October 24, 2019

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MINUTES
City Council Meeting
City of Butler, Pennsylvania
October 24, 2019

Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Reese were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Reverend Kimberly van Driel, First English Lutheran Church.

Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 8, 2019. All voted aye.

Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to acknowledge receipt of the monthly minutes from RACB, including the CDBG/HOME Program activities. Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Mayor Smith voted aye. CM Reese abstained.

MONTHLY BOARDS AND AUTHORITIES LIAISON REPORTS

Liaisons of the City’s boards and authorities gave a brief report from the board or authority that met in September.

MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

(Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council electronically)

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

COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

 Councilman Walter

Councilman Walter distributed the DRAFT 2020 Budget and requested each department review for reduction of expenses.

  1. Motion to approve the 2020 Municipal Benefits Services renewal. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
  2. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2019-10-24 approving the City’s Community Development Block Grant Application for FY 2019. Second by Mayor Smith. Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Mayor Smith voted aye. CM Reese abstained.
  3. Motion to approve a proposal submitted by Caruso & Spencer, PC, Certified Public Accountants for monthly auditing services for Fiscal Year 2019 as outlined in their engagement letter of January 1, 2019 and to authorize the City Clerk to sign said letter on behalf of City Council. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
  4. Motion to approve City Resolution #2019-10-24A; authorizing, empowering and directing Aaron Bonus as the City’s authorized representative for all tax information and records from Berkheimer to be used for official purposes only. Second by Mayor Smith. Council members Walter, Smith, Reese and Mayor Smith voted aye. CM Bonus abstained.
  5. Motion to extend the current agreement with Bruce-Merrilees Electric Company for traffic signal repairs for the years 2020 and 2021. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

Councilman Bonus

  1. Motion to reappoint Kerry Dowdy as the city’s Section 504/ADA Officer. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
  2. Motion to approve the purchase of 1,000 ton road salt at $75.00 per ton for a total of $75,000.00 from American Rock Salt per the Butler Township’s RFP for road salt to be paid from the Liquid Fuels Tax Fund. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
  3. Motion to accept the bid from James Sgro for the 2001 GMC Dump Truck in the amount of $3,000.00. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
  4. Motion to accept the bid from James Sgro for the 2002 GMC Dump Truck in the amount of $3,500.00. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
  5. Motion to accept the bid from James Sgro for the 2005 Ford F-550 in the amount of 8,500.00. Second by CM Walter All voted aye.
  6. Motion to accept the bid from Shane Caldwell for the 1999 OBD Leaf Collection Model LCT 650 with 3 collection boxes in the amount of $1.00. Second by CM Walter.  All voted no.  Motion does not pass.

Councilman Reese

  1. Motion to enter into an agreement with Butler County Emergency Services for the 911 Emergency Public Safety Radio and Telecommunications Network (“Public Safety Radio System). Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
  2. Motion to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 114 for the procedure to fill the vacancies of officers in the fire department. Second by Mayor Smith. Councilman Walter voted no. Councilmembers Smith, Bonus, Reese and Mayor Smith voted aye.

Mayor Smith

  1. Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Patrol Officer Cheryl L. Litz beginning on November 5, 2019 for a work-related injury she sustained on April 17, 2019. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.
  2. Motion to accept the bid from Jim Manning for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala in the amount of $1,500.00. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
  3. Motion to approve the conditional hiring of Jonann M. Dellen for the Meter Violation Monitor position. Second by CM Bonus.  Council members Smith, Bonus, Reese and Mayor Smith voted aye.  CM Walter abstained.
  4. Motion to direct the city clerk to release a request for proposals for an Investment Consultant for the City of Butler, Pennsylvania Municipal Pension System. Second by CM Reese.  All voted aye.

The City Treasurer presented a monthly intake report for September, 2019.

In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $157,172.82; from the parking fund – $29,524.95; from the capital projects fund – $143,339.81; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $13,301.40; for a grand total of $343,338.98. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

  • ANNOUNCEMENTS

Public Announcement #10 – Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)

As part of an ongoing education plan, we would like to remind local residents to properly clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donate unused paints to local organizations. Also, sweep and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar. Always protect your hands, eyes, and ears when working and touching construction materials containing chemicals. If you are unsure how to properly dispose of construction waste, please contact your local municipality. Never dump anything into the storm sewer system.

  • WISR City Hall – Mayor Smith and Councilman Smith
  • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, October 26th
  • National Prescription Drug Take Back Day – Saturday, October 26th
  • House of Worship Safety Seminar Active Shooter: Preparation and Response – November 19th
  • Trick or Treat – October 31st from 6PM – 7PM
  • Flood Zone Training – November 2nd from 10AM – Noon; Public Safety Building
  • Trunk or Treat – Father Marinaro, October 26th
  • PERSONS TO BE HEARD

Cindy Maire voiced concerns about Coal Street safety, Clair Boring Painting and a parking situation for the residents in that neighborhood.

Loraine Christy asked for verification about ownership of Coal Street.

Mayor Smith recessed the meeting at 8:03 PM for an executive session to discuss collective bargaining and litigation.

Mayor Smith reconvened the meeting at 8:31 PM.

Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:32 PM.

Agenda 24-Oct-19

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