City of Butler

Category: Meeting Minutes

  • July 25, 2019

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

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Fr. John Baver, St. Paul’s Catholic Church.

    Mayor Smith presented keys to the City and proclamations to Butler AM Rotary and to Butler Rotary declaring July 25, 2019 as “Butler Rotarian Day”.

    Tracy Hack gave an overview of BCCC’s Opioid Initiative and a successful community garden in Ohio. There will be a community garden created on land donated by Donna Smith.  If another grant is received, Tracy would like to extend the garden into the City lot adjacent to Donna Smith’s property.

    CITY COUNCIL, ACTING AS THE BOARD OF HEALTH, and under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 11 Cities; Chapter 123 Public Health; Subchapter B – Public Nuisances Detrimental to Public Health; §12321 Abatement of public nuisances by designated department; finds the following subject structure detrimental to public health and orders its removal by demolition:

    515 Carbon Street

    Motion by Mayor Smith.   Second by CM Walter.  All voted aye.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 9, 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. All voted aye.

    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 June.

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

    (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council electronically)

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

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to approve a payment in the amount of $17,297.54 to Wells Fargo Bank for an interest payment for the General Obligation Bond Series of 2005. LIN 01 472 700. Second by CM Roche.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to accept the bid from Hercules Truck Equipment in the amount of $4,400.00 for a 9-foot plow to be used in the Streets Department. (Bids: Hercules Truck Equipment, $4,400.00; Sabre Equipment Inc., $5,947.00; Stephenson Equipment, Inc., $5,166.00)  LIN 35 430 429.  Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve a block party on W. Fulton Street from alley way next to 229 W. Fulton Street to the alley way next to 229 W. Fulton Street on Sunday, August 18, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Councilman Roche

    A Letter of Commendation was presented by Chief Switala and Councilman Roche to Firefighter, James A. Reeder for his outstanding duty performance pursuant to a premature delivery of a newborn baby girl on July 1, 2019.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to accept the bid from Bauer Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $19,500.00 for the Sullivan Run Stream Cleaning Project. LIN 18 427 770. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve payment of Application No. 1 from Bronder Technical Services in the amount of $60,731.37 for the Main Street Lighting Project. LIN 18 427 307. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    3. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1777; An ordinance of the City of Butler amending part three, Chapter 57 (Firefighters Pension Plan) of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler to incorporate plan changes resulting from collective bargaining negotiations during fiscal year 2018; to increase plan member years of credited service purchase price from three percent of a participant’s current compensation to five percent. Second by CM Walter.  All voted aye.

           Reappointment:

           City Shade Tree Commission:

    Diane Smith for a 3-year term ending June, 2022

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

    In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $166,178.80; from the parking fund – $32,113.24; from the capital projects fund – $139.00; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $2,927.59; for a grand total of $201,358.63. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    George Aubrey asked that the City of Butler meet with Butler Township, Center Township and Butler County to apply for a grant through the DEP to create two retention ponds on his property. These ponds would help reduce flooding along Sullivan Run.

    A resident voiced concerns and frustration about cars blocking entrance to her home along the retaining wall.

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS
    • WISR City Hall – Mayor Smith & Councilman Smith
    • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, July 27th  Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:51 PM.

    Agenda 25-July-19

  • July 9, 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    July 9, 2019

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Pastor Hannah Loughman, First Methodist Church.

    A Public Hearing was held at 7:00 PM for the conditional use at 301 First Street by Specialty Outreach Services. There was no public comment.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    Joe Gray, City municipal engineer, presented an overview of the ongoing Sullivan Run Project. Several residents were in attendance and voiced their concerns.

    PRESENTATION:

    Tim Morgus, Maher Duessel, attended the Forum meeting and briefed Council on the audit report for Fiscal Year 2018.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Bonus to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 27, 2019. All voted aye.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to appoint Corey Roche, Director of Public Safety and Ben Smith, Mayor as City Council’s representatives on the IAFF contract negotiating team and to authorize them to add other members to the negotiating team as they feel is appropriate. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to amend the Rules and Procedures For Public Participation In Meetings of City Council Policy; Section 4. Rules and Procedures; B., D. & E; to adjust requirements for public participation at the meetings of City Council. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to accept the proposal from Ben Holland to assist with an informed search for an independent investment manager for the City’s pension plans as recommended by the Pension Advisory Board. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the Conditional Use application of Specialty Outreach Services, Inc., to use the three (3) identified rooms in the building located at 301 First Street, as classrooms for a school program operated by Adelphoi Village, contingent upon the items listed below:
    3. The Project must comply with the Commonwealth’s UCC, including the items summarized in Mr. John Nath’s letter to Ms. Brenda Alter, dated June 6, 2019; and,
    4. The drop-off and pick-up of all students must occur on Specialty Outreach Services’ property; and,
    5. This Conditional Use approval applies solely to the identified rooms with two (2) classrooms located on the Lower Level and one (1) classroom located on the First Floor.  Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    6. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1776; an ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 69; Purchasing of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $169,533.71; from the parking fund – $4,932.46; from the capital projects fund – $3,872.00; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $1,614.13; for a grand total of $179,952.30. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith recessed the meeting at 8:10 PM for an executive session to discuss litigation.

    Mayor Smith reconvened the meeting at 8:18 PM.

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:19 PM.

    Agenda 9-July-19

     

  • June 27, 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    June 27, 2019

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Reverend John C.R. Silbert, Covenant Presbyterian Church.                   

    CITY COUNCIL, ACTING AS THE BOARD OF HEALTH, and under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 11 Cities; Chapter 123 Public Health; Subchapter B – Public Nuisances Detrimental to Public Health; §12321 Abatement of public nuisances by designated department; finds the following subject structures detrimental to public health and orders their removal by demolition:

    237 Cleveland Street

    106 Pine Street

    Motion by Mayor Smith.   Second by CM Bonus.  All voted aye.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:  Ann Coleman, District Manager for State Representative Marci Mustello, introduced herself.  Mustello’s office will be moving to 100 Barricks Road.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Bonus to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 4, 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. All voted aye.

    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 May.

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

    (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council electronically)

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

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    Councilman Walter distributed of the 2020 budget binders and reviewed the timeline.

    1. Motion to approve a payment in the amount of $1,015,215.28 to PNC Bank for the 2018 Tax Revenue Anticipation Note. $1,000,000.00 Principal (LIN 01 472 601) & $15,215.28 Interest (LIN 01 472 600) – maturity date is June 30, 2019.  Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to pay the final installment of the 2018 small borrowing loan to NexTier in the amount of $102,239.02. $100,000.00 – LIN 01 472 911–Principal: $2,239.02 – LIN 01 472 912–Interest. Second by CM Bonus.  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, June through December for the Produce to People Program. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve an agreement with the Butler County Humane Society for use of the Farmer’s Market for the Annual Rabies Clinic to be held on July 27th from 2:30 pm until 5:00 pm. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve payment for application #2, to Fuller Home Building, Inc. in the amount of $38,023.00 for the Roof Replacement Project. LIN 18 469 463.  Second by CM Walter.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to approve the bid from Diehl Auto in the amount of $55,524.00 for a 2019 Dodge Ram 5500 truck for the Streets Department to be paid from the Liquid Fuels Tax Fund. LIN 35 430 429. Second by Mayor Smith. CM Walter abstained.  CM Smith, CM Bonus, CM Roche and Mayor Smith voted no.
    2. Motion to direct the City Clerk to amend the truck specs and re-advertise for a 2019 truck for use in the Streets Department. (To be paid from Liquid Fuels Tax Fund). Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Councilman Roche

    1. Motion to approve the promotion of part-time Firefighter Larry Shuler to the position of full time Firefighter within the Bureau of Fire effective June 24, 2019 as part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant program. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the promotion of part-time Firefighter Joshua Carlini to the position of full time Firefighter within the Bureau of Fire effective June 24, 2019 as part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant program. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve the promotion of part-time Firefighter Bradley Sabolcik to the position of full time Firefighter within the Bureau of Fire effective June 24, 2019 as part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant program. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to award a contract to Bronder Technical Services, Inc. for the Main Street Lighting Project in the amount of $1,272,698.50. (Capital Projects LIN 18-427-307). Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the purchase of license plate reader cameras from STS in the amount of $7,800.00 to be paid by grant funds, donations and the Butler County District Attorney’s Office. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    3. In accordance with the provisions of §10802 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 11, motion to appoint Aaron F. Bonus to the position of City Treasurer and to a term of office that shall run through January 2020. (Note: The next municipal election is in November 2019, and the term of office for the person elected to the position of City Treasurer at that time shall run from January 2020 to January 2024.)  Second by CM Walter.  CM Bonus abstained.  CM Walter, CM Smith, CM Roche and Mayor Smith voted aye.

           ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE          

    Following the vote, Mayor Smith administered the Oath of Office to Aaron F. Bonus.

           Appointments:

    Julie Wilczynski has been appointed to the Shade Tree Commission to fill the term of Wilma West which will expire June 30, 2022.

    In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $1,401,145.79; from the parking fund – $37,233.19; from the capital projects fund – $38,718.00; from the liquid fuels tax fund – $6,839.33; and from the 2015-Series Bonds Proceeds – $38,023.00 for a grand total of $1,521,959.31. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS
    • WISR City Hall – Mayor Smith & Councilman Smith
    • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, June 29th
    • The City Building will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Gateway EngineersKrill RecyclingCloud 9 Vapor Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:43 PM.
    • American Legion – West Sunbury
    • Butler Downtown
    • NexTier Bank
    • Mayor Smith thanked the following for their contributions toward the City’s 4th of July fireworks display:

    Agenda 27-June-19

     

  • June 4 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    June 4, 2019

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

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    Bicycle Rodeo:

    Nicole Lynn Thurner, Tom Breth and Denny Offstein, organizers of the 25th Bicycle Rodeo, gave a brief overview of the event’s success.  Tom and Nicole presented Denny Offstein with a photo frame of the event.  Tom Breth presented Denny with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Mike Kelly to honor and applaud his unwavering dedication to the City of Butler and the annual Bicycle Rodeo.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Bonus to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 23, 2019. All voted aye.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to direct City Clerk to work with companies interested in providing employee medical insurance on behalf of the City of Butler for a January 1, 2020 effective date. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the City of Butler’s participation in the AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2019-06-04A; a resolution of the City of Butler creating a Census 2020 Complete Count Committee. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to approve the Shade Tree Commission’s tree maintenance and removal permit process and fee structure. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2019-06-04; a resolution of the City of Butler authorizing the adoption and implementation of the Section 3 Plan to ensure compliance with Federal Law. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to accept the resignation of City treasurer, John Grenci effective June 15, 2019. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve the promotion of Lieutenant Benjamin A. Spangler to the rank of Captain in the Butler Bureau of Police effective June 9, 2019. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to approve the promotion of Sergeant David M. Villotti to the rank of Lieutenant in the Butler Bureau of Police effective June 9, 2019. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve the promotion of Lieutenant Chad Rensel to the rank of Lieutenant Detective in the Butler Bureau of Police effective June 9, 2019. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

    Mayor Smith announced that to date, the City has not received any donations towards the 2019 fireworks.

    Councilman Smith made the following motion:

    1. Motion to direct the Director of Accounts & Finance and the city clerk to review the finances to determine if there is $5,000.00 for fireworks and if so to sign an agreement with Zambelli for a $5,000.00 show. Second by Mayor Smith. All voted aye.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $146,460.45; from the parking fund – $4,399.43; from the capital projects fund – $139.00; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $3,382.87; for a grand total of $154,381.75. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Roche to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    • 9th Annual Bantam Jeep Festival – June 7th – 9th
    • The City Building will be closed on Friday, June 14th in observance of Flag Day
    • Letters of Interest for Position of City Treasurer – Deadline is June 27th

    Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:58 PM.

    Agenda 4 June 2019

  • May 23, 2019

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    May 23, 2019

    Minutes will be posted after approval by council during the next council meeting.

    Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Smith and Council members Walter, Smith, Bonus and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by the Pastor James F. Neal, STS, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

    Motion by Mayor Smith with a second from CM Bonus to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 7, 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. All voted aye.

    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 April.

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

    (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council electronically)

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

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to form a Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census. Second by CM Smith. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to authorize the City Clerk to sign the updated fee agreement letter of May 20, 2019, for legal representation by the firm of Campbell, Durrant & Beatty, Palombo & Miller, P.C. for the collective bargaining negotiations with the IAFF scheduled for 2019. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Councilman Smith

    1. Motion to approve payment for application #1, to Fuller Home Building, Inc. in the amount of $53,088.00 for the Roof Replacement Project. LIN 18 469 463.  Second by CM Bonus.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for a 2019 truck for use in the Streets Department. (To be paid from Liquid Fuels Tax Fund). Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

    Councilman Roche

    Chris Marlar has been accepted as the Fusion Liaison Officer Program (FLO) of the Western Pennsylvania All Hazards Fusion Center as the FLO for the City of Butler.

    Mayor Smith

    1. Based on recommendation from his chain of command and satisfactory completion of his probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status as of April 22, 2019 to Patrol Officer Michael E. Sulerud, Jr. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Based on recommendation from his chain of command and satisfactory completion of his probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status as of May 19, 2019 to Patrol Officer Benjamin P. Rogers. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve the purchase of a 2015 Chevrolet Truck, VIN# 3GCUKPEC1FG346232 from the Adams Township Police Department for a cost of $13,500.00 to be paid from the K9 Fund for use as a canine vehicle. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to approve a Butler Downtown Revolving Loan to Joseph and Jacquelyn Gray in the amount of $140,000 for the purpose of the purchase and renovation of the property at 122 West Brady Street, Butler, PA 16001, per the recommendation of the Butler Downtown Revolving Loan Fund Committee. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to reappoint Michael R. Miller to the Code Management Appeals Board for a 5 year term ending June, 2024. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

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

    Treasurer John Grenci announced that he will resign, effective June 15, 2019.

    In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $133,930.03; from the parking fund – $133,874.68; from the capital projects fund – $53,088.00; from the liquid fuels tax fund – $5,327.72; and from the 2015-Series Bonds Proceeds – $53,088.00 for a grand total of $379,309.43. Motion by Mayor Smith with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    • WISR City Hall – Mayor Smith, Chief O’Neill and Councilman Smith
    • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, May 25th
    • The City Building will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day
    • Letters of interest will be received for the City Treasurer to fill the term which expires at the end of this year.
    • Mayor Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:17 PM.
    • Mayor Smith reconvened the meeting at 8:16 PM.
    • Mayor Smith recessed the meeting at 7:37 PM.

    Agenda 23-May-19