

Mr. Sepesy stated that he sent packets Monday to everyone on council concerning renaming the high school stadium after Jim Underwood. He sent the packets to the school board also. He would like a letter of support or a resolution supporting this project. There was more discussion on the merit & outstanding work of Mr. Underwood. Mr. Sepesy asked that council give him feedback whether for or against the renaming of the new stadium after Mr. Underwood.

MR. MADDIEX

Mr. Maddiex asked if the idea of the street sweeper is dead and Mr. Mariscotti stated that the street sweeper is completely dead but we kind of switched gears to the bobcat which will have a box broom on it. Mr. Durdines stated that bobcat is not going to do the same. Mr. Maddiex announced the Planning commission meetings.

ART HARRIS

Mr. Harris stated he thinks the idea of naming the new stadium after Mr. Underwood is the best idea he’s heard in a long time.

CONTINUED MEETNIG

Council continued this meeting until July 19, 2012 at 6:30 pm

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Difilippo/Glab to go into executive session at 8:05 pm duly carried with all members present stating aye.

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