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                                    BOROUGH OF BRADFORD WOODS                         

                     REGULAR MEETING JULY 12, 2010 (UNAPPROVED)

The Bradford Woods Borough Council President David Baldonieri called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with Council Members Don Lammers, Tom Demianczyk, Paul Pongrace, Richard Smith and Roy Wiegand present. Patricia Mirth was excused. Also present were: Solicitor Janet Burkardt, Mayor Murray and Borough Manager, Mary Ann Moretti.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
None

MINUTES
The minutes from the June 14, 2010 were approved as presented by a motion from Paul Pongrace, seconded by Don Lammers and carried. Tom Demianczyk abstained from voting as he was not present at the June meeting.

VISITORS: Chuck Brem and Joe Bayer from Bradford Woods Community Church requested to be placed on the agenda concerning the culvert on Glenmore Road and the Festival in the Woods. Joe Bayer proceeded to bring Council up to date on the 24” culvert at the end of the church parking lot near Glenmore Road, which is still compacted and non-functional. Water will only trickle through to other side of Glenmore Road which has been sealed off due to the insertion of a 6” pipe. Joe indicates that there are no provisions to pave the parking lot and intends to define the lot by taking some trees down towards the ball field area. However the church parking lot is still being a catch all for water coming from ball field area, Glenmore Road and Wexford Run Road. The church is requesting a cooperative project with the Borough to abandon the present 24” culvert, and tie into a new 18” line to be placed across the entrance to the parking lot. This line will enter the existing culvert and take the runoff under Glenmore Road towards the headwall at Pine Creek stream. Water will need to be diverted onto this catch basin coming off of Wexford Run Chuck and Joe asked the assistance of the Borough in working out a joint venture of perhaps paying for the materials. Paul Pongrace said he would like to have our engineer review any work prior to the Borough making a commitment. Dave Baldonieri agreed that the Borough’s engineer needs to review. Joe asked for the workups completed to date by LSSE as a tool of assistance in preparing his solution.

The second issue is that the Festival in the Woods will have a new title The Woods Fest of 2010 and the 5k traditional race has been discontinued. However the event planners have a tentative plan to sponsor their own race starting at Glenmore Road going up towards Delmar and left onto the BW Lake Loop property coming out onto Lake Road/Centervue and continuing up Lake Road to the Windwood (if they get permission) circle in the Windwood parking lot and proceed back up Lake onto Centervue and then Bradford Road. The runners will stay within the berms of Bradford Road, make a right into Delmar Road and then left back down Glenmore to Church. Chuck Brem informed Council that they will have volunteers at the intersections. He also felt there will be a decrease in runners and this will be manageable with volunteers.

Chuck Brem also mentioned that the church will be doing an outside barbeque style dinner on their grounds, putting up tents, having a bingo, and erecting a small stage to invite musical acts to perform.

BOROUGH REPORTS
A. Mayor
Mayor Murray reported that the generator grant for the fire company building has been denied due to the fact that there is only 12.7% low mod income in the Borough. DCED standards require 46% low mod income.

Mayor Murray also reported that he met with the fire company and it was agreed that a better line of communication be developed between them and the Borough Council. He has volunteered to work on an agreement to present to Council and the fire company regarding funding, the fire company needs and any issues that either side may wish to clarify.

Chief Mike Slater reported there were no fire calls since last meeting. To date, there is 50% less fire calls since last year. The total of calls for 2010 is 7.

B. Manager
1. Resolution No. 8 for 2010 – Unit Debt Act submittals for a truck loan in the amount of $54,981.00. Tom Demianczyk raised the issue under item #3 indicating an annual payment of $11,200. This does not match the total. Janet Burkardt, solicitor, said that would be corrected to reflect a yearly payment of $18,327 as this was a typo. A motion was made by Richard Smith, seconded by Don Lammers and carried to approve resolution No. 8 contingent upon the correction of the annual payment amount.

2. H.A. Thomson issued a check in the amount of $579 for payment to the Borough as a result of the power surge destruction to the Borough computer and printer.

3. Penndot will be issuing an additional amount of $796.27 as a payment for serve winter conditions occurring during the 2009/2010 agreement.

4. Allegheny County of Elections has approved the ballot referendum question with the following language: “Shall Article VIII, Section 8.01 of the Home Rule Charter of the Borough of Bradford Woods be amended to provide for the elimination of elected Auditor and in lieu thereof provide for an Auditor appointed by the Council of the Borough of Bradford Woods”.

C. Solicitor
No report.

Committee Reports
A. Finance

1. Pay and ratify checks from 6/15/2010 to 7/12/2010 A motion was made by Paul Pongrace, seconded by Roy Wiegand and carried to approve and ratify the checks as presented.

2. Financial report for June, 2010 was presented along with Richard Smith’s financial
review and projections.

B. Safety
Paul Pongrace reported that the arbitration hearing regarding the police contract has been held and now Council for both sides will be meeting in executive session with the arbitrator for further deliberations. Paul reported that a decision may not be forthcoming until November.

C. Roads
1. Don Lammers reported that three quotes were obtained for berm work along Oak Road. These quotes were based on doing 2000 lf, which is only about 1/3 of the required shoulder restoration. The matter of shoulder restoration will be revisited next year when preparing for the 2011 road improvements.

2. The base repair on Bradford Road, Forest Road Extension and Laurel Road has been completed and will now be doubled sealed coated, weather permitting.

3. An additional “watch children” sign has been added to Oak Road and yellow caution strips placed below the new sign and two existing signs. Vascar lines have been painted for the Northern Regional Police Dept. in various areas.

D. Planning
1. Roy Wiegand reported that the Planning Commission met on July 5th and is continuing in the discussion of subdivisions and irregular lots.

2. Roy reported that one permit was issued: Downing at 82 Forest Rd. for an alteration ($38,000).

E. Environment
1. Tom Demianczyk reported that EPAC is moving forward in working with Allegheny Land Trust in a subdivision to combine all three lots that make up the Reserve into one lot and block. The survey of the property and placing of the boundary stakes is in the working and things will be coming together soon for a presentation with the Planning Commission.

F. Employee-Public Relations/COG Report
No reports.

Old Business
None

New Business
Mary Ann read the description to be placed in the newspaper for the sale of the 2003 Borough truck and discussed with Council in lieu of putting a minimum bid, the advertisement will state that the Borough reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Adjournment – a motion was made by Richard Smith, seconded by Roy Wiegand and carried to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.


Respectfully submitted,


______________________       ___________________
Mary Ann Moretti, Manager      Date
 


                           REGULAR MEETING JUNE 17, 2010 (APPROVED)

The Bradford Woods Borough Council President David Baldonieri called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with Council Members Don Lammers, Patricia Mirth, Paul Pongrace, Richard Smith and Roy Wiegand present. Tom Demianczyk was excused. Also present were: Solicitor Janet Burkardt, Mayor Murray and Borough Manager, Mary Ann Moretti.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
None

MINUTES
The minutes from the May 10, 2010 were approved as presented by a motion from Richard Smith, seconded by Pat Mirth.

BOROUGH REPORTS
A. Mayor
Mayor Murray reported he attended a conference sponsored by the Local Government Academy regarding consolidations, regionalization and partners with fire departments, medical groups and police and how to face the shortage of manpower and the need to become more efficient.

Ken Nichols – reported one fire call since last meeting – false alarm.

B. Manager
1. Morgan Excavating has completed their work at the intersection of Oak Road as according to the final punch list. This work has been inspected and Lennon Smith Souleret recommends for final payment. A motion was made by Don Lammers, seconded by Pat Mirth and carried to pay Morgan Excavating $14,291.24 as final payment in the 2009 road improvement contract.

2. Salt Contract with Morton Salt – optional one year. As per the North Hills COG, Morton Salt is requesting the Articles of Agreement be signed by the participating members in their contract for an option year of road salt for a price of $59.10, delivered per ton. A motion was made by Pat Mirth, seconded by Paul Pongrace and carried to enter into the optional one year of road salt with Morton Salt.

3. Waste Management Agreement – optional one year. As per the North Hills COG, Waste Management is offering an optional one year for $18.76/month. A motion was made by Roy Wiegand, seconded by Richard Smith and carried to enter into the optional one year agreement with Waste Management.

4. Cable Franchise Agreement – contract with Armstrong Cable has expired. At this time there has been no interest from any other cable company to run lines through Bradford Woods. Within the North Hills COG there are four members with Armstrong Cable – BW, Marshall, Pine and Richland. Dan Cohen, a Telecommunications Attorney, has negotiated for the other COG members’ contracts with their respective cable carriers. He has made a proposal to enter into these agreements for BW, Marshall, Pine and Richland. The cost will be approximately $3,555 per participating member. A motion was made by Pat Mirth, seconded by Paul Pongrace and carried to sign a proposal with Cohen Law Group to act on our and the other members for an agreement with Armstrong. Mary Ann has asked the Council to review the present agreement with Armstrong and if there are any suggestions, questions, etc. to please forward them to her as they can be made part of the negotiating process.

5. Reserve Property – Allegheny Land Trust has suggested that the three properties which comprise the Reserve be put into one lot/block. This can be done via the Borough as a subdivision in reverse. In reviewing these properties, it was discovered that two of the adjoining properties have school tax leins. These leins should have been removed, as the property is tax exempt. Through discussions Mary Ann had with the financial director of North Allegheny, Mike Hopkins, and the attorneys for the school district, these leins have now been removed and documented as such. Janet Burkardt, the Borough Solicitor has reviewed this matter and requested that the documentation be provided to Allegheny Land Trust.

6. North Allegheny School has forwarded a proposed general fund budget for any resident or Council Member to review. This will be available in the Borough office.

C. Solicitor
Janet Burkardt submitted an opinion letter regarding the opening of Centervue Road for possible trails coming off of the Lake Road property. Janet indicated that the unopened paper street, even though dedicated, but not accepted or opened by the Borough belongs to the abutting property owners. In order for the Borough to take ownership of this land and open the street to permit use by the general public, the Borough must construct a street either by Penndot standards as prescribed in the Borough Code or to the specifications mandated by the B.W. Home Rule Charter. Formal acceptance must be made within 21 years of the date the subdivision or plan showing the street was filed. Alternatively, the Borough has the authority to take the property through the power of eminent domain and condemn it and then construct a trail for use by the public. Therefore, unless and until the Borough determines it intends to take ownership of this land, it would not be appropriate for a public trail to be constructed on this property which is privately owned.

Committee Reports
A. Finance
1. Pay and ratify checks from 5/11/2010 to 6/14/2010. A motion was made by Don Lammers, seconded by Roy Wiegand and carried to approve and ratify the checks as presented.

2. Financial report for May, 2010 was presented along with Richard Smith’s financial
review and projections.

B. Safety
Paul Pongrace reported there were 17 police calls for the month of May, 1 criminal offense (disorderly conduct) cleared by arrest, 3 traffic arrests and 1 warning issued. Paul also indicated that the Northern Regional Police Dept. arbitration hearing is scheduled for June 25, 2010.

C. Roads
1. Don Lammers reported that the pre-construction meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Borough office.

2. Don indicated to Council that there were several handouts placed before them regarding a cost workup and advantages to purchasing a new truck. Don wished to express thanks to Gary Price for presenting a base-line spec for a Borough compatible truck. This truck was bid out through the S.H.A.C.O.G. and allows the Borough the latitude in ordering. After a lengthy review of the specifications, Council did agree the purchase of a 2010 Ford F-550 would be a good fit for the Borough’s needs. Allegheny Ford was awarded the S.H.A.C.O.G. bid and the cost to the Borough would be $61,981. The Borough has budgeted in $7,000 towards a new truck in the 2010 budget. The total needed for financing is $54,981. Allegheny Ford was asked to submit a financing proposal for 3 or 5 years of one annual payment per year. The interest rate from Allegheny Ford was approximately 7% and Council directed Mary Ann to seek out better financing. A motion was made by Don Lammers, seconded by Pat Mirth and carried to award Allegheny Ford the contract for a 2010 Ford F-550, regular cab, 4 x 4, XLT, 17,950 GVWR. It was further stated by Council President, Dave Baldonieri, that the latitude of financing based upon a better rate would be given to Don Lammers and Dick Smith after Mary Ann has obtained quotes.

3. New cost estimate for Oak Road shoulder restoration. Dave Baldonieri asked Don Lammers to specific what his plan of action is to remedy this on-going problem. Don said as he sees it there are three options: 1) rebid as a stand alone project (engineer estimate is $32,000). 2) do nothing and rebid with road projects in 2011. 3) have Rege repair bad spots using millings, gravel and compacting with truck. Larger stone would be needed across from Woodlands driveway and smaller 2A with fines as a top coating on other areas. A motion was then made by Don Lammers to give direction to Rege via the Road Committee to complete the road shoulder work as discussed. Seconded by Roy Wiegand. A roll-call vote was taken as follows: Dave Baldonieri, no; Don Lammers, no; Pat Mirth, no; Paul Pongrace, no; Richard Smith, no; Roy Wiegand, yes. The motion was defeated by 5 no votes to one yes vote.

Discussion then continued with requesting quotes from contractors as four quotes would be needed prior to any award of work under $10,000 in value. Don Lammers made a motion that the Borough, via Mary Ann, obtain four phone quotes for a contractor to do shoulder restoration on Oak of approximately 500 to 2000 feet consisting of 1 foot average width including 6” minimum excavation of existing material, and class IV fabric and install 6” depth with 2A limestone, seconded by Richard Smith. A roll-call vote was taken as follows: Dave Baldonieri, yes; Don Lammers, yes; Pat Mirth, no; Paul Pongrace, yes; Richard Smith, yes; Roy Wiegand, yes. Motion passed with 5 yes votes to one no vote.

D. Planning
1. Roy Wiegand reported that the Planning Commission is moving forward in changing the ordinance requirements for irregular subdivisions.

E. Environment
1. Lorraine Houston with EPAC was present to discuss the Allegheny Land Trust Easement issue with Council. She has presented a draft to Janet Burkardt for review as well as Council members regarding the Easement Agreement. Paul Pongrace raised specific issues regarding the wording and he feels the agreement is slanted in favor of ALT. Lorraine offered to arrange a meeting with ALT, Janet and Paul to review the agreement line by line. She indicated it is a boiler plate type of agreement that certainly can have language changes. Dave felt that the spirit of the easement is not to take control over the Reserve but to preserve as a “Green Space” in perpetuity. Mayor Murray asked if it is fair to say that this is the only way the Reserve can be guaranteed to stay as a “Green Space”. Lorraine indicated that she knew of no other way. A motion was made by Dave Baldonieri to approve the Conservation Easement as presented with option to provide edited corrections to the solicitor. These corrections should be given to Mary Ann no later than June 21st. A second was made by Richard Smith with the following roll-call vote: Dave Baldonieri, yes; Don Lammers, yes; Pat Mirth, no; Paul Pongrace, no; Richard Smith, yes; Roy Wiegand, yes. Motion carried with 4 yes votes to two no votes.

Lorraine continued with the discussion of the work authorization in compliance with ALT and Pedersen & Pedersen regarding the consolidation of the three parcels at the Reserve, having monuments set as well as a survey crew find and stake the corners. This work in total should be approximately $2,225. A motion was made by Dave Baldonieri, seconded by Don Lammers to have ALT continue with the necessary work at the Reserve and the Borough will provide up to $1,000 if expenses exceed $2,000. Roll-call vote was taken as follows: Dave Baldonieri, yes; Don Lammers, yes; Pat Mirth, no; Paul Pongrace, no; Richard Smith, yes; Roy Wiegand, yes. Motion carried with 4 yes votes and 2 no votes. Lorraine said she will have a new work authorization drawn up for Council.

F. Employee/Public Relations/COG Report
No reports.

Old Business
Ken Nichols from the Fire Company wanted to report that a letter would be forthcoming regarding the Fire Company’s position on the permanent generator grant. He indicated that they had many questions to be considered and perhaps a meeting with Council, Mayor and Mary Ann would be appropriate. Mary Ann asked Ken to give her some availability of dates for such a meeting to be set up to accommodate everyone’s schedule.

New Business
None

Adjournment – a motion was made by Roy Wiegand, seconded by Richard Smith and carried to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.


Respectfully submitted,


______________________ ___________________
Mary Ann Moretti, Manager Date
                     

 

                                 


 

 

 



7/15/2010

 
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