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BOROUGH OF BRADFORD WOODS
REORGANIZATION MEETING
JANUARY 3, 2012 – 6:30 P.M (UNAPPROVED)
I. Mayor Murray opened the meeting and gave the Oath of Office to the
new council members: Linda Philpott, Gary Price and Robert Stryker
II. Volunteer of the Year Presentation
Mayor Murray revisited the criteria set forth for the choosing of this
award and proceeded to award Vicki Wiegand as the recipient for 2011.
Vicki was presented with the award and accepted with a great deal of
appreciation.
III. Selection of the Officers for the Bradford Woods Borough Council
A. President of Council
1. A motion was made by Robert Stryker, seconded by Gary Price to nominate
Patricia Mirth; a motion was made by Roy Wiegand, seconded by Don Lammers
to nominate David Baldonieri.
2. Mayor Murray called for a motion to close nominations.
A motion was made by Gary Price, seconded by Patricia Mirth to close
nominations. At this particular time Mayor Murray granted a 5 minute time
allotment to each candidate expressing their platforms to fill the
position of Council President
3. Roll call vote was as follows: Dave Baldonieri, self; Don Lammers,
Dave Baldonieri; Pat Mirth, self; Linda Philpott, Pat Mirth; Gary Price,
Pat Mirth; Bob Stryker, Pat Mirth; Roy Wiegand, Dave Baldonieri. The
vote count was 4 votes Pat Mirth to 3 votes Dave Baldonieri. Pat Mirth is
the Council President
B. Vice-President of Council
1. A motion was made by Patricia Mirth to nominate Dave Baldonieri.
Dave Baldonieri respectfully declined.
2. A motion was made by Roy Wiegand, seconded by Dave Baldonieri to
nominate Don Lammers; a motion was made by Patricia Mirth, seconded by
Robert Stryker to nominate Gary Price; a motion was made by Patricia
Mirth, seconded by Robert Stryker to close nominations. Mayor Murray
afforded both candidates to speak regarding their platforms to fill the
position of Council Vice-President.
3. Roll call vote was as follows: Dave Baldonieri, Don Lammers; Don
Lammers, self; Pat Mirth, Gary Price; Linda Philpott, Gary Price; Gary
Price, self; Bob Stryker, Gary Price; Roy Wiegand, Don Lammers. The vote
count was 4 votes Gary Price to 3 votes Don Lammers. Gary Price is the
Council Vice-President
C. Council President Pro-Tem
1. Gary Price nominated Don Lammers seconded by Pat Mirth; Mayor
Murray called for a motion to close nominations. A motion was made by
Gary Price, seconded by Bob Stryker to close nominations.
Don Lammers was appointed as President Pro-Tem by acclimation.
The meeting was then turned over to the new President of Council, Patricia
Mirth.
Patricia Mirth
A. Solicitor – motion made by Robert Stryker, seconded by Gary Price and
carried to retain the services of the Ira Weiss Law Firm.
B. Engineer – motion made by Gary Price, seconded by Don Lammers and
carried to retain the services of Lennon, Smith, Souleret.
C. Manager – motion made by Roy Wiegand, seconded by Gary Price and
carried to retain Mary Ann Moretti as Borough Manager.
D. Road Employee – Regis Friday – motion made by Don Lammers, seconded by
Roy Wiegand to appoint Regis Friday. Roll call vote as follows: Dave
Baldonieri, no; Don Lammers, yes; Patricia Mirth, no; Linda Philpott, no;
Gary Price, no; Bob Stryker, no; Roy Wiegand, yes. Vote was 5 to 2 to not
re-appoint Regis Friday.
E. Road Employee – Mark Helfferich – motion made by Linda Philpott,
seconded by Gary Price and carried to re-appoint Mark Helfferich.
F. Road Employee – Charles Provident - motion made by Gary Price, seconded
by Bob Stryker and carried to re-appoint Charles Provident.
G. Zoning Officer/Code Enforcement Officer – Al Akner - motion by Gary
Price, seconded by Bob Stryker and carried to re-appoint Al Akner.
H. Delinquent Real Estate Collector – Law Firm of Ira Weiss – motion made
by Roy Wiegand, seconded by Gary Price and carried to re-appoint Ira Weiss
Law Firm
As the Delinquent Real Estate Collector.
I. Borough Depository – Nextier Bank – a motion made by Don Lammers,
seconded by Gary Price and carried to appoint Nextier Bank as Borough
Depository.
J. Newspaper – Tribune Review – motion made by Gary Price, seconded by Bob
Stryker and carried to appoint Tribune Review as the newspaper of record.
K. Set day and time of meetings – 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. A
motion was made by Linda Philpott, seconded by Gary Price and carried to
set day and time of meetings.
L. Resolution 1 of 2012 appointment of Case Sabatini/CPA – a motion made
by
Don Lammers, seconded by Linda Philpott and carried to appoint Case
Sabatini as Borough CPA.
M. Resolution 2 of 2012 – Emergency Management Coordinator – motion made
by
Linda Philpott, seconded by Bob Stryker and carried to appoint Mayor
Murray as Emergency Coordinator for BW.
N. Council Committee Assignments for 2012 as per Patricia Mirth, President
are as
follows:
Public Safety – Chair, Roy Wiegand – Committee Members – Dave Baldonieri &
Bob Murray
Planning – Chair, Dave Baldonieri – Committee Members – Don Lammers, Bob
Stryker
Roads – Chair, Gary Price – Committee Members – Don Lammers & Bob Murray
Finance – Chair, Don Lammers - Committee Members – Bob Stryker & Gary
Price
Employee/COG – Chair, Pat Mirth – Committee Members – Linda Philpott, Bob
Murray
Public Relations/Newsletter – Chair, Bob Stryker – Committee Members –
Linda Philpott
Environment – Chair, Linda Philpott – Committee Members – Bob Stryker, Roy
Wiegand
O. Resolution 3 of 2012 – Planning Commission (2 applicants Tony
Muhlenkamp
& David Stark) – Linda Philpott made a motion to appoint David Stark,
seconded by Gary Price and carried.
P. Resolution 4 of 2012 – EPAC (2 applicants and 2 positions, Leslie
Kanter and
Joe Bayer) motion by Don Lammers, seconded by Linda Philpott and carried
to re-appoint Leslie Kanter and Joe Bayer to EPAC.
Q. Resolution 5 of 2012 – Vacancy Board – motion by Bob Stryker, seconded
by
Don Lammers and carried to reappoint Lorraine Houston to Vacancy Board.
R. Resolution 6 of 2012 – Delegate to Zoning Hearing Board – motion made
by Roy
Wiegand, seconded by Don Lammers and carried to reappoint Mark Edelmann as
the delegate to the Zoning Hearing Board; 2 applicants for alternate (Jeff
Holzapfel and Beth McCandless) a motion was made by Linda Philpott,
seconded by Bob Stryker and carried to appoint Beth McCandless as the
alternate on the Zoning Hearing Board. A motion was made by Don Lammers,
seconded by Roy Wiegand and carried to appoint Jeff Holzapfel. Beth
McCandless was appointed as alternate with a 5 to 2 vote.
IV. A motion was made by Linda Philpott, seconded by Roy Wiegand and
carried to adjourn the re-organization meeting. The meeting adjourned at
7:00 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 3, 2012 (UNAPPROVED)
The Bradford Woods Borough Council President, Patricia Mirth called
the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with Council
Members David Baldonieri, Don Lammers, Linda Philpott, Gary Price, Robert
Stryker and Roy Wiegand present. Also present were: Solicitor Janet
Burkardt and Mayor Murray
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA
None
MINUTES
The minutes from the meeting of December 12, 2011 were approved by a
motion from Roy Wiegand, seconded by Don Lammers. David Baldonieri wish to
adjust the composition of minutes as follows: 1.Second paragraph under
visitor change to” based on current number of N.A. residents attending
private schools, North Allegheny would be facing a 4 million dollar debt”.
2. Third paragraph “a referendum is the only way to fund the needed
capital projects for N.A. School District”. “If referendum is voted down,
then the school district will not be able to fund capital projects to
repair facilities and may be forced to close some schools”. 3. Fourth
paragraph “based on the growing population forecast, N.A. has no plans to
sell any buildings or facilities”. 4. Eighth paragraph “district was up to
date on payments, but the pension system may still be underfunded due to
stock decline of the last two years”.
Financial report – David Baldonieri thanked Richard Smith for his monthly
detailed reports. Motion carried with corrections being made.
BOROUGH REPORTS
A. Mayor
Mayor wanted to make a clarification under the committee assignments
regarding his placement on the Police Board. He indicated that he cannot
vote, as he not a voting member of the Bradford Woods Council. He can
attend meetings.
Mayor wanted to inform Council that a meeting with the Red Cross is
scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2012 regarding a ‘table top’ exercise
that is an extension of the classes that were held at the Borough office.
B. No Committee reports
1. Pay and Ratify checks 12/15/2011 to 1/3/2012 – motion made by Don
Lammers to pay and ratify checks contingent upon Don’s review with Mary
Ann of the checks, seconded by Roy Wiegand and carried.
C. Solicitor
Janet Burkardt had no report but wanted to touch base on the reassessment
issue. Janet indicated that the Borough would be required to change their
millage if assessed valuation was over 5%. This would make the increased
assessed value ‘revenue neutral”. If reassessments were done last June and
not delayed, appeals could have been filed, and adjustments made to
alleviate problems. Even though a home may receive an increased property
value, the taxes may not necessarily be increased due to the ‘revenue
neutral’ requirement.
Janet also wished to thank Borough Council for the reappointment of the
Ira Weiss Law Firm as the Borough solicitor.
Old Business
Don Lammers wanted to recognize David Baldonieri for his many years on
Council as President and asked for a round of applause.
New Business
None
Adjournment
A motion was made by Gary Price, seconded by Bob Stryker and carried to
adjourn the regular meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________ ________________
BOROUGH OF BRADFORD WOODS
REGULAR
MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2011 (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 Tom Demianczyk, Don Lammers, Patricia Mirth, Richard Smith and Roy
Wiegand present. Paul Pongrace was excused absent. Also present were:
Solicitor Janet Burkardt, Mayor Murray and Borough Manager, Mary Ann
Moretti.
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA
None
VISITOR
Dr. Gualtieri, Superintendent of the N.A. School District attended the
Borough meeting giving a brief synopsis of the proposals presented by the
school board regarding the future of our school buildings, and in
particular information regarding the B.W. Elementary building. Dr.
Gualtieri indicated that the scenario of closing schools, raising taxes,
budgetary restrictions and state aid is being faced by many schools across
the Commonwealth and Country. A demographic study was presented to the
school board in August and Dr. Gualtieri was not able to provide a level
of detail on each of the 15 proposals, but he was able to present areas of
concerns such as the B.W. Elementary school being the oldest school
building in the district and in need of 18 million dollars of renovations.
One of the proposals was making BW Elementary a school for K-2 children.
The Act I State mandates have forced local boards to take money from the
capital improvement fund and place them in the general operations to
fulfill state requirements.
Dr. Gualtieri touched upon the possibility of additional revenues through
the sale of advertisements on the web site, the newsletter, on buses and
in the schools i.e., cafeteria, etc. The possibility of joining partners
with other school districts such as charter schools, private schools,
performing arts along with the collection of tuitions is being discussed.
He did indicate that if the voucher system is passed, based on the current
number of N.A. residents attending private schools, North Allegheny could
be facing a maximum of a 4 million dollar expense.
Dr. Gualtieri discussed placing a large tax increase on a referendum to
fund both programs and capital projects under Act I provisions. He
indicated that if the referendum is voted down, then the school district
will not be able to fund capital projects to repair facilities and may be
forced to close some schools. He said that he has had approximately eleven
years of experience in referendum issues and this is the only way to fund
the needed capital projects for N.A. School District.
Dave Baldonieri wanted to know if the school board has given any thought
to what use they may be looking at for the BW Elementary school if closed.
Dr. Gualtieri said that he does not believe any discussion has occurred on
this issue, but that the school would continue to be maintained and not
left in unsuitable condition. Based on the growing population forecast,
N.A. has no plans to sell any buildings or facilities.
Tom Demianczyk wanted to know if there is a program to spread out
renovations. Dr. Gualtieri said that since the inception of Act I all
monies are being allocated for general operations first and then if any
thing left put into a capital improvement fund. This has not been
occurring as the Act 1 mandates have been significant.
Roy Wiegand wanted to know if the school board proceeds with placing a
referendum on the ballot in what election time frame would this occur. Dr.
Gualtieri said in all likely hood it would be during a May election, as
this time frame would be better suited for the school board actions.
Lorraine Houston also questioned the referendum issue as being an extreme
measure without any input on academics or keeping the high standards of
education. Dr. Gualtieri encouraged parents to attend the school board
meetings and ask these kinds of questions.
Bob Walsh questioned Dr. Gualtieri if there are any outstanding loans
owned by N.A. or wrap around debt. The school district does indeed have
outstanding bonds which were used to fund prior projects.
Jeff Muhlenkamp and Patricia Mirth had questions regarding the teachers’
pension benefits. They wanted to know if the school district is up to date
on their financial obligations. Dr. Gualtieri said the school district is
up to date on their payments, but the pension system may still be
underfunded due to stock decline of the last two years. Presently 75% of
the NA budget is for salaries and benefits. A program is being considered
for retirement attritions in increments. Dan Beaven asked if there is any
consideration being given to changing or reducing teacher’s benefits. Dr.
Gualtieri said that the wages are negotiated via union contract and the
retirement benefits are provided by state laws.
Don Lammers said the BW Elementary has the highest performance rating of
all the NA schools and do you factor that in your decision. Dr. Gualtieri
indicated that all of the NA schools have high academic ratings, but he
doubts if the outside consultants take this in consideration when
providing financial data.
Ginny Griffin was concerned about the potential increase in class sizes.
At the present time her son is in a kindergarten class of 25 students and
one teacher. Dr. Gualtieri said there are other elementary schools with
only 15 students and this has to be leveled out. A lot of parents only
want the morning sessions of kindergarten, which is creating small
afternoon sessions. The class size may not increase over 25 students if
this can be monitored.
Dave Baldonieri thanked Dr. Gualtieri for attending and giving his input.
Dave felt that the school board is facing a multitude of serious decisions
and encouraged all residents to attend the school board meetings.
MINUTES
The minutes from the November 14, 2011 meeting were approved by a motion
from Richard Smith, seconded by Pat Mirth and carried with a correction
submitted by Roy Wiegand to the Manager’s report concerning “no hunting”
signs. The Game Commission law provides a 50 yard safety zone buffer from
any residence during archery season and not 50 ft. as report.
BOROUGH REPORTS
A. Mayor
The Mayor wished to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing council
members: Tom Demianczyk, Paul Pongrace and Richard Smith. He thanked them
for their service to the community and encouraged them to come back and
attend meetings. Richard Smith wanted to thank the voters for their
support during his tenure.
B. Manager
1. Various Board Openings – (1) four year term on Planning Commission; (1)
three year term on the Zoning Hearing Board as a delegate and (1) three
year as an alternate; (2) three year terms on the EPAC Committee and (1)
year term on the Vacancy Board. Mary Ann indicated that the present term
holders will be contacted as to their willingness to be reappointed as
well as taking letters of interest from any resident seeking these
positions.
2. Letter written to EPA via the NHCOG was presented to Council for their
review regarding the Pine Creek Watershed and the mandates of testing. Art
Gazdik wrote this letter on behalf of the COG members stating objections
to the flawed testing’s of EPA and the unnecessary remedies that could
possibly be imposed.
3. Resolution 6 of 2011 – Police Pension Employee Contribution by the
Northern Regional Police Department and the setting of this as 5% of their
compensation. A motion was made by Richard Smith, seconded by Pat Mirth
and carried to accept Resolution 6 of 2011 for the setting of the employee
contribution amount.
4. Reorganization meeting of the New Year is set by Borough Code to be on
January 3, 2012. Mary Ann requested Council to begin at 6:30 p.m. due to
the amount of information to act on. Council agreed to begin at 6:30 p.m.
C. Solicitor
No report.
Committee Reports
A. Finance
1. A motion to pay and ratify checks as presented from 11/15/2011 to
12/12/2011 was made by Pat Mirth, seconded by Tom Demianczyk and carried.
2. Financial report for November, 2011 was presented by Richard Smith.
Dave Baldonieri thanked Dick for his monthly detailed reports as they were
helpful in the financial forecast of the Borough finances.
B. Safety
1. Dave Baldonieri referred to the letter from the Northern Regional
Police Department and their withdrawal of an Unfair Labor Action. This
action was due to complications of wording concerning the police pension.
2. Chief Slater reported there were no fire calls since last meeting and
the fire company is presently at 24 calls for the year. Dave Baldonieri
took this opportunity to thank Chief Slater for his service and to welcome
Vince Cannella as the new Chief.
C. Roads
No report.
D. Planning
Roy Wiegand reported there was one building permit issued in November: 915
Dale Ave.
Alteration – Value $65,000
E. Employee-Public Relations/COG Report
1. Pat Mirth reported that all employees have received their evaluations.
She indicated that a meeting was conducted for the three road workers. Don
Lammers said he attended the meeting and it was a good meeting.
2. Pat Mirth said there is no additional news from the NHCOG other than
the letter concerning the Pine Creek Watershed testing.
F. Environment
No report. Dave Baldonieri thanked Tom Demianczyk for his efforts on this
committee and appreciated what he had accomplished.
Old Business
Dave Baldonieri indicated that the snow indicators on all of the fire
hydrants are in place.
New Business
None
Adjournment
A motion was made by Richard Smith, seconded by Roy Wiegand and carried to
adjourn the regular meeting. Time was 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________ ________________
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