City of Butler

Category: Meeting Minutes

  • May 7, 2020

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    May 7, 2020 7pm via Zoom Meeting

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Dandoy were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given via Zoom by Pastor Chris Barnett, The Intersection Community Church.

    Motion by Mayor Smith to approve the agenda for the regular meeting of May 7, 2020.  Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Dandoy to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 21, 2020.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to approve payment to USBank in the amount of $102,163.33 for interest due on General Obligation Bonds Series B-2015. LIN 01 472 800. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to authorize the City Clerk to sign the updated fee agreement letter of April 30, 2020, for legal representation by the firm of Campbell, Durrant & Beatty, Palombo & Miller, P.C. for the collective bargaining negotiations with the FOP and AFSCME scheduled for 2020. Second by CM Bonus.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to follow Governor Wolf’s guidelines for red, yellow and green counties concerning the opening of the City parks. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve City Resolution 2020-05-04; a resolution to make application for the Ritts Park PA DCED Greenways, Trails, and Recreation grant of $148,000.00 and pay the $100 application fee for submission by the County of Butler on behalf of the City of Butler. ($22,200.00 City match; combination of cash and in-kind donations). Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

    Councilman Dandoy

    1. Motion to direct the city clerk to advertise for Hydraulic Rescue Tools and Stabilization for use in the Butler Bureau of Fire. (To be paid with FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant). Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Based on the recommendation from his chain of command and satisfactory completion of his probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status as of April 28, 2020 to Patrol Officer Korey A. Zarnick. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to reapprove the Citizen Participation Plan and Grievance Form for the City of Butler and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler Community Development Block Grant/Home Programs. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $260,418.54; from the parking fund – $6,399.91; from the capital projects fund – $0.00; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $1,143.85; for a grand total of $267,962.30. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:23 PM.

    Agenda for 7 MAY 20

     

    The meeting will be conducted via Zoom Meeting only – the City Building will not be open to the public.

    City Council scheduled Zoom meeting. 
    Topic: City Council Meeting
    Time: May 7, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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    Meeting ID: 830 8830 4126
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  • April 21, 2020

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    April 21, 2020 7pm via Zoom Meeting

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Dandoy were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Lay Pastor Kerry M. Dowdy, East Butler Presbyterian Church.

    Mayor Smith requested a moment of silence in remembrance and honor of Bob Graham.

    Mayor recessed the meeting at 7:07 PM for a brief executive session to discuss a couple personnel issues. Meeting reconvened at 7:49 PM.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Bonus to approve the agenda for the regular meeting of April 21, 2020. All voted aye.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on April 7, 2020. 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. All voted aye.

    MONTHLY & ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS

    (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council electronically)

    Motion to accept the monthly report from the Office of the City Clerk for the months of January, February and March. Motion by Mayor Smith. Second by CM Walter.  All voted aye.

    Motion to accept the monthly reports from the Police Department, Fire Department, Office of Business & Community Development/Code Enforcement, Department of Public Works and Parking Department for the months of February and March. Motion by Mayor Smith. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     The City Treasurer presented a Monthly Intake Report for March, 2020.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $68,356.95; from the parking fund – $35,261.93; from the capital projects fund – $8,167.00; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $4,234.48; for a grand total of $116,020.36.  Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Bonus to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS

    March Public Announcement – 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.

    April Public Announcement – Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)

    As part of an ongoing education plan, we would like to remind local residents that when walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving the waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into storm drains and eventually into the local streams.  Also, if you plan on washing your vehicle, use a commercial car wash if possible. Car washes are setup to treat or recycle the wastewater. If you want to wash your vehicle, pull the car onto a lawn area to wash it. This way, all of the soap and water will infiltrate into the ground. Try not to wash the car on a paved surface as all the runoff will flow onto the street and into a nearby storm sewer. Soaps, wax and other chemicals used to clean cars are toxic to fish and aquatic organisms.

    • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, April 25th
    • Councilman Dandoy reminded department heads to follow CDC guidelines and be respectful of employees in the city building and to keep all visits to a minimum.     Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:00 PM.

    Agenda for 21 APR 20

    City Council’s meeting will be conducted solely by Zoom Conference.

    The building will not be open to the public.

    Topic: Butler City Council Meeting

    Time: Apr 21, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time

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    https://zoom.us/j/96826632921

    Meeting ID: 968 2663 2921

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    Meeting ID: 968 2663 2921
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  • March 18, 2020 Special Emergency Meeting

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    March 18, 2020 Special Emergency Meeting

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 10:01 AM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Dandoy were present.

    The purpose of this emergency meeting was to discuss and plan procedures in light of the COVID-19 issue.

    City of Butler EMC, Chris Marlar reviewed the most current information available and was on hand to answer questions from council.

    1. Councilman Dandoy made a motion to limit public access to the foyer in the city building, and eliminate non-essential face-to-face meeting with office staff. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Councilman Smith made a motion to cancel all activities scheduled to occur in City parks, playground and the farmers market through May 15, 2020. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    3. Councilman Smith made a motion to approve Zoom Conferencing to be used for City council meetings for public participation. Second by CM Dandoy. All voted aye.
    4. Mayor Smith made a motion to join President Trump. Governor Wolf, and the Butler County Commissioners to declare a State of Emergency for the City of Butler. Second by CM Smith. All voted aye.

     

     

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 12:07 PM.

  • April 7, 2020

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    April 7, 2020 via Zoom Conference

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Smith, Dandoy were present. Council members Walter and Bonus attended via Zoom. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given via Zoom by Pastor Mary Kitchen, East/North Butler Presbyterian Church.

    Motion by Mayor Smith to approve the agenda for the regular meeting of April 7, 2020.  Second by CM Dandoy. All voted aye.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 11, 2020 and the emergency meeting of March 18, 2020.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to approve City Resolution no. 2020-04-07 approving to revise the 2018 CDBG program as follows: Reduce the Fire Station/Equipment line item by $1,799 and reallocate the same amount to Street Improvement – Southside – CT 9025 – BG 2 line item. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the agreements with AndCo Consulting, LLC for all three City pension plans. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to accept the bid from NexTier Bank for a general obligation loan of $280,000.00 for 2020 Storm Sewer Project with an interest rate of 2.60% per annum. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to accept a bid from A.D.A.M. Hughes Heating and Refrigeration in the amount of $24,587.79 for the repairs to the heat exchangers in the public safety building. LIN 01 411 463. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

    Councilman Dandoy

    1. Motion to appoint the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator Chris Marlar as the designated agent for obtaining financial assistance under the FEMA’s Public Assistance Program in accordance with the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to approve a grant application for the 2020 Smart Grant Program with Southwest Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) Region in the amount of $372,000 with a required match of $93,000.00 to be used for Main Street trees, tree wells and trash receptacles. (Match to be paid using Capital Project funds). Second by CM Smith. CM Walter voted no. CM Smith, CM Bonus, CM Dandoy and Mayor Smith voted aye.
    2. Motion to furlough the meter monitors temporarily as of March 18, 2020. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Lieutenant Anthony Fatta beginning on March 21, 2020 for a work-related injury he sustained on March 21, 2020. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

    In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $262,668.01; from the parking fund – $42,076.25; from the capital projects fund – $60,441.47; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $10,538.76; for a grand total of $375,724.49. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    • Please complete your 2020 census.
    • Council reminds residents that the City parks are closed with the exception of joggers, walkers and bicycles riders.  

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    State Representative Marci Mustello reminds residents that although the office is closed to the public, they are working and will take phone calls. They are helping people with their UC benefit claims.

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:34 PM.

    Agenda for 7 APR 20

     

    LEGAL NOTICE  Notice of Special meeting 7-APR-2020

     
    City of Butler
    City Council Meetings
    Under COVID-19 Emergency Declaration

    Due to the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, the public is discouraged from attending the City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Building, unless your attendance at the meeting is essential. To facilitate alternative participation, City Council will make participation in the meeting available through a Zoom Video Conference. Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to participate through the Zoom Video Conference feature while remaining in their homes. The Zoom Video Conference will provide participant with an opportunity for public comment during the meeting. In addition, public comments are being accepted via email address OfficeofCityClerk@cityofbutler.org. Comments must be received by 2:00 p.m. on the date of the meeting.

    The Council meeting agenda can be viewed at https://cityofbutler.org/category/meeting-minutes/

    For more information please call 724.285.4124 or email OfficeofCityClerk@cityofbutler.org.

    LOGIN INFORMATION TO ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON APRIL 7TH AT 7:00 PM:

    https://zoom.us/j/580394962  Meeting ID: 580 394 962

    To phone in, dial by your location
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    Please note that the meeting will be recorded, and all participants are required to mute their microphones during the meeting, unless speaking during the public comment portion of the meeting. Thank you.

    Mindy Gall
    City Clerk
    April 1, 2020

  • March 11, 2020

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    March 11, 2020

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Smith, Bonus and Dandoy were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Fr. David Hicks, St. Peter’s Anglican Church.

    Motion by Mayor Smith to approve the agenda for the regular meeting of March 11, 2020.

    Motion by CM Smith to add a Motion to enter into an agreement with the Father    Marinaro Softball to lease the Pony League Field at Father Marinaro Park        commencing May 9, 2020 through October 31, 2020.    Second by CM Bonus.  All       voted aye.

    Motion by CM Walter to add a motion to direct the city clerk to create a letter of    support for CEO Lourenco Goncalves, Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., to close the loophole        in the “Section 232” steel tariffs to protect electrical steel laminations and cores.           Second by Mayor Smith.  All voted aye.  Second by CM Dandoy. All voted aye.  Agenda is amended.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Bonus to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 25, 2020. All voted aye

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to approve a payment in the amount of $16,738.47 to the County of Butler for debt service for the City’s Series of 2019 General Obligation Note. (Note: This payment includes interest payment of $29,548.52 less BCIB Subsidy of $12,810.05; due April 1st.) Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to direct the city clerk to create a letter of support for CEO Lourenco Goncalves, Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., to close the loophole in the “Section 232” steel tariffs to protect electrical steel laminations and cores. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to enter into an agreement with the Father Marinaro Softball to lease the Pony League Field at Father Marinaro Park commencing May 9, 2020 through October 31, 2020. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve agreement with Butler Downtown to operate the Farmers Market at the Farmers Market facility from May 9, 2020 until October 31, 2020. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve the use of the Farmer’s Market by the Butler County Humane Society for the Annual Rabies Clinic to be held on June 6th from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm and waive the rental fee. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Councilman Dandoy

    1. Motion to approve the promotion of Firefighter Richard Walters Jr. to the rank of Lieutenant within the Butler Bureau of Fire effective March 15, 2020. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the promotion of part-time Firefighter James Stamm to the position of full-time Firefighter within the Butler Bureau of Fire effective March 15, 2020 as part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant program. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $284,738.58; from the parking fund – $6,369.48; from the capital projects fund – $600,491.10; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $46,186.53; for a grand total of $937,785.69. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    • There will be a public discussion concerning rental inspections at the regularly scheduled council meeting at 7PM on March 26th.  1. PennDOT Multi-modal grant application has been received. After speaking with the chief of staff that oversees PennDot, there is no information available at this time.              There will be an Aid & Attendance Seminar held at the American Legion #778    for veterans and veteran families this Friday, April 13th.             Property Tax/Rent Rebate Workshops are offered through her office.Please visit http://www.repmustello.com/events for more information.   Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:42 PM.
    • Mark Krenitsky is worried about more regulations in the City. HUD inspections are not easy. Insurance company inspections are required when you change carriers. Electric and gas inspections are done after rehabbing a property. He feels all the homes in the City should be subject to inspections. Mr. Krenitsky also asked that the City reduce the business privilege tax.
    • There are several events coming up:
    • 2. The Sullivan Run Flood Control Project with the DEP is set to bid out for the project. She spoke with the Governor’s Office to encourage them to move forward with this in the spring instead of waiting until the fall. She should have more information in the next few days.
    • Representative Marci Mustello reported on 2 requests she received from the City of Butler:
    • PERSONS TO BE HEARD: 

    Agenda for 11 MAR 20