Monthly Meeting of Borough Council
December 14, 2020 – 7:00 pm via www.Zoom.us
Meeting ID: 7328600080 / Password: 032445
Borough Building, Council Chambers, 425 Bower Hill Road
ROLL CALL
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, Joseph Kauer
Police Chief, Chad King
Fire Chief, Raymond Costain / Asst. Chief Meglen
Southbridge EMS, Dan Miller
COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR – VISITORS, PLEASE STATE NAMES AND ADDRESSES
BUSINESS:
1. A motion to approve the November 9, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes as submitted was made by Mr. Petrocelli, seconded by Mrs. Schneider; motion carried unanimously.
2. A motion to approve the December 2020 Bill List was made by Mr. Verduci, seconded by Mr. Ciesielski; motion carried unanimously.
3. A motion to approve the December 18, 25, January 1 and 8, 2021 payrolls was made by Mr. Petrocelli, seconded by Mrs. Schneider; motion carried unanimously.
4. A motion to adopt Resolution No. 2020-21, a Resolution of the Borough of Bridgeville, approving the budget for the fiscal year 2021 and adopting the same was made by Mr. Verduci, seconded by Mr. Petrocelli; motion carried unanimously.
5. A motion to adopt Resolution No. 2020-22, a Resolution of the Borough of Bridgeville, setting the tax rates for the year 2021 was made by Mr. Verduci, seconded by Mr. Ciesielski; Mr. Henderson stated that the 2021 millage remains unchanged, 6.5 mills on buildings and 10 mills on land. A vote was taken, motion carried unanimously.
6. A motion to adopt Resolution No. 2020-23, a Resolution of the Borough of Bridgeville, establishing fees for the filing of applications, permits and licenses for the Borough was made by Mr. Petrocelli, seconded by Mrs. Schneider; motion carried unanimously.
7. A motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1019, an Ordinance of the Borough of Bridgeville, amending the Borough’s Code of Ordinances, Ch. 18, Part 3, Sewage Rates & Collection, to establish sewage rates for 2021, to clarify and update rules for billing and collection, and to provide for sewage rate adjustments to be adopted by Resolution of Borough Council, as authorized under law was made by Mr. Verduci, seconded by Mrs. Schneider; motion
carried unanimously.
8. A motion to approve the Morgan Heights LLC, Plan of Lots, Lot Line Relocation between two existing lots at 362 and 372 Washington Avenue pending satisfying any recommendations from Allegheny County Department of Economic Development was made by Mrs. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Ciesielski; Mr. Henderson stated that the plan has been reviewed by the Borough Engineer and he confirms that it conforms to the Borough’s Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances. Plan has also been recommended for approval by the Bridgeville Planning Commission. Mr. Verduci questioned where are they moving the parking to? The applicant present responded and stated that the parking spaces for 362 are being moved to the apartment building at 372 Washington Avenue. He stated that the parking lot now at 362 will be at and for 372, and that 362 will still have three spots. A vote was taken to approve the plan with the motion carrying unanimously.
9. A motion to approve Change Order No. 3 for the McLaughlin Run Park Improvements Project, change order will extend the contract completion date by seven calendar days to accommodate delays was made by Mr. Petrocelli, seconded by Mr. Colosimo; motion carried unanimously.
10. A motion to concur and recommend to the Char-West Council of Governments to accept the lowest responsible bid and award contract to Independent Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $38,775 for the Base and Add Alternate Bids for the CD 46 ADA Ramps and Sidewalk Improvements Project was made by Mr. Colosimo, seconded by Mrs. Schneider; Mr.
Henderson stated that the CDBG grant awarded is in the amount of $38,000 and will replace ADA ramps on Murray and Station Streets. Motion carried unanimously.
11. A motion to authorize the disbursement of $15,682.50 from the General Fund to Stefanik’s Next Generation Construction Co., for Partial Payment No. 1 of the Police Department Sally Port Concrete Flood Repair Project was made by Mr. Ciesielski, seconded by Mrs. Schneider; motion carried unanimously.
12. A motion to authorize the disbursement of $191,452.50 from the Capital Projects Fund to LM&R Excavating, LLC for Partial Payment No. 1 for the McLaughlin Run Park Improvements – Flood Mitigation Project was made by Mr. Verduci, seconded by Mr. Colosimo, Mr. Verduci questioned the Engineer if approximately $80,000 left is sufficient to ensure the project is completed in the spring? Engineer Brett stated that earth work is now
complete, the trash rack has been installed and that another bill will be on the January Agenda. He stated that 10% will be withheld and is sufficient to ensure the project is completed. Motion carried unanimously.
13. A motion to authorize the disbursement of $129,631.35 from the Highway Aid Fund to Youngblood Paving, Inc., for Partial Payment No. 1 for the 2020 Roadway Improvement Project was made by Mr. Petrocelli, seconded by Mrs. Schneider; motion carried unanimously.
14. A motion to authorize the disbursement of $57,895.25 from the Capital Projects Fund to Sciarretti Site Development & Paving Co., for Partial Payment No. 3 of the McLaughlin Run Park Improvements Project was made by Mr. Petrocelli, seconded by Mr. Verduci; motion carried unanimously.
15. A motion to authorize the Borough Engineer to prepare plans, specifications, and construction documents for the following projects: 1) Stormwater Separators Project, 2) McLaughlin Park Storm Sewer Outfall Repair and 3) Borough Building Roof Replacement was made by Mrs. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Colosimo; motion carried unanimously.
16. A motion to authorize Garvin, Boward, Beitko Engineering Company to complete geotechnical engineering necessary for the Werner Avenue Retaining Wall Project was made by Mr. Petrocelli, seconded by Mrs. Schneider; motion carried unanimously.
17. A motion to exonerate Tax Collector Anne Marie Parisi from the collection of 2017 delinquent Real Estate Taxes that have been sent to Jordan Tax Service for liening was made by Mr. Verduci, seconded by Mr. Colosimo; motion carried unanimously.
18. A motion to accept and pay any commission due – November 2020 Real Estate Tax Collector Report was made by Mr. Petrocelli, seconded by Mr. Ciesielski; motion carried unanimously
19. A motion to acknowledge receipt of the October and November 2020 Treasurer’s Reports was made by Mr. Verduci, seconded by Mr. Ciesielski; motion carried unanimously.
20. A motion to accept the November 2020 Police Report was made by Mrs. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Ciesielski; motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ADMINISTRATION, VIRGINIA SCHNEIDER – Mrs. Schneider reported that the Borough Building lobby is still open for business, but access to the offices is currently restricted due to the pandemic. She stated that meetings will be held on Zoom; Mr. Henderson concurred and stated that it makes sense to continue in this format.
Mrs. Schneider also reported that the draft Employee Handbook and job descriptions are currently being reviewed by the Solicitor and that Performance Reviews are also currently underway.
FINANCE, JOE VERDUCI – Mr. Verduci reported that General Fund revenue is at 106% and expenditures are at 92% for the year. He reported that $11,000 worth of 2017 real estate taxes were liened. He also reported that Jordan Tax Service filed a second series of sewer liens against delinquent
accounts as shut offs are currently restricted. Lastly, it was reported that the capital improvements loan has been finalized and that the funds are now in the account. The first loan payment is due this week.
PARKS & RECREATION, JOE COLOSIMO – Mr. Colosimo reported that all the park restrooms have been winterized for the season. He stated that Chartiers Park will remain open on days that there is no snow or ice on the ground.
Mr. Colosimo stated that he has been working with the Library as they would like to erect story boards at one of our parks, he asked them to coordinate the project through the Borough Manager. Lastly, he stated that an article in the Signal Item stated that the field at McLaughlin Run Park will be restored after the flood work as an all-purpose field. He stated that has not been decided upon.
PUBLIC WORKS/BUILDINGS, NINO PETROCELLI, SR. – Mr. Colosimo reported the following:
• Leaf and Brush Grinder Collections ended on December 4th.
• Treated roads and sidewalks for snow and ice – first callout for the season was on December 1st.
o The Borough & Township Managers of Collier, Bridgeville, Scott, Carnegie, and Heidelberg are working on putting emergency plans in place with each town should there be a COVID outbreak within one’s Public Works Department, and if there is a large snow, enabling neighboring towns to help plow roads in the neighboring town should a department be short-staffed.
• Troop Banners were taken down and stored for the winter.
• Christmas decorations were hung on Washington Avenue and within Triangle Park.
• Completed catch-basin repairs on Bower Hill Road and Laurel Street.
• Borough Building Parking Lot Project:
o Assisted contractor with the construction of the new sidewalk along the
building.
o Line painted the parking spaces
o Trenched and installed conduit for the new Community Message Sign.
• Washington Ave. Street Light Electric Repairs
o Electrician is working on upgrading and replacing the four remaining service panels for the streetlights.
• Park Maintenance:
o Grass was cut and leaves picked up within parks
o Mulched Triangle Park and the front of the Borough Building
• Equipment Maintenance:
o Chevy Pickup – brakes fixed and later in the month the engine went in
the truck. The truck is now out of service and is to be replaced in 2021.
o Leaf Machine had multiple breakdowns resulting from electrical
issues.
o Truck 8 (new truck) – truck was undercoated, decaled, and lettered.
o Backhoe – tires replaced
• Crew is working on making renovations to the Assistant Manager’s office.
• Sign maintenance is on-going, replacing missing signs and repairing damaged locations.
• Ongoing maintenance has been dedicated to filling potholes and repairs to multiple streets
and alleys.
• Cleaned catch basins and swales throughout town on rainy days.
• Foreman responded, marked, and reported multiple PA-One Call requests.
PUBLIC SAFETY, BRUCE GHELARDUCCI – no report.
MAYOR, BETTY COPELAND – Mayor Copeland wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy Kwanza. She also congratulated Senator-Elect Devlin Robinson. She stated that she is proud that he is from Bridgeville.
POLICE CHIEF, CHAD KING – – Chief King reported that the department received a donation of toys from Toys for Tykes for the upcoming December 20th Buddy the Elf / Santa visit to town. He also explained that the officers are growing beards in November and December as a fundraiser for South
Hills Meals on Wheels.
SOLICITOR, THOMAS MCDERMOTT – – Solicitor McDermott provided the confidential solicitor’s report prior to the meeting. He wished everyone happy holidays and sent prayers to the Petrocelli family.
BOROUGH ENGINEER, KEVIN BRETT – – Engineer Brett reported work on the 2020 Road Program has been completed, the Park Flood work is moving along well, and the paving work at McLaughlin Run Park has been extended to the spring with a change order forthcoming.
He also reported that preconstruction meetings for the Phase 3 Backflow Preventor Project and the Bower Hill Road Storm Sewer Project will be held tomorrow with the contractor. Lastly, it was reported that the materials for the Jane Way project are on back order and that this project will be
completed in the early part of next year.
FIRE CHIEF, RAYMOND COSTAIN – – Chief Costain reported that the Department responded to 26 calls for service this past month.
The Chief reported that the Department received two new respirator units for their medical staff to wear on ambulance calls with COVID patients. He reported that one firefighter had COVID last month and has since recovered.
Chief Costain wished everyone Happy Holidays and reminded them that the Department’s Sleigh
Full of Cash fundraiser is still going on and that the Department will be escorting Santa around town on Sunday, December 20.
SOUTHBRIDGE EMS, DAN MILLER – no report.
BRIDGEVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, MARY WEISE – – Mayor Copeland encouraged Council to become members of the Society and reminded everyone that they have note cards for sale.
BRIDGEVILLE LIBRARY REPRESENTATIVE – no report.
BRIDGEVILLE PARKING AUTHORITY REPRESENTATIVE – no report.
BRIDGEVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE – no report.
BOROUGH MANAGER, JOE KAUER – the Manager reported that all the approved monthly reports are available for the public to review on the Borough website on the Council Meeting’s page.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Petrocelli questioned the Planning Commission recommendation on chicken keeping within the Borough. It was reported that the Commission voted to not change the current prohibition. He stated that he does not think that they researched the topic enough, adding people already have other pets and that we should think about this topic some more.
Mr. Henderson expressed his opinion that the Commission did not put in enough effort researching this. He stated that they did have some valid points such as setbacks, side yard requirements and concerns about rodents.
Mr. Verduci stated that the Planning Commission said that even with making these types of changes to the current Ordinance, they did not think it was good to pursue and frivolously expend resources doing such.
Mr. Henderson stated that the draft Ordinance is already written, it just needs adjusted. He stated that we owe it to ourselves to address this more for those concerned.
Mr. Ciesielski agreed and stated that other options can be explored, he stated that he understands both sides and asks that it be explored more in 2021.
Mr. Colosimo questioned how many people in Bridgeville are currently keeping chickens? The Manager stated he knows of about a half dozen.
Solicitor McDermott stated that the recommendations for setbacks can easily be implemented and that enforcement procedures are already in place in the Code chapter.
Mr. Henderson questioned do we authorize the Solicitor to amend the Ordinance or do we accept the Planning Commission recommendation. Mr. Petrocelli recommended that we delay action and talk about this some more next year. Mr. Ciesielski would like to see the topic tabled to see if there really is a rat problem or if it is neighborhood issues. Mr. Henderson stated that if we are going to investigate this more, it is on us, members of Council.
Mr. Ciesielski thanked the community for supporting his recent food drive. He stated that $1,500 and over 2,000 items of food were donated to the food bank. He asked the community to support local businesses now during the pandemic.
Mr. Henderson wished everyone Happy Holidays and a happy, healthy new year. He thanked everyone for their hard work this past year.
Mrs. Schneider stated that the Bridgeville Community Association and Fire Department did an excellent job with this year’s Winter Blast event. She stated that it was a very nice event and expressed her appreciation for their efforts.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mr. Colosimo, seconded by Mr. Petrocelli, and carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 PM. All in favor, motion passed 7-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph Kauer
Borough Manager / Secretary