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BOROUGH OF BRADFORD WOODS
REGULAR MEETING JULY 14, 2008 (UNAPPROVED)
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 JUNE 9, 2008
(APPROVED)
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, Thomas Demianczyk, Don Lammers, Paul Pongrace and Richard Smith.
Also present were: Solicitor Janet Burkardt, Mayor Fithian and Borough
Manager, Mary Ann Moretti.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
MINUTES
A motion was made by Paul Pongrace, seconded by Tom Demianczyk and carried
to approve the meeting minutes of May 12, 2008.
BOROUGH REPORTS
A. Mayor Fithian
Chief Mike Slater reported that there was one fire call. Mike also wanted to
expand his letter sent to Borough Council regarding the new NFPA Standards
for the life of first line service apparatus to be no more than 15 years
old. Discussion followed with Mike and Council in regard to this new
requirement and what a costly venture for any Borough or Township. Scott
Anderson wanted Mike to touch base with the City in regards to their
alternatives on these standards.
B. Manager
1. MS4 Outfall Work Service Authorization – a motion was made by Don Lammers,
seconded by Tom Demianczyk to authorize Lennon Smith Souleret to re-test
outfall number 25 at Glenmore Road and use the sewer vactor is needed.
Motion carried
2. Solid Waste Contract – sealed bids were opened at the NHCOG office on May
30, 2008. Waste Management of Pennsylvania was the low bidder. This contract
is for two base years and two optional years beginning October 1, 2008 and
ending December 31, 2012. The cost per unit per month for regular curbside
service is as follows: $16.90 (10/1/08 thru 9/30/090; $17.62 (10/1/09 thru
9/30/10) and $18.37 (10/1/10 thru 9/30/11). This contract will also provide
a monthly yard waste pickup from November until April. Waste Management will
be sending notification to all residents with the reported days of the
additional pickup as well as the regular weekly service schedule. A motion
was made by Richard Smith, seconded by Don Lammers and carried to enter into
a signed contract with Waste Management of Pennsylvania for solid waste
pickup.
3. NHCOG negotiated the CATV services with Consolidated Communications
through Dan Cohen with the participating municipalities. A refund in the
amount of $271.30 was provided to Bradford Woods as the pro rated share of
money authorized for Mr. Cohen’s legal services.
4. Ordinance 417 – amending the Tree Ordinance of the Borough. Diana
Greenberg explained that this ordinance enhances the “Tree and Natural
Resource Protection” within the Borough. The effort being made is 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. A motion was made to advertise Ordinance 417
by Paul Pongrace, seconded by Richard Smith and carried.
5. Ordinance 418 – amending sign ordinance to address signage on a public
building; “limited to one sign no larger than twelve square feet per side
which may be attached to the building or free standing”. A motion was made
by Paul Pongrace, seconded by Richard Smith and carried to advertise
Ordinance 418.
6. N.A. School District has submitted a preliminary budget for review by
Council and the public.
7. State Liquid Fuel Fund history synopsis was included with agenda for the
Council. The Liquid Fuel Program started by an Act of Legislation in 1930.
Municipalities were to provide a list of maintained roads. The program
expanded and regulations were set in 1976 that all roads being maintained
were certified at that time with any additional roads needing certification
from the State. Act 655 of 1956 was amended to include paving
specifications. These specifications were adopted by Bradford Woods via
Ordinance 139 dated May 4, 1959 stating that the base of Borough roads be no
less than 8 inches compacted thickness and topped with two inch ID2
bituminous surfacing. This ordinance has been amended with updates as
referenced on Table 1 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance of
Bradford Woods.
C. Solicitor
No report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Finance
1. A motion was made by Paul Pongrace, seconded by Tom Demianczyk and
carried to pay and ratify the checks presented between May 13, 2008 and June
6, 2008
2. Financial report for May 2008 was presented. Richard Smith wanted to
point out that the total for Berkheimer earned income receipts has
increased. Berkheimer’s report did not include all of the deposits as of May
30th.
B. Safety
Scott Anderson reported there were 16 police calls for the month of May with
7 traffic arrests and 1 warning issued.
C. Roads
A pre-construction meeting was held at the Borough office on May 19, 2008
with Shields Paving, Borough Engineer, Rege and Mary Ann. Paving work to
begin June 1, 2008.
D. Planning
David Baldonieri reported there were no building permits issued during May.
E. Environment
Tom Demianczyk recognized Nancy Snyder and her years of dedication in
providing nature study walks with the children from the life science classes
at St. Alphonsus School as well as supported by Ann Jenkins and Colleen
Rumble. Nancy provided notebooks from the children as well as poems and
letters regarding their participation in the nature walks.
Tom also reported that the walking trails at the Lake Road property are
almost completed. He feels another volunteer day will be needed to scatter
the chips on the paths. Bill Thoma was recognized for providing the large
cement stepping stone over the stream.
F. Employee/Public Relations
None
G. North Hills COG
None
New Business
Jim Tomazich, representing Bradford Woods Community Church approached
Council in regard to the church parking lot paving project. The Borough
paved Glenmore Road and did drainage work in 2003. There are prints from
Glenn Engineering that show the 24 inch storm sewer pipe at the back corner
of the parking has been abandoned and replaced by a 15 inch sewer catch
basin. However, in 2004 Lennon Smith Souleret was engaged to do a storm
water workup of the Wexford Run Road Area. Lennon Smith Souleret indicated
in their report that they have no evidence of the 24 inch storm sewer being
abandoned. It was further noted that during the last heavy storm of June 5,
2008, 2 ½ inches of water fell within an hour, there was evidence of water
entering this storm sewer, but no evidence of the discharge. Mr. Tomazich is
requesting a confirmation from the Borough if the 24 inch catch basin is a
public catch basin and if so, can it be cleaned out and maintained.
Otherwise the BW Church will have to include these improvements in their
paving project. Jim also feels that the 24 inch required pipe may be flawed
as there has been prior engineering done by he BW Church for use of a 15
inch pipe. The Council discussed this in length with Mr. Tomazich and it was
decided that a sewer camera vactor was needed to confirm what was actually
under the road. The Council did feel that this camera vactor work should be
coupled with any additional outfall work that may be needed when re-testing
outfall No. 25. A motion was made by David Baldonieri, seconded by Don
Lammers and carried for the Borough to verify that the 15 inch lines
installed by the Borough are there and that the stub outlet is in place for
use as shown for future storm water drainage at the BW Community Church. Don
Lammers also added to the motion that our engineer give an opinion as to the
closing of the 24 inch pipe. Motion carried. A motion was then made by David
Baldonieri, seconded by Don Lammers and carried to give work authorization
for Lennon Smith Souleret to conduct the sewer vactor review.
Old Business
Village Road Dedication – as no one from the Village Townhome Association
was present Scott Anderson spoke on their behalf. Due to the legal
involvement with Marshall Township on a sewer line issue concerning a
Village Road, no presentation will be given to Council during this meeting
regarding the dedication of the Village roads.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Richard Smith, seconded by Don Lammers and carried to
adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________ ___________________
Mary Ann Moretti
Date
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