APRIL 19, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
PRESENT
VISITORS
MINUTES
BILLS
808 MAIN STREET EAST
Council in regular session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in council chambers. President McNally presiding.
Dennis McNally, President Alfred Noble, Vice President Peter Burton
Kathy Lyons Jeanne Miller Gregg Mitcho Robert “Doc” Orr
Robert Stubenbort, Borough Manager Robert Kremenik, Mayor
Joseph Yochim, Solicitor Mark Corey, Engineer
Kevin Rafferty, Chief of Police
Dennis McDonald, Public Works Supervisor
Shirley Hall Larry Russell Bev Bible Xander Currier Steve Kopac Ginger Cinti Jim Simonelli Mark Signorino Brian Schridler
Alexander Brzozwski
Motion by Councilmember Orr to approve the minutes from the March 15, 2021 council meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Mitcho. All in favor. Motion carried.
Councilmember Orr asked about the bills for Mattson Auto Sales. There are two 2017 cars. One car is #10 and the other is #20.
Both cars had their snow tires removed. Motion by Councilmember Mitcho to approve the bills. Seconded by Councilmember Lyons.
Mr. Stubenbort stated that the Planning Commission recommended that Council grant preliminary and final approval of proposed development of 808 Main St, East for Scotian Enterprises LLC. This is the former Lake Side Auto property across from Sheetz. If approved, the current building will be razed, and a new building will be established. Steve Kopac from David Laird & Associates as well as Brian Schridler and Alex Brzowski from Baldwin Brothers spoke to council regarding the Tim Hortons project at 808 Main St, East and answered questions from council. All permits have been obtained and they are hoping to start building this spring. Councilmember Miller asked what they are going to do with all of the office furniture in the existing building. Mr.\ Kopac said they will donate some of it and scrap other pieces. Councilmember Burton mentioned that the only thing different on this plan since December is that the building looks to be larger. Mr. Kopac said that more square footage was needed so it is slightly larger. Mr. Stubenbort asked when demolition was planned. Mr. Kopac said hopefully in the next three weeks. Motion by Councilmember Miller to approve the Tim Hortons Project at 808 Main St, East. Seconded by Councilmember Orr. All in favor. Motion carried.
COMMUNITY
COMMENTS Xander Currier from Boy Scout Troop 53 spoke to council about a project he would like to propose for Wells Park or a different location in the borough. He is working on his Eagle Scout project and would like to propose a 4×4 map board showing historical landmarks in the area. He does have some funds for the project in his scout account but would still need to seek donations as well. It would be open for discussion as to where to place the map board in the borough. Councilmember Burton asked Xander when he planned on doing the project. He said sometime this year. President McNally told Xander to coordinate with Mr. Stubenbort who will keep council informed.
Mark Signorino who is working with Jim Simonelli updated council on the parking lot for fisherman at the end of Old Ridge Road. Mr. Signorino is the representative from Gem City Outdoorsmans Club. He is on a State Fish & Boat Committee called the Lake Erie Advisory Council. The council works on projects such as stream improvements and access to the lake whether it be boating or stream fishing. At a meeting held on April 5, 2021 Mr. Signorino asked the advisory board about the Girard Borough (Old Route 20} parking lot access.
The Fish and Boat Commission would like to purchase the property.
Shirley Hall said she read an article that the Meals on Wheels program has openings for people with permanent disabilities ages 18 to 59. They may receive two free meals per day Monday through Friday. This is for people outside of the City of Erie. Girard Borough is included in this program. If someone meets the requirements they can call Meals on Wheels and get set up for this program.
Shirley Hall also said she has a picture of the old Hotel if council would like it. The owners of the Hotel at the time were going to have a tour of the building in 2011and they had pictures printed out.
Larry Russell mentioned that at the last months meeting council was looking for some suggestions as to what to do with the land after the old Hotel was razed. He printed out a few pictures for council. The first is a distant photo of the gazebo at Avonia Beach in Fairview. The second picture is of the Perry Monument. Mr. Russell said that maybe we could possibly put in some type of tiered brick platform. Councilmember Lyons said this is the kind of idea that we need the community to share with us. Councilmember Mitcho said that Fairview did a really nice job on the corner of Avonia and Route 20. Also, the Northeast corner of 8th Street and the Bayfront Parkway looks nice.
There are many ways to improve the corner of Main Street and Rice Avenue and all ideas are welcome.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
MAYOR/POLICE
Councilmember Burton asked if we would be putting in the floor at the Public Works Garage this year. Mr. Stubenbort said that the public works employees will continue to prepare for cement as time allows. We did budget to put in the lift.
Councilmember Burton said that the new sidewalk list is still being worked on.
Councilmember Orr said that Andrew Pennock, Emergency Management Coordinator put in about 200 hours last month. Nineteen hours was for training and the rest was activities and fires. He suggested a burning ban on social media. He is also working on a ECGRA Grant for some equipment for the West County Communication Center.
Mayor Kremenik said the new TRACS software system in the police cars is working well.
Chief Rafferty said he can now get his incidents report from the CAD system from the 911Dispatch Center. The previous list came from our old reporting system and if an officer did not have a report completed it did not show up. With the CAD system the statistics are more accurate. Since the TRACS system has been implemented, traffic enforcement has become more proactive.
Chief Rafferty mentioned that last year President Trump enacted some rules for Law Enforcement pertaining to use of force. The Federal Government have required that an accredited unit must certify police departments in order for them to be eligible for federal grants and funds. Pennsylvania has appointed the PA Chiefs Association and they have sent out a flyer explaining what is required. After reviewing our policies and their requirements and regulations no adjustments have to be made for the Girard Borough Police Department.
Chief Rafferty said he will have more information next month about Act 59 which Pennsylvania has just enacted. This will require a statewide reporting system for officers involved in certain types of discipline. There will be mandatory reporting on this. Also, one of the sections of Act 59 is for counseling. Most of Act 59 involves no cost to the municipality except for counseling. Part of this new rule is that if an officer is in a critical incident, he may be required to have counseling. If he requests counseling for PTSD it is required to be provided. If a supervisor feels that somebody needs an evaluation and counseling, they are required to go. Councilmember Mitcho asked if this would be part of the police budget. Mr. Stubenbort said yes and there is a line item for this. Chief Rafferty said the state is still formulating everything right now but he will keep council informed as he receives more information.
Chief Rafferty stated that Officer Matson will be attending training through the State Police at the end of April for interviews and interrogation. Next month there is a homicide investigation course that Officer Matson will attend. We have never had anyone receive specialized training in this before and hopefully we will never need it. In May the State Police is also offering a Civil Disturbance Course. Chief Rafferty is hoping to send a few officers to this as well.
Councilmember Mitcho explained that Dobler Hose had the Firemans Relief Fund yearly Audit recently. Each councilmember received a copy of the audit report to look over. The audit was extensive but because of good record keeping they were able to maintain a clean record. Councilmember Mitcho explained that the Firemans Relief Association is a completely separate entity from Dobler Hose Fire Department. On the monthly meeting night there are two separate meetings held. The funds for the relief association have a specific purpose for training and equipment.
MANAGERS
REPORT The Public Works personnel will be flushing hydrants beginning April 19th through May 7th• We flush the hydrants twice a year as part of our program to make sure our water lines are working correctly. By doing this it helps to clean the residue out of the lines. Customers may experience some discolored water during the day but it should be clear by the morning.
Girard Borough is purchasing ten sets of new fire hydrants (Kennedy K81D 5.25 inch tube) from L.B. Water for $2,500.00 per hydrant. Valves will be approximately $1,300.00 per hydrant. The COSTARS pricing is $37,319.65. We have three hydrants that are bagged and will be replaced first. We then can continue to replace the very old hydrants.
Mr. Stubenbort mentioned that the Public Works Department did some work on the storm grate at Church Street and Main Street. It was slowly falling in so it was raised back to its original height.
ANNUAL FLOWER
SALE The Elk Valley Garden Club will hold their annual flower sale on Friday, May 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Wells Park. The Garden Club planted a new tree in front of the pavilion last week. They will not have the high school students helping this year due to Covid. The Public Works Crew will be helping out this year.
ERIE COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF BOROUGHS
LEAF PICK UP
SHRED DAY
WWTP
CHARLOTTE BATTLES
SAFETY RAILING
The Erie County Association of Boroughs meeting will be held on April 20, 2021 at the Girard American Legion. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
The Leaf Pick Up dates through Waste Management for 2021 will be as follows: April 22nd May 20th October 14th October 28th November 11th November 25th
On June 12, 2021 the Girard Lake city Chamber of Commerce will host a shred from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Girard Borough municipal parking lot.
Donations will be excepted for the Girard Cemetery. The borough has documents that are ready to be destroyed with Councils approval. Council also approved a donation of $100.00.
Patrick Kimble, a used RBC parts broker will visit the Girard Borough WWTP RBC’s later this year. The rotating biological contactors are currently missing parts which makes them less efficient. If the prices are reasonable, we could purchase used parts and fix our existing RBC’s and reuse our refurbished RBS for a future project. At this point it does not make sense to buy new parts because of the extreme high cost involved. The RBC’s are far beyond their normal life span. It is because of regular maintenance that they have lasted this long. Councilmember Noble asked when our next reed bed cleaning is scheduled for. Mr. Stubenbort said we have been trying to clean one bed per year but not sure if we scheduled for 2021. Councilmember Mitcho asked when will we know if we have to continue to use the RBC’s. Mr. Stubenbort said he thinks we are going to have to keep them. It does affect the numbers. When they are running everything is extra clean. Once Mr. Kimble gives us pricing this will come back to council.
On August 5, 2021 there will be an unveiling of the Charlotte Battles marker in front of the Battles Bank Building on Main Street. Hopefully the Mayor and council can attend the unveiling. President McNally said the date matches up to Dan Rice Days. Councilmember Miller said because it is on a Thursday in the middle of the day the public attendance may be minimal. She is going to try and reschedule for a different day and time to accommodate more of the public.
The safety railing has been installed on the middle set of steps in front of the Borough Office. The cost was $1,500.00.
COVID 19
CHECKLIST The Health Department has a COVID 19 Checklist that is required for events that will take place this summer. A checklist will be required for the Summer Solstice Party on June 24th as well as Dan Rice Days held on August 5th through the 7th• President McNally told Councilmember Miller that according to what he is being told some of the distilleries could have someone here for the June 24th event.
MAIN STREET
ROAD RESURFACING
EACOG
The PennDot Scoping meeting was held on March 30, 2021 for the Main Street Project. President McNally as well as Travis Gordon from Urban Vantage attended the meeting. There were also about thirty three people from different areas of the PennDot organization in attendance. They did not say anything positive or negative about the different items the borough had listed as ideas for Main Street. We did get a few questions on whether or not there would be an issue with the property for the requested turning lane from Main Street to Rice Avenue. Mr. Stubenbort reassured PennDot that the property would be coming back to the borough from the Land Bank. Some of the bricks from the hotel will be sold at Dan Rice Days and Councilmember Orr had talked about making a base for a memorial on the hotel property. Councilmember Miller shared a concern that the bricks being left on site could be taken. The idea was to see if some of the bricks could be engraved to be sold at Dan Rice Days. Mr. Stubenbort said that the bricks could be placed at the Public Works Garage.
Enclosed in Council’s packet was the paving schedule for 2021. Suite Kote had the low bid coming in at $95,946.55 {1.295 per square yard). The bid from Russell Standard came in at $104,689.17 (1.413 per square yard). Mr. Stubenbort respectfully request that council vote in favor of the lowest bidder. Mr. Stubenbort would like to add a double coat of seal coat on Biegert Road.
This would help to solidify the road. Motion by Councilmember Noble to award Suite Kote the contract for road resurfacing in the borough for 2021. Seconded by Councilmember Lyons. All in favor. Motion carried.
At the Erie Area Council of Governments Meeting on April 7, 2021 it was determined that Girard Borough will receive seven curblawn trees and they will be planted at no expense to the borough. Mr. Stubenbort said we could have received up to twelve trees so if council knows of anyone who really wants a tree he could probably still get a few more. Other communities that will receive trees are Union City, Summit and Wesleyville. Councilmember Miller asked what kind of trees are being offered. Mr. Stubenbort said there is a list of about twenty five of varying sizes. The trees the borough will receive will be of a smaller variety. Councilmember Orr said we could put something in the West County News Journal regarding the trees. Councilmember Mitcho mentioned that a few years ago council talked about a two block area on the west side of Rice Avenue that did not have any trees. Councilmember Mitcho said it would be nice to have some trees in the area. We will still continue to take requests for trees but it was never councils intention to stop planting trees if the homeowner did not ask for one. We just had people that didn’t want one. Mr. Stubenbort said what ends up happening is we plant a tree and the homeowner calls the office to complain. Councilmember Noble said Girard Borough has always been a tree community and we have always received complaints. Councilmember Noble agrees with Councilmember Mitcho that we need to plant some trees on the west side of Rice Avenue. Mr. Stubenbort was assigned to ordering trees and planting them on Rice Avenue.
According to the Erie County Executive, Kathy Dahlkemper the American Rescue Plan money will be distributed at 50% this year and 50% next year. The money must be spent by December 31, 2024. The amount quoted in the newspaper is not entirely accurate but is a close estimate. It is believed that the first half will be arriving in June.
POOL HOUSE FLOOR RESURFACING
JOHN DEERE
BALL FIELDS
PARK DRIVE
Council received the quote from Apollo Coatings for resurfacing the pool house floor in the amount of $17,120.00. They use a large diamond scrubbing device to grind down the floor and then use a fill material to get rid of all of the divets. They then put down a polyurea material which is not water based. The flakes are added next and any that are not embedded in the polyurea get scraped up. The last step is to apply a coating called Shark Bite which is an antiskid coating. Because of the pricing thresh hold, two more quotes would be needed. Other than that the Public Works Crew could do the floor. We also had the inmates from the Albion Prison paint the floor one year with the current coating which is a two part apoxy with paint flakes at a cost of approximately $1,200.00 and good for five years. President McNally asked if there is an antiskid material that has a fine sand added to it. Mr. Stubenbort said with the current coat it did have some sort of a slip resistant property to it. We ended up having to put the mats back down because of all the soaps and tanning oils made it slippery even though the floor was cleaned every day. The council would need to make a decision on whether they want to spend $17,120.00 and have it professionally applied or spend $1,200.00 and have the Public Works Department paint the floor. Councilmember Lyons said we could put the $17,120.00 flooring idea on a wish list for the future. Councilmember Mitcho said that our revenue will be down this year so this might not be the time to have the floor professionally done. Councilmember Burton said he would much rather get the garage floor done this year.
The new John Deere riding mower for the WWTP arrived. The cost for the new mower was $4,963.26 which is under budget.
In addition to the Coed Slow Pitch and the Little League teams using our ball field in 2021 there will be a Mark Metzler Memorial Tournament held this year. This tournament will be played on Saturday, August 7th during Dan Rice Days instead of the Coed Slow Pitch game. This tournament will benefit the Girard School District Scholarship Fund. Ryan Metzler is working with John Tramontano to put this together.
Mr. Stubenbort said the Public Works Crew has spread 126 tons of bank gravel on Park Drive to help eliminate soft spots on the road. We did budget for this project. The road is still a bit rough but the township did come down and grade it for us.
WELLS
PARK There was a meeting for the Wells Park Project last week. In attendance were Councilmember Noble, Councilmember Lyons, Councilmember Orr as well as Mr. Stubenbort and Borough Engineer, Mark Corey. Mr. Corey presented the preliminary layout for the project to council. He said we are constrained by Mechanic Street and Vine Street as well as the pool. We want to also maintain the parking along Mechanic Street. The basketball courts are currently on the south side of park and will be moved to the north edge of the pavement while maintaining the pool area for parking along Vine Street. There will be a small area for bleachers and benches and a land scape buffer. A 40 X 60 (2400 square feet) splash pad could be installed and there would be a rain garden with landscaping also. Some of the outdated and obsolete playground equipment will be eliminated and some ADA improvements added. Councilmember Miller was concerned that there were no pickle ball courts incorporated in the preliminary layout. It was mentioned that there were pickle ball courts located at the high school. If the pickle ball courts were not integrated into the tennis courts at the high school then they would have been seriously considered for Wells Park. The School District could be approached about replacing the two nets on the pickle ball courts. Councilmember Burton asked if anyone thought it made sense to move the splash pad into the pool area. Council said no because you have to pay to get into the pool and they want this to be available for everyone. Mr. Stubenbort said the price for this project would be approximately $300,000.00 just for the splash pad and around $250,000.00 for everything else. Councilmember Burton said the splash pad would only be used a few months out of the year so how can this be justified to the taxpayer. Councilmember Lyons said the infrastructure can be done first and we do not have to install the splash pad at this time. We could put in four features for $180,000.00 instead of eight features for $300,000.00. Councilmember Lyons strongly feels that we need to cater to those who can’t use the pool but still enjoy the water features at no cost. President McNally mentioned that we could stop charging for the pool entirely. Councilmember Noble said there are still those people who can’t use the pool or are afraid of it. Mr. Stubenbort asked if council agrees to move forward with the plan for the basketball courts. We could apply for a grant through the Erie County Gaming Revenue for this. If we could leave the basketball courts in their current location, we could start moving in that direction. Mr. Stubenbort could check to see what other grants are available.
The state grants are closed for the year so this would be a 2022 goal. President McNally said we can’t do everything all at once anyway. Councilmember Lyons said we just want to make improvements to Wells Park for the youth of our community. Mr. Stubenbort said there just is not enough room for pickle ball courts and a splash pad in the designated area. We could put in two pickle ball courts next to the west side of the borough building. We would just have to remove the Maple tree. This would give council everything that they want.
Councilmember Burton said that property is currently used for Dan Rice Days. The pickle ball courts could be shut down for this event for three days.
Councilmember Mitcho likes the idea of placing the pickle ball courts next to the borough office because it gives the adults some privacy. Now that council has all of the information regarding this project they can discuss what they might like to achieve for 2021.
MISC CURRENT POLES THAT REQUIRE TRANSFERS:
625 Beaver Road (Paragon Packaging, Noble Road side) 415 Main St, East (Martins Landing)
605 Rice Avenue
713 Rice Avenue
1008 Lake Street
Mechanic and Prospect Street (First Energy) POLE AND STREET LIGHTS THAT NEED REPLACED:
802 Lake Street
730 Lake Street
Ornamental Light at Chestnut and Main Street
NEW POLES IN PLACE:
Behind Ralphie’s (new pole in place) 129 Nickel Plate Avenue (replaced) Walnut St next to Post Office (replaced) 1508 Lake Street (pole set)
McQuillens (completed transfer to new pole) Presbyterian Church (set pole and transfer complete) Haggerty Street (transfer to new Penelec pole)
Old Ridge Road (replaced) 637 Rice Avenue (complete)
The office staff asked if they could take vacation on the Friday of Dan Rice Days and shut the office down. The busiest days are Wednesday and Thursday for set up. Mr. Stubenbort will still be in the office on Friday.
Council agreed that the office could be shut down on Friday.
Councilmember Burton mentioned that George Drushel organized a Girard Cleanup Day for next Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It will be put on FaceBook through the Chamber Office. They are going to try and clean up the property across from McDonald’s and anywhere else anyone would like to
- Volunteers will meet at the borough office at 9:00 a.m. and they will also be provided lunch at 11:00 a.m. The state provided us with gloves, safety vests and garbage bags. Bags will be placed in the borough dumpster.
Councilmember Miller mentioned that if anyone is interested there will be a Dan Rice Days meeting on May 5th at 7:00 p.m.
On April 29th at 6:00 p.m. if anyone would like to volunteer at the Battles Museums and help out they are welcome to come.
Stephanie Wincik is going to have the Ghost Walk Tours again.
At this time Mr. Stubenbort asked for an Executive Session.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. for a five-minute break before going into executive session.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION At 9:00 p.m., President McNally asked for an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters.
REGULAR MEETING
ADJOURN
The regular meeting was called back into session at 9:58 p.m. No other issues were discussed.
Motion by Councilmember Orr and seconded by Councilmember Burton to adjourn at 9:59 p.m. All in favor.
Robert A. Stubenbort Borough Manager