City of Butler

Category: Meeting Minutes

  • Special Meeting July 14, 2016

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    July 14, 2016
    Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. Mayor Donaldson and Council members Walter, Kline, Schontz and Roche were present.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:
    Jerry Oliver is interested in purchasing the property at 1014-1018 W. New Castle Street. The property will need rezoned from R-2 so that his company can use it for bill boards.

    COUNCIL ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to direct the city clerk to seek proposals for a general obligation loan, not to exceed $145,000.00 for the purchase of a used Street Sweeper for use in the streets department. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

    Councilman Schontz

    1. Motion to direct the city clerk to advertise for bids for a used Pelican P Three Wheel Boom Street Sweeper for the Streets Department. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve a block party on Linden Street on Saturday, July 23, 2016 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

    COUNCIL DISCUSSION
    After Council Actions, Council discussed the 2016 finances as well as looking ahead to the 2017 budget.

    CM Walter suggested parking meters on Main Street, partnering with Butler Ambulance Service, permitting the use of alcohol in the city parks and charging fees for such, council not to be paid for the months of November and December, a regional police department and also a referendum to change the city to Home Rule.

    Mayor Donaldson asked what the plan will be to meet financial obligations through 2016. Suggestions are taking a 2017 TRAN in 2016 or applying for a state funded loan.  Neither is a solution and 2017 will show a shortfall much earlier than 2016.

    Looking ahead council discussed options for the 2017 budget to allow for potential retirees that would receive vacation, holiday and sick buybacks. A fire district merger, city operated garbage service, a city manager and a finance director and collective bargaining agreement concessions.

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 8:11 PM.

     

  • June 23, 2016

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    June 23, 2016
     
    Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Donaldson and Council members Walter, Kline, Schontz and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by  Pastor Sam McNamara, First Baptist Church.
    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    The following persons spoke at the Public to be Heard Section of the meeting. All of the speakers discussed the proposal to establish a Human Relations Commission, commenting both for and against the proposal:

    Cantor Michal Gray-Schaffer
    Pastor Jeff Harris
    Josh Crawford
    Sabrina Schnur
    Mary Lee Marten
    Shawn Maroney
    Benjamin Vincent
    Bill Sawford
    Rev. Dr. Verna Call
    Michael Bell
    Sherry Halm
    Aleshia Houth
     
    The following action took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on June 21, 2016:

    1. Tim Morgus, Maher Duessel, attended the Forum meeting and briefed Council on the audit report for Fiscal Year 2015. The City must change its pattern as expenses have outweighed revenues for the past three years.
    2. 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, found the following subject structure detrimental to public health and ordered its removal by demolition.   311-313 Eau Claire Street.  Motion by Mayor Donaldson. Second by CM Walter.  All voted aye.
    3. CM Walter distributed the 2017 budget binders and reviewed the timeline.               Motion by CM Schontz with second from CM Roche to approve the minutes of Regular meeting of May 26, 2016. All voted aye.

      MONTHLY & ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS
      (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council at Tuesday’s Forum Meeting for Review)
      Department reports for the month of May were approved by individual, unanimous votes.
      COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS
       
      Councilman Walter

    4. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1729; an ordinance increasing the indebtedness of the City of Butler, Butler County, Pennsylvania by the issue of a General Obligation Note in the amount of $210,000.00 for the purpose of the street paving, storm sewer repairs, and bridge repairs. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to pass City Resolution No. 2016-06-23, the City of Butler’s 2016 Fair Housing Resolution. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to approve changing the AFSCME Data Entry Clerk position from part-time to full-time in the Police Department. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    7. Motion to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with AFSCME, Local No. 757 for the updated Data Entry Clerk position in the Police Department. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
    8. Motion to approve the updated job description for the AFSCME Data Entry Clerk position in the Police Department. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    Councilwoman Kline

    1. Motion to pass City Resolution No. 2016-06-23A, a resolution to amend the Civil Service Rules and Regulations governing the hiring of entry-level firefighters. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to reappoint Cindy Bowser to the Civil Service Board for a four year term ending December, 2019. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to accept the resignation of Robert Swartz from the Butler Area Sewer Authority. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to approve Hanna Bartels, Slippery Rock University student, to intern for the City of Butler as an “Event Liaison Person”. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    Councilman Schontz

    1. Motion to approve payment to Shields Asphalt Paving, Inc. for the 2016 Curb Ramp Replacement and Paving Project – Contract #1 – Curb Ramps, in the amount of $45,267.85 after final review by the city municipal engineer. LIN 18 430 439.  Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    2. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1730; an ordinance of the City of Butler, Butler County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 226 – Solid Waste. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to accept the bid from Troy Jay Construction, Inc. in the amount of $18,328.00 for the West Penn Street Bridge repairs, after review by the municipal engineer. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to reappoint Michael Preston and Larry Christy to the Butler Codes Management Appeals Board for a five year term ending June 30, 2021. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to reappoint Gregg Mason to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a four year term ending on June 30, 2019. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to reappoint Larry Christy and Jill Kraus to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a four year term ending June 30, 2020. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    7. Motion to reappoint Tom Graham and Brian McCafferty to the Zoning Hearing Board for a three year term ending June 30, 2019. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    8. Motion to approve payment to A. P. Wise Excavating LLC in the amount of $6,100.00 for the demolition of 511 Polk Street after review by the Code Officer.  LIN 18 427 221.  Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    9. Motion to award the demolition of 300-302 N. Washington Street to Ken Reilly Contracting in the amount of $9,240.00 based upon the general specifications of the contract and the release by the City Solicitor. LIN 18 427 221.  Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    10. Motion to install a stop sign on E. Fulton Street at the intersection of E. Fulton Street and N. Monroe Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    11. Motion to install a “Do Not Enter” sign on Cedar Street at the intersection of E. North Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    Councilman Roche

    1. Motion to accept the resignation of John Grenci from the City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds and Facilities Authority. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to provide Butler Downtown with labor for the installation of equipment at the Becky Smith Memorial. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion to approve payment to Gateway Engineers in the amount of $5,323.50 for the engineering of the Centre City Parking Garage.  LIN 43 463 010. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve payment to Thomas Construction, Inc. in the amount of $504,160.60 for the construction of the Centre City Parking Garage.  LIN 43 463 020.Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to approve payment to Merit Electrical Group, Inc. in the amount of    $13,653.00 for the construction of the Centre City Parking Garage.  LIN 43 463 020.  Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to approve an agreement with Gateway Engineers for continued services associated with bidding, inspection and construction management for the Centre City           Parking Garage.  Second by CM Roche.  All voted aye.

     Boards and Authorities Appointments:
    Diane Bowman and Diane Smith have been reappointed to the Shade Tree         Commission for a three year term ending June 30, 2019.

    The City Treasurer presented a Monthly Intake Report for May, 2016.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $195,107.91; from the parking fund – $20,525.09; from the capital projects fund – $61,594.95; from the liquid fuels tax fund – $3,298.43; and from the 2015-Series Bond Proceeds – $523,137.10 for a grand total of $803,663.48. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:
    • WISR City Hall – Mayor Donaldson and Councilman Schontz
    • City Building will be closed Monday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.
    • There are openings for volunteers to sit on Butler Area Sewer Authority and Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds and Facilities Authority. Interested parties will submit a Boards and Authorities Interest Form found on the City’s website at www.cityofbutler.org or the Office of the City Clerk. The deadline is July 15, 2016.

      Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 8:26 PM.

  • May 26, 2016

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    May 26, 2016
     
    Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Donaldson and Council members Walter, Kline, Schontz and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Pastor Kimberly van Driel, First English Lutheran Church.
     
    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from CM Walter to approve the minutes of Regular meeting of April 28, 2016. All voted aye.

    The following action took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on May 24, 2016:

    Motion to approve the Conditional Use of property at various locations (listed below) under Codified Ordinance Section 260-112 C(1) for a group known as “Walldogs” to paint murals on a number of downtown buildings located in the C-2 zoning district:

    140 E Jefferson St; Parcel #562-9-224;
    114 W Diamond St; Parcel #563-7-149;
    101 S Main St; Parcel #562-7-16;
    117 S McKean St; Parcel #562-7-68;
    123 W New Castle St; Parcel #563-9-205;
    W Vogely St/Tier Garage; Parcel #563-7-95;
    242-246 S Main St; Parcel #563-7-155;
    204 N Main St; Parcel #565-9-143;
    123 W Diamond St; Parcel #563-7-192

    Motion by CM Schontz. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

    MONTHLY & ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS
    (Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council at Tuesday’s Forum Meeting for Review)

    Department reports for the month of April were approved by individual, unanimous votes.
     
    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS
     
    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1729; an ordinance increasing the indebtedness of the City of Butler, Butler County, Pennsylvania by the issue of a General Obligation Note in the amount of $210,000.00 for the purpose of the street paving, storm sewer repairs, and bridge repairs. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve a payment in the amount of $753,426.06 to PNC Bank for the 2016 Tax Revenue Anticipation Note. $750,000.00 Principal (LIN 01 472 601) & $3,426.06 Interest (LIN 01 472 600) – payoff date is May 27, 2016. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to designate Veronica M. Walker as the City’s fair housing officer for 2016.

    Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    Councilman Schontz

    1. Motion to make Broad Street 2-way between W. Brady St. and W. New Castle St. on a 90-day trial basis. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to install two “Watch Children” signs on Mackey Avenue on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to install two “Watch Children” signs on McKinley Avenue on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2016-05-26; adopting the Butler County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve payment to Troy Jay Construction, Inc. in the amount of $10,990.00 for Mercer Street Bridge repairs. LIN 18 427 770. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to approve the conditional hiring of Zachary M. Kordes for the position of Truck Driver in the Streets Department. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    7. Motion for the first reading and introduction of City Ordinance No. 1730; an ordinance of the City of Butler, Butler County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 226 – Solid Waste. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    8. Motion to award the demolition of 511 Polk Street to A. P. Wise Excavating, LLC in the amount of $6,100.00, based upon the general specifications of the contract and the release by the City Solicitor. LIN 18 427 221. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

      Councilman Schontz announced that he will resign, effective July 31, 2016.

      Councilman Roche

    9. Motion to approve the retirement of Fred M. Savannah after 23 years of service, effective May 19, 2016. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    10. Motion to approve the agreement with Grace Youth & Family Foundation to provide a recreational program for the City playgrounds. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    11. Motion to approve an agreement with First Baptist Church to lease Father Marinaro Park for youth soccer practice. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    12. Motion to enter into an agreement with COVERALL for cleaning services for the police station and the city building. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    13. Motion to approve an agreement with Fishbone Ministries to lease Rotary Park for a series of events. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    14. Motion to approve the plan for the upgrades to the Rotary Playground and the Christie Avenue Playground as proposed by the Butler Rotary Club PM. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion to approve payment to Gateway Engineers in the amount of $10,002.83 for the engineering of the Centre City Parking Garage. LIN 43 463 010.   Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve payment to Thomas Construction, Inc. in the amount of $467,161.32 for the construction of the Centre City Parking Garage. LIN 43 463 020.

    Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    1. Motion to approve payment to Community Development Corporation of Butler County, in the amount of $20,556.30 for the construction management services of the Centre City Parking Garage. LIN 43 463 020. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to direct the city clerk to advertise to fill the position of Fire Chief in the fire department. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to make written application to the Civil Service Board for a certified list of candidates to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Sergeant Ron Fundark. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to make written application to the Civil Service Board for a certified list of candidates to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Patrol Officer Douglas Mazzanti. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

      In the absence of the City Treasurer, Mayor Donaldson presented a Monthly Intake Report for April, 2016.

      The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $972,767.26; from the parking fund – $20,947.31; from the capital projects fund – $81,404.62; from the liquid fuels tax fund – $4,242.34; and from the 2015-Series Bond Proceeds – $497,720.45 for a grand total of $1,577,081.98. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CW Kline to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:
    • WISR City Hall – Councilman Walter and Councilwoman Kline
    • City Building will be closed Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day and also June 14th in observance of Flag Day.
    • Farmers’ Market opens Saturday, May 28th for the 2016 season.

      Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:29 PM.

  • April 28, 2016

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    April 28, 2016
     
    Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Donaldson and Council members Walter, Kline, Schontz and Roche were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Pastor Tara Lynn, Grace at Calvary Lutheran Church.

    PRESENTATIONS:

    Lions Club of Butler presented a check in the amount of $1,200.00 to the City of Butler to be used for Christie Avenue Playground. The Lions Club receives funds from items they sell.  Online ordering is available at: www.butlerpalionclub.org/fund-raising-products/

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:
     
    Larry Sassone, requested permission to solicit on behalf of the city of Butler for donations for the 2016 fireworks display. He also requested that the sale Kelly Automotive Park not be considered as an option for the city’s financial issues.

    Bill Criley, feels the patching that was done on Pittsburgh Pike is the correct way to patch roads, versus filling random potholes.

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of Regular meeting of March 24, 2016 and special meeting of April 13, 2016. All voted aye.

    The following took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on April 26, 2016:

    1. Motion to enter into an Employment Separation Agreement with Ronald Fundark, II.

    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)

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

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter

    1. Motion to approve payment to USBank in the amount of $126,023.72 for interest due on General Obligation Bonds Series B-2015. LIN 01 472 800. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve payment to USBank in the amount of $6,841.79 for interest due on General Obligation Bonds, Taxable Series A-2015. LIN 01 472 800. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to transfer $200,000.00 from the General Fund (01) to the Parking Fund (05). This represents $200,000.00 borrowed from the Parking Fund in February. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to transfer $132,865.51 from the Parking Fund (5) to the General Fund (1) for the 2016 payment of Bond Series A & B-2015. (LIN 05 499 500) Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to accept the bid from Nextier Bank for a general obligation loan of $210,000.00 with an interest rate of 1.62% per annum. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Councilwoman Kline

    1. Motion to enter into an agreement with Pennsylvania Fire Recovery Service contingent upon review and final approval by the city solicitor. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to enter into a Settlement Agreement with the IAFF Local #114, to settle a grievance filed on behalf of Captain Brian Mazzanti concerning the city’s policy for “Light Duty” or “Modified-Duty Temporary Assignments”. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.
    3. Motion to enter into a Settlement Agreement with the IAFF Local #114, to settle a grievance filed against the city for implementing new Civil Service Rules and Regulations and failing to promote to maintain the minimum compliment per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Second by CM Walter. CM Walter, CW Kline and CM Roche voted aye. CM Schontz and Mayor Donaldson voted no.
    4. Motion to promote Firefighter Donald J. McCoy, Jr. to the rank of Lieutenant within the Bureau of Fire. Second by CM Schontz. CM Walter, CW Kline, CM Schontz, CM Roche voted aye. Mayor Donaldson abstained.
    5. Motion to promote Lieutenant James A. Kaufman to the rank of Captain within the Bureau of Fire. Second by CM Schontz. CM Walter, CW Kline, CM Schontz, CM Roche voted aye. Mayor Donaldson abstained.

    Councilman Schontz

    1. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1727 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 experimental regulations previously adopted by city council on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve a refund request of $1,260.00 from CBP Contracting, Inc., for a building permit for remodeling work at the Arby’s restaurant. Second by Roche. All voted aye.
    3. Upon the satisfactory completion of his 90-day probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status to Mr. Derek Shick, Code Enforcement Officer, Office of Business and Community Development contingent upon obtaining his certification for UCC Certification 10. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    4. Motion to install “No Parking” signs on the south side of W. New Castle Street between Chestnut and Broad Streets on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve the conditional hiring of Craig A. Milligan for the position of Truck Driver in the Streets Department. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to accept the bid from Martino, Inc. in the amount of $122,000.00 for the Monroe Street Storm Sewer Improvements project. LIN 18 430 436. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    7. Motion to schedule an electronic and hazardous house waste event to be held in the city of Butler. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion to approve payment to Thomas Construction, Inc. in the amount of $332,084.71 for the construction of the Centre City Parking Garage.  LIN 43 463 020.             Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve payment to Gateway Engineers in the amount of $12,751.75 for the engineering of the Centre City Parking Garage.  LIN 43 463 010. Second by CM       Schontz.  All voted aye.
    3. Based on recommendation from his chain of command and satisfactory completion of his probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status as of April 4, 2016 to Patrol Officer Myles Bizub.   Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    4. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1728, an ordinance of the City of Butler, Pennsylvania to repeal Chapter 6; Authorities, Municipal;      Article I; Parking Authority, of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Butler. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
    5. Motion to approve the resignation of Patrol Officer Douglas Mazzanti from the Butler City Police Department following 7 years of service, effective May 15, 2016. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.
    6. Motion to accept the bid from Woltz & Wind Ford, Inc. in the amount of $24,345.00 for the purchase of (1) one police cruiser.  Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

    The City Treasurer presented a Monthly Intake Report for March, 2016.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $494,528.74; from the parking fund – $44,994.23; from the capital projects fund – $4,019.95; from the liquid fuels tax fund – $5,210.33; and from the 2015-Series Bond Proceeds – $344,836.46 for a grand total of $893,589.71. Motion by CM Schontz with second from CM Walter to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    • WISR City Hall – Mayor Donaldson and Councilman Schontz.
    • Please submit Neighborhood Pride Award nominees.
    • CM Roche thanked all the volunteers for a successful Spring Clean. There were over 75 volunteers.

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 8:07 PM.

     

     

  • Special Meeting of City Council April 13, 2016

    MINUTES
    Special Meeting of City Council
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    April 13, 2016   6:00 PM          

    Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. Mayor Donaldson and Council members Walter, Kline, Schontz and Roche were present.  Motion was made to reconvene the meeting in the Public Safety Building by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson reconvened the meeting at 6:11 PM.

    City Solicitor, Jim Coulter reviewed the rules and procedures for public participation in meetings of city council.

    Mr. Coulter then explained the conflict of interest about the situation in demoting the fire chief. He introduced Attorney David Mitchell, Cambell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C., who interpreted the PA Consolidated Statutes; Title 11; PA Cities section and provided a legal opinion that the Mayor had authority to demote the Fire Chief.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD (Brief summary of comments):

    Jeff Smith requested that council terminate its relationship with Cambell Durrant Beatty Palombo & Miller, P.C. based on the legal opinion given to the Mayor. Mr. Smith suggested that the fire chief be reinstated.

    Clair Boring said the council should move forward.

    James Raglan the move is not going to help Butler.

    Bryan Presco addressed the situation with the fire chief and wanted an explanation. He also voiced his concerns about the shooting dens and pill pressing machines in the city of Butler.

    Sherry Holm is a lifelong resident in the city and takes pride in the fire station.

    Jamie Goehring support Nick Ban and expects a reasonable explanation and voiced her anger over not allowing Nick an honorable retirement.

    Don Shearer said he would like a reasonable explanation for what has happened.

    Tim Roxbury doesn’t feel that mayor owes an explanation to the citizen and the citizens need to stand behind the Mayor.

    Rita Lane was blindsided by the decision and reviewed meeting minutes looking for anything about this but found nothing.

    Bob Dandoy said aside from legal interpretation, it was the lack of respect for CW Kline and the other council members, as well as both the police and fire departments and the residents of the city, that was upsetting.

    Dess Schnur said the lack of respect and lack of trust affects all the employees of the city. He asked “why”?

    Rick Zitalone was a firefighter for 22 years. He was also asking why this happened.

    Mayor Donaldson and Councilwoman Kline comments are attached to these minutes.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Walter 
    CM Walter discussed the serious financial situation in the city of Butler. The city needs about $500,000.00 to break even at the end of 2016.  After discussion with the city’s auditor, he had two options that could help.  First option would be to sell Kelly Automotive Park.  CM Walter does not feel that’s something the city would or could do.  Second option would be to sell the parking lots in the city.  A part-time firefighter program needs to be in place again.

    Councilwoman Kline

    1. Motion to approve the retirement of Chief George N. Ban, Jr. from the Butler Bureau of Fire following 25 years of service, effective April 9, 2016.  Second by CW Walter. All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:18 PM.

    SUBMITTED:                                                            APPROVED:

    ________________________                        _________________________

    Melinda F. Gall, City Clerk                             Thomas P. Donaldson, Mayor

     

    Click on the link:  April 13, 2016  for the Mayor and Council Woman Kline’s comments