| Home | Links | Contacts | Directions & Maps | About Us | Emergency Information |

 

 
 
 


                                       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           Date
 

 


 



                                        




 
  Copyright © Bradford Woods, PA 2005