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BOROUGH OF BRADFORD WOODS
REGULAR MEETING JULY 14, 2008
The Bradford Woods Borough President Scott Anderson, called the meeting
to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with Council members
David Baldonieri, Don Lammers, Ray Lewis, Paul Pongrace and Richard
Smith. Also present were: Solicitor Janet Burkardt, Mayor Fithian and
Borough Manager, Mary Ann Moretti.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
George Henderson wished to address the Board concerning the Tree
Ordinance Amendment. He was granted time during that segment of the
agenda.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Don Lammers, seconded by Richard Smith to approve
the meeting minutes of June 9, 2008. Mayor Fithian wished to amend the
motion to include the following: Under “new business” regarding the
Bradford Woods Community Church parking lot project the sentence should
be corrected to say the 24 inch catch basin (should be a 24 inch pipe)
and the public catch basin (should be a public pipe). The sentence – Jim
Tomazich also feels that the 24 inch required pipe may be flawed (should
be Jim Tomazich also feels that the design of the 24 inch required pipe
may be flawed). Motion carried with corrections and Ray Lewis abstained
due to his absence from the June meeting.
BOROUGH REPORTS
A. Mayor Fithian
Mayor Fithian reported there was one fire call on Lincoln Road due to a
fallen tree.
B. Manager
1. Ordinance 417 – Amendments to Tree Ordinance. These amendments have
been proposed to preserve existing natural features that add value to
the Borough, such as trees, steep slopes, watercourses, wetlands of
historical significance and similar irreplaceable assets, insofar as
possible. Clearance of trees, vegetation or grading of a site shall be
in accordance with Borough Ordinances.
Mr. George Henderson questioned Council on what prompted these
amendments. Mr. Henderson was informed that the Planning Commission
periodically reviews all ordinances. In order to closely represent the
Borough standards, these amendments were needed. Words used in the
ordinance needed to be defined such as clear cutting and excavation. A
motion was made by Don Lammers, seconded by Ray Lewis and carried to
approve the amendments to the Tree Ordinance as Ordinance 417.
2. Ordinance 418 – Amendment to Sign Ordinance. This amendment was to
clarify a sign for a public building. This ordinance states that a sign
on a public building is limited to one no larger than twelve square feet
per side which may be attached to the building or free standing. A
motion was made by Dave Baldonieri, seconded by Richard Smith and
carried to amend the Sign Ordinance as Ordinance 418.
3. Bradford Woods Community Church parking lot paving - letter from
Lennon Smith Souleret as to their review of this site. The concern of
whether the 24-inch existing storm sewer was abandoned was a major
concern to the BW Church. According to LSSE, this 24 inch existing storm
sewer has not been abandoned but significantly reduced by silt and
debris. It was further noted that the owner of the property where the
outfall is located has backfilled and placed a 6 inch pipe visible from
the roadway. Mayor Fithian indicated that Council needs specific
clarification on the engineer’s letter. David Baldonieri commented that
the Engineer for the Borough did his review of the area and this has
been provided to the church representative, Jim Tomazich. The church
must now prepare their plan to be reviewed by LSSE. Following a
discussion among Council, it was agreed that we have the engineer
evaluate under current conditions if we need to make any modifications
to the storm water drainage system. Don Lammers wanted specifically to
know if the Borough should be cleaning out the exiting 24 inch line and
the cost thereof.
4. Two letters submitted regarding road issues:
(1) Don Jackson of Dale Avenue is urging the Council to consider
upgrading the drainage issues on this road.
(2) Betty Rhule of Oak Road wanted to address Council concerning the
drainage and water damage problems she is still facing on her property.
Betty refers to two letters September 6, 2002 and April 8, 2003 by our
engineering firms regarding water run off on her property. Betty feels
that the corrections to her property water run off began in 2002 and
things have gotten progressively worse. She said that she has spent
approximately $9,400 to date on addressing these problems on her own.
The ditching and rip-rack rock installed by the Borough is not working
for her. Betty said that water from across and under Oak Road is
continuously draining on her even though the Borough has attempted to
close off this pipe. Scott Anderson indicated to Betty that the storms
we have had recently have been severe especially with the amount of
water falling within an hour’s time. Betty also indicated that there
still is water runoff coming from the Woodlands Camp property. All of
the water coming from the driveways across the road as well as Oak Road
is flowing into her catch basin and this catch basin is not large enough
for all of the water retention. She is asking Council to please revisit
her situation. Don Lammers said that the engineer will be contacted for
a review of several areas of water run off problems and in particularly
have him give his professional opinion on ditching and the need, if any,
for rip rap in the ditches. Betty asked to be informed as to what the
Council will be doing to correct this problem.
Scott Frank asked Council what their position was on the water problems.
He said that Mark Weber’s position is that water does go downhill and
nothing can be done about this. Scott said if that is the Council
decision, then we all have a problem. Do you align yourselves with Mark
Weber’s line of thinking or are you going to be pro-active and address
these problems and fix them. Scott Anderson said the Council is being
pro-active. Scott said each road is being addressed with new paving to
including drainage repair. It takes time and money to make these
corrections.
Robert Farrell wanted to point out to Council that the drainage work
done on Bradford Road (upper section towards Route 19) has not been
adequate. He said that the catch basins are not catching the water
runoff. Since the new home has been put in with the large tennis court,
water runoff has increased. Robert Farrell asked Council if anyone has
addressed this with Marshall Township where the new home is actually
located. Mary Ann indicated that she has addressed this with Marshall
Township engineer and any additional work to the driveway and grading
will be addressed by rock sumps. Robert Farrell said that filling the
trenches with rip-rack rock is adding to the problem. The Borough needs
to end this practice and take out the rock in the trenches. He also
feels this should be done at Betty’s home as well.
C. Solicitor
No report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Finance
1. A motion was made by Paul Pongrace, seconded by Don Lammers and
carried to pay and ratify the checks presented between June 10, 2008 and
July 14, 2008.
2. Financial report for June 2008 was presented. Berkheimer submitted a
letter based on Mary Ann’s inquiry as to the reduction in monthly
income. Berkheimer reported that by the end of June their collection for
our EIT is down 11% ($18,000). Berkheimer summarized the reduction in
earned income is due to retirements and relocation of some residents.
B. Safety
Scott Anderson reported there were 25 calls in June, with 4 traffic
arrests and 1 warning.
C. Roads
Don Lammers reported that the paving project on Bradford Road is
continuing and should be completed within a week. Don also reported that
the Hampton Vactor truck was utilized in the Borough cleaning out 4
areas throughout the Borough and 2 areas in the Village.
D. Planning
David Baldonieri reported there were two building permits granted:
Grading permit for the BWVFC parking lot and driveway permit for the
Stryker residence on Glenmore/Forest Roads.
E. Environment
No report.
F. Employee/Public Relations
No report.
G. North Hills COG
No report.
New Business
None
Old Business
The Village Association had no submittal at this time, but wished to
remain on the agenda.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Scott Anderson, seconded by Ray Lewis and carried
to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________ ___________________
Mary Ann Moretti Date
BOROUGH OF BRADFORD WOODS
REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 11, 2008
The Bradford Woods Borough President Scott Anderson, called the
meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with Council
members Tom Demianczyk, Don Lammers, Ray Lewis, Paul Pongrace and
Richard Smith. Also present were: Solicitor Janet Burkardt, Mayor
Fithian and Borough Manager, Mary Ann Moretti.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
OATH OF OFFICE
Mayor Fithian administered the Oath of Office to newly hired officer
Andrew Bienemann.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Richard Smith, seconded by Tom Demianczyk to
approve the meeting minutes of July 14, 2008. Mark Weber wished to
address Council prior to voting on the minutes. Mr. Weber expressed that
on page two of the July 14th meeting minutes – item 2, second paragraph,
the first three sentences should be removed as he does not agree with
Scott Frank’s statement of his position on water problems. Mark
indicated that he agrees in theory that water does go downhill, but
never stated this. A motion was then made by Don Lammers, seconded by
Richard Smith and carried to approve the minutes of July 14th, 2008 with
the correction as noted.
BOROUGH REPORTS
A. Mayor Fithian
Chief Mike Slater reported two fire calls since the last meeting.
B. Manager
1. Shields Paving – second request for payment of $163,633.03 has been
submitted and work approved to date by Borough Engineer. A motion was
made by Don Lammers, seconded by Richard Smith and carried to approve
second payment request to Shields Paving.
2. Liquid Fuel Requirement – Section 110.04 states that the paving
contract can receive an asphalt price adjustment. According to Jon
Johnson, State Liquid Fuel Rep., the liquid asphalt cost at the time of
bidding in April was $372 a ton. During the month of paving (July) the
liquid asphalt price per ton was $590. The formula requires the
percentage of increase along with the tonnage used. According to State
Liquid Fuel the following is the formula:
(IP / IB – 1.10 x bitumen tonnage x IB = $21,696.00
(0.486022) x (120) x (372) = $21,696.00
3. North Hills COG opened the bids for salt. Last years bid was $40.51a
ton. This year, the only bidder, Morton Salt submitted a bid of $104.01
per ton. Morton Salt is also requiring that 90% of submitted tonnage
requirements be met as opposed to 60% in the last contract. The North
Hills COG Managers are interested in rebidding and looking at the
contract and relief of some penalty clauses to the supplier to help with
a more favorable bid. The Borough will be reviewing the concept of using
sand and/or anti skid along with the salt.
4. North Allegheny School District submitted their 2008/2009 budget.
This can be viewed in the Borough office.
5. Betty Rhule submitted a letter to Council regarding water issues at
her home. Mrs. Rhule asked Council if they intend to do any road
improvements to Oak Road and if so, are these water issues being
addressed. The drainage ditch installed by the Borough is not working at
this time. She feels it should be deeper and a higher lip put on the
ditch to prevent the water from coming over. Scott Anderson referred to
a letter from Betty Rhule that indicated in 2006 she thanked the Borough
for the additional ditching and that it was working. Scott felt that the
Borough should be looking at what has changed since 2006 at the Rhule
property. Don Lammers said that the Borough will be reviewing the entire
area with the Engineer and hopefully have preliminary budget information
with the cost for September. Don wants to get several options for
Council to review along with costs. Council can then decide the best
option for all concerned.
6. Allegheny County will be distributing the pellets for the rabies bait
program this month. These pellets are not harmful to pets but pets
should be discouraged from eating them. Allegheny County has reported
that this program has been very successful in the control of rabies.
7. Council was considering a letter to be sent to all residents
regarding tree trimming as contracted with Nelson Tree Service for Penn
Power. There were several complaints filed with the Borough that trees
were being targeting that were not necessary for removal. After a review
of the letter, and a recommendation from the Solicitor that information
in the letter was not substantiated, Council requested Mary Ann to
address Nelson Tree Service with concerns and then email all of Council
with the results. If the results are not satisfactory, then further
action would be taken.
C. Solicitor
No report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Finance
1. A motion was made by Don Lammers seconded by Ray Lewis and carried to
pay and ratify the checks presented between July 15 and August 11, 2008.
2. Financial report for July 2008 was presented. Richard Smith reported
that the cash flow has been behind this year in comparison to previous
years during the same time frame. He indicated that real estate tax
money deposits would certainly pickup for August as that ends the 2%
discount period. He wanted to share his concerns with Council regarding
the escalation in salt pricing, the additional money needed for paving
and the engineering expense line item.
3. The first budget meeting will be held on September 8, 2008 at 6:00
p.m. just prior to the regular Borough meeting.
B. Safety
Scott Anderson reported there were 25 calls in July, with 7 traffic
arrests.
C. Roads
1. Don Lammers reported that the 2008 paving project on Bradford Road
has been completed. There will be a final walk through with the engineer
prior to final payment.
2. Don Lammers read a letter submitted by the Borough Engineer regarding
placing rock in the drainage ditches along the road. The Engineer
reported that the rock placement helps in the erosion of the ditch.
Eventually the erosion without the placement of stone can cause deep
ditching, resulting in a safety hazard.
3. The preliminary review for the 2009 paving project and five-year
review has been conducted with the Engineer. We are anticipating a work
up on these findings for the September budget meeting.
D. Planning
Chris Fitting has resigned by the Planning Commission. His term is up at
the end of 2008. Anyone interested is requested to submit a letter to
the Borough for consideration in appointment.
E. Environment
1. Walking trails at Lake Road property are for the most part complete.
Rege and Charlie have done a great job putting in the bridge over the
creek. There is still some additional mulch to be distributed and Tom
Demianczyk has set up a volunteer night for August 22 at 6:00 p.m. to
accomplish this.
2. Gypsy Moth Management has done a review of the egg masses within the
Borough. A report will follow, but Evan Ticehurst of Gypsy Moth
Management is confident with the wet Spring we had, that the fungus
distributed to eradicate Gypsy Moth eggs has been successful this year
for the Borough.
F. Employee/Public Relations
Mary Ann will be accepting articles for the Fall newsletter till
September 30, 2008.
G. North Hills COG
No report.
New Business
Kevin Sismour, contractor representing Gregory Law and his lot located
off of Forest Road Extension, addressed Council on what he believes to
be a conflict of information as to building on this lot. Is this lot
land-locked or not. Mr. Sismour wants a clear direction on the private
road issue and access to this lot. Mr. Weber, Zoning Officer, has
suggested that he research the deed in Allegheny County which will have
all recorded information and any easements granted. Mr. Sismour does not
understand the issue of the private road as two residents are using this
private road presently. It was explained to Mr. Sismour that he should
submit plans and meet the building requirements of the Borough.
Old Business
Village private road issue – there was no one from the Village
Association at the meeting with information. This will be kept on the
agenda for the September meeting.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Ray Lewis, seconded by Tom Demianczyk and carried
to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
___________________
Mary Ann Moretti, Manager
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