City of Butler

Category: Meeting Minutes

  • January 27, 2011

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD: 

    Diane Arnold spoke about her concerns with Marcellus Shale Drilling.        

     Motion by CM Schontz with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of December 16, 2010.

     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, 2010 and 2010 annual reports were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

     COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     Councilman Bratkovich

     1. Motion to approve a payment to the Butler Area Public Library in the amount of $32,003.96 that represents the proceeds from the City’s 2010 library tax in the amount of $31,809.79 and prior year library tax in the amount of $194.17     LIN 01 456 540  

    Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    2. Motion to designate Mr. Perry O’Malley as the City’s fair housing officer for 2011.    Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    Councilman Reese

     

    3. Motion to appoint Joe Lucas to the Butler Area Sewer Authority for a 5-year term ending January 1, 2016. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     Councilman Schontz

     4. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2011-01-27, a resolution for the City of Butler to recognize and support a Butler Impact Zone designated to be administered by the Butler Downtown Revitalization Committee.

    Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

    5. Motion to award the demolition of 509 Virginia Avenue to Ken Reilly Contracting in the amount of $7,450.00 based upon the general specifications of the contract and the release by the City Solicitor.

    Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     6. Motion for the first reading and introduction of City Ordinance No. 1635 amending the City’s traffic control schedules contained in Chapter 245 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Butler by making permanent experimental regulations previously adopted by City Council on a 90-day trial basis.

    Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

    Councilwoman Kline

     

    7. Motion to authorize a budget transfer of $1,000.00 from Contract Services LIN 01 454 214 ($15,000 to $14,000) to Seasonal Hires LIN 01 455 144 ($5,000 to $6,000). Zero effect on the 2011 Budget.

    Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     8. Motion to reappoint Perry O’Malley and Jack Cohen to the City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds & Facilities Authority for another 5 year term ending January 1, 2016. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     9. Motion to appoint George N. Ban to the City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds & Facilities Authority for a 5 year term ending January 1, 2016. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     Mayor Stock

    10. Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Patrolman David M. Villotti beginning on January 5, 2011 for a work-related injury he sustained on January 5, 2011. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

      In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $600,410.62 ($264,677.00 – final payment for the fire apparatus); from the capital projects fund – $996.54; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $107,416.06 for a grand total of $708,823.22. Motion by CM Bratkovich with second from CW Kline to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

     MS4 announcement

    WISR City Hall – CM Reese – Monday, January 31st

    Steeler Pep Rally – Feb. 5th from 1 pm – 3 pm at the Farmers’ Market

    Mayor Stock declared Feb. 4th – 6th “Super Black and Gold Weekend”

     Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 8:04 PM.

     

  • December 16, 2010

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:             

     

    • Two residents voiced their concerns about the homeless in the City of Butler.

     

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of November 18, 2010.

     

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

     

    All department reports for the month of November, 2010 were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

     

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     

     

    Councilman Bratkovich

     

    1. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1631, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2011.   Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    2. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1632, 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 2011.   Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    3. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1633, 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 2011.   Second by CW Kline. CM Bratkovich, CM Reese, CM Schontz and CW Kline voted aye. Mayor Stock voted no.

     

    4. Motion to accept a proposal submitted by NexTier Bank for a 2011 Tax Revenue Anticipation Note in the amount of $600,000 at an annual interest rate of 1.55 percent. 

    Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye. 

     

    5. Motion to approve City Resolution 2010-12-16-A, a resolution of the City of Butler authorizing the issuance of a Tax Revenue Anticipation Note Series 2011 in the amount of $600,000. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    Councilman Schontz

     

    6. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1634; an ordinance amending Chapter 173 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Butler. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    7. Motion to approve payment to AP Wise Excavating, LLC in the amount of $6,900.00 for the demolition of 401 W Diamond Street. LIN 18 427 002

    Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    8. Motion to approve City Resolution 2010 – 12 – 16 revising the City’s administrative fee schedule as of January 1, 2011. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    9. Motion to reappoint Michael Preston to the Butler Code Management Appeals Board for another 5 year term ending on July, 2016. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    10. Motion to reappoint Greg Mason to the Planning and Zoning Commission for another 4 year term ending on July, 2015. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    11. Motion to install a handicapped parking only sign and change parking meter to a handicap meter in front of 122 South Washington Street on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    12. Motion to permit the Maridon to install directional signs on Main Street, Brady Street and McKean Street. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    13. Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for Request for Proposals for an Oil and Gas Lease affecting Memorial Park. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    14. Based upon the review and recommendation of the City Engineer, Motion to accept the Deed of Dedication and Bill of Sale from the Community Development Corporation of Butler County for the extension of Hollywood Drive. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    15. Motion to approve the conditional use application from the Nine O Nine Group at 231 West Wayne Street to construct an office building. (parcel #563-6-227) Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

     

    Councilwoman Kline

     

    16. Motion to accept the bid from Bronder Technical Services for removal of the street lights in the amount of $7,976.47. 2011 Budget LIN 18 427 307. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $351,100.73; from the capital projects fund – $38,693.50; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $2,831.36 for a grand total of $392,625.59. Motion by CM Bratkovich with second from CM Schontz to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.

     

     

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:

     

    • Thank you to all the staff for their hard work during 2010.
    • MS4 announcement
    • The Butler Metro Newsletter is NOT soliciting for the Butler Bureau of Fire or any other local fire department
    • www.cityofbutler.org – Wall of Appreciation – non-profit donations
    • WISR City Hall –   Mayor Stock
    • December 24th and December 31st – City Building Closed
    • Free Parking (metered only) beginning December 18th -26th
    • Ringing in The Arts – December 31st

     

     

     

    Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 7:43 PM.

  • November 18, 2010

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     

    Mayor Stock

     

    1. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-11-18-A obligating an additional amount of $1,000 of City revenues, for a total of $18,500.00 to the Butler Transit Authority for fiscal year 2010/2011. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    2. Motion to approve City Council’s 2011 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 CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    3. Motion to approve the change from Highmark PPOBlue Enhanced to Highmark PPOBlue 1250 for the Municipal employees and the Bureau of Fire employees as of January 1, 2011. Second by CW Kline. CM Bratkovich voted no. Mayor Stock, CM Reese, CM Schontz and CW Kline voted aye.

     

    Councilman Bratkovich

     

    4. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1631, an ordinance of the City of Butler fixing the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2011.   Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    5. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1632, 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 2011.   Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    6. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1633, 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 2011. Second by CM Reese. Mayor stock voted no. CM Bratkovich, CM Reese, CM Schontz and CW Kline voted aye.

     

    7. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-11-18, a resolution of the City of Butler modifying the 2007 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs. 1. Approve the continuation of the Pillow Street Streetscape activity to 2007 CDBG as a multi-year activity retroactive to the close out date of FY 2006 CDBG program, October 18, 2010;   2. Decrease the Public Community Facilities by $40,324; the Rehab, Public/Private Owned Façade by $28,957; Clearance by $27,911; and the Bell Drive/Bantam Avenue Connection by $25,000. Reallocate $79,000 to Street/Road Improvements, Pillow Street Streetscape and $43,192 to Street/Road Improvements, Street Reconstruction. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

     

    Councilman Reese

     

    8. Motion to approve the retirement of Captain Billy Edmiston with an effective date of November 17, 2010. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    9. Motion to approve payment to Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. in the amount of $137,843.00. LIN 01 499 951. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    10. Motion to approve hiring part-time firefighter Richard F. Walters, Jr. to the position of entry-level position of Hoseman within the Bureau of Fire (per staffing requirement or “complement” contained within the CBA.). Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

     

    11. Motion to promote Hoseman Floyd G. Lohr, III to the rank of Driver within the Bureau of Fire. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    12. Motion to promote Driver Donald P. Crawford to the rank of Lieutenant within the Bureau of Fire. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    13. Motion to promote Brian D. Mazzanti to the rank of Captain within the Bureau of Fire.

    Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye. 

     

     

    Councilman Schontz

     

    14. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1630; an ordinance amending Chapter 119 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Butler. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    15. Motion for the introduction and first reading of City Ordinance No. 1634; an ordinance amending Chapter 173 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Butler. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    16. Motion to approve payment to AP Wise Excavating, LLC in the amount of $3,100.00 for the demolition of 123 Knox Avenue. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    17. Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2011 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.   Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    18. Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2011 contract for supply of the City’s limestone materials to Allegheny Mineral Corp. as follows: #2A – 16.40 per ton; #4 – 17.15 per ton; #8 – 17.65 per ton; #57 – 16.40 per ton

    Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    19. Motion to approve a bid submitted by and award the Fiscal Year 2011 contract for supply of the City’s petroleum products to Triangle Gasoline Company of Butler as follows: Unleaded $2.3779 per gallon; Diesel $2.5329 per gallon. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

     

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $266,573.88; from the capital projects fund – $2,013.50; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $3,922.84 for a grand total of $272,510.22. Motion by CM Bratkovich with second from CM Schontz to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.

     

    ANNOUNCEMENTS:

     

    MS4 announcement

    WISR City Hall –   Mayor Stock

    Happy Thanksgiving

    City Building will be closed November 25th and November 26th.

    Spirit of Christmas Parade – 10:00 AM; November 26th

     

     Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 7:47 PM.

  • October 21, 2010

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of September 23, 2010.

     The following actions took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on October 19, 2010:

     City Council, acting 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:

    734 Center Avenue

    509 Virginia Avenue

    439 East Jefferson Street

    312 Morton Avenue

    335 Virginia Avenue

     

    Mayor Stock presented a motion to approve the Amended Cooperation Agreement between the City of Butler and the Butler Downtown Revitalization Committee. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

     

    All department reports for the month of September, 2010 were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

     

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     

    Councilman Bratkovich

     

    1. Motion to approve the 2011 Minimum Municipal Obligations for the City’s three pension plans as follows: for the Firefighters Pension Plan – $277,425.00 and for the Police Pension Plan – $143,732.00 and the Officers and Employees Pension Plan – zero. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    2. Motion to approve distribution of 2010 State Aid for pension plans as follows: to the Firefighters Pension Plan – $209,609.64, to the Police Pension Plan – $75,427.66 and to the Officers & Employees Pension Plan – $29,332.98, with the total amount of 2010 State Aid distributed to pension plans being $329,953.92. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    3. Motion to distribute a total of $10,798.61, the prior year 2010 proceeds from the special levy on earned income for distressed pension plans, as follows: to the Police Pension Fund – $3,896.58 and to the Firefighters Pension Fund – $5,353.40 and to the Officers & Employees Pension Fund – $1,548.63.   Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    4. Motion to distribute the remaining 2009 debt service as follows: $93,370.44 paid to NexTier Bank to pay off the small borrowing loan and $54,386.28 paid to PNC Bank for initial payment for the Fire Apparatus. Total additional 2009 debt service is $147,756.72. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    5. Motion to direct the City Clerk to prepare and release a request for proposals for a Tax Revenue Anticipation Note (TRAN) in the amount of ($600,000.00) six-hundred thousand dollars for Fiscal Year 2011. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    6. Motion to pay the first installment of the street paving loan to NexTier in the amount of $262,111.97. $250,000.00 – LIN 01 472 911 – Principal: $12,111.97 – LIN 01 472 912 – Interest. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    7. Motion to approve a formal request to DCED to determine if the City of Butler is eligible to participate in the Act 47 process. There was no second. Motion failed.

     

    Councilman Schontz

     8. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-10-21; the Butler County 2010 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     9. Motion to direct the City Clerk to seek proposals for limestone, asphalt and petroleum products for Fiscal Year 2011 with such proposals due not later than 4:00 PM on November 15th. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     10. Motion to award the demolition of 401 West Diamond Street to AP Wise Excavating, LLC in the amount of $6,900.00 based on the general specifications of the contract. (LIN 18 427 002) Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     11. Motion for the first reading and introduction of City Ordinance No. 1630; An Ordinance of the City of Butler amending Chapter 119 of the Codified Ordinance of the City of Butler, Uniform Construction Codes, repealing Section 119-6 and Exhibit A.   Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    Councilwoman Kline

     12. Motion to establish a Financial Task Force. Second by Mayor Stock. CM Bratkovich voted no. Mayor Stock, CW Kline and CM Schontz voted aye.

     

     Mayor Stock

    13. Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Patrolman David M. Villotti beginning on September 22, 2010 for a work-related injury he sustained on September 22, 2010. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    14. Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Lieutenant Sylvan Giger beginning on October 1, 2010 for an injury received on August 4, 2008. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $971,383.15; from the capital projects fund – $760.00; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $13,759.48 for a grand total of $985,902.63. 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 –   CM Bratkovich

    City of Butler Halloween Activities – October 30, 2010

    Trick or Treat – October 30, 2010 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

    Veterans’ Day Parade – November 11, 2010

     

     Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 7:59 PM.

     

     

  • September 23, 2010

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    • Leslie Osche, Director of United Way – Day of Caring for Father Marinaro Skate Park will be held
    • on October 7, 2010 beginning at 9:00 AM.
    • Sean Rogers – shared his concerns about the pit bulls in the city.
    • Linda McPherson – questioned why the city is not destroying stray cats as they
    • are collected from Negley Avenue.  

     

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of August 26, 2010.

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

     All department reports for the month of August, 2010 were approved by individual, unanimous votes.

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     Councilman Bratkovich

     

    1. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1629 amending Chapter 235 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Butler, Taxation, granting an exemption to any person whose total income from all sources is less than $5,000.00 per annum from the payment of per capita tax.

    Second by CW Kline . All voted aye.

     2. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-09-23; a resolution of the governing board of the City of Butler, Butler County, Pennsylvania, authorizing, empowering and directing the proper officers of the governing board to execute an agreement with Berkheimer whereunder Berkheimer is retained as the exclusive tax officer for the collection, administration, receipt and enforcement of the provisions of the respective tax enactment of the governing board levying and assessing the earned income tax for the term herein defined, together with such extensions as may be agreed upon, said tax enactment having been adopted under and pursuant to the authority of the Pennsylvania Local Tax Enabling Act (Act 511, P.L. 1257); and approving and adopting the rules and regulations prepared by Berkheimer to administer and enforce the earned income/net profits tax. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     3. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-09-23-A; a resolution of the governing board of the City of Butler, Butler County, Pennsylvania, authorizing, empowering and directing the proper officers of the governing board to execute an agreement with Berkheimer whereunder Berkheimer is retained as the exclusive tax officer for the collection, administration, receipt and enforcement of the provisions of the respective tax enactment of the governing board levying and assessing the local services tax for the term herein defined, together with such extensions as may be agreed upon, said tax enactment having been adopted under and pursuant to the authority of the Pennsylvania Local Tax Enabling Act (Act 511, P.L. 1257); and approving and adopting the rules and regulations prepared by Berkheimer to administer and enforce the local services tax. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

     Councilman Schontz

     

    4. Motion to approve a recommendation by the Planning & Zoning Commission to approve the mural at 134-140 West Jefferson Street with the condition that “the donor business names are removed from the windows in the mural and, at AM Rotary’s discretion, if recognition of project donors is desired, a placard of 12 square feet or less may be placed or painted on the mural.” Second by CW Kline. CM Schontz and CM Reese voted aye. Mayor Stock voted no.

     

    5. Motion to approve the recommendation from Gateway Engineers to accept the bid from Bauer Excavating in the amount of $29,852.00 for storm sewer installation on Oak Street and Peach Street. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    6. Motion to award the demolition of 123 Knox Avenue to AP Wise Excavating, LLC in the amount of $3,100.00 based on the general specifications of the contract. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    7. Motion to approve payment to AP Wise Excavating, LLC in the amount of $7,100.00 for the demolition of 316 S. Chestnut Street. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

     Mayor Stock

     

    8. Motion to enter into an agreement with Zambelli Fireworks Manufacturing Co. for the years 2011 – 2013 to guarantee costs of $11,000 per year. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    9. Motion to appoint the following members to the Bicycle Advisory Commission:

     

    1. Chris Ziegler – Jefferson Township – 4 years
    2. Chuck Davey – City of Butler – 3 years
    3. Donna Druga – Butler Township – 2 years
    4. John Fleishman – Jefferson Township – 1 year
    5. Rick Carr – City of Butler – 4 years
    6. B.T. Fullerton – City of Butler – 3 years
    7. Tom Souzer – City of Butler – 2 years

     

    Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

     

    In the absence of the City Controller, the City Clerk presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $198,211.24; from the capital projects fund – $296,851.83; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $9,664.46 for a grand total of $504,727.53  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 –   John Evans and Paul Snyder

    Reminder: residents need visible house numbers on their homes.

    Monster Splash – October 16, 2010 at the Lyndora Firehall

    Trick or Treat – October 30, 2010 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

     

     

     Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 7:53 PM.

     

     

    .