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

The minutes of the June 13, 2005 council meeting were presented. Ms. O'Malley motioned to approve the minutes; Mr. Coffey seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Ms. Kovach officially opened the public comment section of the meeting. Being none; Ms. Kovach officially closed the public comment section of the meeting.

Bid Openings: Mr. Hartswick presented the tabulation of bids for the Walnut Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements project through SHACOG. Mr. Coffey motioned to award the bid to A. Merante Contracting, Inc. for $49,145.00 subject to the company obtaining the required insurance certificates, performance bond, payment bond, and meeting all requirements of SHACOG. Ms. O'Malley seconded the motion; all in favor; motion carried.

Public Hearings: Nothing to report.

Civil Service Commission: Nothing to report.

Real Estate Tax Collectors Report: Ms. Torris reported June collections of $88,200.38; with county change order increases of $1,650.71, leaving a balance due of $146,924.83. As of July 11th the borough has collected $38,000 more than last year, which is a 94% collection rate.

Council Committee Reports:

Building and Grounds: Nothing to report.

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

Library: Ms. O'Malley reported the library summer program is progressing with good attendance.

Planning and Codes: Mr. Ross presented three waiver requests from ENX Development: 1) sidewalks; 2) extension of Castleview Road and 3) traffic study. Mr. Cheberenchick motioned to grant the waiver requests; Mr. Coffey seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Public Safety: Nothing to report.

Public Works: Mr. Coffey questioned the number of seasonal workers hired. Mr. Hartswick responded four employees were hired.

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: Ms. O'Malley reported the SHACOG golf outing is scheduled for July 20th. Mr. Hartswick added that Mr. Warhold, Mr. Cheberenchick, Mr. Carlucci and he are registered.

The disk updated for the 2005 data has been submitted to SHACOG.

Mr. Hartswick has submitted information for the Allegheny County Comprehensive Plan.

Ms. O'Malley suggested that the borough prepare an article for the fall newsletter to discuss SHACOG and its programs.

Police Pension: Mr. Hartswick noted a loss in the investment management statement. The borough is moving forward with information transfer to Trollinger.

Earned Income Tax Collector's Report: The agenda contained the Berkheimer earned income tax audit for 2004.

Engineer's Report: Nothing to report.

Manager's Report: Mr. Hartswick presented Resolution 500 - The Right-To-Know Law which formalizes the borough's current policy for distribution of public records. Mr. Coffey motioned to adopt Resolution 500; Ms. O'Malley seconded; all in favor; motion carried. Mr. Hartswick presented Resolution 501 for a CDBG grant for Home Avenue for $31,978.00. Ms. O'Malley motioned to adopt Resolution 501; Mr. Coffey seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Mayor: Mayor Baumgarten requested that council make a determination regarding the opening of the lower gate at Hamilton Park for picnics. Although the borough's current policy is to keep the gate locked at all times, due to a number of civic groups having keys (firemen, youth association, etc.), the gate has been opened for picnics. The gate was to remain locked due to the following concerns: vehicles driving onto the field, vehicles parked in the picnic area; and possible dangers to people with vehicles moving in the picnic area. Mayor Baumgarten suggested relocating the gate or unlocking the gate for picnics with proper signage posted to prevent parking in the lower area. A lengthy discussion continued. Council agreed to unlock the gate for picnic rentals, post signage for loading zones and no parking areas, and have the police patrol the park to insure parking regulations are observed. Relocation of the gate at a future time was discussed.

Mayor Baumgarten reported the police department has received several telephone calls regarding a person soliciting the borough selling children's books. The individual has obtained a solicitation permit from the borough. The borough's current solicitation ordinance is outdated and should be amended. Administration personnel will continue to require proper identification before issuing a permit. Background checks should be completed.

Mayor Baumgarten reported that the school district initiated a sheriff sale against The Ice Castle for delinquent school taxes. This action did not include the borough's delinquent taxes. The Ice Castle has settled and paid the school district for the taxes. Borough council directed Mr. Biondo to proceed with a sheriff sale on behalf of the borough.

Planning Commission Report: Nothing to report.

Solicitor's Report: Mr. Biondo discussed three parcels of property that are exempt and should be removed from the delinquent tax list: Allegheny County Housing Authority (250-P-4); Pittsburgh & WV Railway Co. (190-B-400); and Port Authority of Allegheny County (250-E-206). Ms. O'Malley motioned to have these parcels removed from the delinquent tax list; Mr. Cheberenchick seconded; all in favor; motion carried.

Keystone Oaks: Nothing to report.

Zoning Hearing Board: Nothing to report.

Other: Mr. Coffey and Mr. Hartswick discussed two water main breaks in Castle Shannon. PAWC will replace the road on McCully from Steiger Street to the crest of the hill. A new water line will be installed from the hydrant on Janet Street to McCully. . Mr. Lucas (PAWC) will work with the borough to replace the bricks on Pine Avenue and check for undermining of the road.

Mr. Cheberenchick noted an invoice to repair damages to the roof of the borough garage. Mr. Hartswick stated the cost has been submitted to the borough's insurance company.

Mayor Baumgarten stated that Al Lowe, reporter for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, was attacked and mugged. Borough council wishes Mr. Lowe a speed recovery.

Mr. Coffey stated that council wishes Mrs. Carlucci a speed recovery as well.

Ms. Kovach asked everyone to support the Castle Shannon Volunteer Firemen's Carnival July 25-30.