City of Butler

Category: Meeting Minutes

  • August 11, 2015

    MINUTES

    City Council Meeting

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania

    August 11, 2015

    Mayor Donaldson reconvened the meeting of August 5, 2015 at 6:45 PM.  Mayor Donaldson and Council members Readie, Kline, Schontz and May were present.

    Councilwoman Readie

    Motion to change the investment sweep vehicle option with PNC Institutional Asset Management to PNC Treasurer Money Market Fund Class I for all three pension plans. Second by Mayor Donaldson.  All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 6:49 PM.

  • August 5, 2015

    MINUTES

    City Council Meeting

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania

    August 5, 2015

    Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 10:05 AM.  Mayor Donaldson and Council members Readie, Kline, Schontz and May were present.

    Councilwoman Readie

    1. Motion to approve the conditional hiring of Kerry Hornyak for the part-time, temporary position of Administrative Assistant in the Office of the City Clerk.  Second by CM May.  All voted aye.

    Councilman May

    1. Motion to approve the use of the Farmer’s Market by CCR for Butler’s Project Bundle Up on October 5th and 6th from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1.  Motion to approve to market Zeigler Avenue Playground for sale and development.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1.  Motion to establish a $25 fee for the use of the picnic shelters in Father Marinaro Park and in Ritts Park and to amend the Fee Schedule accordingly.  Second by CW Readie.  All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    Based upon information provided to the City confirming that Butler Hotel Properties, LP has not closed on their construction for the new hotel, Motion to table action on the bids of Uhl Construction Company, Inc, Merit Electrical Group, Inc. and Reno Bros Mechanical Contractors, Inc.  (items 5, 6 and 7  on the Agenda) for the construction of the Centre City Parking Garage. Motion by Mayor Donaldson.  Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.  All three motions tabled.

    1. Motion to make written application to the Civil Service Board for a certified list of candidates to fill the vacancy in the Police Department. Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.
    1.  Motion to create a position of clerk in the Police Department to serve as clerk for the police department and as parking clerk, contingent upon approval by the FOP.  Motion to table by CW Kline.  Second by CW Readie.  All voted aye.  Motion tabled.

    Mayor Donaldson recessed the meeting until Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 6:45 PM.

  • July 23, 2015

    MINUTES

    City Council Meeting

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania

    July 23, 2015

    Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.  Mayor Donaldson and Council members Schontz and May were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Pastor Sam McNamara, First Baptist Church.

    PRESENTATIONS:

    Butler Rotary/Institute Hill Playground Project:  Dale Pinkerton, Dennis Baglier and Rick McDeavitt, representing Butler Rotary, presented information about the Institute Hill Playground Project – residents may donate a bench, a picnic table or bricks to support the rehabilitation of the playground by contacting Butler Rotary.

    Mike Ogin:  Any questions concerning the Centre City Parking Garage may be directed to Mike at Gateway Engineers.

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from Mayor Donaldson to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of June 25, 2015 and the special meeting held on July 15, 2015.  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 June were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

    The following action took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on July 21, 2015:

    1. Motion to approve the conditional hiring of Debbie Liscotti for the part-time, temporary position of Administrative Assistant in the Office of the City Clerk.  Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.
    1.  Motion by Mayor Donaldson to exclude the elevator alternate and the brick tier alternate from the proposed parking garage for the Centre City Project.  Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion to direct the City Clerk to prepare and release a request for proposals (RFP) for traffic signal maintenance for the years 2016 and 2017.  Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1715; an ordinance of the City of Butler, Pennsylvania amending Part One, Chapter 57 (Officers and Employees Pension Plan) of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler to amend Article VIII; Termination of Employment; §57-35; Deferred Retirement Benefit, A.  Second by CM May.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Schontz

    1. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1713; an ordinance of the City of Butler, Pennsylvania amending the City’s traffic control schedule contained in Chapter 245 of the Codified Ordinance of the City of Butler by making permanent experimental regulations previously adopted by City Council on a 90-day trial basis.  Second by CM May.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to approve payment to Wiest Asphalt Products & Paving, Inc. for the 2015 street paving project in the amount of $219,069.58 after final review by the city municipal engineer.  LIN 18 430 439.   Second by CM May.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to erect a sign in the Quarry Lot that states “No Skateboarding or Bike Riding in This Parking Lot”.  Second by CM May.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to accept the EADS Group proposal to prepare the Section 504 Plan for the City of Butler in the amount of $7,000.00 continent upon review by the City Solicitor.  (paid from LIN 01 427 120)  Second by CM May.  All voted aye.
    1.  Motion to approve a License Agreement with Terry and Roberta Capella, 113 Pine Street that gives permission to encroach onto the right-of-way of Pine Street for construction of a handicap ramp, contingent upon review by the City Solicitor. Second by Mayor Donaldson.  All voted aye.

    Councilman May

    1. Motion to rehabilitate the tennis courts at Ritts Park using Act 13 funds.  LIN 18 452 350.  Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to approve the request from the Main Street Promotions Committee for use of the West New Castle Street Plaza for the Butler City Farmers’ Market on August 5th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion to approve the retirement of Sara Pellegrini, from the Office of the City  Treasurer, following 25 years of service, effective October 10, 2015. Second by CM May.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to direct the City Clerk to initiate recruitment action to fill the position of the Clerk Bookkeeper/Deputy Treasurer in the Office of the City Treasurer.  Second by CM May.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1714; an ordinance of the City of Butler, Butler County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 189 Parking to add additional residential parking areas in Section 189-3.A. Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

    The City Treasurer presented Council with the Account Balance Report and the Monthly Intake Report for June, 2015 electronically.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $333,449.53; from the capital projects fund – $59,153.50; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $5,187.85 for a grand total of $397,790.88. Motion by CM Schontz with second from Mayor Donaldson to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:
    • WISR City Hall – Mayor Donaldson and Councilman Schontz.
    • Reminder:  Streets marked “No Parking” for street cleaning will be enforced.
    • As a requirement by the bonding companies, all parking garages, lots and city lots are enforced 24/7.
    • A special meeting of City Council is being scheduled for August 5, 2015.

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:37 PM.

  • June 25, 2015

    MINUTES

    City Council Meeting

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania

    June 25, 2015

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

    • PERSONS TO BE HEARD: (Limited to 5 Minutes)

    Bill Criley thanked CM Schontz and the Streets Department for their work at Kelly Automotive Park.  Mr. Criley stated that he will no longer recycle papers or boxes as they are never taken as recyclables, but rather combined with his garbage.

    • NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE AWARD:

    Daniel J. & Marion M. Robinson – 309-311 West Wayne Street

    Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CW Readie to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of May 28, 2015.  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.

    The following action took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on June 23, 2015:

    1. Motion by Mayor Donaldson for 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, to find the following subject structure detrimental to public health and ordered its removal by demolition:  315 N. Monroe Street. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1.  Motion by Mayor Donaldson to authorize Gateway Engineers to re-advertise the bids for performing mechanical services for the construction of the new tier parking garage. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1.  Motion by Mayor Donaldson to reject the bid for plumbing work for the construction of the new tier parking garage and to authorize Gateway Engineers to re-bid.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1.  Motion by Mayor Donaldson to request a cost study from Mockenhaupt for the option of purchasing part-time employment to be included in the non-uniformed pension plan document.  Second by CM Schontz.  CW Readie and CW Kline voted no.  CM Schontz, CM May and Mayor Donaldson voted aye.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilwoman Readie

    1. Motion for the adoption of City Ordinance No. 1712; 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 $375,000.00 for the purpose of the street paving, storm sewer repairs, and bridge repairs.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to pay the second and final installment of the 2014 street paving loan to NexTier in the amount of $104,167.19.    $102,500.00 – LIN 01 472 913 – Principal:  $1,667.19- LIN 01 472 914 – Interest.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to approve the retirement of Sue Evans, from the Office of the City Clerk, following 21 years of service, effective July 21, 2015. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to direct the City Clerk to initiate recruitment action for a temporary part-time employee to fill the position of Administrative Assistant in the Office of the City Clerk.  Second by CM May.  All voted aye.

    Councilwoman Kline

    1. Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Captain Brian D. Mazzanti beginning on June 9, 2015 for a work-related injury he sustained on June 4, 2015.  Second by Mayor Donaldson.  All voted aye.

    Councilman Schontz

    1. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1713; an ordinance of the City of Butler, Pennsylvania amending the City’s traffic control schedule contained in Chapter 245 of the Codified Ordinance 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.
    1. Motion to accept the bid from E C Masonry, Inc. in the amount of $16,400.00 for repairs to the West Penn Street and West Brady Street bridges.  LIN 18 427 770. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to approve payment to Joe Palmieri Construction, Inc. for curb replacement in the amount of $50,251.00 after final review by the city municipal engineer.  LIN 18 430 439.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to accept the bid from Mychael Smith in the amount of $1,325.00 for the purchase of the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to approve a block party on Broad Street from Brady St. to New Castle St. on Sunday, August 23, 2015 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. (rain date August 30) Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to approve payment to A P Wise in the amount of $5,900.00 for demolition of 310 N. Cliff Street contingent upon final inspection and approval by the Code Enforcement Officer.  LIN 01 427 221.  Second by CM May.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to install two “Residential Parking Only Between Signs” at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Ridge Avenue beginning at 206 Ridge Avenue on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to install a “No Parking Here to Corner” sign on the east side of Ridge Ave. 30 feet from Mercer Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    2. Motion to approve payment to Gregori Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $23,590.00 for the storm sewer on West Jefferson Street after final review by the city municipal engineer.  $15,000.00-LIN 01 430 373;   $5,000.00-LIN 18 430 436;   $3,590.00-LIN 18 430 439.  Second by CW Readie.  All voted aye.

    Councilman May

    1. Motion to approve use of the West New Castle Street Plaza on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM, to Cheri Readie for a “Youth Band Fest.” Second by CW Kline.  CW Readie abstained.  CW Kline, CM Schontz, CM May and Mayor Donaldson voted aye.
    1. Motion to approve an agreement with the Butler Midget Football League for the 2015 season.  Second by CW Readie.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to approve an agreement with Fishbone Ministries to lease Rotary Park for a series of events.  Second by CW Readie.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to approve an agreement with First Baptist Church to lease Father Marinaro Park for youth soccer practice.  Second by CW Readie.  All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    1. Motion to approve the Butler Downtown “Up on the Roof” fundraising event to be held on July 25, 2015.  Second by CW Readie.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to approve the communication equipment proposal from DBS Telecommunications, Inc. in the amount of $7,091.72 for the Public Safety Building. (Police LIN 01 410 321 $4,367.86; Fire LIN 01 411 321 $2,723.86)  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1714; an ordinance of the City of Butler, Butler County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 189 Parking to add additional residential parking areas in Section 189-3.A.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.
    1.  Motion to accept the quote given by 2Krew Security & Surveillance in the amount of $1,995.00 for the installation and maintenance of a security system in the police department.  Second by CW Readie.  All voted aye.
    1. Motion to authorize Butler County to pave Vogely Street following the construction of the new Addition to the Butler County Government Center, subject to the following conditions:
    1. The County shall cause all bricks to be removed and delivered to the City of Butler at a location in Butler to be specified by the Streets Department.
    2. The County shall cause Vogely Street to be reconstructed in accordance with PennDot specifications and acceptable to the City Engineer.
    3. The County shall repair the storm drains at the intersection of Vogely and Washington Streets.

    Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    Fred Reese has been reappointed to the RACB for a 4 year term which expires June, 2019.

    Brian K. McCafferty has been appointed to the RACB to replace Rajiv Sawhney whose term expires June, 2017.

    The City Treasurer presented Council with the Account Balance Report and the Monthly Intake Report for May, 2015.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $382,444.74; from the capital projects fund – $2,126.42; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $3,306.85 for a grand total of $387,878.01. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CW Readie to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    • WISR City Hall –  Mayor Donaldson and Councilwoman Readie
    • The 40th Annual Butler Road Race takes place Saturday, June 27th
    • Friendship Crossing Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – June 30th at 7PM at the Kaufman Drive Trailhead

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:40 PM.

  • May 28, 2015

    MINUTES

    City Council Meeting

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania

    May 28, 2015

     Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.  Mayor Donaldson and Council members Readie, Kline and May were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Pastor Todd Wentworth, First Baptist Church.

    PRESENTATIONS:

    Joe Gray gave an update for the construction of the parking garage for the Center City Project.  Due to design changes, Gateway has requested an extension for the receipt of bids.  The following motion was approved:

    Motion to extend the date for the receipt of bids for the construction of the new tier parking garage from June 5th to June 10th and to authorize Gateway Engineers to send out a supplement to the bid package to notify prospective bidders of this change.

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

      Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CM May to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of April 23, 2015.  All voted aye.

    The following action took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on May 26, 2015:

    1.  Katie Yates, Maher Duessel, attended the Forum meeting and briefed Council on the audit report for Fiscal Year 2014.

    2.  Motion to reimburse Mark Krenitsky $3,836.22. This payment is intended to reimburse Mr. Krenitsky for filing fees and legal costs incurred by him with the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County while seeking Judicial Sale of the property known as 310 N. Cliff Street.  In consideration of this payment, Mr. Krenitsky shall discontinue the suit, thereby allowing the City to demolish this structure. This payment is conditioned  upon the Court cancelling and discontinuing the Judicial Sale.  Motion by Mayor  Donaldson.  Second by CW Kline.   All voted aye.

    3.  Motion to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the FOP to create the position of Deputy Chief.  Motion by Mayor Donaldson.  Second by CM May.  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

    Councilwoman Readie

    1. Motion to approve a payment in the amount of $755,228.09 to First Commonwealth Bank for the 2015 Tax Revenue Anticipation Note. $750,000.00 Principal (LIN 01 472 601) & $5,228.09 Interest (LIN 01 472 600) – payoff date is May 29, 2015. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    2.  Motion to accept the bid from NexTier Bank for a general obligation loan of $375,000.00 with an interest rate of 1.45% per annum. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    3.  Motion to approve a Joint Stipulation of Partial Settlement between the Butler Area School District, Butler County, the City of Butler and Armco Advance Materials for the purpose of determining the assessment for Tax Parcels 563-28-19, 563-28-82A and 563-6-240 effective January 1, 2016. Second by CM May. All voted aye.

    4.  Motion to approve a proposal submitted by Caruso & Caruso, PC, Certified Public Accountants for monthly auditing services for Fiscal Year 2015 as outlined in their engagement letter of January 1, 2015 and to authorize the City Clerk to sign said letter on behalf of City Council. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    Councilwoman Kline

    5.  Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Lieutenant Donald P. Crawford beginning on May 18, 2015 for a work-related injury he sustained on May 2, 2015. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

    Councilman May

    6.  Motion to approve payment to A.P. Wise in the amount of $4,750.00 for the demolition of a house at 463 East Jefferson Street upon final inspection of the Code Enforcement Officer. LIN # 01-427-221.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    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 June 1, 2015 through October 31, 2015. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    8.  Motion to approve the agreement with the Paul Laurence Dunbar Community Center to provide a recreational program for the City playgrounds. Second by CW Readie. All voted aye.

    9.  Motion to approve the request from the Main Street Promotions Committee for use of the West New Castle Street Plaza for the Butler City Farmers’ Market on June 17th, July 15th and August 19th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    10.  Motion to approve the request from the Main Street Promotions Committee for use of the West New Castle Street Plaza for “Kid’s Craft Hour” to be held every Thursday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM beginning mid-June and ending mid-August. Second by CW Readie. All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    11.  Motion to approve payment to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for reimbursements received that were ineligible expenses for the Monroe Street Bridge Project in the amount of $13,300.00. LIN 18 430 500. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    12. Motion to install “Professional Building Parking – This Side” signs on both sides of Spruce Street from Fifth Street to Third Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CM May. All voted aye.

    13.  Motion to replace the “Limited Time – 2 hour Parking” signs on Third Street from Spruce Street to East Brady Street with “Professional Building Parking – This Side” signs on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    14.  Motion to reject all bids and re-advertise requesting a minimum bid of $1,200.00 for the sale of one used 2004 Ford Crown Victoria that was purchased for city code enforcement. Second by CM May. All voted aye.

    15.  Motion to install two “Lafayette Health Care Workers Only” signs on the west side of South Main Street for a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    16.  Motion to appoint Joseph L. Gray to the Code Management Appeals Board for a four-year term which expires June, 2019. Second by CM May. All voted aye.

    17.  Motion to reappoint James Diamond to the Code Management Appeals Board for a four-year term which expires June, 2019. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    18.  Motion to appoint Chad Michellini as an alternate for the Code Management Appeals Board. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    19.  Motion to reappoint Jim Harpel as an alternate for the Code Management Appeals Board. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    20.  Motion to extend the cooperation agreement for the Farmers’ Market with Butler Downtown until December 31, 2015.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

     The City Treasurer presented Council with the Account Balance Report and the Monthly Intake Report for April, 2015.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $985,982.45; from the capital projects fund – $14,190.14; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $5,483.14 for a grand total of $1,005,655.73. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CW Readie to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:

     

    • WISR City Hall – Councilwoman Kline & Chief Ban
    • West New Castle Street will be closed from Main Street to Jackson Street for the West New Castle Street Plaza season
    • The Jeep Invasion/Parade is Friday, June 12th beginning at 2:30 PM
    • This City Building will be closed on Monday, June 15th in observance of Flag Day.
    • The 40th Butler Road Race is Saturday, June 27th

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:30 PM.