Mayor’s Report

Council Meeting, October 11, 2021, Actions Taken.

The following actions were taken at the Monessen City Council meeting on October 11, 2021.

The meeting was called to order at 7 pm.

Roll call was given. All council members were present.

Pledge to the flag.

Minutes were approved for the September 14, 2021 Meeting.

Residents addressed City Council regarding S 14th Street and some inaccuracies from the previous month’s meeting.

The floor was opened to Public Comments on Agenda Items.

Correspondence:

A Citation for Officer Alan Hritz for commendable actions.
Youth and Young Citizens Board Minutes from September 16, 2021 meeting.
Recreation Board minutes from August 23, 2021 meeting.
Reminder, the Halloween Parade is scheduled for Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 7pm in Downtown Monessen.
Reminder, Monessen Trick or Treat will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 1–3pm.
Reminder, Monessen Trunk or Treat will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 4–6pm.

Old Business: N/A

City Treasurer’s Report was given for the month ending Sept. 2021

The report was approved, 5–0.

Some highlights of the report are as follows:

Real Estate taxes collected for Sept. 2021, $15,227.65
Current Garbage Collected for Sept. 2021, $4,191.00
Delinquent Garbage Collected for Sept. 2021, $3,890.90
Delinquent Garbage Collected for Sept. 2021 by Portnoff, $3,685.90

Tax Distribution:
General fund: $1,404,835.51
Debt Service Fund: $482,098.67
Parks Fund: $241,049.33
Library Fund: $48,209.87

1 mill = $58,430.63

Real Estate Transfer Tax Collected for Sept., $7,286.45
Earned Income Tax Collected for Sept., $71,898.90
Mercantile Tax Collected for Sept., $373.59
Local Services Tax Collected for Sept., $2,262.09
Tax Certifications Collected for Sept., $1,910.00
Municipal Lien Letters Collected for Sept., $1,050.00

City Controller’s report was given for the month ending Sept. 30, 2021. The reconciled balance to the bank statement is $44,107.81.

New Business:

Mayor Shorraw:

A Motion to approve Resolution №27 of 2021, a Resolution of the City of Monessen, Westmoreland County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, approving and authorizing the submission of the FY 2021 CDBG Application.
(Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to approve Resolution №28 of 2021, a Resolution of the City of Monessen, Westmoreland County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, approving the Fair Housing Resolution for the City of Monessen.
(Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to approve Resolution №29 of 2021, a Resolution of the City of Monessen, Westmoreland County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a statement of goals in compliance with the National Program for Minority and Women Business Enterprises, Executive Order 11625. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to approve Resolution №30 of 2021, a Resolution of the City of Monessen, Westmoreland County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, authorizing and approving the transfer of funds received by the City of Monessen under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to a separate account; amending the 2021 Budget of the City of Monessen to add and reflect such revenue; authorizing the expenditure of (SLFRF) for emergency and first responder communication equipment, revenue replacement, legal and other consultation expenses, and administrative expenses; authorizing the transfer and use of interest earned on (SLFRF) to the General Fund; authorizing the preparation and filing of necessary reports; acknowledging the use of (SLFRF); and authorizing related actions. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to approve the final reading and adopt Ordinance №1249, an Ordinance of the City of Monessen, Westmoreland County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, defining public nuisances for structures and properties; providing for the reporting and investigation of public nuisances; providing for summary abatement and abatement by prior notice of public nuisance; providing for statements of cost, administrative fees, and civil penalties for abatement of public abatement nuisances; enabling liens and establishing owner personal liability; providing for notice and appeal of public nuisance actions and statements of cost; repealing all inconsistent ordinances; and providing for an effective date. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to approve the final reading and adopt Ordinance №1250, an Ordinance of the City of Monessen, Westmoreland County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, adopting provisions of the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act 90 of 2010; providing for permit denial and asset attachment; and providing for an effective date. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to approve the final reading and adopt Ordinance №1251, an Ordinance of the City of Monessen, Westmoreland County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 172 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Monessen, pertaining to the Uniform Construction Code; establishing procedures for accepting, processing, and deliberating on such appeals; and providing for an effective date. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to relocate the plaque honoring Anthony Madison, from Pavilion 3 of City Park and relocating the plaque to the River Launch Pavilion, at the request of the family. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to accept Facade Grant Applications (8) Applicants for the following Downtown Businesses:

Evans Graphics, Chateau Lounge, Donner Flats, Steel Plate, Mon Valley iPhone Repair, AJ’s Ceramics, East North Machine LLC, Greater Monessen Historical Society. The total cost of the grant fund awarded to the City for this project is $27,141. Applicants will be required to provide an equal match to the funds they receive, as per grant guidelines. The total remaining in the grant fund is $25,859. Eligible applicants (Downtown Businesses) may still apply for these remaining funds. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to approve advertising in the local newspaper to accept sealed bids for a 2010 Explorer, that has been deployed for five years.
(Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to approve ratification for the closure of the City Building, any effect on affected employees, and with Amazon Studios, and Picrow Streaming Inc. “Sprung”. Included is a copy of a $15,000 check to the City of Monessen for being an excellent partner in this production. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to approve the request letter for recognition of a nonconforming use at 101 Knox Avenue. Robert Lawrence’s intention is to open a convenience store at this location. Attached you will find a list of previous store owners that occupied this location. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion for the forgiveness of taxes of $880.66 to the City of Monessen. Tax Map:20–02–02–0–335. 685 Reed Avenue. The city was provided with a copy of the deed and a signed development agreement. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion for the forgiveness of taxes of $7,882.28 to the City of Monessen. Tax Map:20–02–03–0–301. 158 Schoonmaker Avenue. The city was provided with a copy of the deed and a signed development agreement.
(Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion for the forgiveness of taxes of $3,674.39 to the City of Monessen. Tax Map:20–02–02–0–240. 483 McKee Avenue. The city was provided with a copy of the deed and a signed development agreement. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion for the forgiveness of taxes of $5,228.73 to the City of Monessen. Tax Map: 20–02–08–0–159. 207 Lenawee Avenue. The city was provided with a copy of the deed and a signed development agreement.
(Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to approve a request for a handicap parking space at 424 McKee Avenue. Police approved. (Vote Approved: 5–0)

A Motion to approve hiring two certified eligible applicants as part-time employees for the Police Department. Mark Shemansky, David Doroshkevich
(Vote Approved: 5–0)

There was no police report for the month ending September 2021.

Councilwoman Thomas:

The Street Report for the month ending Sept. 2021 was read.
The Library Board Report for the month ending Sept. 2021 was read.
The Redevelopment Authority Report for the month ending Sept. 2021 was read.
Discussion regarding the stop sign at the intersection of Donner Avenue and Fifth Street.

Councilman Orzechowski:

The Parks Report for the month ending Sept. 2021 was read.

Councilman Gregor:

Code Enforcement Office Financial Report ending Sept. 2021
Code Enforcement Activity Report ending Sept. 2021
Mon Valley Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Report ending Sept. 2021
Fire department Report ending Sept. 2021
Mon Valley Sewage Authority Report for Sept. 2021 was read.

Councilman Coles:

A Motion to approve payment of invoices — General Fund $331,398.57
(Vote Approved: 5–0)
A Motion to approve payment of invoices — Line Usage $79,558.31
(Vote Approved: 5–0)
A Motion to approve payment of invoices — Park Fund $11,546.50
(Vote Approved: 5–0)
A Motion to approve payment of invoices — Recreation $363.96
(Vote Approved: 5–0)

Large Dollar Account balances, for the month ending Sept.:
Debt Service $489,560.68
General Fund $263,935.49
American Rescue $173,450.69
Parks & Recreation $ 88,892.18
Line Usage $35,781.55

The floor was opened to public comment.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:24pm.

MS