Mayor’s Report

Council Meeting, April 14, actions taken.

Meeting was called to order at 7 pm. This meeting was closed to the public, due to COVID-19 emergency declarations. The public was given the opportunity from April 9 to April 14, 2020 to submit general public comment or public comment on agenda items.

Roll call was given. All were present. (Councilman Orzechowski and Councilwoman Thomas were present via conference telephone.)

Pledge to the flag.

Minutes were approved for the March 10, 2020 meeting.
(Vote approved: 5–0)

No residents had public comment on any agenda items.

Correspondance to the Pittsburgh Foundation and Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, thanking them for their grant of $100,000 to the city, in order to purchase two new hybrid police vehicles and cover the cost of maintenance for said vehicles.

Old Business: Council ratified the extension of the Mayor’s March 17, 2020 City of Monessen Emergency Declaration, due to the health and public safety impacts of COVID-19 indefinitely, until ended by council.
(Vote approved: 5–0)

The City Treasurer Gerald Saksun read the City Treasurer’s Report for the month ending March 2020.
(Vote approved: 5–0)

The City Controller Kevin Parker read the City Controller’s Report for the month ending March 2020.
(Vote approved: 5–0)

New Business:

Mayor Shorraw introduced and conducted the first reading of Bill Number 1 of 2020: ORDINANCE APPROVING COLLECTION PROCEDURES AND ADOPTING INTEREST AND SCHEDULE OF ATTORNEY FEES AND CHARGES TO BE ADDED TO THE AMOUNT COLLECTED AS PART OF UNPAID MUNICIPAL CLAIMS FOR DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS.
(Vote approved: 5–0)

Mayor Shorraw motioned to award to A. Folino Construction, Inc. the contract for $128,998.00 as the lowest responsible bidder for 2020 CDBG Roadway Rehabilitation Project — Phase 1 (Grand Blvd.) (MON-2020–02).
(Vote approved: 5–0)

Mayor Shorraw motioned to award Reynolds Brothers, Inc. the contract for $49,986.00 for demolition and site clearance project Phase 1 (arson houses) (MON-2020–01) paid for by CDBG funds, consisting of the following properties: 1000 Alaska Alley, 408 Reed Ave, 517 Tenth Street, and 908–910 Knox Ave.).
(Vote approved: 5–0)

Mayor Shorraw motioned to pay Morgan Excavating, L.P. $161,508.74 for the completion of the Third Street Sanitary Sewer Overflow Emergency Repair Project upon inspection, compliance with all contract terms and certification of completion.
(Vote approved: 5–0)

Mayor Shorraw issued a proclamation to the Monessen Tobacco-Free Coalition, declaring the month of May: “Protect our Children from Tobacco Smoke and E-Cigarette Vapor Month”.

Mayor Shorraw read the police report.

Councilwoman Thomas read the street department report.

There was no Library Board Report

There was no Redevelopment Authority Report.

Councilwoman Thomas motioned to approve the transfer of the eleven properties to the Monessen Redevelopment Authority for the sole purpose of effectuating the sales through the side yard program. The eleven properties consist of: 1021 Knox Ave., 477 Motheral Ave., 335 Chestnut St., 801 Rostraver St., Allison Street Lots 272, 273, 274, 1104 Summit Ave., 473 Motheral Ave., 413 Chestnut St., 403 Chestnut St., 972 Leeds Ave.
(Vote approved: 5–0)

Councilman Orzechowski read the Parks and Recreation Report

Councilman Gregor read the Code Office Report.

Councilman Gregor read the Code Office Financial Report.

Councilman Gregor read the Fire report.

There was no EMS report.

Councilman Coles motioned to approve the payment of current bills totaling $9,418.31.
(Vote approved: 5–0)

Councilman Coles mentioned that the following large bills from 2019 are still pending: Police Pension: $227,000; Refuse Authority: $138,000.

All other outstanding bills from last year have been paid.

The following large bill for 2020 is still pending: Health Care Insurance: $140,000.

All other outstanding bills for this year have been paid.

Large account balances as of March 31st:
General Fund: $224,000
Liquid Fuels: $310,000
Line Usage: $105,000

Mayor Shorraw motioned to approve the purchase of a John Deere Model 5100M tractor and 18 foot Bengal Boom Mower from Stephenson Equipment, Inc. for a total price of $129,647.00. This equipment will be purchased with liquid fuels money under the PA agriculture/grounds keeping type power equipment. Purchased from the Co-Stars program.
(Vote approved: 4–1)

Mayor Shorraw motioned to approve the purchase of a Tractor B2601HSD for $12,399.00 out of the Parks and Recreation account from Kubota Tractor Corporation. Purchased from the Co-Stars program.
(Vote approved: 4–1)

Mayor Shorraw motioned to approve the purchase of a Tractor B2601HSD for $10,062.40 out of the Parks and Recreation account from Kubota Tractor Corporation. Purchased from the Co-Stars program.
(Vote approved: 4–1)

Mayor Shorraw motioned to approve the purchase of a Land Pride rear deck FDR1660–13–31 from Murphy Family Inc. for $2,412.25 under the Parks and Recreation Account. Purchased from the Co-Stars program.
(Vote approved: 4–1)

Two residents submitted general public comment via phone, and in writing.

Meeting adjourned at 8:28 pm.

MS