City of Butler

Category: Meeting Minutes

  • December 21, 2017

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    December 21, 2017

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

    • NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE AWARD

     

    Thomas Murphy and Cindy Sabish, 219 East Pearl Street

    • PRESENTATION:

    Firefighters Dean Selfridge and Jonathon Feicht presented a fireman helmet to Councilwoman Kline in honor of her 12 years of public service to the City.

    Motion by Mayor Donaldson with a second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on November 16, 2017 with the following correction. All voted aye:

    Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2018 contract for supply of the City’s limestone materials to Allegheny Mineral Corporation, as follows:  

    Unit Price Delivered at Job Site: #2A – 18.10 per ton; #4 – $18.80 per ton; #8 – $22.30 per ton; #57 – 18.65 per ton.     Total Contract: $77,850.00.

    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. All voted aye.

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

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1747, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2018. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    2. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1748, 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 2018. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    3. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1749, 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 2018. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to accept a proposal submitted by PNC Bank for a 2018 Tax Revenue Anticipation Note in the amount of $1,000,000.00 at an annual interest rate of 1.99% percent per annum and to adopt the Note Resolution as prepared by PNC Bank.   Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve City Resolution 2017-12-21, a resolution of the City of Butler authorizing the issuance of a Tax Revenue Anticipation Note Series 2018 in the amount of $1,000,000.00. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Councilwoman Kline

    1. Motion to accept the resignation of Michael Preston from the Butler County-City Connoquenessing Creek Flood Control Authority as of January 1, 2018.  Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to appoint John H. Reddick to the Butler County-City Connoquenessing Creek Flood Control Authority for a four year term which expires January 1, 2022.  Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to change “No Parking Nov. 1 – Apr. 1” on the north side of American Avenue to “No Parking Dec. 1 – Apr. 1” on the south side of American Avenue on a 90-day trial basis. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to install a “Handicapped Parking Only” sign in front of 350 North Main Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve the conditional hiring of Thomas C. Stoughton for the position of Truck Driver in the Streets Department. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to appoint Lance Calvert to the Butler Transit Authority for a five year term which expires December 31, 2022. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to accept the bid from A. P. Wise Excavating, LLC in the amount of $8,040.00 for the demolition of 718 West Penn Street. LIN 18 427 221. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to make Broad Street 2-way between W. Brady St. and W. New Castle St. on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Councilman Roche

    1. Motion to appoint John Vissari to the Parks, Recreation, Grounds and Facility Authority to fill the term created by the resignation of John Mossman which expires January 1, 2022. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1750, an ordinance of the City of Butler vacating the unnamed alley running parallel to Hickory Street and extending west from Cupps Way. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1751, an ordinance of the City of Butler withdrawing from the Butler Transit Authority as a member of the Authority pursuant to the Municipal Authorities Act of 1945. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    3. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1746; an ordinance of the City of Butler, Pennsylvania amending Part 1; Chapter 6 of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler, Authorities – to add the City of Butler Human Relations Commission. No second. Motion dies.
    4. Based on recommendation from his chain of command and satisfactory completion of his probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status as of December 5, 2017 to Patrol Officer William R. Dobson. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    5. Based on recommendation from his chain of command and satisfactory completion of his probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status as of December 5, 2017 to Patrol Officer Andrew M. Niederlander.   Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    6. Upon the satisfactory completion of her 90-day probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status to Valerie Sura, Parking Violation Monitor, Butler City Police. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    7. Motion to enter into an agreement with Butler Old Stone House Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, Inc. for possession and custody of the 1941 Jeep BRC and the 1909 Huselton. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

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

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $317,438.38; from the parking fund – $35,607.70; from the capital projects fund – $85,505.04; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $33,254.13; for a grand total of $471,805.25. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CM Bonus  to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.    

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS
    • City Building will be closed December 25, 2017 and January 1, 2018.
    • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, December 22nd.

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:31 PM.

  • November 16, 2017

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    November 16, 2017

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

    • NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE AWARD

    John & Nancy Fleeger – 240 E. Patterson Avenue

    7:05PM PUBLIC HEARING   Art Cordwell, of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler – to brief Council and the public on the 2017 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD: (Limited to 5 Minutes)

    John A. Pro requested the City take back title of the Bantam Jeep from the Historical Society.

    Kimberly Hepler voiced concerns over parking on American Avenue from November through April when the parking moves to the other side of the street to accommodate the snow plows.

    Darrell Kamerer spoke about the history of the Butler Old Stone House Region.

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

    The following actions took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on November 14, 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: 220 Fifth Street.  Motion by Mayor Donaldson. Second by CM Bonus.  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 CW Kline to acknowledge receipt of the monthly minutes from RACB, including the CDBG/HOME Program activities.

    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. 1747, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2018. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1748, 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 2018. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    3. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1749, 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 2018. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to direct the City Clerk to seek proposals from financial institutions for a 2018 Tax Revenue Anticipation Note in the amount of $1,000,000.00. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2017-11-16 approving the City’s Community Development Block Grant Application for FY 2017. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to approve payment to Strange Corporation Contractors in the amount of $15,978.99 for the change order for the Monroe & Kittanning Storm Sewer Improvements. LIN 18 427 305. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve payment to Strange Corporation Contractors in the amount of $6,024.00 for retainage due. LIN 18 427 305. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve payment to A. P. Wise Excavating, LLC in the amount of $5,050.00 for the demolition of 609 (AKA 607) Peach Street contingent upon final inspection of the Code Enforcement Officer. LIN 18 427 221. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    4. Motions to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2018 contract for supply of the City’s asphalt materials to:

    Wiest Asphalt Products & Paving, Inc. as follows:

    9.5MM Superpave Wearing Course FOB; $61.00 per ton and 19MM Superpave   FOB;   $54.00 per ton. Total Contract: $92,000.00.

    Russell Standard Corporation, as follows:

                E-3 Emulsion Placed; $2.10/gallon; Total Contract: $21,000.00.

    Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

    1. Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2018 contract for supply of the City’s limestone materials to Allegheny Mineral Corporation, as follows:

    Unit Price Delivered at Job Site: #2A – 18.10 per ton; #4 – $18.80 per ton; #8 – $22.30 per ton; #57 – 18.65 per ton.     Total Contract: $77,850.00.  Second by CM Roche.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Roche

    1. Motion to appoint John P. Vissari to the Parks, Recreation, Grounds and Facility Authority fill the term created by the resignation of John Mossman which expires January 1, 2022. Second by Mayor Donaldson. Motion to table by Mayor Donaldson.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye. Motion tabled.
    2. Motion for city council to send a letter to the Allegheny Aquatic Alliance to show support for two potential canoe launches along the Connoquenessing Creek within the City of Butler. Second by Mayor Donaldson.  All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1750, an ordinance of the City of Butler vacating the unnamed alley running parallel to Hickory Street and extending west from Cupps Way. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2017-11-16A approving the City’s support of legislative efforts to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to assign the decennial task of both legislative and congressional redistricting to an independent citizens redistricting commission. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve City Council’s 2018 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 Bonus. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to begin the process for the return of the Butler County Historical Society’s Bantam Jeep to the City of Butler and in turn to entrust the vehicle to the Butler Old Stone House Region AACA. Second by CM Walter.  CM Walter, CM Roche and Mayor Donaldson voted aye.  CW Kline voted no.  CM Bonus abstained.  Motion passed.
    5. Based on recommendation from his chain of command and satisfactory completion of his probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status as of   November 7, 2017 to Patrol Officer Kevin M. Novak.  Second by CM Roche.  All voted           aye.
    6. Based on recommendation from his chain of command and satisfactory completion of his probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status as of   November 7, 2017 to Patrol Officer Corey R. Wendel.  Second by CM Roche.  All       voted aye

    In absence of the City Treasurer, Councilman Bonus presented the Monthly Intake            Report for October, 2017.

    In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $528,784.38; from the parking fund – $419,958.01; from the capital projects fund – $22,002.99; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $4,305.59; for a grand total of $975,050.97. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CM Bonus  to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.    

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS
    • City Building will be closed November 23rd and November 24th.
    • First Responder Light Up Night – Saturday, November 18th.
    • Saturday, November 25th:

    Small Business Saturday

                Candy Land Activities; 12-4:30 PM

    New Castle Street Plaza Activities; 12-4:30 PM

    Skating Rink; 12-5:00 PM

    Butler City Spirit of Christmas Parade; 5:30 PM

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:47 PM.

     

    2018 Schedule of City Council Meetings

  • 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.

     

     

  • August 24, 2017

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    August 24, 2017

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

    NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE AWARD:

    Elmer & Mary Ratica – 456 North Bluff Street

    PRESENTATION:

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD: (Limited to 5 Minutes)

    Bridget Gold – secretary of the 2017 Fall Festival requesting an “open consumption” permit from the City.

    John A. Pro – Pres. B.O.S.H. Region – requesting the Historical Society’s Bantam Jeep be turned over to the City and the City giving permission for the Jeep to be housed at the B.O.S.H. Region.

    Jeff Harris – spoke about his concerns for the safety/privacy of women and children in our land should the City adopt a (“bathroom bill”) Human Relations Commission.

    Motion by Mayor Donaldson to direct the city solicitor to investigate requesting the Butler County Historical Society to return the Bantam Jeep back to the City. Second by CW Kline.  CM Walter, CW Kline, CM Roche and Mayor Donaldson voted aye.  CM Bonus abstained.

    Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on July 27, 2017 with the following correction:

    Motion by Mayor Donaldson with a second from CM Walter to accept the proposal for Option #1A for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) Services ($399 per month) and $1,499 appliance fee as well as Sonic Wall Service ($89 per month) from PSI, Inc. for the City of Butler city building servers and work stations.  All voted aye.

    The following action took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on August 22, 2017

    1. Tim Morgus, Maher Duessel, attended the Forum meeting and briefed Council on the audit report for Fiscal Year 2016.

    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 CW Kline to acknowledge receipt of the monthly minutes from RACB, including the CDBG/HOME Program activities.

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

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2017-08-24; the City of Butler’s Fair Housing Resolution. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to designate Veronica Walker as the City’s Fair Housing Officer for 2017.  Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to direct the City Clerk to prepare and release a request for proposals (RFP) for traffic signal maintenance for the years 2018 and 2019. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to approve a payment in the amount of $24,952.76 to Wells Fargo Bank for an interest payment for the General Obligation Refunding Bond Series of 2005. LIN 01 472 700. Second by CM Bonus.  All voted aye.

    Councilwoman Kline

    1. Motion to pay Scott Longdon the difference between firefighter wages and lieutenant wages for the period May 28, 2017 to July 22, 2017 in the amount of $276.00 (base wage), $8.96 (longevity pay) and $110.09 (overtime) for a total of $395.05 due to his promotion that was approved at the July 27, 2017 meeting. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.

    Councilman Bonus

    1. Motion to approve payment to A.P. Wise Excavating, LLC in the amount of $5,800.00 for the demolition of 111 South Street contingent upon final inspection of the Code Enforcement Officer to be paid from the Fire Escrow Account. This motion supersedes the July motion which directed that this payment be issued from LIN 01 499 401 instead of the Fire Escrow Account. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to authorize the City Clerk to begin the hiring process to fill the vacancy created by the transfer of Jason Gallagher to the parks department. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to direct the City Clerk to prepare and release an RFP for refuse collection for the years 2018 through 2020. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to support Foodie Friday’s by giving permission to expand to the N. Main Street lot on Friday, August 25th, Friday, September 29th and Friday, October 13th from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, with no additional costs for police coverage. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to accept a bid from 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.
    6. Motion to approve an agreement between the City of Butler and the US Army Corps of Engineers for the Sullivan Run Local Flood Protection Project PL 84-99 Rehabilitation Project due to the flood on July 5-6, 2017 contingent upon review and approval by the city solicitor. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    Councilman Roche

    1. Motion to approve the promotion of Roderick Huey to Parks Department Foreman effective August 6, 2017. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve the transfer of Jason Gallagher from the Streets Department to the Parks Department effective August 27, 2017. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve a Playground Agreement with the Butler YMCA for use of the Memorial Park football field for a NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Competition to be held from 12:30 PM until 4:30 PM on Saturday, September 23, 2017. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to approve an agreement with the Butler Midget Football League for the 2017 season. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve an alcohol permit for the Fall Festival contingent upon the sponsor filing the proper paperwork and meeting all the requirements from the LCB and providing proof thereof to the City at least 5 days PRIOR to the event. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Butler County, Butler Township and the Butler Transit Authority for the purpose of setting the terms and conditions of the withdrawal and joinder of members consistent with the Municipal Authorities Act of 1945, 53 P.S. §5604. Second by CM Bonus. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve a three-year extension of the cooperation agreement between the City and the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler for administration of the City’s Community Development Block Grant Program Funds, HOME Program funds and other State and Federal funds with such extension running through October 1, 2020. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    3. Motion by Mayor Donaldson to approve and not oppose an economic development liquor license in the center of the city after review by the city solicitor. Second by CM Walter.  All voted aye.

    CM Bonus, in the absence of the City Treasurer, presented the Monthly Intake Report for             July, 2017.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $421,322.58; from the parking fund – $33,218.21; from the capital projects fund – $11,898.90; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $7,421.52; for a grand total of $473,861.21. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CW Kline to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    Mayor Donaldson made the following statement in reference to the Human Relations Commission:

    “This entire topic has brought nothing but disruption and division to our city. This needs to end once and for all!  It’s time to stand up for morality and integrity.  Sodom and Gomorrah was not a fairy tale!  I still have my moral and Spiritual upbringing.  God’s laws were here since the beginning of time and man has been fighting God since the fall in the Garden of Eden.  Man is still wrong!  God is always right and unwavering.”

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:43 PM.