City of Butler

Category: Meeting Minutes

  • December 18, 2014

    MINUTES

    City Council Meeting

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania

    December 18, 2014

     

    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 Todd Wentworth, First Baptist Church.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

                 Mark Krenitsky requested the tax increase be minimal.

    Stephanie Neely voiced her concerns about the condemned building on her street where the recent shooting had taken place.

    PRESENTATIONS:

    Neighborhood Pride Awards

           Greg Sasse, Manager – Rite Aid, 139 South Main Street

    1. Motion by CM May with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of November 20, 2014.  All voted aye.

     MONTHLY & ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

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

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

      Councilwoman Readie

    1.  Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No.1701, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2015. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    2.  Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No.1702, 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 2015. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    3.  Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No.1703, 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 2015. Second by CM May. All voted aye.

    4.  Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No 1705, an ordinance of the City of Butler authorizing and directing the incurrence of non-electoral debt in an amount not to exceed seven million       dollars ($7,000,000) through issuance of a series of general obligation bonds for the purpose of refinancing the Parking Authority’s 2003-series and 2005-series general obligation bonds and for the purpose of constructing a parking deck on South McKean Street and East Cunningham Street and for other purposes stated therein. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    Mr. Anthony Ditka explained the timeline and summarized procedures moving ahead.

    5.  Motion to approve City Resolution 2014-18-16-A, a resolution of the City of Butler authorizing the issuance of a Tax Revenue Anticipation Note Series 2015 in the amount of $750,000. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    Councilwoman Kline

    6.  Motion to ratify a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the City and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 114, for the period January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014 based upon the Arbitration Award that was received on August 9, 2014. Second by CM May. All voted         aye.

    7.  Motion to approve a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the City and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 114, for the period January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    Councilman Schontz

    8.  Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No.1700; 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 Readie. All voted aye.

    9.  Motion to approve City Resolution 2014 – 12 – 18 revising the City’s administrative fee schedule as of January 1, 2015. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    10.  Motion to approve payment to Peter J. Caruso & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $104,229.10 for the 2014 street paving. LIN 18 430 439 Second by CM May. All voted aye.

    11.  Motion to ratify a collective bargaining agreement between the City and Local 757/Council 84 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, for the period January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    12.  Motion to install a “Handicapped Parking” sign across from 124 W. New Castle Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CM May. All voted aye.

    13. Motion to install a “10 Minute Parking” sign at the corner of S. Main Street and W. Brush Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Readie. All voted aye.

    Councilman May

    14.  Motion to appoint William Criley to the City of Butler Parks,Recreation Grounds & Facilities Authority to fill the remainder of Dave Schmidt’s term which expires on January 1, 2017. Second by CM                 Schontz. All voted aye.

    15.  Motion to pass City Resolution #2014-12-18B; petitioning the Butler Area School Board to approve the Butler Area School District’s proposed           school consolidation option where K-4 model will be implemented designating the current Butler Junior High School as the new 5th/6th building and Emily Brittain being designated as one of the remaining open elementary schools. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    16.  Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No.1698; an ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 60 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Butler to amend Article II: Positions Covered; A. Coverage and Article XIV: Separation, Dismissal or Resignation; §1404: Procedures; A. Dismissal.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    17.  Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No.1699; an ordinance of the City of Butler amending part two, Chapter 57(Police Pension Plan) of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler to incorporate Plan Changes. Second by CM Schontz.  CW Kline voted no.             CW Readie, CM Schontz, CM May and Mayor Donaldson voted aye.

    18.  Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No 1704; an ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 195; Peddling and Soliciting; Article IV; Peddlers of the Codified Ordinances of the City            of Butler. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    19.  Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Sergeant Benjamin Spangler beginning on December 4, 2014 for a work-related           injury he sustained in December, 2013. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    20.  Motion to approve the conditional hiring of Jennifer Hundertmark for the Meter Violation Monitor position. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    21.  Motion to authorize the hiring of one entry-level police officer to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Patrol Officer Michael Tresky. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    Nicole Boldy, representing the City Treasurer, presented Council with the Account Balance Report and the Monthly Intake Report for November, 2014.

    The City Clerk, in absence of the City Controller, presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $321,548.38; from the capital projects fund – $105,300.26; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $2,521.00 for a grand total of $429,369.64. Motion by CW Readie with second from CW Kline to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    WISR City Hall – CW Readie

    City Building closed on December 25th and January 1st

    Free Parking from December 18 – December 26, all street meters and metered lots.

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:43 PM.

     

     

     

     

  • November 20, 2014

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    November 20, 2014

    Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:01 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.

    PUBLIC HEARING: Mr. Art Cordwell, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler briefed Council and the public on the 2014 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application.

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:
    Mark Krenitsky voiced his concerns about the city raising the debt service tax.

    PRESENTATIONS:

    Neighborhood Pride Awards
    Sue Hovis, 405 W North Street

    Motion by CM May with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of October 23, 2014 and Special Joint Meeting of October 28, 2014 and Special Meeting of November 5, 2014. All voted aye.

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

    All department reports for the month of October were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

    A Conditional Use Public Hearing with the Heartland Restaurant Group took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on November 18, 2014.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilwoman Readie

    1. Motion to direct the City Clerk to seek proposals from financial institutions for a 2015 Tax Revenue Anticipation Note in the amount of $750,000. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    2. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2014-11-20; a resolution to approve application for the City’s Community Development Block Grant for fiscal year 2014.
    Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    3. Motion to approve the hiring of Nicole Boldy as a temporary employee, working from December, 2014 through January, 2015 in the Office of the City Treasurer to be paid $12.00 per hour. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.
    4. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1701, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2015. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    5. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1702, 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 2015. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    6. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1703, 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 2015. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    Councilman Schontz

    7. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1700; 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.

    8. Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2015 contract for supply of the City’s asphalt materials to Wiest Asphalt Products & Paving, Inc., as follows: 9.5MM Superpave Wearing Course FOB $75.00 per ton and 19MM Superpave FOB $65.00 per ton. Second by CW Readie. All voted aye.

    9. Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2015 contract for supply of the City’s limestone materials to M & M Lime Co., Inc. as follows: Unit Price Delivered at Job Site: #2A – 17.73 per ton; #4 – $18.23 per ton; #8 – $21.88 per ton; #57 – 19.48 per ton. Second by CW Readie. All voted aye.

    10. Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2015 contract for supply of the City’s petroleum products to Purvis Brothers, Inc. as follows:
    Unleaded $2.2882 per gallon; Diesel $2.88 per gallon. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    11. Motion to approve the conditional use application of Heartland Restaurant Group, LLC for use of property located at 238 North Main Street to construct a Dunkin Donuts Restaurant with a drive-thru window (parcel #565-9-104); conditioned upon the following:

    a.) The property shall be developed in accordance with the plans and specifications presented to the city.
    b.) The facility will include 17 off-street parking spaces.
    c.) The developer will obtain all approvals required by the PA Dept. of Transportation for access to North Main Street (Route 8).

    This motion shall include the approval for the reduction of off-street parking spaces to 17 spaces. Second by CW Readie. All voted aye.

    12. Motion to accept the resignation of Joseph Lutz from the Butler Transit Authority, whose term would have expired on December 31, 2014. Second by CM May. All voted aye.

    Councilman May

    13. Motion to accept a bid in the amount of $2,529.00 from Glenn Freed for the 2001 Parks Department truck. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    14. Motion to accept the resignation of Leonard Pintell from the City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds & Facilities Authority, whose term would have expired on January 1, 2017. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    15. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1697; an ordinance of the City of Butler, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 60; Personnel Policies; to amend the Social Media Policy. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    16. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1698; an ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 60 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Butler to amend Article II: Positions Covered; A. Coverage and Article XIV: Separation, Dismissal or Resignation; §1404: Procedures; A. Dismissal. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    17. Motion to approve City Council’s 2015 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 CW Kline. All voted aye.

    18. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1699; an ordinance of the City of Butler amending part two, Chapter 57 (Police Pension Plan) of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler to incorporate Plan Changes resulting from a request from the Police Pension Board. Second by CM Schontz. CW Readie, CM Schontz, CM May and Mayor Donaldson voted aye. CW Kline voted no.

    19. Motion to approve a collective bargaining agreement between the City and the Fraternal Order of Police for the period January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017. Second by CW Readie. All voted aye.

    The City Treasurer presented Council with the Account Balance Report and the Monthly Intake Report for October, 2014.

    The City Clerk, in absence of the City Controller, presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $193,725.78; from the capital projects fund – $8,224.57; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $3,104.50 for a grand total of $205,054.85. Motion by CW Readie 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 November 27th & 28th in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday
    Spirit of Christmas Parade – Saturday, November 29th at 5:30 PM
    Free Parking on Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving to promote Shop Local

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:49 PM.

  • November 5, 2014 – Special Meeting

    MINUTES

    Special Meeting of the City Council

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania

    November 5, 2014

     Mayor Donaldson called this special meeting to order at 6:31 PM.  Mayor Donaldson and Councilwomen Readie, Kline, and Councilmen May and Schontz attended the meeting.

    The purpose of this special meeting was to discuss the budget for Fiscal Year 2015 and to conduct other business as Council might deem appropriate.

    Beginning with the General Fund revenue, council went through each department by line item in the budget.  There is $1,115,000.00 in tax revenue not realized from tax-exempt properties in the city.  There was discussion concerning the tax abatement schedule and revenue lost due to the schedule.  This program will be under review.

    Council then went through the General Fund expenses.  There are several line items that are driven by the three collective bargaining agreements and may or may not change once the agreements are settled.

    There were several minor changes to the initial line items.

    CM Schontz was upset that no paving had been listed on the Capital Projects Fund budget.  There are several streets in desperate need of repair.

    The budget has a $1 million deficit, so there will be several adjustments made.

    A proposed, balanced budget and three enabling ordinances will be submitted to City Council on November 18th in accordance with the 2015 budget timeline.

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 9:28 PM.

     

     

     

     

     

  • October 28th, 2014 – Special Joint Meeting

    MINUTES

    Special Joint Meeting of the City Council, the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler, the Parking Authority and the

    J.S. Capitol Group held at the Grand Ballroom,

    Cornerstone Commons,

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania

    October 28, 2014

     Mayor Donaldson called this special meeting to order at 7:00 PM.  Mayor Donaldson and Councilwomen Readie and Kline, Councilmen Schontz and May attended the meeting.  Tim Morgus, Jim Coulter, members of the RACB, and members of Parking Authority as well as Paul Dunn and Jeff Schmitz from J. S. Capitol Group also attended.

    The purpose of this special meeting was to discuss the options concerning building a parking garage.

    Mayor Donaldson opened the discussion stating that there are three options.  Option 1 is to build a 225 space parking garage.  Option 2 is to sell all the property involved to the developers for private use.  Option 3 is to abandon the Center City Project altogether.

    Tim Morgus, from Maher Duessel presented estimated options for the bonds needed to build the garage.  Option 1 was a break even scenario and Option 2 used a cost per parking space from the Cost Median Construction Guide as an estimate for a 225 space garage.  The original developer contribution used in the handout needed adjusted. A summary of Mr. Morgus’ estimate is attached to these minutes.

    Jim Coulter, the City Solicitor, explained that the “Refunding proceeds” listed on the chart are the bonds that are owed by the Parking Authority less $500,000 that will be paid by the Parking Authority to pay off their existing debt.

    There was discussion concerning what a 225 space parking garage would actually cost, including design costs and other costs not currently known.  The developers suggest the City begin with the total amount of bonds to be purchased and then design the garage using said bonds, to keep costs controlled.

    Mayor Donaldson requests that construction for the hotel begin prior to the garage or that the garage and the hotel be constructed simultaneously.

    Discussion was opened to the public.  Chelynne Curzi, the Main Street Manager, had only one comment – “proceed, please”.  Mark Krenitsky asked why the RACB couldn’t take their 40% ownership of the hotel and use that to help pay the construction costs for the parking garage.  Another person asked about the TIF that is being used for the Penn Theater.

    Mayor Donaldson made the motion to request that PNC Capital Markets, as the City’s investment banker, update the City’s credit rating, at an approximate cost of $7,500 to $10,000, to obtain bonds for the purpose of building the parking garage for the Center City Project.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson thanked Joe Gray for graciously permitting the special joint meeting to be held in the Grand Ballroom.

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:40 PM.

     

    Butler Parking Authority Tier Garage

    Prepared by Tim Morgus       Butler Parking Authority Tier Garage

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • October 23, 2014

    MINUTES
    City Council Meeting
    City of Butler, Pennsylvania
    October 23, 2014

    Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Donaldson and Council members Readie, 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:
    Greg Sloan thanked council for continued support from the City for the Butler Area Public Library

    Debby Bicker would like to see foot patrol on the West End and also requested a 15 mph speed limit sign in the 300 block of Virginia Avenue. She suggested more interaction of city employees with the young children in the neighborhoods.

    Jane Hall voiced concerns about the parking garage issues. “A decaying Main Street is detrimental to the city of Butler’s growth.” She is also very concerned about the Butler Area School District’s plans to close all three elementary schools in the city. Schools are crucial to young families who might be considering moving into the area.

    Mark Krenitsky is worried about parking rates and taxes increasing.

    PRESENTATIONS:

    Neighborhood Pride Awards

    William Young Jr. Funeral Home, 137 West Jefferson Street
    Elizabeth Graham, 248 Pillow Street
    Peter & Elaine Szura, 732 West Penn Street

    Motion by CW Readie with second from CM Schontz to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of September 25, 2014. All voted aye.

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

    All department reports for the month of September were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilwoman Readie

    1. Motion to approve distribution of 2014 State Aid for pension plans as follows: to the Firefighters Pension Plan – $209,622.22, to the Police Pension Plan – $178,362.66 and to the Officers’ & Employees’ Pension Plan – $7,028.48, with the total amount of 2014 State Aid distributed to pension plans being $395,013.36. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    2. Motion to pay the first installment of the 2014 small borrowing loan to NexTier in the amount of $103,969.85. $102,500.00 – LIN 01 472 913 – Principal: $1,469.85 – LIN 01 472 914 – Interest. Second by CM May. All voted aye.

    3. Motion to approve a proposal submitted by Maher Duessel Certified Public Accountants for auditing services for Fiscal Year 2015 through 2017 as outlined in their engagement letter of October 15, 2014 and to authorize the City Clerk to sign said letter on behalf of City Council. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    Councilman Schontz

    4. Motion to accept the resignation from Sean Gramz, effective October 31, 2014.
    Second by CM May. All voted aye.

    5. Motion to donate the emergency vehicle equipment (that will be removed from the vehicle purchased for the code office) to the Lick Hill VFD per Fire Chief Gold’s request.
    Second by CW Readie. All voted aye.

    6. Motion to table the award of a contract for meter collections pending clarification from the current provider. Second by Mayor Donaldson. ll voted aye.

    7. Motion to permit St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church to bag meters for Sunday morning and for any special services at the church, on N. McKean Street between E. Jefferson Street and E. North Street; and E. Jefferson Street between McKean Street and Main Street. Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

    Councilman May

    8. Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for bids on a 2001 Chevrolet 1500 4×4 Parks Department truck. Second by CW Readie. All voted aye.

    9. Motion to authorize the City Solicitor to file an Action to Quiet Title to confirm title to the property known as the “South Side Playground” in the City of Butler. Second by CW Readie. All voted aye.

    Mayor Donaldson

    10. Motion to accept the resignation of parking violation monitor, Heidi Warner, effective October 17, 2014. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    11. Motion to direct the city clerk to advertise for the hiring of one parking violation monitor. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    12. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1697; an ordinance of the City of Butler, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 60; Personnel Policies; to amend the Social Media Policy. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $741,587.29; from the capital projects fund – $3,287.79; and from the liquid fuels tax fund – $33,838.09 for a grand total of $778,713.17. Motion by Mayor Donaldson with second from CM Schontz to approve payment of bills as presented.

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    WISR City Hall – Mayor Donaldson and Councilman Schontz
    Free street meter parking on Saturdays and Sundays; Parking lots remain enforced 24/7

    Veterans’ Day Parade – November 11th at 10:40 AM
    City Building closed on November 11th

    Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:59 PM.