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

The minutes of the February 24, 2003 council meeting were presented. Ms. O'Malley motioned to approve the minutes; Mr. Coffey seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Mr. Zezulewicz called for public comments or requests.

Mr. Paul Scabilloni, business owner of MARSA, Inc. at 3730 Poplar Avenue and ENX Enterprises. Mr. Scabilloni stated the weight limitations on Grove Road Bridge would hinder the development of the industrial zoned property on Sleepy Hollow Road. The development plans include office space and a warehouse.

Chief Lane gave a brief history stating that Penndot mandated the borough post weight limitations on borough bridges. A&L Construction removed the pole with the weight limit sign during construction. A Penndot employee discovered tri-axles using the bridge and reported the lack of signage; therefore the borough replaced the signage. Penndot has set weight regulations on the bridge and instructed the borough to enforce the weight restrictions. The borough is seeking assistance for the bridge replacement cost of $800,000 through the Port Authority and Penndot; however these plans are not in the immediate future. Mr. Zezulewicz stated the borough has been working to include the bridge in the Route 88 and Grove Road project in 2005 and added that the borough is trying to secure funding to upgrade the bridge. Chief Lane stated that A&L Construction built a bridge that was given to the fire department; however once rails are installed, it will be unsuitable for vehicles.

Mr. Scabilloni questioned using the A&L bridge. Chief Lane recommended contacting the fire department and Port Authority for access and Senator Wagner and Representative Diven for support. A short discussion continued on how and where trucks and trailers can be weighed and special permitting requirements through Penndot and borough ordinance. Mr. Zezulewicz added that council is encouraged by the development project, and offered the assistance of Chief Lane and Thomas Hartswick to resolve any issues.

Mr. Zezulewicz officially 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 a collection in excess of 33% and commended a resident for reporting their ineligibility for Act 77.

Council Committee Reports:

Building and Grounds: Ms. Kovach's recommendations for park equipment will be ready after measurements have been taken. Ms. O'Malley questioned the playground base material. Ms. Kovach answered a wood chip base is planned.

Ms. Kovach discussed a plaque for the new pavilion at Hamilton Park for Representative Ralph Kaiser.

Finance: Mr. Cheberenchick motioned to ratify the Treasurer's Report for February; Mr. Carlucci seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Library: Ms. O'Malley announced a program arranged by Heather McCue for St. Patrick's Day – “Fiona and her Fiddle”.

Planning and Codes: Mr. Kirk presented Resolution 482 – Plan Revision for New Land Development for Family Video. Mr. Kirk motioned to adopt the resolution; Mr. O'Malley seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Public Safety: Mr. Carlucci presented the Fine & Fees Report: District Court Fines-$2,633.23; Parking Citations-$370.00; Report Fees-$165.00; Meter Fines-$135.00; Alarm Fines Received-$100.00; Special Services-$741.00; Ambulance calls-52; Police calls-334.

Chief Lane announced the police website is up and running.

Officer Watkins will be certified as a BOMAC trainer. Senator Wagner and Senator Murphy provided funding for the program.

Public Works: Mr. Coffey reported that public works vehicle #2 has been repaired and is operating. Four loads of salt have been received.

Mr. Hartswick reported that Steiger Street sewers will be televised.

Editorial Board: Mr. Zezulewicz requested the scheduling of a preliminary conference call.

MRTSA: Mr. Cheberenchick discussed the dilemma of MRTSA remaining with SHRDC or changing to the county 911 program. Mr. Carlucci requested the borough send correspondence stating the borough is against the change. Mr. Cheberenchick suggested cutting costs at the SHRDC system without jeopardizing response time. Mr. Hartswick stated the borough representative joint meeting would be rescheduled. Mr. Coffey noted that if other communities withdraw from SHRDC, the borough's cost would increase. Chief Lane added the change to the county would severely affect the dispatching communications.

Municipal Associations:

Allegheny County Boroughs Association: Nothing to report.

Allegheny League of Municipalities: Nothing to report.

South Hills Area Council of Governments: Mr. Kirk announced the March 20th meeting would be at the borough's municipal center. Mr. Kirk thanked Ms. Kovach for attending the recent meetings.

Police Pension: Nothing to report.

Earned Income Tax Collector's Report: February Distribution Analysis: OPT - $811.20; EIT - $45,690.07.

Engineer Report: Nothing to report.

Manager's Report: Mr. Hartswick discussed taxes for Lot and Block 139-K-290. Mr. Carlucci motioned to authorize the appropriate officials to waive the costs for 139-K-290; Ms. O'Malley seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Mayor's Report: Nothing to report.

Keystone Oaks: Nothing to report.

Zoning Hearing Board: Nothing to report.

Other Business: Ms. O'Malley noted that a dumpster on McRoberts Road has been in place a lengthy period of time. Mr. Coffey stated it has been reported to the codes office.

Mr. Kirk stated the holiday giving program is in dire need of funding to continue the Easter program this year. Mr. Zezulewicz asked the journalists present to submit news articles requesting donations.

Mr. Coffey reported that cold patch is needed on Sleepy Hollow Road.

Mr. Kirk noted the street by the parking lot of St. Annes Church on Hoodridge needs patched also.

Mr. Carlucci motioned to adjourn; Ms. Kovach seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Approved as presented this 24th day of March 2003.

Back