City of Butler

Category: Meeting Minutes

  • November 25, 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    November 25, 2019

    Mayor Smith reconvened the meeting of November 21, 2019 to order at 1:01 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Reese were present.

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1780, an ordinance of the City of Butler adopting the annual budget and appropriating specific sums estimated to be required for the specific purposes of the City government as set forth therein during Fiscal Year 2020. Second by Mayor Smith. Discussion to move the following line items: Remove $10,000 from LIN 01 407 551 (Main Street Program) and reallocate to LINs 01 453 880 ($4,000) Parks Dept. Recreation Program; 01 410 251 ($3,000) Police Dept. Vehicle Maintenance, 01 411 253 ($3,000) Fire Dept. Vehicle Maintenance.  All voted aye.
    2. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1781, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the wages and salaries of employees of the City in conformance with the budget for Fiscal Year 2020. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 1:38 PM.

     

     

  • December 3, 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    December 3, 2019

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 Mitch Natali, St. Paul’s Catholic Church.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    Bob Dandoy thanked the Mayor for keeping him in the loop with all that is going on. He asked that council please consider hold off on any major initiatives until after he is sworn in at the beginning of the year.  He encouraged council to have a massive line of communication between council and the community prior to any major decision that will affect the City for years.

    Mark Krenitsky voiced concerns over the sale of parking assets. He doesn’t like the idea and said taxes are too high and increased parking fees will hurt the City.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Bonus to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 21, 2019 and the special meeting of November 25, 2019. All voted aye.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to accept a proposal submitted by NexTier Bank for a 2020 Tax Revenue Anticipation Note in the amount of $1,000,000.00 at an annual interest rate of 2.38% percent per annum. Second by Mayor Smith.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to support and work cooperatively with the Butler County Community College’s Community Initiatives Department on its Ritts Park Renovation Project. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to sell the City of Butler’s parking assets to PFS VIII, LLC for a sum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000.00) and an annual payment of 12% of the gross revenues of the parking system contingent upon the development of a sales agreement that ensures that all parking bonds can be satisfied and that all cash remaining from the sale after the satisfaction of the bonds and costs associated with the sale of the assets are deposited into an account that ensures that the City of Butler can only utilize the earnings of those funds for a minimum of 20 years. Second by Mayor Smith. CM Smith and Mayor Smith voted aye. CM Walter, CM Bonus and CM Reese voted no.  Motion failed.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to accept the bid from Austin Ehrman for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala in the amount of $1,001.00. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2019-12-03, approving to revise the 2015 CDBG program as follows: Remove Kaufman Drive from the Kaufman Drive/Lincoln Avenue Street Reconstruction line item. Second by CM Bonus. CM Walter, Smith, Bonus and Mayor Smith voted aye. CM Reese abstained.
    3. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2019-12-03A, approving to revise the 2017 CDBG program as follows to create the following two projects: 1. Remove Kaufman Drive from the Kaufman Drive/Lincoln Avenue Street Reconstruction line item to be Lincoln Avenue; and 2. Add Slagle Avenue to the Kaufman Drive line item to be Kaufman Drive/Slagle Avenue. Second by CM Bonus. CM Walter, Smith, Bonus and Mayor Smith voted aye. CM Reese abstained.
    4. Motion to approve the work authorization from Gateway Engineers for the Main Street Lighting Project in the amount of $30,000.00. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve the work authorization from Gateway Engineers for the Sullivan Run Flood Control Project in the amount of $90,000.00. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

    In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $91,561.32; from the parking fund – $4,374.26; from the capital projects fund – $0; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $1,322.84; for a grand total of $97,258.42. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Bonus to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    Justin Clark requested a Residential Parking Only sign to be placed at his home on 203 Heim Avenue.

    Mark Krenitsky said it was good news that two properties were sold as judicial sales; 709 East Pearl Street and 503 Peach Street.

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:43 PM.

    Agenda 3-Dec-19

  • November 21, 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    November 21, 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 Rev. Dan Ledford, Westminster Presbyterian Church in America.

    • PERSONS TO BE HEARD

                Kelly Ruby gave an update concerning Claire Boring’s property.

    Everett Roy spoke about the non-profit organization that he established for hip      hop/rap concerts.  There will be a concert at the Arts Center on December 27th          featuring Josh.  Proceeds from his events will be used for community service            clean-up.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 5, 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 October.

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

    (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council electronically)

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

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     Councilman Walter

    1. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1779, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2020. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1780, an ordinance of the City of Butler adopting the annual budget and appropriating specific sums estimated to be required for the specific purposes of the City government as set forth therein during Fiscal Year 2020. Second by CM Bonus. Motion to table by CM Walter. Second by Mayor Smith.  All voted aye.  Motion tabled.
    3. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1781, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the wages and salaries of employees of the City in conformance with the budget for Fiscal Year 2020. Second by Mayor Smith. Motion to table by Mayor Smith. Second by CM Walter.  All voted aye.  Motion tabled.
    4. Motion to reappoint Edgar Hassler, Jr. to the Butler Area Sewer Authority for a five year term that will expire December, 2022. No second. Motion dies.
    5. Motion to reappoint Kenneth L. Henry to the Butler Area Sewer Authority for a five year term that will expire December, 2023. No second. Motion dies.

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1782, an ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 260, Article XXIII, the Ritts Historical and Architectural District. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve an agreement with Butler Tourism and Convention Bureau for use of Memorial Park football field, together with the parking lots adjacent on November 22, 23 and 24, 2019 contingent upon receiving insurance certificate. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to permit Butler Tourism and Convention Bureau to charge fees for admission to the event.  Second by Mayor Smith.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to accept the bid from Jim Gutknecht in the amount of $5,871.00 for the OBD Leaf Collection Model LCT 650 with 3 collection boxes. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the FOP amending Article VII – Clothing Allowance in the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve City Council’s 2020 meeting schedule, a copy of which will be published in a local newspaper to comply with the Sunshine Act and attached to the minutes of this meeting. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    3. 12. Motion to approve the promotion of Police Officer Nicholas Shulik to the rank of Sergeant in the Butler Bureau of Police effective November 24, 2019. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to approve the request from Butler Radio for the use of the Main Street Lot on November 30th for the 55th Annual Spirit of Christmas Parade and Storybook Land. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

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

    In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $497,568.96; from the parking fund – $345,281.34; from the capital projects fund – $6,875.00; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $1,731.91; for a grand total of $851,457.21. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Public Announcement #11 – Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)

    As part of an ongoing education plan, we would like to ensure that local residents are aware of the two types of systems that are within Butler City and the other local municipalities. The one system is the sanitary sewer system, in which toilets, sinks and garbage disposals are all connected and flow into a treatment facility that removes all of the contaminants and then discharges clean water into a local waterway. The storm sewer system is made up of catch basins that are usually placed along curbs in streets and parking lots and direct stormwater runoff through a series of pipes directly into the local waterway. Please be aware that there is no treatment for stormwater, so do not dump anything into the storm sewer catch basins. If you are unsure about the proper disposal of any type of waste material, please contact your local municipality.

    • WISR City Hall – Mayor Smith
    • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, November 23rd
    • The City Building will be closed on November 28th & 29th in observance of Thanksgiving.
    • 55th Annual Spirit of Christmas Parade and Storybook Land – November 30th from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    • PERSONS TO BE HEARD

    Cindy Maire updated council about the situation on Coal Street.

    Dane Winkler spoke about storm sewer inspections and asked about MS4 designation. He spoke about a new storm censor that can be used for inspection.

    Mayor Smith recessed the meeting at 8:24 PM for an executive session to discuss collective bargaining, personnel issues and real estate.

    Meeting resumed at 9:05 PM.

    Meeting will reconvene on Monday, November 25th at 1:00 PM.

    Agenda 21-Nov-19

  • November 5, 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    November 5, 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 Pastor Tara Lynn, Grace at Calvary Church.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 24, 2019. All voted aye.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to direct the City Clerk to release a request for proposals for a Tax Revenue Anticipation Note in the amount of one-million dollars for Fiscal Year 2020. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve payment to USBank in the amount of $314,743.77 for the bond payment due on the 2015 General Obligation Bonds as follows:

    Taxable Series A-2015

    LIN 01 472 801 Principal $175,000.00

    LIN 01 472 800 Interest $2,100.00

    Non-Taxable Series B-2015

    LIN 01 472 801 Principal $35,000.00

    LIN 01 472 800 Interest $102,643.77

    Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to approve an agreement with Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank for use of the Farmer’s Market from 4:30 pm until 6:00 pm on the 4th Tuesday of each month, January through June for the Produce to People Program. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1778, an ordinance of the City of Butler, Pennsylvania amending the City’s traffic control schedules contained in Chapter 245 of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler by making permanent the experimental regulations previously adopted by city council on a 90-day trial basis. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motions to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2020 contract for supply of the City’s asphalt materials to:

    Wiest Asphalt Products & Paving, Inc. as follows:

    9.5MM Superpave Wearing Course FOB; $64.00 per ton and 19MM Superpave FOB;   $56.00 per ton. Total Contract: $96,000.00.

    Russell Standard Corporation, as follows:

    E-3 Emulsion Placed; $2.50/gallon; Total Contract: $25,000.00.  Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    1. Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2020 contract for supply of the City’s limestone materials to Allegheny Mineral Corporation, as follows:

    Unit Price Delivered at Job Site: #2A – $18.40 per ton; #4 – $19.65 per ton; #8 – $25.40 per ton; #57 – $19.40 per ton.     Total Contract: $82,850.00.  Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to accept a quote from DellEMC in the amount of $10,445.84 to replace the server in the police department. LIN 01 410 216. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve City Resolution 2019 – 11 – 05; a resolution of the City of Butler to request a Multimodal Transportation Fund grant of $600,000.00 from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to be used for the City Sidewalk Project.  Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to authorize the City Clerk to execute and deliver a commitment letter required by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to process the City’s Grant Application for Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant Application and pay the $100 application fee. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $62,231.93; from the parking fund – $8,229.61; from the capital projects fund – $550.00; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $17,579.71; for a grand total of $88,591.25. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    City Building will be closed November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    Ron Olson presented a MS4 Update and stormwater management programs.

    Mayor Smith recessed the meeting at 7:35 PM for an executive session to discuss litigation, collective bargaining and real estate.

    Mayor Smith reconvened the meeting at 8:54 PM.

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:54 PM.

    Agenda 5-Nov-19

  • October 24, 2019

    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