Category: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

City Council Meeting

City of Butler, Pennsylvania

March 24, 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 Jeff Harris, Crossroad Community.

PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

 Councilwoman Kathy Kline expressed her sincere gratitude for assistance during the recent structure fire at the Worsley’s building.

 Patty Schorr spoke about the lack of communication between the city officials and the tenants of the Worsely’s building concerning condemning the structure.

Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CM Schontz to approve the minutes of Regular meeting of February 25, 2016. All voted aye.

The following took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on March 22, 2016:

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:

300 (302) N. Washington Street.

Motion by Mayor Donaldson. 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 February were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

 COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

 Councilman Walter

1. Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for bids for a general obligation loan of $210,000.00 for street paving, storm sewer repairs and demolition, payable in 2016 and 2017. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
2. Motion to approve City Resolution no. 2016-3-24 approving to revise the 2013 CDBG program as follows: Reduce the Acquisition of Real Property line item by $50,000 and reallocate the same amount to Street Reconstruction (paving) – targeting the blighted streets in the south side of the city. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

Councilman Schontz

3. Motion for the introduction and first reading 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 Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.
4. Motion to accept the bid from Wiest Asphalt Products & Paving, Inc., in the amount of $123,602.70 for the 2016 Street Paving Project after review by the municipal engineer. LIN 18 430 439.

Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

5. Motion to accept the bid from Shields Asphalt Paving, Inc., in the amount of $45,513.20 for the 2016 Curb Ramps and Sidewalks Project after review by the municipal engineer. LIN 18 430 439.

Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

6. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2016-03-24A obligating $23,731.00 of City revenues to the Butler Transit Authority for fiscal year 2016/2017. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

Councilman Roche

7. Motion to enter into an agreement with the Butler Area Softball League to lease the Pony League Field and concession stand in Father Marinaro Park commencing April 17, 2016 through October 31, 2016. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
8. Motion to enter into an agreement with the Butler Fastpitch Association to lease the T-Ball Field in Butler Memorial Park commencing April 1, 2016 through October 31, 2016. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

Mayor Donaldson

9. Motion to update the City of Butler’s Open Records Policy Statement. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
10. Motion for the introduction and first reading 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 CW Kline. All voted aye.
11. Motion to approve the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan applicable to the Community Development Block Grant program. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
12. Motion to approve the Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Butler and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler Community Development Block Grant/Home Programs. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
13. Motion to approve payment to Thomas Construction, Inc. in the amount of $278,306.01 for the construction of the Centre City Parking Garage. LIN 43 463 020

Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

14. Motion to approve payment to Community Development Corporation of Butler County, in the amount of $29,078.04 for the construction management services of the Centre City Parking Garage. LIN 43 463 020.  Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
15. Motion to approve payment to Gateway Engineers, Inc., in the amount of $12,497.00 for engineering of the Centre City Parking Garage. LIN 43 463 010.

Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

16. Motion to direct the city clerk to advertise for bids for the purchase of 1 (one) police cruiser. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
17. Motion to approve agreement with CGI Communications, Inc. for the Community Video Tour Book. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
18. Motion to purchase the firearm, from retired police officer David Dalcamo, in the amount of $300.00. Second By CW Kline. All voted aye.

The City Treasurer presented a Monthly Intake Report for February 2016.

The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $249,709.81; from the parking fund – $3,249.41; from the capital projects fund – $3,211.54; from the liquid fuels tax fund – $151,995.44; and from the 2015-Series Bond Proceeds – $319,881.05 for a grand total of $728,047.25. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CW Kline to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

• ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• WISR City Hall – Mayor Donaldson and Councilman Schontz
• City Building closed on March 25^th in observance of Good Friday.

Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:47 PM. 

MINUTES

City Council Meeting

City of Butler, Pennsylvania

February 25, 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.

Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CM Schontz to approve the minutes of Regular meeting of January 28, 2016 and the Special Meeting of February 6, 2016. All voted aye.

The following took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on February 23, 2016:

A Public Hearing was held at 6:30 PM for the conditional use at 302 N. Main Street. There was no public comment. 

A Public Hearing was held at 7:00 PM to amend Chapter 260 to add multiple dwellings as permitted uses in the C-2 zoning district. A representative from Woda Development Construction Management presented the plans for the Proposed Adaptive Senior Housing project at the Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Co. Office Building.

MONTHLY & ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS

(Note: Department Reports Distributed to Council at Tuesday’s Forum Meeting for Review)

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

COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

Councilman Walter

1. Motion to accept the bid from NexTier Bank for a general obligation loan of $69,888.00 with an interest rate of 1.76% per annum to be used to purchase two (2) police vehicles. Second by CM Schontz. All voted no. Motion not passed.

2. Motion to accept the bid from NexTier Bank for a general obligation loan of $72,745.00 with an interest rate of 2.31% per annum to be used to purchase a truck for the streets department. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted no. Motion not passed.

3. Motion to direct the city clerk to advertise for bids for a small borrowing loan in the amount of $34,944.00 for the purchase of one (1) new police vehicle.  Second by Mayor Donaldson.  All voted aye.

Councilwoman Kline

4. Motion to approve the retirement of Captain Brian D. Mazzanti from the Butler Bureau of Fire following 27 years of service, effective March 6, 2016. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

Councilman Schontz

5. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1724, an ordinance of the city of Butler amending Chapter 260, the zoning ordinance of the city of Butler, to add multiple family dwellings as permitted uses in the C-2 zoning district. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

6. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1725, an ordinance of the City of Butler vacating the unnamed alley lying between Hansen Avenue and S. Ninth Avenue. Second by CW Walter. All voted aye.

7. Motion to approve the promotion of Jason Gallagher from Truck Driver-Cat 3 to Skilled Laborer-Cat 2 effective April 3, 2016. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

8. Motion to adopt the Section 504/ADA Plan Update. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

9. Motion to appoint Kerry Hornyak as the city’s Section 504/ADA coordinator. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

10. Motion to enter into an agreement with the SPC Regional Traffic Signal Program for the City of Butler SINC-UP project (Cycle 3). Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

11. Motion to install a stop sign on Summit Street at the intersection of Summit and E. Fulton Streets on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

12. Motion to install “Residential Parking Only” signs on S. Church Street between W. Cunningham and Vogely Streets on a 90-day trial basis. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

13. Motion to purchase a 2001 GMC C8500 Dump Truck with one plow and one tailgate spreader in the amount of $6,000.00 to be purchased from Butler Township to be paid from the Liquid Fuels Tax Fund. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

Councilman Roche

14. Motion to approve the transfer of Clay McAnallen from the Streets Department to the Parks Department effective April 3, 2016. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

15. Motion to approve the request from the Butler Historical Society for a WallDog Mural to be painted on the Tier Parking Garage. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

Mayor Donaldson

16. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1726, an ordinance of the City of Butler defining and prohibiting the maintenance of a disorderly house, providing for the arrest of owners, occupants or visitors in a disorderly house, prohibiting interference with a police officer in the process of enforcement of this ordinance and setting penalties relating to keeping occupying or visiting a disorderly house. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

17. Motion to approve payment to Gateway Engineers for two invoices in the amount of $18,690.96 for engineering of the Centre City Parking Garage. LIN 43 463 010. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

18. Motion to approve the promotion of Sergeant John Johnson to the rank of Lieutenant in the Butler Bureau of Police effective March 6, 2016. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

19. Motion to approve the promotion of Patrol Officer Chad Rensel to the rank of Lieutenant in the Butler Bureau of Police effective March 6, 2016. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

20. Motion to approve the promotion of Patrol Officer Anthony Fatta to the rank of Lieutenant in the Butler Bureau of Police effective March 6, 2016. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

21. Motion to approve the promotion of Patrol Officer Jeremy Walters to the rank of Sergeant in the Butler Bureau of Police effective March 6, 2016. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

22. Motion to approve the promotion of Patrol Officer Brian Grooms to the rank of Sergeant in the Butler Bureau of Police effective March 6, 2016. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

23. Motion to approve the promotion of Patrol Officer David Villotti to the rank of Sergeant in the Butler Bureau of Police effective March 6, 2016. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

24. Motion to amend the current agreement with the City of Butler Bureau of Police, Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #32, for reimbursement to the K-9 Officers for K-9 expenses incurred at the officers’ homes. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

Appointments:

Bill May has been appointed to the Shade Tree Commission for a term of 3 years which will expire June 30, 2018.

Diane Smith has been appointed to the Shade Tree Commission to fill the unexpired term of Chip Marra which will expire June 30, 2016.

The City Treasurer presented a Monthly Intake Report for January 2016.

The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $518,885.20; from the parking fund – $240,615.21; from the capital projects fund – $1,532.36; from the liquid fuels tax fund – $3,145.83; and from the 2015-Series Bond Proceeds – $18,690.96 for a grand total of $782,869.56. Motion by CM Walter with second from Mayor Donaldson to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.

• ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• WISR City Hall – Mayor Donaldson and Councilman Schontz

Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:30 PM.

MINUTES

Special Meeting of City Council

Tier Garage Office

129 West Cunningham Street

City of Butler, Pennsylvania

February 6, 2016   1:00 PM        

Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM. Mayor Donaldson and Council members Walter, Kline, Schontz and Roche were present.

COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

Councilman Roche

1. Motion to authorize the City Clerk to begin the hiring process to fill the vacancy in the Parks Department. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

Mayor Donaldson

2. Motion to enter into a Street Lighting Agreement with West Penn Power Company providing there is no conflict with the City’s current agreement with Direct Energy. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

The balance of the meeting was a discussion among Council Members concerning short and long term plans for the efficient operation of City government.

Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 3:08 PM.

MINUTES

City Council Meeting

City of Butler, Pennsylvania

January 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 Jeff Harris, Crossroad Community.

NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE AWARD:

Peter and Kristine Donaldson, 305 N. McKean Street

PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

Mark Krenitsky spoke about the shooting in Adams Township and parking rates in Pittsburgh. He voiced concerned about dissolving the Parking Authority.

Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CM Schontz to approve the minutes of Regular meeting of December 17, 2015 and City Council’s re-organization meeting of January 4, 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 December and 2015 year-end reports were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

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

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:

134 Third Avenue

Motion by Mayor Donaldson. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

Councilman Walter

1. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2016-01-28; a resolution of the City of Butler appointing Debra Oyler and Sharon Snyder as authorized representatives to make requests upon and receive any and all tax information and records from Berkheimer, relative to the collection of taxes for the Taxing Authorities within the Butler County Tax Collection District, as directed and deemed necessary, to be used for official purposes only. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
2. Motion to approve payment to the Butler Area Public Library in the amount of $32,071.97 that represents the proceeds from the City’s 2015 library tax. LIN 01 456 540. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
3. Motion to exonerate the City Treasurer from collection of 2015 City taxes that were discharged by Judicial Sales of the following properties:

• Parcel # 563-8-180
• Parcel # 565-10-2
• Parcel # 565-10-131
• Parcel # 565-14-130
• Parcel # 565-46-5B
• Parcel # 565-12-117-16

Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

4. Motion to approve an Addendum to the existing Agreement between the City of Butler and the RACB dated February 26, 2013 to extend the time for payment of funds due to the City to March 31, 2017. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

5. Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for bids for a small borrowing loan of $69,888.00 for two police vehicles. The loan is to be payable over a term of three (3) years. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
6. Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for bids for a small borrowing loan of $72,745.00 for one streets department truck. The loan is to be payable over a term of ten (10) years. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

Councilman Schontz

7. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1724, an ordinance of the city of Butler amending Chapter 260, the zoning ordinance of the city of Butler, to add multiple family dwellings as permitted uses in the C-2 zoning district. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

8. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1725, an ordinance of the City of Butler vacating the unnamed alley lying between Hansen Avenue and S. Ninth Avenue. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

9. Motion to install a “No Parking Here to Corner” sign on Campbell Street, 100 feet from the intersection of Quarry and Campbell Streets on a 90-day trial basis. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

10. Motion to install two “No Parking 3:10 PM to 3:40 PM School Days for Student Pick Up” signs at the corner of N. Washington and W. Penn Streets and the corner of N. Church and W. Penn Streets on a 90-day trial basis. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

Councilman Roche

11. Motion to Reappoint Diane Downs to the City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds & Facilities Authority for a five year term expiring on January 1, 2021. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.
12. Motion to appoint John Grenci to the City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds & Facilities Authority to replace Jeff Smith, whose term ends January 1, 2018. Second  by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

Mayor Donaldson

13. Motion to approve payment to Thomas Construction, Inc. in the amount of $243,372.57 for the construction of the Centre City Parking Garage. LIN 43 463 020       Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

14. Motion to approve payment to Gateway Engineers in the amount of $10,983.25 for the engineering of the Centre City Parking Garage. LIN 43 463 010. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

15. Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Captain Ronald D. Fierst beginning on January 15, 2016 for a work-related injury he sustained on August 25, 2015. Second by CM Roche. All voted aye.

16. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1723; an ordinance of the City of Butler, Butler County, Pennsylvania amending Chapter 87 of the codified ordinances to add the position of a Parking Manager. Second by CM Schontz.     All voted aye.

17. Motion to enter into an agreement with the County of Butler to provide parking spaces to jurors at the rate of three dollars ($3.00) per car per day. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

18. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1726, an ordinance of the City of Butler defining and prohibiting the maintenance of a disorderly house, providing for the arrest of owners, occupants or visitors in a disorderly house, prohibiting interference with a police officer in the process of enforcement of this ordinance and setting penalties relating to keeping occupying or visiting a disorderly house. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

19. Motion to approve the retirement of Captain David A. Dalcamo from the Bureau of Police following 17 years of service, effective January 31, 2016. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

20. Motion to approve the updated job description for the Parking Manager and to evaluate the position at the end of 2016. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

21. Motion to appoint James Chiprean as the Parking Manager. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

22. Motion to approve an amendment to the Cable TV Franchise Agreement between the City of Butler and Armstrong Utilities to eliminate the term which provides for free internet service to the City. This amendment is required for the contract to comply with a 2015 ruling by the FCC. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

23. Motion to enter into a 36-month agreement with Armstrong Utilities, Inc. for internet service for the City of Butler departments. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

24. Motion to approve the purchase of two police vehicles in the amount of $69,888.00 and one streets department truck in the amount of $72,745.00 from the Costars State Contract through Tri-Star Motors. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

25. Motion to terminate the employment of Sergeant Ronald Fundark, effective immediately, and to notify Sergeant Fundark of his right to appeal under the Rules and Regulations of the City Civil Service of Butler or to file a grievance under the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

26. Motion to make written application to the Civil Service Board for a certified list of candidates to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of Captain Dalcamo and the termination of Sergeant Fundark. Second by CM Walter. All voted aye.

Appointments:

Cheri Readie – appointed to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler to replace Joe Gray, whose term ends June, 2019.

The City Treasurer presented a Monthly Intake Report for December, 2015.

The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $398,654.28; from the parking fund – $4,729.17; from the capital projects fund – $78,798.21; from the liquid fuels tax fund – $2,521.00; and from the 2015-Series Bond Proceeds – $271,278.07 for a grand total of $755,980.73. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CW Kline to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.

• ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• WISR City Hall – Mayor Donaldson and Councilman Schontz
• The City is requesting donations for the 4^th of July fireworks display

Mayor Donaldson recessed the meeting at 7:33 PM for an executive session. Mayor Donaldson reconvened the meeting at 7:46 PM. Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:47 PM.

MINUTES

City Council of the City of Butler

Inauguration/Swearing-in Ceremony and Reorganization Meeting

January 4, 2016

1. At 10:00 AM, January 4, 2016, the following named individuals who won election on November 3, 2015 took their oaths of office.

Administered by Mayor Thomas P. Donaldson, Councilman Michael E. Walter, Councilman Corey D. Roche, and City Treasurer John L. Grenci. Their term of office is from January 2016 through January 2020.

2. City Council met immediately after the swearing-in for its reorganization meeting. Mayor Donaldson, Councilman Walter, Councilman Schontz, Councilwoman Kline and Councilman Roche were present.

Third Class City Code – Section 1103. Director, Public Affairs & Bureau of Police – Mayor Donaldson.

Motion by Mayor Donaldson with a second from CM Schontz to assign CM Walter as Director of Accounts & Finance. All voted aye.

Motion by CW Kline with a second from CM Schontz to assign CM Roche as Director of Parks & Public Property. All voted aye.

Motion by Mayor Donaldson with a second from CM Schontz to assign CW Kline as Director of Public Safety & Bureau of Fire. All voted aye.

Motion by Mayor Donaldson with a second from CM Schontz to assign CM Schontz as Director of Streets & Public Improvements. All voted aye.

3. City Council Liaison Appointments.

• Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler – Councilman Walter.
• Butler Area Sewer Authority – Mayor Donaldson.
• Butler County/City Connoquenessing Creek Flood Control Authority – Councilwoman Kline.
• Butler Township-City Joint Municipal Transit Authority – Councilman Schontz.
• City of Butler Planning & Zoning Commission/Zoning Hearing Board/Code Management Appeals Board – Councilman Schontz.
• City Shade Tree Commission – Councilman Roche
• Pension Investment Advisory Board (Director, Accounts & Finance) – Councilman Walter.
• Butler Area Public Library – Mayor Donaldson.
• City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds and Facilities Authority – Councilman Roche.
• BAMM Plan Oversight Committee – Councilman Schontz.
• Bicycle Advisory Commission – Councilwoman Kline.

Motion by Mayor Donaldson to approve City Council Liaison Appointments. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

4. Council Actions:

Councilman Schontz

Motion to approve City Resolution 2016 – 01 – 04 revising the City’s administrative fee schedule as of January 1, 2016.   Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

Mayor Donaldson

Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2016-01-04A; a resolution of the City of Butler appointing John Grenci as an authorized representative to make requests upon and receive any and all tax information and records from Berkheimer, relative to the collection of taxes for the Taxing Authorities within the Butler County Tax Collection District, as directed and deemed necessary, to be used for official purposes only. Second by Councilwoman Kline. All voted aye.

Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 10:11 AM. Council’s next Forum meeting is at 6:30 PM on January 26^th.