The following elected officials were present: R. Carlucci, M. Cheberenchick, N. Kovach, T. Kirk, J. O'Malley, R. Zezulewicz, Mayor D. Baumgarten, S. Torris. Councilman P. Coffey was absent. The following appointed officials were present: D. Lane, Borough Manager; D. Biondo, Solicitor; H. Lane, Police Chief; R. Trujillo, Building Official.

The minutes of the December 17, 2001 and January 3, 2002 meetings were presented. Mr. Kirk motioned to approve the minutes; seconded by Mr. Carlucci; all in favor; motion carried.

Mr. Zezulewicz called for public comments or requests.

Mr. Edward Guzik, 1427 Trance Drive noted a large amount of dog feces on the Municipal Center grounds. Mr. Guzik also commented that two public works employees were sitting in the Municipal Center parking lot in a truck with the engine running for a 25-minute period of time. Mr. Guzik stated the roadway at Sycamore and Trance is sinking.

Mr. Zezulewicz closed the public portion of the meeting.

Bid Openings: Nothing to report.

Public Hearings: Nothing to report.

Civil Service Commission: Nothing to report.

Real Estate Tax Collectors Report: Ms. Torris reported the delinquent total of $64,765.13 is 4% of the total balance. Mr. Cheberenchick motioned to exonerate the Tax Collector of the 2001 real estate taxes; Ms. Kovach seconded; all in favor; motion carried. Mr. Carlucci commended Ms. Torris on her performance.

Mayor Baumgarten noted the balance to be closed list as $64,765.13, however the actual list was larger. Ms. Torris responded the difference is the Tymaco property. Mr. Carlucci questioned if all delinquent taxes were to be liened. Ms. Lane answered the properties will be reviewed to determine if the properties should be liened. Ms. Lane noted one amount for $23.56 which is taxes for a garage on a condominium, therefore council would not wish to eliminate the liening process based on amount alone.

Ms. Torris questioned the Act 77 refunds for 2002. Mr. Zezulewicz answered residents will be required to file with the borough. Notices regarding Act 77 will be enclosed in the borough tax bills.

Council Committee Reports: Building and Grounds: Ms. Kovach requested a Memorial Day Committee meeting be scheduled. Mr. Zezulewicz stated his contact will not be able to handle the fireworks display. A short discussion continued on the fireworks company and area available to handle the display. Ms. Kovach added a bag pipe band may be available for the parade. Ms. Lane suggested February 4th as a meeting date.

Finance: Nothing to report.

Library: Ms. O'Malley answered the library will not be open to the public in January due to heating problems. Ms. O'Malley suggested a library employee be appointed as contact responsible for building issues. February 15th is the tentative opening date.

Planning and Codes: Nothing to report.

Public Safety: Mr. Carlucci noted a joint animal control meeting on January 30 at 10:30 a.m. Ms. Lane and Chief Lane will attend. Mr. Carlucci presented the December reports: District Court Fines - $3,121.66; Parking Citations - $490.00; Report Fees - $240.00; Meter Fines - $125.00; Alarm Fines Received - $50.00; Alarms Billed - $450.00; Special Services - $357.70; Police Calls – 330; Hospital report – 66.

Public Works: Mr. Carlucci motioned to proceed with two emergency sewer projects on May Street and Orr Drive; Ms. O'Malley seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Editorial Board: Mr. Zezulewicz commended Mr. Cheberenchick on the news article in the Post Gazette relating to his appointment as Castle Shannon's Citizen of the Year.

MRTSA: Nothing to report.

Municipal Associations:
Allegheny County Boroughs Association: Nothing to report.
Allegheny League of Municipalities: 29th Annual Conference at Seven Springs.
South Hills Area Council of Governments: Ms. Lane presented and read Resolution 474 appointing D. Lane as representative to the SHACOG Franchising Authority Board, and L. Miller as alternate. Mr. Cheberenchick motioned to adopt Resolution 474; Mr. Carlucci seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Ms. Lane presented and read Resolution 475 appointing D.Baumgarten as representative to the SHACOG Joint Rate Review Board, and R. Zezulewicz as alternate. Ms. Kovach motioned to adopt Resolution 475; Ms. O'Malley seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Mr. Carlucci motioned to appoint T. Kirk as primary delegate to the SHACOG Board of Directors and N. Kovach as alternate; Ms. O'Malley seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Ms. Lane noted correspondence on the 2001 RAD distribution.

Police Pension Review Committee: Mr. Zezulewicz announced a meeting scheduled for February 4th at 6:30.

Earned Income Tax Collector's Report: December Distribution Analysis: EIT - $29,156.31; OPT - $13,783.38.

Engineer: Ms. Kovach motioned to authorize the appropriate officials to enter into a service agreement with Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering for 2002; Ms. O'Malley seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Manager's Report: Ms. Lane noted a membership request from the Pennsylvania State Borough Association with dues of $1,146.91. Council declined.

Local Government Academy announced a 2002 municipal intern program. Ms. Kovach questioned which area the intern would work. Ms. Lane replied the planning area because of the various development projects. Ms. Lane reported the response to the business survey was limited.

Ms. O'Malley motioned to provide a financial contribution of $750.00 to Castle Shannon Youth Association; Mr. Carlucci seconded; all in favor; motion carried. Ms. Lane noted a Three Rivers Wet Weather Demonstration Program meeting on January 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dormont Borough Building. Mr. Zezulewicz will attend.

Ms. Lane noted the debt service schedule in the agenda package.

Mayor's Report: Mayor Baumgarten presented a letter commending Officer Fleckenstein.

Mayor Baumgarten announced the Mayors' Association meeting on January 31st in which Jim Roddey will be a speaker.

Mayor Baumgarten stated a meeting is scheduled to finalize the Adopt-a-School Program for 2002, discuss the 2002 Dare Program at Keystone Oaks Middle School, and discuss a school resource officer. Mayor Baumgarten outlined the funding requirements for retaining the school resource officer. Cost for Castle Shannon annually would be $4,500-$5,000.

Chief Lane reported on a meeting of SHACOG chiefs of police regarding the structuring of one mutual aide agreement for catastrophes in the communities. Most communities are prepared with emergency management equipment.

Chief Lane reported the “Keyholder Program” has been very successful. United Way has come on board and is putting the program onto the internet.

Mayor Baumgarten noted police officers periodically visit the elementary schools to communicate with the students and provide a positive police presence. In this time of political turmoil, the police officers provide a sense of security. Sergeant David Lane suggested the officers have lunch with students to create a positive student/officer rapport.

Planning Commission Report: Nothing to report.

Solicitor's Report: Nothing to report.

Treasurer's Report: Mr. Cheberenchick motioned to ratify the Treasurer's Report; Ms. Kovach seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Zoning Hearing Board: Nothing to report.

Other Business: Mr. Kirk noted membership for SHACOG is due. Ms. Kovach motioned to join SHACOG; Mr. Carlucci seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

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