Download the entire meeting packet here [PDF].
BRIDGEVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 9, 2020
7:00PM
Council President Henderson opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for the sick, handicapped, departed and military personnel of the community.
ROLL CALL – Roll was called with the following present:
Council President, William Henderson
Council Vice-President, Nino Petrocelli, Sr.
Council Member, Bruce Ghelarducci
Council Member, Joseph Colosimo
Council Member, Joseph Verduci
Council Member, Virginia Schneider
Council Member, Nicholas Ciesielski
Mayor, Betty Copeland
Solicitor, Thomas McDermott
Borough Engineer, Kevin Brett
Borough Manager, Lori Collins
Assistant to the Manager, Cheryl Glowark (absent)
Police Chief, Chad King
Fire Chief, Ray Costain
Southbridge EMS, Dan Miller
BANNER COMMUNITY AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT
Council President Henderson announced Bridgeville Borough was recognized as a Banner Community through
the Allegheny League of Municipalities (ALOM). He thanked council and the administrative staff for their
contribution.
COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR
Mary Weise – asked what can be done to improve the intersection at Station Street and Washington Avenue.
Bob Fryer – asked Council how meetings are publicized and stated his opinion regarding traffic issues and projects in the Comprehensive Plan.
Manager Collins replied meetings are advertised in the newspaper, on the Borough’s website calendar at www.bridgevilleboro.com and on a sign located in the vestibule. In addition, an electronic sign will be placed adjacent to the municipal building once the parking lot work is designed and completed.
Courtney Tolmer – provided updated information on the tree project. She said the parking authority authorized three trees on one of their lots and overall businesses have been receptive to the idea of trees being placed along Washington Avenue. Last week members of council, public works staff, Manager Collins, Engineer Heyl, Kinsey Miller from Tree Pittsburgh, and Ms. Tolmer walked the avenue and it was determined the project
will be put on hold at this time.
Council President Henderson told Ms. Tolmer he appreciates her passion and the time she has spent on the project. There are challenging locations with conduit laying under several proposed areas.
Councilman Colosimo said the conduit is shallow. Both the engineer and electrical contractor said it is a bad idea to plant trees in those locations.
Manager Collins said the Borough received recommendations from the engineer and electrician and information from the public works staff. All agree it is a very bad idea to put trees where conduit is located.
Both the engineer and electrician said if trees are planted there, the conduit, including FIOS cables, must be moved. The engineer provided information on a deflector, that after installed would allow root systems to grow downward instead of outward under the sidewalk, however; the conduit would still need moved. She said, in 2011 when the sidewalks were replaced along the avenue, the original plan included trees, but was
found the area was not conducive for trees.
Councilwoman Schneider asked if other areas have been considered in the Borough.
Ms. Tolmer said Tree Pittsburgh will consider alternate locations for a future project. Further discussion followed.
Natalie Uschner-Arroyo, Executive Director of the Lower Chartiers Watershed Association – a volunteer association, said their goal and purpose is to protect and improve lower Chartiers Creek. She stated this year’ events including a spring tree planting in Upper St. Clair along the creek and a “kayak cleanup”. Event listings and other information can be found on their website – http://www.lowerchartierswatershed.org/.
Justin Thomas – asked if any new information has been received regarding his traffic issue request at the January meeting.
Manager Collins said since it is a state road, she contacted Penn DOT regarding the concern. They replied they will complete a traffic study. As soon as she receives the report, she will provide him and Council with their results. Further discussion followed.
Denis Valentine – representing SouthBridge EMS, discussed a disturbing letter he read in the Signal Item newspaper. He said several ambulance services across Pennsylvania have gone out of business and those that
haven’t have been experiencing increased financial trouble due to lowered reimbursements since the healthcare reform 8 or 9 years ago. Many simply cannot maintain the level of service. He asked the Borough for any help they can provide.
BUSINESS
1. A motion was made by N. Petrocelli, Sr., seconded by J. Colosimo, and carried to adopt Resolution 2020-02 authorizing the condemnation, through the use of eminent domain, for acquisition of legal deeds, easements, and/or rights-of-ways. Of certain properties along the McLaughlin Run stormwater
management project area, for the purpose of constructing and maintaining same, and authorizing, empowering and directing the proper borough officers and its solicitor to take such lawful actions as necessary for said condemnations, to create necessary documents, to institute any attendant proceedings, and to have authority to offer just compensation, if any. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
2. A motion was made by B. Ghelarducci, seconded by N. Petrocelli, Sr., and carried to approve the February 10, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes as submitted. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
3. A motion was made by J. Verduci, seconded by J. Colosimo, and carried to approve the March 2020 Final Bill List. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
4. A motion was made by B. Ghelarducci, seconded by N. Petrocelli, Sr, and carried to approve the March 13, 20, 27, and April 3, and 10, 2020 payrolls. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
5. A motion was made by N. Petrocelli, Sr., seconded by J. Verduci, and carried to authorize Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering to prepare bid specifications for the 2020 Road Pavement Maintenance Project and Manager Collins to advertise the same. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
6. A motion was made by J. Verduci, seconded by N. Petrocelli, Sr., and carried to authorize Payment No. 1 and Final to Schaaf Excavating Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $19,833.00 for the 416 Darby Way demolition. Remarks: The site has been inspected and approved by LSSE Engineer Heyl. The check will be cut out of the 2019 Budget. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
7. A motion was made by J. Colosimo, seconded by V. Schneider, and carried to authorize Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering to prepare bid specifications for the McLaughlin Run Park Phase 2 Project and Manager Collins to advertise the same. Remarks: Upgrades include the parking lot,the addition of two pavilions and additional skateboard equipment. A DCNR Grant has been secured for the project. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
8. A motion was made by B. Ghelarducci, seconded by N. Ciesielski, and carried to appoint Lisa Adams to the Civil Service Commission and Edward Baca as an alternate to the Civil Service Commission for a six-year term to expire the first Monday in January 2026. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
9. A motion was made by J. Verduci, seconded by V. Schneider, and carried to accept and pay any commission due the February 2020 Tax Collector’s Report. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
10. A motion was made by J. Verduci, seconded by B. Ghelarducci, and carried to accept the January 2020 Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
11. A motion was made by B. Ghelarducci, seconded by V. Schneider, and carried to accept the February 2020 Police Report. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
12. A motion was made by J. Colosimo, seconded by N. Petrocelli, Sr., and carried to accept the March 2020 Zoning Report. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
Council President Henderson reported an Executive Session was held prior to the meeting to discuss personnel and legal issues.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ADMINISTRATION, VIRGINIA SCHNEIDER – Councilwoman Schneider had nothing to report.
FINANCE, JOSEPH VERDUCI – Councilman Verduci said a finance meeting was held and approximately $90,000 is still outstanding for 2019 taxes. Manager Collins said letters will be mailed in the next few weeks. Any not paid will be sent to the magistrate.
PARKS & RECREATION, JOSEPH COLOSIMO – Councilman Colosimo said public works is painting the newly renovated restrooms at McLaughlin Park and thanked Bruce’s Auto body for donating supplies and labor
to paint the exterior doors to those restrooms. He said in April the Borough will be applying for a DCNR grant. If received, monies will be used to stabilize the stream bank at Chartiers Park as well other updates in
the park.
PUBLIC WORKS/BUILDINGS, NINO PETROCELLI, SR. – Councilman Petrocelli provided the Public Works Report and discussed the possibility of opening the parks and beginning street sweeping early. He asked for a list of items needing done in the parks.
PUBLIC SAFETY, BRUCE GHELARDUCCI – Councilman Ghelarducci had nothing to report.
MAYOR, BETTY COPELAND – Mayor Copeland said March is Women’s History Month and the Pittsburgh Hall of Women’s Achievements will hold a celebration at the LeMont Restaurant in Pittsburgh on March 21,
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the Constitution and congratulated Mary Weise on her political and vocal achievements.
POLICE CHIEF, CHAD KING-Chief King reported Officer Itzel tendered a letter of resignation today as he wishes to exercise his early retirement option and wished him well on his future endeavors. He said that leaves
him with a vacancy and asked for authorization to start the search and testing process for a full-time replacement.
A motion was made by B. Ghelarducci, seconded by N. Petrocelli, Sr., and carried to accept the resignation of Roger Itzel. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
A motion made by B. Ghelarducci, seconded by N. Ciesielski, and carried to authorize the search and testing process to create a list of eligible officers to fill the vacancy in the Police Department. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
SOLICITOR, THOMAS MCDERMOTT- Solicitor McDermott provided the confidential solicitor’s report and asked for authorization to advertise a renewed Public Hearing for the April meeting for the property located
at 131 Washington Avenue.
A motion was made by B. Ghelarducci, seconded by N. Petrocelli, Sr., and carried to authorize legal advertisement for a renewed Public Hearing for the Conditional Use Application for the property located at 131 Washington Avenue.
BOROUGH ENGINEER, KEVIN BRETT- Engineer Brett presented the March 2020 Engineer’s Report.
2020 Road Improvements – The Public Works Committee, Manager and LSSE met and discussed the 2020 Roads. LSSE provided Borough with a preliminary OPC for the $130,000 Liquid Fuels Budget. Tentative Bid Opening is set for early April.
2019 Road Improvements – Awaiting schedule from contractor.
Long Term Road Plan – LSSE is finalizing Road Study Table for review with Street Committee.
MS4 – LSSE to meet with Staff to review PRP Plan to lessen required maintenance for PRP compliance and review Borough MS4 files in preparation of DEP inspection.
Jane Way Access Project – KSSE met with the county on February 5, 2020 to discuss bidding requirements.
Commercial Street Levee Project – LSSE has completed the model conceptual design and is to present to PADEP to determine required permitting process.
Maple Street Wall – LSSE is preparing bid documents for the proposed wall repair.
Army Corps – LSSE incorporating levee project once design is finalized.
Darby Way Parking Lot – LSSE has completed the survey of the property. LSSE is preparing construction plans for the proposed parking lot that will include the placement of a digital sign on the property.
McLaughlin Run Park Phase II – The DCNR has approved the contract documents prepared by Gateway Engineers. LSSE is preparing the erosion control plans and narrative and placing the project out to bid.
Chartiers Park Improvement Project – LSSE has completed the topographic survey and is preparing the permit application for submission to the PADEP to stabilize the stream and reestablish the roadway into the park. LSSE met with the park committee and is developing a plan
and cost estimate to repave the access drive and parking lot and construct a new playground for submission of DCNR and Greenways grant application.
Bower Hill Road Storm Sewer Improvements – LSSE has completed the topographic survey and is preparing the Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) application for submission to the Allegheny County Department of Public Works. LSSE to prepare construction documents once
the HOP is issued.
GEDF Grant – LSSE submitted GEDF Grant Applications for the following projects:
- Bower Hill Road Stormwater Complaint (Opinion of Probable Cost – $100,000.00) Grant was awarded in the amount of $100,000.00. DCED to send formal award letter with instructions on next steps to proceed. LSSE has scheduled topographic surveys.
- McLaughlin Run Flood Mitigation (includes the following):
-Jane Way Ramp $100,000.00
-Commercial Street Culvert Cleaning $100,000.00
-Back Channel Cleaning (plans to be prepared) $100,000.00
-Lowering Ball Field (Gateway plans) $350,000.00
-Trash Rack (Gateway plans) $60,000.00
Grant was awarded in the amount of $425,000.00 ($500,000.00 was requested.) DCED to send formal award letter with instructions on next steps to proceed. LSSE met with County staff February 5, 2020, to discuss bidding requirements. A preconstruction meeting is scheduled with the County on March 18, 2020.
PA Small Water and Sewer Grants – LSSE submitted grant application for a portion of the Borough’s Pollutant Reduction Plan. Two items were applied for; a street sweeper to meet the MS4 requirements and four storm separators for water quality. Total amount is $500,000.00,
requesting $475,000.00 in a grant. CFA to discuss project awards at its July 2020 meeting,
CDBG Year 46 – It is anticipated the Borough will be awarded $20,000.00 as noted in the COG’s memo dated January 16, 2020. The Borough is awaiting further direction from COG regarding final approval.
Backflow Preventer Project – Phase II restoration work will be completed Spring 2020.Chapter 94 Report – LSSE is preparing 2019 Annual Wasteload Management Report for submittal to ALCOSAN. Ongoing.
ALCOSAN Phase I – Interim Consent Order and Agreement – Phase I COA was issued by letter dated October 15, 2015 from PADEP. The Phase I COA lapsed on June 1, 2018. Discussion was bad at various 3RWW venues (e.g. Wet Weather Working Group, SFT/FT Subcommittee) as to the next steps ( e.g. administrative extension of the Phase 1 COA, Phase II COA or Corrective
Action Plan). 3RWW emailed guidance relative to tap availability from June 1 through December 31, 2018. PaDEP required an interim Corrective Action Plan (CAP). PaDEP approved the Interim CAP extension until June 30, 2020.
ALCOSAN submitted a 2019 Municipal Information Request to all tributary municipalities to comply with requirements of the Consent Order. This information is to be submitted to ALCOSAN by February 29, 2020. The information requested includes the following:
• general municipal information,
• updates to Source Flow Reduction Studies,
• planned source reduction project information,
• any new lateral or storm water ordinances,
• any flow monitoring data collected in the past 10 years in specific ALCOSAN format,
• nighttime flow isolation studies,
• latest available sanitary sewer mapping GIS geodatabase, and
• any other supplemental data relevant to source flow reduction.
The Modified Consent Decree (MCD) was issued to the District Court on October 2, 2019 formally starting the public comment period which ends December 2, 2019. Regionalization: ALCOSAN issued a report to the municipalities pertaining to multi-municipal trunk sewers repairs that they are requesting the municipalities make prior to transfer. ALCOSAN issued the Draft form of Transfer Agreement to the municipalities by letter dated December 13, 2018. ALCOSAN scheduled a series of outreach meetings for Manager’s and Elected Officials. POC Defect Reports are required to scope repairs.
GROW Grant Application – GROW Cycle 5 has started. Letters of Interest packages are due to ALCOSAN by March 31, 2020.
- New York Street Sanitary Sewer Realignment – LOI rejected for GROW 4
- Sanitary Sewer Lining after 2016 is eligible for GROW 5 application
- Regionalization Repair Scope could potentially be GROW eligible
Miscellaneous Items
Chestnut Street Sink Hole – LSSE observed repair of the sanitary sewer and has been in communication with the contractor. The trench has been temporarily backfilled with cold patch to grant the residence with access to their properties. Contractor install final brick restoration once weather permits.
1001 Grandview Avenue – LSSE reviewed the condition of the retaining wall in the rear of the property on January 17, 2020. LSSE issued a letter of findings regarding the retaining wall to the Borough on January 20, 2020 recommending the Borough notify the property owner and have
them engage a professional engineer to develop a maintenance plan for the existing retaining wall.
No change.
1011 Laurel Street – LSSE reviewed the condition of Laurel Street upon completion of the mine grouting on the property on February 4, 2020. LSSE issued a letter of. findings regarding the condition of the road to the Borough on February 5, 2020 recommending that the Borough place
the contractor on notice that they are responsible to repair the damages to Laurel Street as a result of the construction activities. No change.
Washington Pike Tree Planting Project – LSSE met with Borough staff and tree committee and reviewed the proposed tree placement. Public Works exposed the electric conduit located in the flower beds. LSSE provided recommendation that if the trees are installed that the conduit will
need to be relocated. LSSE also recommended that PennDOT be contacted as this work will be performed within the state right-of-way.
FIRE CHIEF, RAY COSTAIN – Chief Costain said during February 2020, the fire department answered 31 calls.
SOUTHBRIDGE EMS, DAN MILLER – Dan Miller confirmed previous comments, provided more information, and said they need support. Their subscription and membership drive have begun and asked for
additional support from the Borough.
BRIDGEVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, MARY WEISE- Ms. Weise provided program updates.
BRIDGEVILLE LIBRARY REPRESENTATIVE- Ray Ahrenholtz provided updated library information and events.
BRIDGEVILLE PARKING AUTHORITY REPRESENTATIVE-None present.
BRIDGEVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE-Justine Cimarolli provided information from their latest meeting.
BOROUGH MANAGER, LORI COLLINS – Ms. Collins provided her written report and project update. She said a grant was applied for and received from the Census 2020. Bridgeville Borough has been designated as
a census hub. She discussed the importance of being counted for the Borough’s funding and stated the Borough office will assist any person needing help completing the Census form.
OLD BUSINESS – There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS – There was no new business.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by B. Ghelarducci, seconded by J. Colosimo, and carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 PM. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.