Category: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES
City Council Meeting
City of Butler, Pennsylvania
April 24, 2014

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

PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

Mark Krenitsky – concerned about downspouts and sump pumps that drain on the sidewalks and roadways.

PRESENTATIONS:

• Butler Area Sewer Authority Board – Cindy McKnight, the newest member to the board, introduced herself to council.

• Neighborhood Pride Awards

Heavenly Hookah Lounge, 150 N. Main Street
Ralph & Deeann Graham, 405 N. McKean Street
Raymond & Lynne Simon, 406 N. McKean Street

Motion by CM Schontz with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of March 27, 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 March were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

Councilwoman Scott

1.Motion to accept the bid from NexTier Bank for a general obligation loan of $205,000.00 with an interest rate of 2.39% per annum. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

2.Motion to exonerate all delinquent taxes of the City of Philadelphia/Steven Girard Trust of Philadelphia relating to real estate located at 108 Woody Drive, Butler, Pennsylvania with a Parcel Number 563-28-24-000. Said property is tax exempt under a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision and has recently been removed from the Butler County Tax Roll. This motion concerns delinquent taxes relating to this parcel only. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

Councilwoman Kline

3.Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1689, an ordinance of the City of Butler, adding, as Chapter 135 of the Codified Ordinances; Emergency Services; Article I; Cost Recovery; relating to the recovery of costs associated with the provision of emergency services by the City; establishing fees for specialty rescue, training and inspection services; and providing for payment of fees for costs associated with unlocking or attempting to unlock doors for private property owners or tenants. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

Councilman Schontz

4.Motion to approve an extension of the contract with Cargill, Inc. to purchase road salt for an additional one (1) year term commencing July 1, 2014 and ending on June 30, 2015. (SHACOG Purchasing Alliance) Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

5.Motion to reject all bids received for the Monroe Street Bridge Deck Repairs Project.
Second by CW Scott. All voted aye.

6.Motion to direct Municipal Engineer to modify the project scope of the Monroe Street Bridge Deck Repairs and re-bid the project. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

7.Motion to remove the two “Motorcycle Parking Only” signs in front of the S & S Diner on Center Avenue. Second by CM May. All voted aye.

8.Motion to install two “No Dumping – $300 Fine” signs on the right-of-way on Wiley Avenue. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

9.Motion to reject a bid from Able Tree Service and to award the removal of a pine tree, as a result of the Flood Protection Project 2013 Inspection Summary of the Sullivan Run section, to Borty’s Tree Service in the amount of $1,400.00 to be paid from Capital Projects after final review and approval from the city’s Municipal Engineer. LIN 18 427 770. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

Councilman May

10.Motion to accept the resignation of Robert Cupp from the Butler City Parks, Recreation Grounds and Facilities Authority (term expires 1/1/2018). Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

11.Motion to appoint Jeffrey W. Smith to the Butler City Parks, Recreation Grounds and Facilities Authority to fill the term of Robert Cupp, which expires January 1, 2018.

12.Motion to approve a lease agreement between the City of Butler and the Butler Area Baseball Association (BABA) for use of facilities in Father Marinaro Park, and to designate the City’s Director of Parks, Recreation & Public Property as its agent for enforcing the terms of said agreement.Second by Mayor Donaldson. All voted aye.

Mayor Donaldson

13.Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Lieutenant David Adam beginning on March 26, 2014 for a work-related injury he sustained on March 26,2014.Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

14.Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2014-04-24; a resolution of the Council of the City of Butler supporting the display of the National Motto “In God We Trust” in the City of Butler council chambers. Second by CW Scott.CW Kline and CM May voted no.Mayor Donaldson,CW Scott and CM Schontz voted aye.

15.Motion to remove the “15 minute courtesy parking” from parking meters throughout the city. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

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

The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $230,200.98; from the capital projects fund – $120.00; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $36,060.16 for a grand total of $266,381.14. Motion by CW Scott with second from CM May to approve payment of bills as presented.All voted aye.

•ANNOUNCEMENTS:

WISR City Hall – Mayor Donaldson and Councilman Schontz

Clean-up Day – Shade Tree Commission will meet on Saturday, April 26th from 8 AM until noon to clean-up and spruce the downtown area.

MS4:
As a part of an ongoing education plan, we would like to remind local residents that when walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving the waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into storm drains and eventually into the local streams.
Also,if you plan on washing your vehicle, use a commercial car wash if possible. Car washes are setup to treat or recycle the wastewater. If you want to wash your vehicle, pull the car onto the lawn area to wash it. This way, all of the soap and water will infiltrate into the ground. Try not to wash the car on a paved surface as all the runoff will flow onto the street and into a nearby storm sewer. Soaps, wax and other chemical used to clean cars are toxic to fish and aquatic organisms.

Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:41 PM.

 Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.  Mayor Donaldson and Council members Scott, Kline, Schontz and May were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Pastor Jeff Harris, Crossroad Community.

 PRESENTATIONS:

 Pat Collins, Butler County Historical Society announced that the city of Butler will be hosting the 2016 International Walldog Meet, July 27^th – 31^st.  There will be about 200 artists and she is hoping for 10 to 12 murals to be painted throughout the city to create a “walking tour”.  A public meeting will be held in May (date to be announced).

  Motion by CW Scott with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting of February 27, 2014.  All voted aye.

 The following action took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on March 25, 2014:

 MONTHLY & ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

 COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

  Councilwoman Scott

 1.  Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1687; an ordinance of the City of Butler adopting and authorizing participation in a Tax Increment Financing Plan presented by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler, and authorizing related agreements. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

2.  Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1688; an ordinance of the City of Butler authorizing the incurring of lease rental indebtedness by the guaranty of the debt service on a note of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler in a principal amount of two million and 00/100 dollars; covenanting to pay, and pledging unlimited taxing power for the repayment of the note under the guaranty; authorizing filings of required documents with the DCED; ratifying actions of officers and redirecting actions; and making other covenants in respect of the guaranty. Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 3.  Motion to return the portion of the 2011 State Aid received by the City paid in excess of the Third Class City Code for the Firefighters’ Pension Plan to the Municipal Pension and Fire Relief Programs Unit in the amount of $35,495.95.  ($30,514.61 to be paid from the Firemen Pension Fund and $4,981.34 to be paid from the General Fund).  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.             

 4.  Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for bids for a general obligation loan of $205,000.00 for street paving, storm sewer repairs and demolition, payable in 2014 and 2015.  Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 Councilman Schontz

 5.  Motion to direct the City Clerk to prepare and release an RFP for refuse collection for the years 2015 through 2017. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 6.  Motion to award the removal of a pine tree, as a result of the Flood Protection Project 2013 Inspection Summary of the Sullivan Run section, to Able Tree Service in the amount of $500.00 to be paid from Capital Projects after final review and approval from the city’s Municipal Engineer.  LIN 18 427 770.  Second by CM May.  All voted aye.

 7.  Motion to install a “Handicapped Parking Only” sign and a “Motorcycle Parking Only:  March 1^st – September 30^th” sign in front of the S & S Diner on Center Avenue on a 90 day trial basis.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 8.  Motion to approve City Resolution 2014–03–27A revising the City’s administrative fee schedule as of April 1, 2014.  Second by CM May.  All voted aye.

  Councilman May

 9.  Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for bids for the purchase of one truck for use by the City’s Parks Department.  Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 Mayor Donaldson

 

10.  Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2014-03-27 obligating $21,525.00 of City revenues to the Butler Transit Authority for fiscal year 2014/2015.  Second by CW Kline.  CM May voted no. Mayor Donaldson, CW Scott, CW Kline and CM Schontz. voted aye.

 11.  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 Schontz.  All voted aye.

 12.  Motion for the City to offer monthly parking permits for use in the Center Avenue parking lot, the Quarry Street parking lot and the Farmers’ Market parking lot at a cost of $20 per month.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

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

 The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $207,351.04; from the capital projects fund – $5,921.64; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $39,581.16 for a grand total of $253,123.84. Motion by CW Scott with second from CW Kline to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye. 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  WISR City Hall – Mayor Donaldson and Councilman Schontz   

 MS4:

 West New Castle Street will close on May 19^th to prep for the Plaza.

Meter Monitors will begin enforcing parking at the Center Avenue, Farmers’ Market and Quarry Street parking lots.

  Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:29 PM.  

 

 

 

 Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.  Mayor Donaldson and Council members Scott, Kline, Schontz and May were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by  Reverend James W. Dollhopf, FirstEnglishLutheranChurch.

 PUBLIC HEARING: 

 Council held a public hearing concerning the Centre City Tax Increment Financing District.  There were no comments from the public concerning the TIF Plan.

PERSONS TO BE HEARD: 

 Mark Krenitsky – concerns about sidewalks and asking for enforcement of code.

•  Suzie Bradrick – concerns about drilling in/on/or under Memorial Park.
•  Barry Cummings – concerns about Marcellus Shale drilling in Memorial Park.
•  Heidi Friel – concerns about leasing ButlerMemorial Park for drilling.
•  Amy Keys – concerns about Marcellus Shale drilling at Memorial Park.
•  Karen Pletsch  –concerns about gas drilling under Memorial Park.
•  Nancy Neel – presented council with information about Marcellus Shale drilling.

 PRESENTATIONS:

 Dunbar Center:  Heather Dovenspike presented the plans for the 2014 summer program and asked council to support a grant application.

 Neighborhood Pride Awards

• Johnstone Supply – 140 Hollywood Drive

            (Ken Raybuck, on behalf of the CDC, received the award for           Johnstone Supply.)

 Motion by CM Schontz with second from CW Scott to approve the minutes of the Organizational meeting of January 6, 2014 & Regular meeting of January 23, 2014 & Special joint meeting of February 4, 2014.

 MONTHLY & ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

  Councilwoman Scott

 1.  Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1686; an ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 60 of the Codified Ordinances; Personnel Policies; Article VIII; Insurance and Pension Benefits; Section 802; Policies. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 2.  Motion to approve a payment in the amount of $193,133.75 to Wells Fargo Bank for debt service for the City’s 2005 general obligation bonds.   (Note:  This payment includes principal of $155,000.00 and interest of $38,133.75; due March 1^st.) Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 3.  Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1687; an ordinance of the City of Butler adopting and authorizing participation in a Tax Increment Financing Plan presented by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler, and authorizing related agreements. Second by Mayor Donaldson.  All voted aye.

 4.  Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1688; an ordinance of the City of Butler authorizing the incurring of lease rental indebtedness by the guaranty of the debt service on a note of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler in a principal amount of two million and 00/100 dollars; covenanting to pay, and pledging unlimited taxing power for the repayment of the note under the guaranty; authorizing filings of required documents with the DCED; ratifying actions of officers and redirecting actions; and making other covenants in respect of the guaranty. Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 5.  Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2014-02-27; a resolution to revise the 2010 and 2011 CDBG programs as follows:

             2010 – Reduce the Clearance line item by $9,188 and reallocating the same amount to the Parks, Recreation Facilities line item.

            2011 – Reduce the Public Facilities line item by $10,000 and the Rehab:  Publicly/Privately Owned line item by $23,434 and reallocate $33,434 to the Public Facilities – Other – Infrastructure line item. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 6.  Motion to approve a proposal submitted by Caruso & Caruso, PC, Certified Public Accountants for monthly auditing services for Fiscal Year 2014 as outlined in their engagement letter of February 20, 2014 and to authorize the City Clerk to sign said letter on behalf of City Council.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 Councilwoman Kline

 7.   Motion to promote Hoseman Richard J. Walters, Jr. to the rank of Driver within the Bureau of Fire. Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 

 

 

Councilman Schontz

 8. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1685; 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 Scott.  All voted aye.

 9. Based on recommendation from his chain of command and satisfactory completion of his probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status as of February 8, 2014 to Wayne Geibel. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 10.  Motion to install a “No Parking This Side” sign on the west side of Walsh Street between Shore Street and Taft Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 11. Motion to install a “No Parking from November 1 – April 1” sign at the far north side of College Street. Second by Mayor Donaldson.  All voted aye.

  Councilman May

 12.  Motion to authorize and direct the City Clerk to make application for a grant for the “Out of School Time Program” funds available through the NRPA for the purpose of obtaining funds to operate the Summer Park Program through the DunbarCommunity Center.  Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 13. Motion to accept resignation of Beth Gillan from the Shade Tree Commission effective February 10, 2014.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 14.  Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2014-02-27A; the City of Butler agrees to comply with the requirements of the Butler County Parks Renovation Program for the purpose of obtaining grant funds for the renovation of FatherMarinaroPark.  Second by CW Scott.  All voted aye.

 15.  Motion to enter into a lease agreement with the Butler County Bears, LLC, (in cooperation with the Butler Area Midget Football League) to lease the football field, together with the parking lots adjacent thereto, situated in Memorial Park for the period commencing March 4, 2014 through August 23, 2014. Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

        Spray Park Feasibility Study public meeting to be held on March 18, 2014 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers.

 

Mayor Donaldson

 

    Appointments:

 Shade Tree Commission

• Diane Christie to replace Jill Kraus, whose term ends June, 2014.
• Lorrie Downey to replace Jonathan Dreher, whose term ends June, 2015.
• Diane Bowman to replace Beth Gillan, whose term ends June, 2016.

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

 In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $524,337.26; from the capital projects fund – $10,749.51; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $65,189.85 for a grand total of $600,276.62. 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

 MS4:

 CM Schontz reminded residents to make certain their homes have their house numbers clearly displayed.

 Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:55 PM.  

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION, CITY COUNCIL AND THE PARKING AUTHORITY

 Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:38 PM.  Mayor Donaldson and Council members Scott, Kline, Schontz and May were present.

 Councilman Schontz

 1.  Motion to approve the Subdivision plan presented by the Redevelopment  Authority of the City of Butler and the Parking Authority of the City of Butler and prepared by Olsen & Associates to expand the right of way of Cedar Street and to revise lot lines associated with the Centre City Project.  Second by CW Scott.  All voted aye.

  2.    Motion to approve the lot consolidation plan presented by the Redevelopment  Authority of the City of Butler and prepared by Browne and Associates to consolidate three lots on which to construct the new Rite Aid building.  Second by CM May.  All voted aye.

 Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:39 PM.

 

 

 

 

  

 Mayor Donaldson called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.  Mayor Donaldson and Council members Scott, Kline, Schontz and May were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed an invocation given by Reverend Dan Ledford, Westminster Presbyterian Church.

 PERSONS TO BE HEARD: 

 Mark Krenitsky – concerned about Mayor’s wages, Blue Sox being sold to a non-profit and the Penn Theater.

 Denny Offstein – wished good luck to Mayor Donaldson, Chief Brown and CM May.  Voiced concerns over the Island Playground, and has asked the ButlerTownship to contribute toward the K9 fund.

 PRESENTATIONS:

Neighborhood Pride Awards

Linda Buckner – 509 North Washington Street

Loren Stephenson – Dolce Mia’s Bakery – 332 South  Main

 Motion by CM Schontz with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of December 19, 2013.  All voted aye.  

 In accordance with the provisions of Section 801 of the Third Class City Code, motion to appoint Mr. William V. May to the position of City Council to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of  Lisa Guard for a term to expire on the first Monday in January, 2016.   Second by  CM Schontz.   All voted aye.  Following the vote, Mayor Donaldson administered the Oath of Office to Mr. May.

 (Note:  The next municipal election is in November 2015, and the term of office for the person elected to the position of City Council at that time shall run from January 2016 to January 2020.)  

            MONTHLY & ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS

 All department reports for the month of December and 2013 year-end reports were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

                                       COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

                                                    Councilwoman Scott

 1. Motion to approve payment to the Butler Area Public Library in the amount of $31,955.48 that represents the proceeds from the City’s 2013 library tax.     LIN 01 456 540.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 2. Motion to designate Mr. Arthur G. Cordwell as the City’s fair housing officer for 2014.   Second CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 3. Per recommendation from all three pension boards, motion to reallocate holdings of American Funds in the City’s three pension funds with an ending target asset allocation as follows:   (1)  Income Fund of America – 5%;   (2)  Capital Income Builder Fund – 5%;   (3)  Capital World Bond Fund – 5%;   (4)  Bond Fund of America – 0%;…..and  Capital World Growth & Income Fund – 10%  &  Euro Pacific Fund – 10%.    Manning & Napier will manage the remaining 65% of the assets.  Second by CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 4. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1686; an ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 60 of the Codified Ordinances; Personnel Policies; Article VIII; Insurance and Pension Benefits; Section 802; Policies. Second CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 5. Motion to enter into an agreement with DLG Consultants, LLC to market oil and gas rights. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

                                               Councilwoman Kline

 6. Motion to reappoint Chuck Davey to the Bicycle Advisory Commission for a four year term ending on January 1, 2018.  Second CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 7. Motion to reappoint B. T. Fullerton to the Bicycle Advisory Commission for a four year term ending on January 1, 2018.  Second CW Scott.  All voted aye.

 8. Motion to reappoint Connie Downs to the Bicycle Advisory Commission for a four year term ending on January 1, 2017. (term ended January 1, 2013)  Second CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 9. Motion to reappoint Andrew Manfred to the Bicycle Advisory Commission for a four year term ending on January 1, 2017. (term ended January 1, 2013)  Second CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 10. Motion to promote Driver Robert Dougherty to the rank of Lieutenant within the Bureau of Fire.  Second CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

 11. Motion to promote Hoseman Dean Selfridge to the rank of Driver within the Bureau of Fire.   Second by CW Scott.  All voted aye.

                                                Councilman Schontz

 12. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1685; 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 CW Scott.  All voted aye.

 13.  Motion to appoint Sean Gramz to the position of the Code Enforcement Officer.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 Mayor Donaldson

    14.  Motion to enter into an agreement with the Butler County Humane Society for the         option to surrender stray dogs and cats found in the city of Butler to the BCHS.  Second          by CW Scott.  All voted aye.

    15. Motion to adopt City Resolution No. 2013-09-26 designating Melinda Gall to be the    City’s representative to work with the Redevelopment Authority, the County, the School         District and such other parties as necessary in preparing the TIF Proposal.  Second by           CM Schontz.  All voted aye.

   16. Motion to adopt City Resolution No. 2014-01-23 to request that all municipal authorities meet after 5:30 PM at the CityBuilding to encourage participation by the       public.  Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

 ANNOUNCEMENT:

 The City Treasurer presented Council with the Account Balance Report and the Monthly Intake Report for December, 2013 and Annual Report for 2013.  

 The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $490,868.71; from the capital projects fund – $420.00; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $4,739.29 for a grand total of $496,028.00. Motion by CW Scott with second from CW Kline to approve payment of bills as presented.  All voted aye. 

 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 MS4 announcement – CM Schontz

WISR City Hall –   Mayor Donaldson

 Mayor Donaldson adjourned the meeting at 7:40 PM.