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

The minutes of the May 24, 2004 council meeting were presented. Mr. Cheberenchick motioned to approve the minutes; Ms. Kovach seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Mr. Zezulewicz turned the meeting over to Mayor Baumgarten for a special presentation. Mayor Baumgarten discussed the DARE program in Castle Shannon elementary schools and the dedication of the four police officers who teach the program. The following students were chosen as winners for their outstanding essays: Jullian Schepis and Erin Fitch from St. Annes School, and Melanie Gumina, Kaylee Cottrill and Katie Boyle from Myrtle Avenue Elementary. Ms. Schepis, Ms. Fitch and Ms. Boyle were present and read their essays for the audience. Council congratulated the students.

Mr. Zezulewicz called for public comments or requests.

Ms. Janet Stella, 3145 Belleville Street - asked the status on the condemned property at 3131 Belleville. Mr. Ross reported that Jones Demolition has been working on the interior demolition and the exterior will be completed within two weeks, weather permitting.

Mr. Zezulewicz officially closed the public portion of the meeting.

Bid Openings: - Mr. Hartswick presented the SHACOG Joint CCTV Project bid results. Robinson Pipe Cleaning gave a total bid of $285,007.53, with the borough's project share at $7,638.54 for cleaning and televising the trunk sewer line from Mt. Lebanon to the connection point with ALCOSAN's Upper Saw Mill Run Interceptor. The Borough does not have the capacity to undertake this line. Mr. Cheberenchick questioned and Mr. Hartswick confirmed that the borough would receive a copy of the video. Mr. Cheberenchick motioned to accept the bid; Ms. O'Malley seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Public Hearings: - Nothing to report.

Civil Service Commission: - Nothing to report.

Real Estate Tax Collectors Report: - Ms. Torris reported May collections of $109,579.94. Balance to be collected is $208,882.32.

Council Committee Reports:

Building and Grounds: - Ms. Kovach commented that the Memorial Day parade went well and suggested a follow-up meeting. Residents enjoyed and appreciated the fireworks' display.

Finance: - Mr. Cheberenchick motioned to ratify the May Treasurer's Report; Ms. O'Malley seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Library: - Ms. O'Malley reported the paving project will be delayed due to budget restrictions.

Mr. Hartswick met with Anne New to prepare a grant application through Representative Michael Diven for Castle Shannon history on video.

Ms. O'Malley discussed the problems with a local business utilizing the library's parking lot. Signage restricting parking will be installed and police will ticket violators. Mr. Ross added that a potential buyer for 918 Park Avenue is seeking adjacent properties for parking.

Planning and Codes: - Nothing to report.

Public Safety: - Mr. Carlucci questioned the yellow lines painted by PAT on Willow Avenue. Mr. Ross and Mr. Hartswick confirmed the lines would be removed.

Ms. Kovach questioned if the gates and signals were operating since the PAT trolley line opening. Chief Lane answered no problems have been reported. Ms. Kovach questioned fire department access to Sleepy Hollow in an emergency. Mr. Ross stated the fire department has an emergency number that goes to PAT operations to suspend a train for emergencies.

Public Works: - Mr. Hartswick and Mayor Baumgarten traveled to Brewster, Ohio to meet with Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad to discuss the public works garage expansion project.

Ms. Kovach commented that the sewer televising project is ahead of schedule. Mr. Hartswick stated this year's requirement is 5.2 miles of sewer lines.

Editorial Board: - Nothing to report.

MRTSA: - Nothing to report.

Municipal Associations:

Allegheny County Boroughs Association: - Nothing to report.

Allegheny League of Municipalities: - Nothing to report.

South Hills Area Council of Governments: - Nothing to report.

Police Pension: - A police pension meeting will be scheduled in September.

Earned Income Tax Collector's Report: - Nothing to report.

Engineer's Report: - Nothing to report.

Manager's Report: - Mr. Hartswick stated that much thought, analysis and deliberation has gone into the following decision. Council has concluded that it is in the borough's best interests to terminate relationships with the South Hills Regional Dispatch Center (SHRDC) and Emergency Communications Center Board effective December 31, 2004 at 11:59 p.m. Mr. Zezulewicz asked for questions or comments from council. None were received. Mr. Zezulewicz confirmed that council has dedicated much time and effort to the research and education for this decision. The move to the Allegheny County Dispatch Facility is a good choice for the community for quality of service and financial realities of cost for services. The borough is required to notify the SHRDC one hundred eighty (180) days before termination. Mr. Zezulewicz added there is no reason for any community to pay twice as much for the same service. Ms. O'Malley motioned to authorize the appropriate officials to sign the letter notifying the SHRDC of the borough's intent to terminate the relationships; Ms. Kovach seconded; all in favor; motion carried. Mr. Zezulewicz added that borough is undecided about the call structure to the fire department and is awaiting additional information.

Mr. Hartswick presented a Memorandum of Understanding between 3 Rivers Wet Weather Inc and Castle Shannon Borough for updated municipal sewer mapping and manhole location pursuant to requirements of the Consent Order. Castle Shannon has 1025 sanitary manholes and the GPS survey will be completed in 9-13 days in addition to the second phase. Mr. Carlucci motioned to authorize the appropriate officials to execute the agreement; Ms. O'Malley seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Mayor's Report: - Mayor Baumgarten announced that he supports council's decision and echo's the president's comments concerning the termination from SHRDC. Council attended a number of meetings and visits to the Point Breeze Center where back-up and technology capabilities were demonstrated.

Mayor Baumgarten stated that Port Authority will not be maintaining the war memorial park and suggested a professional landscaper be hired to maintain the property. Mr. Hartswick discussed a public works' employee ability to maintain the landscaping; however the department's manpower is limited due to the sewer televising project. Mr. Ross and Mr. Biondo confirmed that an agreement with Port Authority will be needed for the borough to maintain the property.

Mayor Baumgarten proposed a meeting with council and a tax collection company to collect on liened taxes.

Planning Commission: - Mr. Hartswick announced two vacancies exist on the Planning Commission Board and requested applicants contact Mr. Ross or Mr. Hartswick. Mr. Ross suggested reducing the board members required from seven to five. No action taken.

Solicitor: - Nothing to report.

Keystone Oaks : - Nothing to report.

Zoning Hearing Board: - Nothing to report.

Other Business: - Ms. Kovach noted a letter from a resident on Rebecca Street regarding restoration issues from a sewer project. Mr. Hartswick stated the borough engineers are reviewing the issues related to the Shady Run sanitary sewer project.

Back