City of Butler

Month: October 2017

  • October 26, 2017

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    October 26, 2017

    Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Donaldson and Council members Walter, Bonus and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Pastor Ben Ogle, Community Life Church.

    • NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE AWARD

    John & Melanie Dougherty – 530 East Brady Street

    • COMMERICAL PRIDE AWARD

    Clark & Kathy Sawyer – Downtown Sounds, 129 North Washington Street

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD: (Limited to 5 Minutes)

    Bob Brandon spoke about the history of the Bantam and the City and requests the city to take back possession of the Bantam Jeep.

    John A. Pro requests the city take back possession of the Bantam Jeep and          permit the Butler Old Stone House be caretakers and will pay all costs including the insurance.

    Karie Errington presented photos and a petition to pave the 300 block of Oak         Street.

    Kelly Condon presented several issues concerning the condition of the bricks on   Oak Street

    Debbie Ferguson spoke about damages from the poor condition of the 300 block of Oak Street.

    Cherie Readie spoke about her concerns for the Human Relations Commission    and how that would affect the safety of herself and her children while using the            YMCA locker room, shower and bathroom.

    Shawndra Holmberg, Fair District PA, requested city council to pass an ordinance            concerning gerrymandering in Pennsylvania.

    Motion by Mayor Donaldson with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of Regular meeting of September 28, 2017.

    The following actions took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on October 24, 2017

    1. City Council, acting as the Board of Health, and under the provisions of the Third Class City Code, Section XXIII, (b) Abatement of Public Nuisances, Section 2321, finds the following subject structure detrimental to public health and orders its removal by demolition:  415 W Diamond Street.  Motion by Mayor Donaldson. Second by CM Walter.  All voted aye.

    MONTHLY & ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS

    (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council at Tuesday’s Forum Meeting for Review)

    Motion by Mayor Donaldson with a second from CM Walter to acknowledge receipt of the monthly minutes from RACB, including the CDBG/HOME Program activities.

    Department reports for the month of September were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to pay the first installment of the 2017 small borrowing loan to NexTier in the amount of $197,671.50. $195,000.00 – LIN 01 472 913 – Principal:  $2,671.50 – LIN 01 472 914 – Interest. Second by Mayor Donaldson.  All voted aye.
    2. Motion to terminate the agreement with Benefits Network for COBRA administration through Infinisource as of January 1, 2018. (COBRA administration will be done by Municipal Benefit Services). Second by CM Bonus.  All voted aye.
    3. Motion to enter into an agreement with CW Breitsman Associates, LLC for COBRA administration beginning January 1, 2018. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to terminate the agreement with Benefits Network as the employee benefits consultant as of January 1, 2018. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve payment to USBank in the amount of $102,643.77 for interest due on General Obligation Bonds Series B-2015. LIN 01 472 800. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to approve payment to USBank in the amount of $195,572.50 for the bond payment due on General Obligation Bonds, Taxable Series A–2015 as follows:

    $190,000.00 LIN 01 472 801 Principal;

    $5,572.50 LIN 01 472 800 Interest.   Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

    1. Motion to transfer $298,216.25 from the Parking Fund (5) to the General Fund (1) for the 2017 payment of Bond Series A & B-2015 as follows:

    $190,000.00 Principal LIN 05 472 910.

    $108,216.25 Interest LIN 05 472 913.  Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    1. Motion for the approval and adoption of City Resolution No. 2017-10-26A, a resolution of the City of Butler authorizing the destruction of records maintained by the Office of the City Treasurer pursuant to the Municipal Records Manual of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to direct the City Clerk to prepare and re-release a request for proposals (RFP) for traffic signal maintenance for the years 2018 and 2019. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to approve payment to Strange Corporation Contractors in the amount of $53,658.00 for the Monroe & Kittanning Storm Sewer Improvements. This represents 90% of the contract price and there will be change orders finalized by the municipal engineer that will add to the final price. LIN 18 427 305. Second by CM Roche.  All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the bid from Bauer Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $18,570.00 for the West Brady Street and West New Castle Street Bridge Sediment Removal Project. LIN 18 427 305. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve payment to Southwestern Pennsylvania Corporation in the amount of $61,001.00 for the 3rd cycle of the City of Butler/Butler Township SR 356 SINC-UP project. LIN 18 427 001. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to accept a proposal from and award a contract to Waste Management for the collection of residential solid wastes and recyclable materials for the period January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020. (A copy of the fee schedule shall be attached to the minutes of this meeting.) Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve the bid from Braden L. Weitzel, II in the amount of $5,538.00 for a 1997 truck from the Streets Department. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to accept the bid from A. P. Wise Excavating, LLC in the amount of $5,050.00 for the demolition of 609 (AKA 607) Peach Street. LIN 18 427 221.

    Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Councilman Roche

    1. Motion to approve a request from the Butler County Humane Society for use of the Farmers’ Market on October 28th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a rabies clinic.   Second by   Mayor Donaldson.  All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve use of the Farmers’ Market to Dane Winkler on November 5th, 12th, 17th and 24th to decorate a holiday parade float. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion to approve City Resolution 2017-10-26; a resolution amending the terms of the City of Butler’s Guarantee of the 2016 “Bridge Loan” provided by PNC Bank NA to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler for the purpose of extending the maturity date of the loan to December 6, 2017. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to enter into a five (5) year contract with Otis Elevator Company for the maintenance of the elevator in the Tier Parking Garage at a cost of $308.00 per month. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve the purchase of a tank heater system from Otis Elevator Company for the Tier Parking Garage elevator in the amount of $1,665.92.

    LIN 05 448 240.  Second by CM Roche.  All voted aye.  The City Treasurer, presented the Monthly Intake Report for September, 2017.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $437,442.47; from the parking fund – $32,726.62; from the capital projects fund – $114,794.00; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $27,289.42; for a grand total of $612,252.51. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CM Bonus to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.  

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    • WISR City Hall – Hold until December, 2017
    • Trick or Treat – October 31st from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
    • Leaf dump to open October 14th through the end of November.
    • City Hall will be closed on Friday, November 10th in observance of Veterans’ Day.
    • Veterans’ Day Parade – Saturday, November 11th at 10:40 AM.

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 8:01 PM.

    BID SUMMARY_Oct 26, 2017

    Bid Summary Proposals for Collection of Solid Waste January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020

    BID SUBMITTED BY: Waste Management, Inc.
    Service Level 1 2018 2019 2020
    Garbage & Household Rubbish 16.85 17.36 17.88
    Recycling 2.65 2.73 2.81
    Total Monthly Cost 19.50 20.09 20.69
    Service Level 2 – Senior Service
    Garbage & Household Rubbish 15.17 15.63 16.10
    Recycling 2.39 2.46 2.53
    Total Monthly Cost 17.56 18.09 18.63
    BID SUBMITTED BY: Vogel Disposal, Inc.
    Service Level 1 2018 2019 2020
    Garbage & Household Rubbish 17.50 18.43 18.97
    Recycling 3.00 3.00 3.00
    Total Monthly Cost 20.50 21.43 21.97
    Service Level 2 – Senior Service
    Garbage & Household Rubbish 16.11 16.59 17.08
    Recycling 3.00 3.00 3.00
    Total Monthly Cost 19.11 19.59 20.08
    Current Price Schedule with Vogel Disposal, Inc.
    Service Level 1 2015 2016 2017
    Garbage & Household Rubbish 15.44 15.97 16.52
    Recycling 3.00 3.00 3.00
    Total Monthly Cost 18.44 18.97 19.52
    Service Level 2
    Garbage & Household Rubbish 3.50 3.75 4.00
    Recycling 3.00 3.00 3.00
    Total Monthly Cost 6.50 6.75 7.00

  • September 28, 2017

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    September 28, 2017
     
    Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Donaldson and Council members Walter, Kline, and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Pastor Tara Lynn, Grace At Calvary Church.

    NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE AWARD:

    Jeffrey & Valerie Cooper – 204 Brown Avenue

    Kenneth J. Kastelic – 200 Brown Avenue

    James & Donna Smith – 114 Brown Avenue

    PRESENTATION:

    Jim Thompson presented a check in the amount of $1,000.00 from Grace At Calvary Church for payment in lieu of taxes.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD: (Limited to 5 Minutes)

    John A. Pro; Butler Old Stone House Region AACA spoke to council about being caretaker for the 1941 Bantam Jeep currently under ownership by the Butler County Historical Society.

    Mark Krenitsky voiced concerns about the garbage contract, the $1 million ladder truck and police car purchase. Rental properties are picked on, but Rotary Park has been good.

    Ralph Pincek voiced concerns about the lower end of Lincoln Avenue and Reo Street being in desperate need of repairs. He also would like a picnic table to be put back into Father Marinaro Park to replace the one that had been vandalized.

    Motion by Mayor Donaldson with a second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of Regular meeting of August 24, 2017.

    The following actions took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on September 26, 2017

    1. City Council, acting as the Board of Health, and under the provisions of the Third Class City Code, Section XXIII, (b) Abatement of Public Nuisances, Section 2321, finds the following subject structure detrimental to public health and orders its removal by demolition:  718 W. Penn Street  Motion by Mayor Donaldson. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    2. Motion to appoint Cherie Readie to the Parks, Recreation, Grounds and Facility Authority to fill the term created by the resignation of Frank Cicco, Jr. which expires January 1, 2022.  Motion by Mayor Donaldson. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    MONTHLY & ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS

    (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council at Tuesday’s Forum Meeting for Review)

    Motion by Mayor Donaldson with a second from CM Walter to acknowledge receipt of the monthly minutes from RACB, including the CDBG/HOME Program activities.

    Department reports for the month of August were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

     

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to approve the annual lease payment to PNC Equipment in the amount of $23,259.07 for the Pelican Street Sweeper. LIN 35 430 429. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the 2018 Minimum Municipal Obligations for the City’s three pension plans as follows: for the Firefighters Pension Plan – $145,818 and for the Police Pension Plan – $167,806 and the Officers and Employees Pension Plan – $35,231.  Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve distribution of 2017 State Aid for pension plans as follows: to the Firefighters Pension Plan – $180,294.32, to the Police Pension Plan – $199,135.72 and to the Officers’ & Employees’ Pension Plan – $39,062.06, with the total amount of 2017 State Aid distributed to pension plans being $418,492.10. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to enter into an agreement with Benefits Network for COBRA administration through Infinisource. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to accept the Balanced Fund Proposal from Accurate Investment Solutions, Inc. presented by Steve Gierl to the pension board and council on July 25, 2017. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to change the city’s dental insurance carrier from MetLife to the dental program offered by Municipal Benefit Services (MBS) effective January 1, 2018 contingent upon final review by AFSCME Local No. 757, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #32, and the International Association of Firefighters Local 114. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

    Councilwoman Kline

    1. Motion to request the appointment of Christopher Marlar as the City of Butler’s Emergency Management Coordinator. Second by Mayor Donaldson. CM Walter made a motion to table the motion. There was no second, original motion proceeded.  CM Walter voted no.  CW Kline, CM Roche and Mayor Donaldson voted aye.  Motion carried.

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion to approve payment to Bauer Excavating in the amount of $5,800.00 for the Sullivan Run bank improvements. LIN 18 427 305. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to reappoint Kerry Dowdy as the city’s Section 504/ADA Officer. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to promote Wayne Geibel from a category 3 to a category 2 in the streets department with an effective date of August 31, 2017. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye,
    4. Motion to approve payment to Gargiulo Landscaping in the amount of $7,990.00 for the W. Penn Street bridge repairs. LIN 18 427 770. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to authorize the city clerk to advertise for bids for sale of the 1997 Ford F-700 Streets Department truck. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to direct the City Clerk to seek proposals for limestone and asphalt for Fiscal Year 2018 with such proposals due not later than 2:00 PM on November 13th. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    7. Motion to direct the City Clerk to prepare and release Supplemental Bid Specifications for the RFP for refuse collection that was released in August. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    Councilman Roche

    1. Motion to approve the resignation of Frank Cicco, Jr. from the Parks, Recreation, Grounds and Facility Authority. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the resignation of John Mossman from the Parks, Recreation, Grounds and Facility Authority. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to waive the fee for police coverage at the Butler Area Midget Football League games held at Butler Memorial Park. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to approve a playground agreement for a Hay Ride event to be held in Butler Memorial Park on October 29, 2017 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve the request from the Bicycle Commission to install eight (8) “Locking Bike Trac” bicycle racks in the Centre City Parking Garage. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion to enter into an agreement with SimplexGrinnell for the sprinkler system in the Tier Parking Garage contingent upon review by the city solicitor. Second by CM             Roche.  All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve an agreement with County Festivals, LLC for a festival to be held in 2018.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    The City Treasurer, presented the Monthly Intake Report for August, 2017.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $706,836.64; from the parking fund – $32,611.99; from the capital projects fund – $19,089.57; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $28,960.76; for a grand total of $787,498.96. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:
    • Trick or Treat – October 31st from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
    • Leaf dump to open October 14th through the end of November.
    • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, September 30th

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:41 PM.