City of Butler

Category: Meeting Minutes

  • August 26, 2010

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    • Jennifer Bindernagel from the Blind Association thanked Mayor for the ADA curbs that have been installed and thanked Council for listening to her concerns. Lorraine Barclay, who uses a guide dog, voiced her concerns about the lack of crosswalks at Main and Cunningham stating that without the crosswalks, cars pull too far into the intersection for her to cross safely. CM Schontz is in contact with PennDOT to make the decision about painting the cross walks on Main Street.
    • reg Sloan from the Butler County Library thanked Council for their generous support of the library in the past and asked for continued support, especially due to the reduction of funding from the State and the Federal government.
    • Debbie Oesterling expressed her opposition to Act 47.
    • James Kraus shared his views about the current financial condition of the city.
    • Mark Sarver expressed his opposition to a rental inspection program.
    • Diane Cottone expressed her opposition to a rental inspection program.

     

     

    Motion by CM Reese with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of July 22, 2010.

     

     

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

     

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

     

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     

     

    Councilman Bratkovich

     

     

    1. Motion for the first reading and introduction 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 accept the bid from Software Systems, Inc. for Black baud Fund Ware accounting system in the amount of $23,151.50. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    3. Motion to change from Davevic to Paychex for the city’s health insurance broker as of January 1, 2011. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

     

    Councilman Reese

     

    4. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1628 amending Chapter 203 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Butler, the Property Maintenance Code, to require responsible parties to file an appeal from the decision of the Code Enforcement Officer within ten (10) days of the receipt of the decision and increasing the maximum fine for violations to five hundred ($500) dollars. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

     

    5. Motion to appoint Mike Kelly to the City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds Facilities Authority to fill the remaining term for William Spohn which expires January 1, 2012. Second by CM Bratkovich. All voted aye.

     

    6. Motion to appoint Tracy Hack to the City of Butler Parks, Recreation Grounds Facilities Authority to fill the remaining term for William Robinson which expires January 1, 2015. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

     

    Councilman Schontz

     

    7. Motion to award the demolition of 316 S. Chestnut Street to A.P. Wise Excavating. LLC in the amount of $7,100.00. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    8. Motion to approve a block party at the 200 block of West Fulton Street on Sunday, September 12, 2010 (rain date Sunday, September 19, 2010) from 3:00 PM until dark. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    CM Schontz reported that between the contractor, the RACB and the City Streets Department, 34 streets and alleys have been paved totaling $544,000.00. ADA ramps incurred 30-40% of the costs and engineering and inspection were 10-15% of the costs.

     

     

    Councilwoman Kline

     

    9. Motion to approve an agreement with the Butler Area Midget Football League.

    Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    10. Motion to appoint Jonathan Dreher to the Civil Service Board to replace Kathleen Bollinger, with an immediate effective date. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

     

     

     

    Mayor Stock

     

    11. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1627 adopting the joint resolution of East Butler Borough, City of Butler, Township of Butler, Township of Penn and Township of Summit, adopting the Butler Area Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan (BAMM Plan). Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    12. Motion to appoint JoAnn Snyder for a one year term expiring January 1, 2012; John Mossman for a two year term expiring January 1, 2013; and Joe Caparosa for a three year term expiring January 1, 2014 to the BAMM Plan Oversight Committee. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    13. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-08-26, authorizing PennDOT, on the City’s behalf, to issue Notice-to-Proceed letters to the railroad for design and/or construction railroad warning signals with gates at the Center Avenue/Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad crossing. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    14. Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Sergeant Ronald Brown beginning on August 12, 2010 for surgery to a work-related injury he sustained on February 11, 2010. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    15. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-08-26A, developing the structure and purpose of the Bicycle Advisory Commission. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    Mayor Stock announced that the City of Butler, partnered with the Butler County Humane Society, have received a grant from PetSmart Charities in the amount of $22,500.00 for a trap/neuter/return program to help the issue of stray cats in the city. The Alley Cats project will use the money over the next two years. The project will target quadrants of the city for six months at a time and will begin September of this year.

     

    As Council has been driving through neighborhoods in the city, they’ve noticed that many homes do not have the house numbers displayed. Please be certain that there is a house number on your home and that it isn’t blocked by shrubs or trees. Emergency personnel must be able to identify addresses in the event of an emergency.

     

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $849,635.61; from the capital projects fund – $15,814.09; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $42,009.30 for a grand total of $907,459.00  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

    September 18th – Fall Festival

     

     

    Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 8:09 PM.

     

  • July 22, 2010

     

    MINUTES

    City Council Meeting

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania 

    July 22, 2010

     

    Mayor Stock called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Stock and Council members Bratkovich, Reese, Schontz and Kline were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed the invocation given by Rev. Clark Sawyer, Hill United Presbyterian Church.

     

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

     

    Robert Brehm: Mr. Brehm shared his ongoing concerns of the financial status of the City of Butler. His recommendation of January, 2010 to file Act 47 remains unchanged.

     

    Amy Walker: Ms. Walker expressed her concerns about recreational activities in the City of Butler, as well as concerns over poverty that may not be easily recognized.

     

    Resident: A city resident expressed his opposition to the proposed rental inspection program.

     

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from CM Reese to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of June 24, 2010.

     

     

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

     

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

     

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     

    On July 13, 2010, Council (acting as the Board of Health) voted via telephone to appoint CM Fred Reese to act as the agent for the Board of Health. Acting on behalf of the Board of Health, CM Reese deemed the property at 335 Virginia Avenue a public nuisance.

     

    Councilman Bratkovich

     

    1. Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for bids for financial accounting system software. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    Councilman Reese

     

    2. Motion to grant Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act Benefits to Captain Billy Edmiston for an injury he received on April 15, 2010. Second by CW Kline. All voted nay. Request denied due to the fact that the injury was not work related.

     

    3. Motion for the first reading and introduction of City Ordinance No. 1628 amending Chapter 203 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Butler, the Property Maintenance Code, to require responsible parties to file an appeal from the decision of the Code Enforcement Officer within ten (10) days of the receipt of the decision and increasing the maximum fine for violations to five hundred ($500) dollars. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    Councilman Schontz

     

    4. Motion for the second reading and adoption of City Ordinance No. 1626 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 CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    5. Motion to amend the bid accepted from Mahoning Builders, Inc., to include a change order of $20,254.60 and adjusting a clerical error therefore accepting bid for $65,789.40 for the 2010 curb replacement. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye. (Bid was recorded in the June minutes as $162,499.26 and should have been $45,534.80 plus change order $20,254.60 = $65,789.40)

     

    6. Motion to amend the bid accepted from Shields Asphalt Paving to include a change order of $58,416.72 and adjusting a clerical error therefore accepting bid for $220,915.98 for the 2010 street paving. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye. (Bid was recorded in the June minutes as $208,034.06 and should have been $162,499.26 plus change order $58,416.72 = $220,915.98) 

     

     

    7. Motion to pass City Resolution no. 2010-07-23; authorizing Mayor Stock to sign an Agreement between the City of Butler and PennDOT for the construction and maintenance of Americans with Disabilities Act compliant curb ramps. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    Mayor Stock

     

    8.   Motion for the first reading and introduction of City Ordinance No. 1627 adopting the joint resolution of East Butler Borough, City of Butler, Township of Butler, Township of Penn and Township of Summit, adopting the Butler Area Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan (BAMM Plan). Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $288,878.78; from the capital projects fund – $4,471.87; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $5,343.36 for a grand total of $298,694.01  Motion by Mayor Stock with second from CM Schontz to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.

     

    Jim Reeder, representing the Butler Bureau of Fire and the IAFF, expressed opposition to the filing of Act 47.

     

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    Mayor Stock expressed thanks to the Fire, Police, Streets, Parks and all city employees and city residents for work done to enable a very successful first annual Stage Race.

     

    MS4 announcement

    WISR City Hall –   CM Schontz

    August 2nd – Farmers’ Market Grand Re-Opening

    August 13th – Centre City Summer Jam

     

     

    Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 7:47 PM.

     

     

  • June 24, 2010

    MINUTES

    City Council Meeting

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania

    June 24, 2010

     

    Mayor Stock called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. Mayor Stock and Council members Schontz and Kline were present. (Councilman Bratkovich was attending the annual convention of the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.) The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed the invocation given by Dr. Gene Gatty, First United Methodist Church.

     

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

    Mary Anne Righi voiced her concerns about the hunger she has seen in the city of Butler. She wants to find resources for people during the weekend. Anyone with any suggestions are asked to contact her at maryannerighi@yahoo.com or write to her at P O Box 2443, Butler PA 16003.

     

     

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from CW Kline to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of May 27, 2010.

     

     

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

     

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

     

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     

    Councilman Schontz

     

     

    1. Motion for the first reading and introduction of City Ordinance No. 1626 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 CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    2. Motion to install two (2) “Watch Children” signs at the intersection of Zeigler and Kaufman Drive on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    3. Motion to install a stop sign on W. Fulton Street at the corner of W. Fulton and N. Chestnut Streets on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    4. Motion to accept the bid from Mahoning Builders, Inc., in the amount of $162,499.26 for the 2010 curb replacement. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    5. Motion to accept the bid from Shields Asphalt Paving in the amount of $208,034.06 for the 2010 street paving.  Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    Councilwoman Kline

     

     

    Councilwoman Kline made a few announcements to remind residents of the following:

     

    Keep grass cut. It shouldn’t exceed 6 inches. Keep grass cut from around any fire hydrants nearby.

     

    Keep your garbage contained. Do not put it on the curb before 24 hours of the scheduled pick up time. If it’s not contained and it becomes scattered, it is the residents’ responsibility to pick it up.

     Do not put any signage on utility or municipal poles.

     

    Mayor Stock

     

     

    6. Motion to approve a payment in the amount of $603,849.15 to NexTier Bank for the 2010 Tax Revenue Anticipation Note. ($600K to LIN 01 472 601 & $3,849.15 to LIN 01 472 600 – payoff date is June 25th) Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

      

    7. Motion to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Butler County Prison to utilize community service workers and work release inmates to work for the City of Butler. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    8. Motion to accept the bid from Sulli Motors for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala in the amount of $2,264.00. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    9. Motion to accept the bid from Sulli Motors for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala in the amount of $3,268.00. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $836,093.74; from the capital projects fund – $5,644.00; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $49,996.54 for a grand total of $891,734.28  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

                Road Race – June 26th

    Cruise-a-Palooza – June 27th

    July 4th Freedom Celebration

    July 17 & 18 – 1st Annual Butler County Stage Race

    July – Bike Month

     

    Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 7:38 PM.

     

  • May 27, 2010

     

     

    MINUTES

    City Council Meeting

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania 

    May 27, 2010

     

    Mayor Stock called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Mayor Stock and Council members Bratkovich, Reese, and Schontz were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed the invocation given by Pastor David Maitland, First Baptist Church.

     

    PUBLIC HEARING   7:10 PM

    Mr. Perry O’Malley, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Butler, will brief Council and the public on modifications and revisions to the 2007, and 2009 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs and the 2010 CDBG application.

     

     

    PRESENTATIONS:

     

    Pittsburgh City Councilman William Peduto briefed Council about his plan for distressed cities of Pennsylvania. He believes there are three issues that need to be targeted; health insurance reform, pension reform and tax reform.

     

     

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from CM Bratkovich to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of April 22, 2010.

     

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

     

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

    The following actions took place at the City’s Forum Meeting held on May 25, 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:

    316 S. Chestnut Street

    512 Virginia Avenue

    401 W. Diamond Street

    123 Knox Avenue

    Motion made by CW Kline. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    • A Public Hearing was held for a conditional use request from PA American Water Company. Several residents voiced their concerns about safety, parking and noise. One resident had believed that when Armstrong bought the property there were provisions on what the lot would be used for, however in researching the purchase of the lot on June 7, 1996 no provisions were made.

     

    • Mr. Timothy Morgus and Beth Dittmer attended the Forum meeting and briefed Council on the single audit report for Fiscal Year 2009. These minutes contain two attachments pertaining to the audit – FY 2009 Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance and General Fund Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues over Disbursements for FY 2001 through FY 2009.

     

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     

    Councilman Bratkovich

     

    1. Motion to approve City Ordinance No. 1624; an ordinance increasing the indebtedness of the City of Butler, Butler County, Pennsylvania by the issue of a General Obligation Note in the amount of $500,000.00 for the purpose street paving. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    1. Motion to approve City Ordinance No. 1625; an ordinance increasing the indebtedness of the City of Butler, Butler County, Pennsylvania by the issue of a small borrowing loan in the amount of $93,000.00 for the purpose of purchasing two police vehicles and one streets department truck. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    1. Motion to approve the request from members of the Police Pension Board to invest 5% of Police Pension funds in the Wells REIT fund. Second by Mayor Stock.

     

     

    After discussion, a Motion to table business items 3, 4, and 5 was made by CM Schontz. Seconded by CM Reese. CM Bratkovich, CM Reese and CM Schontz voted no. Mayor Stock voted aye. Motion not carried.

     

    Thereafter, the primary motion was placed back on the table. CM Bratkovich, CM Reese and CM Schontz voted no. Mayor Stock voted aye. Motion not carried.

     

    1. Motion to approve the request from members of the Firefighter Pension Board to invest 10% of Firefighter Pension funds in alternative investments as follows: 2 ½ % Hines Global REIT, 2 ½ % Wells REIT II, 5% Wells Timberland. Second by Mayor Stock.

     

    1. Motion to approve the request from members of the Municipal Pension Board to invest 5% of the Municipal Pension funds in the Wells REIT fund. Second by Mayor Stock. CM Bratkovich, CM Reese and CM Schontz voted no. Mayor Stock voted aye. Motion not carried.

     

    1. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-05-27A, modifying the 2007 and 2009 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program budgets as outlined therein. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    1. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-05-27B, authorizing the submission of the 2010 CDBG Program application as outlined therein. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

     

     

     

    Councilman Schontz

     

    8.   Motion to enter in an agreement with Keytex Energy to reduce the price of kilowatt per hour on street lighting. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    9. Install a stop sign on Vogely Avenue at the intersection of Vogely and Church on a 90-day trial basis. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    10. Motion to approve the conditional use application of Pennsylvania Water Company for the installation of a 378 square foot, one story prefabricated building to house a pump station on a lot to be purchased from Armstrong Utilities conditioned upon the following:

    1. A gravel drive shall be installed for vehicles entering from Maple Avenue and Draper Avenue.
    2. All building set back lines shall be honored
    3. Three (3) trees and shrubbery shall be installed to soften the look of the structure, per the drawing provided by Gateway Engineers.
    4. The fence along the hedge row maintained by the property owner to the east shall be set back from the property line to the extent required to permit the neighbor to maintain her hedge.
    5. An earthen berm shall be installed along the southwest property line as shown on the drawing provided by Gateway Engineers; being drawing number C-101 dated April 1, 2010.
    6. The fence to be installed shall include vinyl strips on three (3) sides.
    7. Applicants request to install barbed wire at the top of the seven (7) foot fence is granted. Based upon the consent of representatives of Pa American Water who were present at the meeting, approval for the barbed wire is conditioned upon the barbed wire being installed so that it is facing inward towards the structure.

     

    Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    Mayor Stock

     

    11. Motion to approve the HVAC Maintenance Agreement with Cunningham Shanor for May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2013. Maintenance Contract Price per year is $1,188.00. Second by CM Bratkovich. All voted aye.

     

     

    12. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-05-27 obligating $17,500 of City revenues to the Butler Transit Authority for fiscal year 2010/2011. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    13. Motion to designate Councilman Bratkovich as the City’s voting delegate and member of the resolutions committee for the annual convention of the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities scheduled for June 21st – 25th in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    14. Motion to approve the second amendment to contract no. C000027031 proposing the DCED pays for the administration for Year 3 of the Main Street Program in the City of Butler. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    15. Motion to direct the City Clerk to advertise for sale one used 2006 Chevy Impala and one used 2008 Chevy Impala from the City’s Bureau of Police.   Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    16. Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Sergeant William E. Mayhugh beginning on May 28, 2010 for surgery to a work-related injury he sustained on September 19, 2009. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    17. Motion to approve Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act benefits for Patrolman Erik J. Hertzog beginning on May 24, 2010 due to a work-related injury he sustained on May 16, 2010. Second by CM Bratkovich. All voted aye.

     

    18. Motion to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Butler County for the 2010 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program Award. The public has 30 days to comment on this grant. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    19. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-05-27C, authorizing the filing of a proposal for funds with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for $446,049.00 for prevention and elimination of blight under Section 4 ( c ) of the Housing and Redevelopment Assistance Law, as amended. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    20. Motion to enter in to a cooperation and sub-recipient agreement with the Butler Downtown Revitalization Committee authorizing using Housing and Redevelopment Assistance Funds in the amount of $466,049 to renovate two (2) properties located at 232 South Main Street and 234-240 South Main Street in the City of Butler. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    21. Motion to approve City Resolution No. 2010-05-27D, a resolution of the City of Butler authorizing the filing of a grant application with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the Rotary Park Trails Project and further authorizing the mayor to sign, on behalf of City Council, all documents pertaining to said grant/project. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

     

     

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $309,392.28 ; from the capital projects fund – $7,052.80; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $19,056.03 for a grand total of $335,501.11. Motion by CM Bratkovich with second from Mayor Stock to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.

     

     

    • ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    MS4 announcement

    WISR City Hall – Mayor Stock

    Farmers’ Market at Quarry St. lot during renovation

    Blue Sox – June 3rd (opener)

    Centre City Summer Jam – June 11th – 6PM – 10PM

    Thunder in the Streets – June 12th                                                                        

                    Road Race – June 26th

    Cruise-a-Palooza – June 27th

    Thanks to PennDOT-District 10 for the sign removal project

                 

    At the end of the meeting a resident spoke about his concerns for the heavy traffic and noise on Miller Avenue during the summer months. His suggestion is to make Miller Avenue one way (heading south) for the months of June through August. The City will look into this matter.

     

    Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 8:05 PM.

     

     

     

  • March 25, 2010

    MINUTES

    City Council Meeting

    City of Butler, Pennsylvania

    March 25, 2010

     

    Mayor Stock called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Mayor Stock and Council members Bratkovich, Reese, Schontz and Kline were present. The pledge of allegiance to the flag followed the invocation given by Pastor Alden Towberman, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

     

    PERSONS TO BE HEARD:

     

    Kathleen Treme AFL-CIO Community Service Labor Liaison announced two programs.  For more information visit www.butlerunitedway.org.

    “Christmas in May” is a program that installs smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the homes of low-income and/or elderly residents. Installations will take place May 1st, May 8th, May 15th and May 22nd.

    The 7th annual Red Apple Awards is a program that recognizes public school educators who exemplify leadership and outstanding dedication to students and the wider community.   Deadlines for nominations is April 30, 2010

    David Frengel from Penn United announced the Western PA Economic Summit where participants will evaluate which government policy strategies are the top priorities and then determine how to advance them. The summit will be held Friday, April 23, 2010 at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry Twp. For more information visit www.prosperousamerica.org.  

     

    Motion by CM Schontz with second from CM Reese to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of February 25, 2010.

     

    MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORTS

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

     

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

     

    COUNCIL REPORTS/ACTIONS

     

    Councilman Bratkovich

     

    1. Motion to direct the City Clerk to re-advertise for proposals for a small borrowing loan of $93,000. Second by CM Schontz. All voted aye.

     

    2. Motion to direct the City Clerk to re-advertise for proposals for a debt service loan of $500,000. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    3. Motion to accept the bid from PNC Bank for a loan of $400,000 for fire apparatus with an interest rate of 3.73% for a total cost of 479,841.60. (payments to be made by the RACB using CDBG Funds) Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

     

    Councilman Schontz

      

    4. Motion to reappoint Joe Caparosa to the Planning and Zoning Commission with his term ending July, 2013. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    5. Motion to reappoint Karen Grabbe as an alternate member of the Zoning Hearing Board with her term ending July, 2013. Second CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    6. Motion to accept the bid from Oesterling’s Snow Removal for the 2005 GMC truck in the amount of $23,250.00. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

     

    7. Motion to remove the two hour parking limitation on the south curb of E. Fulton St. from Cedar to McKean St., establish “No Parking Between Signs” from 38 feet east of Cedar to 64 feet east of Cedar on the south curb of E. Fulton St. on a 90-day trial basis. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    8. Motion to install a no parking zone on the south curb of E. Fulton St. from Main to Cedar on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    9. Motion to remove twenty minute parking zone on the north curb of E. Diamond St. between Cedar and Main St. Install one hour meters from 25 ft. west of Cedar to 194 ft. west of Cedar on the north curb of E. Diamond St. (up to existing “Loading Zone” approximately 6 or 7 metered spaces) on a 90-day trial basis. Second by Mayor Stock. All voted aye.

     

    10. Motion to install “Authorized Police Vehicle Parking Only” zone on the west curb of S. Jackson St. from 48 ft. south of Vogely to 140 ft. south of Vogely and “No Parking Anytime” on the east side of S. Jackson St. from Diamond to Vogely on a 90-day trial basis. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    11. Motion to install “Watch Children” sign 20 feet from the intersection of Wood and N. Sixth Ave. on the west side of Wood Street on a 90-day trial basis Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

    Councilwoman Kline

     

    12. Motion to approve payment to AP Wise Excavating, LLC in the amount of $8,100.00 for the demolition of 315-317 E. Jefferson Street. LIN 01 427 221. Second by CM Reese. All voted aye.

    CW Kline reminded residents that it is time for spring cleaning and time to spruce up their neighborhoods.

    Mayor Stock

    13. Motion to approve a payment in the amount of $10,000 to the Butler Downtown Revitalization Committee as the City’s annual share for the Main Street Program.

    LIN 01 407 551. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    CM Schontz recommended to visit the Butler Downtown website. www.butlerdowntown.org

    14. Motion to authorize the City Clerk to submit a grant application for the PetSmart Free-Roaming Cat Program. Second by CW Kline. All voted aye.

     

    The City Controller presented bills for payment as follows: from the general fund – $381,299.58; from the capital projects fund – $398.00; and, from the liquid fuels tax fund – $149,321.68 for a grand total of $531,019.26. Motion by CM Bratkovich with second from CW Kline to approve payment of bills as presented. All voted aye.

     

    <!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    <!–[if !supportLists]–>o <!–[endif]–>WISR City Hall Radio – 12:30 PM

    <!–[if !supportLists]–>o <!–[endif]–>Don’t forget to complete the Census 2010

    <!–[if !supportLists]–>o <!–[endif]–>Butler Area Multi-Municipal (BAMM) Comprehensive Plan Public Meeting is Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 7:00 PM at Butler’s Grand Ballroom, Cornerstone Commons, 201 S Main Street, Butler.

     

    Mayor Stock adjourned the meeting at 7:38 PM.