City of Butler

Category: Meeting Minutes

  • January 26, 2012

    PRESENTATIONS:

    Chelynne Curci : gave a brief overview and updates about Butler Downtown. 

     

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD: 

    Joe Tomlinson – PFLAG of Butler – voiced his concerns for a Human Relations Commission

    Mary Lee Marten – represented PFLAG Interfaith Council.

     

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of December 15, 2011 and the reorganization meeting of January 2, 2012.

     

    The following actions took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on January 24, 2012:

     

    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 structures detrimental to public health and order their removal by demolition:

     

    114 – 116 McClain Avenue

    319 ½ E. Jefferson Street

    406 Zeigler Avenue

    211 Plum Street

    228 Zeigler Avenue

    118 Hilltop Avenue

    408 Liberty Street

     

    Motion by CM Schontz. Second by CW Guard. 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 December, 2011 and 2011 annual 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 $31,763.35 that represents the proceeds from the City’s 2011 library tax.    

    LIN 01 456 540 Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    2. Motion to approve City Resolution #2012-01-26; authorizing, empowering and directing Jeffrey Smith as the City’s authorized representative for all tax information and records from Berkheimer to be used for official purposes only. Second by CW Guard. All voted aye.

     

    3. Motion to appoint Mayor Stock as the City Council Liaison to the Butler Area Public Library. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

     

    Councilwoman Kline

     

    4. Motion to hire three part-time firefighters from the certified list of applicants.

    Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    5. Motion to utilize the services of Municipal Fire Services Consulting, Inc. to conduct an assessment of the fire department management and operations. Second by CW Guard. All voted aye.

     

    Councilman Schontz

     

    6. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance 1649; amending Article III – Parking Regulations in Chapter 245 of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler.  Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    7. Motion to approve payment to A.P. Wise Excavating in the amount of $5,600.00 for the demolition of 324 Hickory Street, upon final inspection and approval of the Code Enforcement Officer. LIN 18 427 221 Second by CW Kline.   All voted aye.

     

    8. Motion to accept bid from Custom Products Corporation in the amount of $25,824.00 for the Sign retro-Reflectivity Upgrade Project or recommended changes for the amount of $26,999.57 utilizing the ARLE grant in the amount of $27,000.00.

    Second by CW Guard.  All voted aye.

     

    9. Motion to award the demolition of 810 West New Castle Street to A.P. Wise Excavating in the amount of $8,700.00 based upon the general specifications of the contract and release by the City Solicitor. Second by CW Scott. All voted aye.

     

    10. Motion to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and deliver a Right of Way Agreement granting the Butler Area Sewer Authority a 40 foot temporary construction easement and a 20 foot permanent easement across a strip of land granted to the Borough of Butler at Deed Book 253 page 494 to install, operate and maintain a public sanitary sewer line. Second by CW Scott.  All voted aye.

     

    11. Motion to install “No Parking Between Signs” across from 219 Federal Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Guard.  All voted aye.

     

    Councilwoman Guard

     

    12. Motion to approve the retirement of David Orth from the Parks, Recreation and Public Property Department following 32 years of service, effective February 19, 2012.

    Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye

     

    13. Motion to authorize the City Clerk to begin the hiring process with a hire date of February 19, 2012, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of David Orth. Second by CW Kline.  All voted aye.

     

    Mayor Stock

    .

    14. Motion to approve the retirement of Chief Timothy F. Fennell from the Bureau of Police following 33 years of service, effective March 3, 2012. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    15. Motion to authorize the hiring of one entry-level police officer to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Lieutenant Sylvan Giger. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    16. Motion to authorize the hiring of one entry-level police officer with a hire date of March 3, 2012, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Tim Fennell. Second by CW Guard. All voted aye.

     

    17. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1650, an ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 60 of the Codified Ordinances to add Article 35 – Modified-Duty Procedures. Second by CW Scott. All voted aye.

     

    18. Motion to replace Mr. Perry O’Malley with Arthur G. Cordwell as the Certifying Officer for the Environment Review process associated with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Second by CW Guard. All voted aye.

     

    Announcements:

     

    The promotion of Ronald Brown of the City’s Police Department to the rank of Lieutenant with an effective date of rank of January 1, 2012.

     

    The promotion of Benjamin Spangler of the City’s Police Department to the rank of Sergeant with an effective date of rank of January 1, 2012.

     

     

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $336,486.95; from the capital projects fund – $14,451.14; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $51,212.03 for a grand total of $402,150.12. Motion by Mayor Stock with second from CM Schontz to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.

     

     

     

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:

     

    MS4 announcement

    WISR City Hall – Mayor Stock

     

  • January 2, 2012

    1. At 10:00 AM, January 2, 2012, the following named individuals who won election on November 8, 2011 took their oaths of office administered by Mayor Margaret D. Stock: Councilwoman Lisa M. Guard, Councilwoman Cheri L. Scott and Treasurer Jeffrey W. Smith. Their term of office is from January 2012 through January 2016.

     

     

    2. City Council met at 10:10 AM on January 2nd for its reorganization meeting. Mayor Stock, Councilwomen Guard, Scott, Kline and Councilman Schontz were present.

     

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

     

    Motion by CM Schontz with a second from CW Kline to assign CW Scott as Director of Accounts & Finance. All voted aye.

     

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

     

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

     

    Motion by CW Kline with a second from CW Scott 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 – CW Scott.
    • City of Butler Parking Authority – Mayor Stock.
    • Butler Area Sewer Authority – Mayor Stock.
    • Butler County/City Connoquenessing Creek Flood Control Authority – CW Kline.
    • Butler Township-City Joint Municipal Transit Authority – CM Schontz.
    • City of Butler Planning & Zoning Commission/Zoning Hearing Board/Code Management Appeals Board – CM Schontz.
    • City Shade Tree Commission – CW Guard
    • Pension Investment Advisory Board (Director, Accounts & Finance) – CW Scott.
    • City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds & Facilities Authority – CW Guard.
    • BAMM Plan Oversight Committee – CW Kline; CM Schontz.
    • Bicycle Advisory Commission – CW Kline; CW Guard.

     

     

     

     

    Mayor Stock

     

    4. Motion to adopt the Note Resolution, the full text of which is attached hereto, authorizing the issuance of a Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note in the amount of $600,000 at an interest rate of 1.48 per cent per annum as provided in the proposal of NexTier Bank, NA dated December 19, 2011, a true and correct copy of which is attached to the Resolution. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    5. Motion to extend existing agreement with Bronder Technical Services for traffic signal maintenance for years 2012 – 2013. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

     

    6. Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 10:17 AM. Council’s next Forum meeting is at 6 PM on January 24th.

     

  • December 15, 2011

    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, 2011 were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

     

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     

    Councilman Bratkovich

     

    1. Motion for second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1646, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2012.   Second by CW Kline. CM Bratkovich voted no. Mayor Stock, CM Reese, CM Schontz and CW Kline voted aye.

     

    2. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1647, 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 2012. Second by CM Schontz. CM Bratkovich voted no. Mayor Stock, CM Reese, CM Schontz and CW Kline voted aye.

     

     

    3. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1648, 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 2012. Second by CW Kline. CM Bratkovich voted no. Mayor Stock, CM Reese, CM Schontz and CW Kline voted aye.

     

     

    4. Motion to distribute the remaining 2011 debt service as follows:   Paid to PNC Bank: $13,142.43 for the interest payment, $34,587.63 for the principal payment and an additional $77,269.94 principal payment for the Fire Apparatus. Total $125,000.00 Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

     

    Councilman Reese

     

    5. Motion to grant a right of way to Allegheny Power to install and maintain an electric line to acquire power for the new BASA pump station near Pullman Park. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    6. Motion to accept the bid from Dominic Lovich for the 1980 American LaFrance Century Fire Pumper in the amount of $5,356.00. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    7. Motion to accept the bid from Jeff Androlia, Big Beaver Fire Company, for the 1985 American LaFrance Century Fire Pumper in the amount of $5,126.00. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

     

     

    Councilman Schontz

     

    8. Motion to approve City Resolution 2011 – 12 – 15 revising the City’s administrative fee schedule as of January 1, 2012. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    9. Motion to approve payment to A.P. Wise Excavating in the amount of $2,975.00 for the demolition of 125 Knox Avenue, upon final inspection and approval of the Code Enforcement Officer. LIN 18 427 221 Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    10. Motion to award the demolition of 324 Hickory Street to A.P. Wise Excavating in the amount of $5,600.00 based upon the general specifications of the contract and the release by the City Solicitor. LIN 18 427 221 Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    Councilwoman Kline

     

    11. Motion to appoint Rick Uhl to the Bicycle Advisory Commission to replace John Fleishman whose term will expire January 1, 2012 for a four year term ending January 1, 2016. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    12. Motion to accept the resignation of Donna Druga from the Bicycle Advisory Commission whose term ends January 1, 2013. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    13. Motion to reappoint Dave Schmidt and Edward Codi to the City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds & Facilities Authority for a five year term ending January 1, 2017. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    14. Motion to appoint Art Cordwell to the City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds & Facilities Authority to replace Tracy Hack with a term ending January 1, 2015.   Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    15. Motion to reappoint JoAnn Snyder to the BAMM Plan Oversight Committee for a three year term ending January 1, 2015. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

     

    Mayor Stock

     

    16. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance 1649; amending Article III – Parking Regulations in Chapter 245 of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler. Second by CW Kline. CM Schontz made a motion to amend Ordinance 1649. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye. City Ordinance 1649 had first reading and introduction. The ordinance, as amended, will be re-advertised and will be presented for adoption in January 26, 2012.

     

    17. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1643 amending Part 1: Chapter 6 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Butler; Authorities – to add the City of Butler Human Relations Commission. Second by CM Schontz. CM Bratkovich, CM Reese and CW Kline voted no. Mayor Stock and CM Schontz voted aye. Motion does not carry.

     

    18. Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Patrolman Jeremy Walters beginning on November 22, 2011 for a work-related injury he sustained on November 12, 2011. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    19. Motion to direct the City Clerk to initiate the hiring process for one patrol officer. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    20. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1650, an ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 60 of the Codified Ordinances to add Article 35 – Modified-Duty Procedures. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    21. Upon the satisfactory completion of her 90-day probationary period, motion to grant permanent employment status to Heidi Warner, Parking Violation Monitor, Butler City Police. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $292,705.42; from the capital projects fund – $20,146.02; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $1,950.28 for a grand total of $314,801.72. Motion by CM Bratkovich with second from CM Reese to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.

     

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:

      

    WISR City Hall – Mayor Stock

    City Building Closed – December 26, 2011

    Ringing In The Arts – December 31, 2011

    Inauguration – January 2, 2012 – 10:00 AM

     

    Thank you to CM Bratkovich, CM Reese and Jon Campbell for the years of service to the City of Butler.

     

     

    Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 7:29PM.

  • November 17, 2011

    Persons to be heard:  Denny Offstein extended gratitude to CM Reese and CM Bratkovich for their years of service to the City of Butler.

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of October 27, 2011. 

    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, 2011 were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

     COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

    Councilman Bratkovich

     

    1. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1646, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2012.   Second by Mayor Stock. CM Bratkovich voted no. CM Reese, CM Schontz, CW Kline and Mayor Stock voted aye.

    2. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1647, 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 2012.   Second by CM Schontz. CM Bratkovich voted no. CM Reese, CM Schontz, CW Kline and Mayor Stock voted aye.

    3. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1648, 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 2012. Second by CW Kline. CM Bratkovich voted no. CM Reese, CM Schontz, CW Kline and Mayor Stock voted aye.

    Councilman Reese

    4. Motion to approve the retirement of Lieutenant Michael F. Drushel with an effective date of December 18, 2011.   Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

    Councilman Schontz

    5. Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2012 contract for supply of the City’s asphalt materials to Wiest Asphalt Products & Paving, Inc., as follows:

    9.5MM Superpave Wearing Course FOB $65.00 per ton; 19MM Superpave FOB $55.00 per ton.  

    And to Russell Standard Corporation; E-3 Emulsion Placed $1.963/gallon.

    Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    6. Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2012 contract for supply of the City’s limestone materials to Allegheny Mineral Corporation. as follows:

    #2A – 17.00 per ton; #4 – 17.50 per ton; #8 – 19.50 per ton; #57 – 17.50 per ton

    Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

    7. Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2012 contract for supply of the City’s petroleum products to Triangle Gasoline Company of Butler as follows:

    Unleaded $2.848 per gallon; Diesel $3.341 per gallon.  

    Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    8. Motion to approve payment to A.P. Wise Excavating in the amount of $8,040.00 for the demolition of 112 Zeigler Avenue upon final inspection and approval of the Code Enforcement Officer. LIN 18 427 221 Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

    9. Motion to award the demolition of 125 Knox Avenue to A.P. Wise Excavating in the amount of $2,975.00 based upon the general specifications of the contract and the release by the City Solicitor. LIN 18 427 221 Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    10. Motion to create a “No Parking” zone on Cupps Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    11. Motion to approve payment to Bauer Excavating in the amount of $3,000.00 for the Hansen Avenue stream cleaning project upon final inspection and approval of the Code Enforcement Officer. LIN 18 430 436 Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

    Mayor Stock

     

    12. Motion to approve agreement with CGI Communications, Inc. for the Community Video Tour Book. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     13. Motion for the first reading and introduction of City Ordinance 1649; amending Article III – Parking Regulations in Chapter 245 of the codified ordinances of the City of Butler. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

     The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $150,855.48; from the capital projects fund – $12,443.25; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $6,136.80 for a grand total of $169,435.53. Motion by Mayor Stock with second from CM Schontz to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    WISR City Hall – Mayor Stock

    City Building Closed the Thanksgiving Holiday – November 24-25, 2011

    Small Business Saturday – November 26th – support local business

    Butler Light Up Night – November 26th 6pm – 9pm – sponsored by the American Cancer Society

    Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 7:30 PM.

  • Special Meeting November 9, 2011

    Mayor Stock went through each line item in the budget. The initial budget submitted by CM Bratkovich had reduced business privilege tax by one mill, taking it from 7 to 6 mills; reduced debt service tax from 9 mills to 3.75 mills; no small business loan to cover 2 police cruisers, 1 streets department truck, 1 excavator and street paving. The prior year surplus was $1,085,829.00.

    After long discussion, it was decided to keep business privilege tax at 7 mills. CM Bratkovich was in favor of reducing it by one mill. The police cruisers, truck and excavator were removed from the 2012 budget. It was decided that $300,000 in street paving will be done in 2012 and debt service will be increased to pay the small borrowing loan over a 2 year period.

    A proposed, balanced budget and three enabling ordinances will be submitted to City Council on November 17th in accordance with the 2012 budget timeline.

    Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 8:18 PM.