M I N U T E S AGENDA MEETING OF HAMPTON TOWNSHIP COUNCIL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2017

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1 AGENDA MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 President Son called to order the Agenda Meeting of Hampton Township Council at 7:30 pm in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building located at 3101 McCully Road, Allison Park, Pennsylvania. Those present: V. Son, President; R. Dunlap, S. Neugebauer, C. Montgomery, Members; J. Speakman, Controller; V. Tucceri, Legal Counsel; W.C. Lochner, Municipal Manager. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE NORTH HILLS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS GARBAGE, RECYCLING, AND HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL BIDS Mr. Lochner explained that Hampton is one of seven municipalities that participates in a consortium for a solid waste and recycling contract. He reported that bidding was conducted approximately one month previously, with Waste Management submitting the only bid. Mr. Lochner discussed the other waste and recycling providers in the area and why they did not submit any bids. He recommended that Council enter into a contract with Waste Management, which would have a duration of four years with an option for a fifth year. Mr. Montgomery noted that the cost at the end of the five-year period would be $22.73, which is only slightly higher than the current cost. Mr. Son questioned if the service levels will change, to which Mr. Lochner replied no. The contract will continue to cover unlimited pickup service, as well as the household hazardous waste program at no additional cost. Mr. Montgomery summarized discussions that were held at the North Hills COG regarding this issue. Mr. Lochner discussed the Township s coverage costs and service levels in relation to surrounding areas. Several remarks were exchanged regarding the potential for other municipalities to rejoin the North Hills COG regarding the solid waste and recycling contracts. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE 2018 MINIMUM MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS FOR THE GENERAL EMPLOYEES, GENERAL EMPLOYEES DEFINED CONTRIBUTION, AND THE POLICE PENSION PLANS Mr. Lochner stated that the total cost for the Township s MMOs in 2018 will be $42,000 less than it was in Mr. Son discussed the economic factors that affect the MMO costs. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MUNICIPAL MANAGER TO SIGN A PENNDOT APPLICATION FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS ALONG ROUTE 8 Mr. Son stated that this item pertains to traffic signal improvements that are paid for by the State. Mr. Lochner explained that this is a digital system that uses cameras to automatically adjust the timing of the traffic lights. He stated that, while the State pays for the equipment and installation, the maintenance costs would be the responsibility of the Township. He commented that the length 1

2 of the warranty is five years at a cost of $250 per month. Mr. Son asked if the camera footage could be used if there is a crime committed in the surrounding area. Mr. Lochner replied no and explained that the system does use cameras but does not take or store video footage. He stated that the Chief of Police is currently investigating different options for cameras at key intersections that could be viewed if a crime is committed. Mr. Montgomery stated that the anti-glare lenses being used in new stoplights are very difficult to see. Mr. Lochner replied that the State controls the design of the lights and submits all of the permits for the work. He reported that the State will pay for all the cameras and installation, plus the first five-year warranty. They will also provide an additional backup camera in case maintenance is needed on one of the units. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE GENERAL EMPLOYEES PENSION PLAN Mr. Lochner stated the Township is requesting authorization to advertise for the potential ordinance, which would be enacted in October. He explained that this item relates to changes in the Local 205 Collective Bargaining Agreement that altered the pension plan. These alterations have been incorporated into the proposed ordinance. Mr. Tucceri confirmed that he is conferring with the Township to verify that the ordinance conforms to the contract. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE RELATING TO ACT 172 VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT Mr. Lochner commented that Act 172 was adopted last year, which allows active volunteer firefighters to take a credit against their earned income tax, property tax, or both. He reported that the municipal managers at the North Hills COG collectively asked the volunteer fire chiefs to submit a report as to how they would manage the program and what the credit arrangement would be. He stated that the fire chiefs proposed a credit maximum of $300. Mr. Lochner described the process of applying for this credit. Several remarks were exchanged regarding how to incorporate this into the Budget, as well as the Township s risk exposure. Mr. Montgomery stated that the total cost to the Township should be minimal. Mr. Lochner verified that the credits filed in Hampton would go against the firefighter s earned income tax. PUBLIC SAFETY BUSINESS Nothing was brought before Council for discussion. COMMUNITY SERVICES BUSINESS Mr. Son and Mr. Zarenko briefly discussed the status of the paving program and the Community Pool. 2

3 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES BUSINESS Mr. Degnan reported that one of the Township s pump stations has been experiencing repeated breakdowns and mechanical problems due to flushable wipes. He remarked that the pumps have been breaking down monthly. Each time this happens Township staff has to open up the machinery and cut the wipes out from inside. He stated that, to try to help with this situation, the Township mailed letters earlier that day to everyone within that pump station s watershed informing them of the problem. The letter asked that the residents do not flush these wipes and included literature explaining why the wipes are so destructive. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE RELATED TO THE ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE Mr. Son stated that a Public Hearing will be held on September 27, 2017 regarding the proposed updates. These changes are the result of previous meetings with residents who identified several zoning regulations that are frequently the subject of variance requests to the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Orban explained that most of the changes relate to things like the setback requirements for small accessory structures or pools. The proposed amendments would create a tiered system so that smaller accessory structures that are less than 12 high can be set closer to the property lines. Mr. Son stated that Council could vote on this item following the public hearing at the next meeting. He noted that Council wanted to expedite these amendments to grant relief to the Township s residents as soon as possible. Mr. Orban summarized the review comments from Allegheny County and noted that they did not require any substantive changes. Mr. Son remarked that this will be the second recent update to the Zoning Ordinance. Council also recently revised the commercial zoning regulations after receiving comments from multiple business owners in the Township. TOLOMEO PRELIMINARY/FINAL SUBDIVISION (16-18) The applicant is proposing to subdivide a lot containing an existing single-family dwelling into four lots on an existing private road in an RB zoning district. Mr. Orban stated that the applicant has granted another extension for the review of this application through the October meetings. He recommended that Council accept this extension and table the application through the end of October. Mr. Son asked if there is a limit to how long they can keep extending this. Mr. Orban replied that Council can continue extending the application until they choose not to. Mr. Dunlap and Mr. Orban discussed the reasons why the developer has continued to grant extensions for the review of this application. 3

4 DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE RELATED TO THE TAKEOVER OF THE HAMPTON WOODLANDS DEVELOPMENT Mr. Orban reported that the Township recently received a request to turn over the roads and storm sewers in the Hampton Woodlands development. He noted that there are several items that need to be addressed prior to Council voting on this request, however, the developer is working to resolve those issues. He remarked that, if everything is in order, Township staff and the engineer will be recommending approval of this request. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO TAKEOVER THE HAMPTON WOODLANDS SANITARY SYSTEM Mr. Orban stated that, in conjunction with the request for takeover of the Hampton Woodlands, the developer has requested to turn over the sanitary system as well. He explained that the sanitary system takeover must be handled separately from the development since one is done by resolution and the other by ordinance. As with the previous item, Mr. Orban commented that, if everything is in order, Township staff and the engineer will be recommending approval of this request. Mr. Son and Mr. Orban discussed the outstanding engineering items. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED RESOLUTION RELATED TO THE TAKEOVER OF THE WOODWIND PLAN OF LOTS PHASE 2 SANITARY SYSTEM Mr. Orban stated that the Township is currently waiting for as-built plans and the report from the televising of the sanitary lines. He added that, if those items have been received and approved by the Township engineer prior to the next meeting, then he will recommend approval of this request. Otherwise, Township staff would recommend tabling this item to the October meetings. IMPROVEMENTS SECURITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE HAMPTON SHOPPES/STARBUCKS REVISED SITE PLAN Mr. Orban stated that this will be a final release of the improvements security for this project. He noted that the Township engineer is not anticipating any major problems, however, the final recommendation will be based upon the engineer s report, which has not yet been received. IMPROVEMENTS SECURITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE O REILLY AUTOMOTIVE REVISED SITE PLAN Mr. Orban stated that this development is just about finished. He commented that there are a few minor engineering items that need to be completed, however, he anticipated recommending approval if all outstanding items have been resolved. 4

5 IMPROVEMENTS SECURITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE O REILLY AUTOMOTIVE HOP PERFORMANCE BOND Mr. Orban explained that this site has a stormwater system that overflows into the State owned stormwater system along Route 8. As such, the State requires the property owner to obtain a Highway Occupancy Permit, for which the Township must be the applicant. Since the Township will be responsible for this connection, the HOP Agreement signed by the Developer requires them to establish a maintenance bond once they finish the project. Mr. Orban stated that this maintenance bond is not yet in place. He noted that the developer has been notified that this item is outstanding and must be received prior to Council s Regular Meeting. Mr. Russ and Mr. Orban discussed the purpose of the maintenance bond. IMPROVEMENTS SECURITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE HAMPTON PLACE FINAL CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION Mr. Orban stated that this request is currently under review. He noted that he does not know what the Township engineer s recommendation will be since there are numerous issues with the development that must be resolved. Mr. Orban commented that he is conferring with the solicitor, but those issues will be taken into consideration when formulating a recommendation. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Lochner reported that Girl Scout Troop #53245 will attend the September 27, 2017 Regular Meeting to address Township Council regarding bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and pollution. Mr. Lochner stated that the Municipal Building s underground fuel storage tanks and the associated monitoring system have failed. He noted that this was anticipated and was included in the 2017 Capital Improvements Budget. The low bidder for the repairs was Petroleum Technical Services at a total cost not to exceed $17,000. Several remarks were exchanged regarding the scope of the repairs that will be covered by this $17,000. Mr. Lochner commented that he recently received a letter from the Hampton Volunteer Fireman s Association requesting that Council approve a seven-member committee to discuss future operations and consolidation. The committee would include Mr. Lochner and three members from each volunteer fire department. 5

6 There being no further items for discussion, Mr. Son adjourned the Agenda Meeting at 7:57 pm. Susan A. Bernet, Clerk of Council Victor D. Son, President of Council 6