[0:01] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the

[0:06] republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and

[0:12] justice for all. >> A moment of silence for the sick and the

[0:17] recently departed.

[0:23] All right.

[0:27] Okay. Uh the borough council met in an

[0:30] executive session prior to the start of the meeting to discuss legal and

[0:35] personnel matters.

[0:39] Uh roll call attendance. >> Uh Mr. Marolli?

[0:42] » Here. >> Mr. Duszkiewicz?

[0:44] Mr. Colosimo? He's absent. Mr. Ferry? >> Present.

[0:48] » Mr. Braden? >> Here.

[0:49] » Mr. Petricelli? >> Here.

[0:51] » Mr. Saracino? >> Here.

[0:52] » Mr. Copeland? >> Here.

[0:54] » Councilman Grogan? >> Here.

[0:55] » Mr. Kyle? >> Here.

[0:56] » Chief James? >> Here.

[0:58] » Chief Costain? >> Here.

[0:59] » And Chief Roman? >> Here.

[1:01] » And no one speak? Nobody signed up to speak?

[1:05] All right. So, let's get down to business here. I need a motion to

[1:10] approve the July 13th, 2026 regular meeting minutes as submitted.

[1:17] » I shall move it. >> I need a second.

[1:21] Any question or discussion?

[1:25] All in favor, say I. >> I.

[1:27] » Those opposed, say no. Motion passes. I need a motion to approve the August

[1:34] 2026 bill list. >> Make a motion.

[1:37] » I need a second. >> Second.

[1:39] » Any questions or discussion? All in favor, say I.

[1:44] » I. >> Those opposed, say no.

[1:47] Motion passes. A motion to adopt resolution number

[1:52] 2026-21, a resolution of the Borough of

[1:56] Bridgeville indicating the intent of the Borough of Bridgeville to work along

[2:02] with Allegheny County to accomplish the goals of the Live Well Allegheny

[2:07] Campaign. I need a motion to approve.

[2:11] » I'll make a motion. >> I need a second.

[2:13] » Second.

[2:17] » Any questions or discussions? All in favor say I.

[2:22] » I. >> Motion passes.

[2:25] I need a motion to approve the August 14th, 21st, 28th, September 4th, and

[2:31] 11th, 2026 payrolls. >> Make a motion.

[2:35] » Second. >> Any questions or discussions?

[2:39] All in favor say I. >> I.

[2:41] » Those opposed say no. Motion passes.

[2:46] A motion to adopt the resolution number 2026-22,

[2:52] a resolution of the Borough of Bridgeville authorizing the submission

[2:57] of a gaming economic development tourism fund grant for the Bridgeville fire

[3:03] station parking lot resurfacing project. >> So moved.

[3:08] » Second. >> I need a second. Any questions?

[3:11] All in >> grant approved?

[3:14] » Uh no. Uh the project's estimated at 254,000.

[3:18] The grant's for 200,000. I explained to the fire company in

[3:23] there. Uh I don't know how what our odds are

[3:25] going to be for the project, mainly because of we were awarded the DCED

[3:30] grant last year. I don't know how I feel about getting it

[3:33] back-to-back, but um like I told them, we'll reapply until we

[3:38] » We have a couple of years for this, right? This isn't make or break, right?

[3:41] » Correct. >> It's a nice start.

[3:42] » Yes. >> Take a couple losses and

[3:47] » I need a motion to ratify the disbursement of $16,403.08

[3:55] for the sewer fund to Roto-Rooter Services Company for partial payment

[4:01] number two of the 2026 sanitary sewer O&M CDBG program.

[4:08] » I'll make that a motion. >> I'll second.

[4:11] » Any questions? All in favor say I.

[4:15] » I. >> Anyone opposed?

[4:17] Motion passes. A motion to authorize the disbursement

[4:22] of $5,754.99

[4:27] from the capital project fund to Merit Electrical Group Inc. for partial

[4:33] payment number three, final, of the Chartiers Park Shelter number one

[4:39] construction project electrical improvements.

[4:42] I need a motion to approve. >> So moved.

[4:46] » I need a second. >> I second.

[4:48] » Any questions or discussions? >> So what more can you tell me what's

[4:52] remaining on payment amount? I know we had a few

[4:55] punch list items. I saw at John's uh handicap

[4:59] » That's it. $500 for the handicap sign issue.

[5:02] » Is there an electrical issue that we >> It was a nice add if they could change

[5:06] those covers. I don't know if they ever >> We've asked them but they didn't

[5:09] » Our arrival didn't come back yet.

[5:16] They pop out. They just They're They're just They're going to break off.

[5:19] » Yeah, they're not screwed on. >> Oh, yeah. They're going to fall off. Is

[5:21] that plastic? >> It was plastic.

[5:23] » Oh, yeah.

[5:28] » All in favor? >> I.

[5:30] » I. >> Anyone opposed?

[5:32] Motion passes.

[5:36] A motion to authorize the disbursement of $271,101.10

[5:44] to Youngblood Paving Inc. for partial payment number one of the 220

[5:51] 2026 roadway improvement program.

[5:55] » I shall move. >> I second.

[5:58] » Any questions? All in favor say I.

[6:02] » I. >> Those opposed say no.

[6:05] Motion passes. A motion to approve John W. Johnson

[6:12] to the Regional Planning Commission with a term that will expire the first Monday

[6:17] of January 2028. >> Make a motion.

[6:20] » I second the second. >> I second.

[6:23] » Any questions?

[6:27] All in favor say I. >> I.

[6:30] » Anyone opposed? Motion passes. A motion to authorize the disbursement

[6:37] of $10,000 for the capital project fund to the

[6:42] Sports and Rec Associations Associations for invoice number 59 of

[6:48] the Charter's Park Shelter One replacement project.

[6:53] » I make a motion. >> I'll second.

[6:56] » Any questions? All in favor say I.

[7:00] » I. >> Motion passes. And before I give you

[7:03] mine, congratulations, JW. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[7:08] You're very welcome. >> a little discombobulated up here.

[7:11] » Yeah, I'm sorry. >> [laughter]

[7:14] » You're welcome. >> All right.

[7:16] A motion to authorize the change of venue for the September 14th, 2026

[7:23] 7:00 p.m. council meeting to be held within the Charter's Park Shelter number

[7:29] one. I need a motion.

[7:32] » It's contingent on weather, right? >> I don't know. What does the shelter say?

[7:37] » [laughter] >> Bring your rain boots.

[7:41] » I second. >> If it rains, you come back here. That's

[7:44] my >> I need a motion.

[7:47] I need a second. Any questions or discussion?

[8:04] All right. Um All in favor say I.

[8:08] Anybody opposed? Motion passes.

[8:13] And how are we going to advertise that?

[8:27] All right. A motion to accept and pay any commission

[8:32] due for July 2026 real estate tax collector

[8:38] report. I need a motion to approve. I need a second.

[8:44] Any questions or problems? All in favor say I.

[8:50] Those opposed say no. Motion passes. A motion to acknowledge receipt of the

[8:56] July 2026 treasurer's report. I need a motion to approve.

[9:03] Second? Any questions or discussion?

[9:07] All in favor say I. Anybody opposed? Motion passes.

[9:14] A motion to accept all submitted July 26 2026 official reports.

[9:21] I need a motion to approve. I need a second.

[9:26] Any questions or discussions? All in favor say I.

[9:31] Anyone opposed? Motion passes. Committee reports.

[9:38] My community report is simply to say thank you

[9:43] from borough council to anybody that supported, volunteered, or did anything

[9:49] for the 125th celebration for Riverview. It was a

[9:53] great job. I mean, every every aspect was great. So, thank you all very much.

[10:00] Thank you to public works. Thank you to the police department. Thank you to the

[10:05] fire department, to the EMS, anybody that was involved, all the volunteers.

[10:10] Thank you all very much.

[10:14] That was my report. I thought that was pretty boring though.

[10:17] All right. Next is finance, Jason Cearley.

[10:22] » Uh nothing specifically to report to the public. We have some things in the

[10:25] works, but I'll just add to president's and wanted to point out

[10:31] especially thank our emergency services in South Ridge. It was a lot of the

[10:36] events of 125. Uh the police

[10:40] every request that was made to them, uh they they fulfilled well. And then the

[10:45] police the fire department was the host of a lot of the events and were just

[10:49] spectacular in in all the things that they contributed to the 125. So,

[10:54] secondly, as she mentioned, thank thank you guys specifically for

[11:00] Parks and Rec, Shay Frenchek. >> Uh other than the meeting next month and

[11:04] and the echo what you guys are saying, uh the

[11:07] parks always are looking nice on the stone and the certain certain items and

[11:10] stuff, but uh yeah, triangle was very nice

[11:13] on Sunday with the worship service. Uh people got to run by the block and on a

[11:18] 5K. And Shark Tooth would have been open for softball tournament. We just

[11:23] Too many people weren't doing it, but that's true. So,

[11:26] but our parks always look great. Thank you all. That's all I got.

[11:30] » All right. Public Works buildings, Jason >> I just got a couple things. The street

[11:35] sweeping is done every week full for a week of the month and on

[11:39] Wednesday we visit the tree. Uh

[11:41] grass cutting of our properties, parks, and lake fields. Uh right away is the

[11:45] last thing to be changed. And um

[11:48] Yeah, for the parks makes the parks good.

[11:51] And uh also they're actually in line painting crosswalks and track marking

[11:55] marking around the way, so they're a little bit more

[11:58] deeper colors. People can slow down

[12:02] when they come into the town with the crosswalks there and people will be able

[12:04] to see them.

[12:06] Bright white lines, so hopefully that will alleviate some of

[12:10] the issues.

[12:12] Just people like going to the crosswalks.

[12:15] And um basically they helped out with the 125th anniversary and um

[12:19] they're just doing regular maintenance and on rainy days follow repairs and

[12:23] treat the streets and alleys. They're doing a great job.

[12:27] » Okay, thanks. Uh public safety, Nick.

[12:30] » I got you. I got a few things. Um Thank you. Uh first and foremost, I'd

[12:34] like to >> [clears throat]

[12:36] » restate literally everything that everybody else has said. Thank you to

[12:39] our police, EMS, and uh more specifically our fire department for

[12:42] stepping up and helping with our 125th anniversary celebrations. I know there

[12:46] was countless efforts and time from a lot of volunteers and

[12:49] um but at the end of the day those three organizations sitting at

[12:52] that table really brought everything together, so thank you and thank you

[12:55] very much. Um beyond that we do have some things that

[12:59] have been going on through paying attention closely to Windfield uh and

[13:02] the traffic patterns up there. We have made some progress with the speed

[13:06] machine out in the bank as well and our traffic engineers have put the counter

[13:10] blocks up so we start collecting some more data. Uh we're going to wait to get

[13:13] that information back and have a public safety committee meeting um so we can go

[13:17] over and read that data and see what we can do further to try and help our

[13:20] community members feel that safer on our roads. Um

[13:24] if anybody hasn't seen it yet on the block of the bottom, got

[13:27] four-way stops on there now. Um Consensus from the community seems like

[13:31] it's kind of good. So, we'll wait and see what happens with that. Um but also

[13:36] continue to appreciate our police department for

[13:40] all the new ticketing you guys have been doing. I know it's been

[13:43] a hassle, and you get through it, and you find some positive solutions. So, I

[13:47] appreciate all the hard work you're all of you are

[13:49] putting in the community, so thank you. That's all I got.

[13:52] » Um Chair West, Joe's not here, so if he has

[13:56] anything to report.

[14:00] » Okay. It was I believe soon we are uh uh

[14:04] having a meeting with King Bridgeville soon. I don't remember the date.

[14:10] » Okay. >> We me, Jerry, and I I

[14:12] cuz we're at the meeting. So, we're going to have a

[14:17] down over here. I think it's soon.

[14:20] » It will hopefully be believe this up >> Yeah.

[14:23] » Is November or December? >> Yeah.

[14:25] » We'll hopefully believe this up >> Something like that. I can't remember

[14:27] the date, but it's coming here. >> All right. Could I catch you sometime?

[14:31] » Yes. >> Uh Mayor Copeland,

[14:34] in regards to the 120th celebration, we were grateful to Senator Robinson and

[14:41] Representative Anita Kulick for the proclamations that they presented to us

[14:46] that evening. And also Councilman Frankic and the

[14:51] Bridgeville Athletic Association, that stuck race was a lot of fun. I got to

[14:56] say release the ducks. Thank you.

[15:01] It was a lot of fun. >> I also think the duck didn't get here so

[15:04] long. >> I was with the mayor, and she seen my

[15:06] duck was weighted down. There it is. >> [laughter]

[15:12] » All right. Police Department, Gary James, you had

[15:16] an interesting month. >> Yeah. We uh

[15:20] You have my uh monthly report. Highlights of that is um

[15:25] The officers were out there in the 125th. They helped with the crossing of

[15:29] the Ferry the Lights and we were stationed throughout the 5K race.

[15:35] Um everything went really smooth. I believe the officers were out and about

[15:39] walking around during the celebration, so they were visible.

[15:43] Um as far as my monthly report Um

[15:47] we responded to 640 calls for service uh for the month of July.

[15:52] That brings us up to 5,040 for the year. We had 166 traffic compliance checks

[16:01] uh where the officers were out sitting in

[16:04] uh intersections stop signs, red lights

[16:08] and speeding uh

[16:10] checks. We made 24 criminal arrests in the

[16:14] month. Uh we issued 43 traffic citations. 33%

[16:20] of them were for speed. Um they also issued 37 verbal and 25

[16:25] written warnings. And we did issue only seven

[16:29] traffic violations or seven parking violations for the month.

[16:34] That will uh increase come this month.

[16:40] » Be ready.

[16:43] Well, thank you. >> Mhm.

[16:45] » All right. So, what is it our town administrator?

[16:48] » Thank you. I don't have anything >> Thank you.

[16:51] » Yeah, borough engineer John Howe. >> Thank you, Ms. President. I'll provide a

[16:55] copy of my report. I have a few items of note. The paving program

[17:00] is complete. There's just a couple of very minor punchlist items that the

[17:05] project address to address and things like cleaning out inlets.

[17:08] So, as soon as that gets done, we'll um I'll close that project.

[17:12] Um regarding the park and building area, you know, we'll discuss

[17:17] that briefly. I only have last night's I only have last time to address this just

[17:22] squaring away the line striping on the parking space. It's just one of the

[17:28] dimensions with full eight paint. We'll get that

[17:32] So, it meets all the requirements and that's pretty much my report for

[17:36] this month. Oh, one other item, Power Hill Road

[17:39] pedestrian improvements. The permit is submitted to Penn DOT. We'll wait for

[17:43] that that response regarding the easement with the railroad.

[17:46] [clears throat] The railroad has indicated that they do

[17:48] not own that property or they sold it, but none of the documents on

[17:52] the courthouse state that so we're working to try to get that resolved.

[17:57] » Which which portion?

[17:59] » Uh portion of most portion of the parking lot portion that's closer to the

[18:02] tracks. So, there's two parcels there. They say

[18:05] they don't own it, but everything says they own it, so

[18:08] » We'll talk about it. >> Okay.

[18:12] » All right. Fire Chief, Rick Costain. >> Thank you, Council President.

[18:17] 42 calls for the month of July. Um

[18:21] I want everybody to know that the rescue truck the new rescue truck is slated to

[18:26] be completed in the month of September. We're looking at like the last week of

[18:30] September. Um they will notify us 2 weeks ahead of

[18:34] time as to when we will be going down for final

[18:37] inspection. So, that being said, once we get it here, we're going to have to

[18:42] mount the equipment and things and get everyone trained on it. So, barring that

[18:46] there's no delays, I'm hoping to have the new rescue truck in service in

[18:50] December. >> Great.

[18:52] » Thank you. That's all I have.

[18:54] » Great. Southbridge EMS, Dan Miller. >> Uh nothing to add to my report. Thank

[18:58] you.

[19:01] » All right. Okay, the Quinsigamond 125th anniversary

[19:05] celebrations committee. Who's here?

[19:09] » Up here. I mentioned mention thing is that

[19:13] one of our local gems is the Dairy Delight which

[19:17] they had 125 minutes of free ice creams they

[19:22] gave out and it's a total of 564 free ice cream cones

[19:27] that he so I just wanted to mention that and give them a plug.

[19:30] Awesome. >> Bridgeville Historical Society Lisa

[19:36] Shady Lisa is away.

[19:39] I'm going to tell them just wanted to say that we will be

[19:42] closed the last two weeks of August just for vacation time for our

[19:46] volunteers. We're hoping to have a new floor

[19:49] installed while we're closed. We're working with Ed from Restmer's and

[19:54] he's working with I'm sorry Ed from Bridgeville Appliance and he's working

[19:59] with Restmer's. We'll take up the carpeting that's

[20:03] looking pretty bad put on vinyl flooring.

[20:07] We have a South Fayette High School kid that's been coming in and out for four

[20:11] weeks. He needed some volunteer hours asked if he could do something for us.

[20:16] We have him coming in just doing some clean up stuff and some

[20:20] record keeping. For the 125th we did donate two sheet

[20:25] cakes to the Jubilee committee for them to make the profit on the bake

[20:30] sale. Any remaining cake was donated to the Meals on Wheels and they we got a

[20:35] thank you card they're very appreciative of that.

[20:38] Our next program will be at the end of September and the speaker is Kathy

[20:42] Brand. She's from the Duncan Miller Glass Museum in Washington.

[20:48] » Is the exhibit from the Historical Society at the library finished?

[20:52] » Yes. Yeah, we picked that up last week. >> Okay, thank you.

[20:56] » All right, Bridgeville Library representative Aaron Weaver.

[21:00] We have air for it just a couple of things to add.

[21:04] The next movie on the patio will be dusk set and that'll be Friday, August 28th

[21:11] at dusk. And then registration for all of our fall programs opens on August

[21:18] 31st. And that's all I have. >> Thank you.

[21:21] All right. Bridgeville Parking Authority, Deb.

[21:24] See. All right.

[21:27] Uh Bridgeville Planning Commission representative.

[21:32] Dale. >> Thank you, Madam President.

[21:35] Uh we did not meet in July. Uh our

[21:39] August meeting, we're going to start our annual review of the uh comp plan and

[21:45] you know, we will continue working on existing

[21:48] projects and working with the manager projects.

[21:52] » Thank you. Um Bridgeville Shade Tree Commission, Jen

[21:56] Bromar. Welcome. >> Hello. Thank you.

[21:59] Um in June, the Shade Tree Commission uh met with Ed from Public Works and we

[22:04] mulched trees along Baldwin, Cook Park, and McLaughlin Run. So, we're very

[22:08] grateful to have Ed. I think we're best friends now, so that's good.

[22:13] Um Tree Pittsburgh is doing the second training for us on August 19th.

[22:18] And they are also helping us do a municipal tree adoption event on

[22:22] September 26th that we're going to give away um 300 small trees.

[22:27] So, more information on that will be coming out soon. And in the fall, no

[22:31] date yet, we're going to do another planting event with 22 trees total

[22:36] including a legacy tree to celebrate uh the 125th for Bridgeville and America's

[22:42] 250th. >> Thank you.

[22:44] » Thank you. >> Okay. Borough Manager, Joe Kauer.

[22:48] » Uh a couple of things for the month. We were awarded uh $97,000 in two grants

[22:53] since the last meeting. The first one's uh $60,000 in CDBG funds to upgrade the

[22:58] drinking fountains and concrete work around them within Triangle Park, Cook

[23:02] Park, and Chartiers Park. And then we'll go with the 37,500

[23:07] uh county Main Street grant uh to purchase a sculpture that would be a

[23:12] permanent 125th or 250th recognition for Washington Avenue. So, once we get the

[23:19] grant contracts finalized with the county, we'll work with the public uh

[23:22] regional folks, and we'll coordinate that all through here so that we can get

[23:26] that moving. It's a unique uh endeavor. Essentially, it's like

[23:30] how do you get a sculpture kind of deal? So, it's going to be some some unique

[23:34] things that we're going to have to get through, but

[23:35] it's an exciting time. Uh in regards to grants, the the brick

[23:40] grant for the flood control project, uh FEMA required us to do a public notice

[23:45] for the project. Essentially, if you remember when we did the culvert, this

[23:49] was kind of one of the final steps in the reviews. Uh kind of

[23:53] Well, do you have any concerns issues to put

[23:56] out to the public with the project? Uh it's been advertised posted for 15

[24:00] days, and we didn't receive any comments or concerns. So, we let FEMA know. So,

[24:04] now we're just waiting to see what's next, but uh we're we're seeing some

[24:08] light at the end of the tunnel there. Um

[24:10] we submitted a grant application for sidewalk work

[24:14] to connect Cook School Park to the missing sidewalk lower down on Ridge

[24:19] Road and then up to Passavent Drive. That was an active transportation

[24:23] uh plan recommendation. And that grant got submitted seeking 211,000.

[24:28] And then the last thing I had was uh just to call uh the committee's

[24:32] attention was today was the bid opening for rock salt. And uh rock salt may not

[24:37] sound glamorous, but in the municipal world, it's a a big cost and priority

[24:42] for us. Uh this year,

[24:44] uh we budgeted about $8,000 for rock salt. And that's we typically pay $88 to

[24:50] $89 a ton. That's what the starting contract was.

[24:53] Last winter, uh there was a number of things that

[24:57] made up in a perfect world with a very harsh winter, frozen rivers,

[25:03] uh supply chain um issues,

[25:07] and there's a difficulty with flashers contractor.

[25:10] But, needless to say, this year when the cog re-bid rock salt uh the first time

[25:16] it was bid, there was no bidders for rock salt. So, kind of had a panic

[25:19] button. And uniquely, the borough has

[25:21] participated in the Shay cog joint salt. And from a municipal perspective, you

[25:27] usually get three options: do it yourself, which common the scale why

[25:30] would you do that, the cog, why would you common,

[25:34] or you can compete back the state coastal program. State coastal program,

[25:38] you have to put your estimate up for what you project to buy in March. Well,

[25:42] we we said we're going to go in the cog. So, all our eggs were in the cog basket.

[25:47] Well, like I said, the first time we had a

[25:49] bidder last month there was no bidders. So, what do we do?

[25:52] So, the cog said, "All right." Went back to the salt vendors and asked, "Uh what

[25:57] would you like to see different in the salt contract to make it more palatable

[26:01] to you to bid?" So, in the past, minimum amount of salt

[26:05] we had to buy was 60% of the estimate. And this is probably one of the hardest

[26:09] jobs of being a municipal manager is you have to be an meteorologist on what the

[26:13] weather's going to be and how much salt you're going to have to buy.

[26:16] And typically, the borough uses between 700 and 900. So, roughly estimate was

[26:22] 800 tons each year, too. So, we put an estimate of 750 tons.

[26:27] Um that was what we went with. So, today

[26:30] was bid opening, three vendors showed interest to to get specs to be a

[26:35] potential bidder. One bid. And like I said, last year we paid $88 a ton. This

[26:41] year, it's $160 a ton. So, we went from

[26:46] at the contract minimum now buying 75% of salt. So, a very light winter this

[26:52] year is going to cost us $89,000. On the high side, they put a contract

[26:57] max of of 140%. So, it's 1,050 tons. So, it would be

[27:04] $168,000. You know, like I said, we budget 80. So,

[27:08] um we have we have to see what winter is

[27:12] going to be like for us. Fortunately, going into winter right now, we have a

[27:15] full salt bin. So, we have 400 tons in supply within the

[27:20] But, we're obligated to buy the minimum of

[27:24] 562. So, we're on the hook now for $89,000 next year. So, that that's

[27:27] that's that's given. But, it's this is to get us to the scary thing. It's like

[27:31] if we have a severe winter, uh we we really need to change as a

[27:35] community what we accept for winter in Western Pennsylvania as our expectations

[27:40] of driving in a snowy climate. And flat streets maybe need to prioritize

[27:47] uh the way we clear streets to a degree of what we aren't used to accepting. I'm

[27:53] pretty sure it comes to when it comes to snow. So,

[27:56] over the next couple months we get into winter, we'll see how it goes. And we're

[28:00] going to have to see how this plays out. See how we

[28:04] adjust. So, they have a snow plan. I mean, you give guys a over arch. I know

[28:08] you got a couple hills and Yeah, so we we've had like last winter, we ran into

[28:14] issues late in the winter when the rivers froze and it was hard getting

[28:18] deliveries here. Uh we were running low. We we said, all

[28:21] right, hills, intersections, main roads, you know, the alleys didn't need salt.

[28:26] You know, so it worked, you know. So, that's probably

[28:30] where we'll end up going. You know, we'll probably start that way. But, um

[28:34] and $160 a ton, uh you know, when we have a normal

[28:38] drastic we'll dump $8,000 of salt on the road,

[28:42] you know. It's crazy, you know. It's

[28:47] It's it's going to be a culture change going into the winter because we can't

[28:51] we we can't live that glorious anymore in the city.

[28:54] So, a lot of Western Pennsylvania communities have been through the cog.

[28:58] We're not alone. >> So,

[29:01] between the cog by themselves and the uh CO STARs

[29:06] are other municipalities around us doing >> one or the other one or the other or a

[29:10] combination of the >> something we have to look at going into

[29:12] the winter next year if this is going to be what the state allows.

[29:15] » I I think just what I wanted to come March, we're going to have to we're

[29:18] going to split our estimate. So, we may end up with two different salt

[29:23] companies, which would be great because if we get a debacle with one,

[29:28] but we're going to have to split. >> Is that close ship by the river?

[29:32] » It's called River Valley Salt, but Jason's more

[29:34] » [cough] >> of a program with any amount. I know

[29:37] for us the salt we were getting were coming from the river.

[29:40] » They all prefer rivers.

[29:48] » But that was right off the press. It hasn't even got the We haven't even yet

[29:51] to even receive the official bid. That was just a phone call after the opening

[29:55] at 10:00. >> Well, it's nice that we had a bid.

[29:58] » Yeah, better than nothing. >> Yeah,

[30:00] it was awful in my mind. >> How about any movement on the CVS right

[30:05] away? >> They're they're nearing completion. They

[30:08] got the permits today for their signage. >> Okay.

[30:12] » So, hopefully it's getting close to the end.

[30:14] » What all do we have to do? >> Uh we don't have to do.

[30:18] No, they'll have to finalize their building permits and inspections to get

[30:22] an occupancy permit. >> But everything from here has been done

[30:26] voluntarily according to the finish renovation.

[30:28] » They will have a pharmacy there? >> Yes.

[30:30] » You can promise me that? >> Yes.

[30:32] » I don't want to go to Walmart. I saw Nothing against Walmart. I love

[30:35] Walmart. We need that tax revenue just to fix the

[30:39] salt thing. >> [laughter]

[30:41] » We need a big

[30:43] » Uh tax credit. >> The real estate, that was the highest

[30:46] assessed parcel in the bureau. Um it was it was that property. It still is after

[30:51] the reassessments. But uh they are significant taxpayers

[30:55] for the Act 511 for the taxes as well. Do you have anything to add on that,

[30:59] Salt? >> Um well, I mean

[31:02] right now like last year's prices is important as

[31:06] we're starting prices yet in December. So, just looking at it now, it's going

[31:11] to be a lot of volatility against it.

[31:15] For 160,000, that's what it seems uh you know I actually spoke to the

[31:20] previous administration the [snorts] day after I got here.

[31:22] And he knows how to defend school districts they're planning on bringing

[31:26] in more. But, you know, the barges and the train

[31:30] cars are still coming. So, um but he said they're still not

[31:35] all the barges are running about 60% than last year at this time.

[31:38] » Yeah. >> So, they're still

[31:40] trying to get it all together. >> It's it's scary. It gives you really bad

[31:44] anxiety because in the past we would run low, we would ask for salt order, we

[31:49] would have a delivery within 3 to 5 business days. And then last winter,

[31:53] they weren't able to make deliveries and then the snow wouldn't stop and then we

[31:57] just keep getting news and no trucks are coming and then

[32:00] you have an expectation to deliver a public service and if your vendor who

[32:05] you're contracted with have a relationship isn't fulfilling their end

[32:08] of the deal, the business doesn't care. It's still us. We they ultimately get

[32:13] bailed. It's just the salt.

[32:15] And it's very difficult in the winter time. With now trying to phase out all

[32:21] right, are are we going to be able to have a 3 to 5 day turnaround? And in the

[32:25] past 2 years we haven't. So, we have to be aggressive in what we ask for. So,

[32:30] they kind of like uh sets the stage. We had this conversation 2 years ago, but

[32:35] it's it's hard is that. We do need a uh an improved salt storage facility.

[32:43] It's just a matter of finding an adequate place for it that long term

[32:48] wouldn't be at the mercy of someone else because we've been at that table before

[32:53] and we need it so that hypothetically it would be nice that you could have 800

[32:58] tons in that bin so that you go into winter we're not at the

[33:02] mercy of someone. You know, at the same time we can

[33:05] » empty one building and order weight something.

[33:08] » So it's like so I keep the old ones like that. Let's fill it over with like

[33:11] something. We really That needs to be a priority just figuring out an adequate

[33:16] location that one isn't in a flood plane that isn't going to wash away in a

[33:20] spring rain. So it makes it hard in Bridgeville, you know, so it's it isn't

[33:25] easy. So that's where like we need as as a public works committee to sit down and

[33:30] and try to come up with a long-term solution cuz that's something within the

[33:34] next 5 10 years we we really need to have an outcome. Because when the the

[33:38] bridge project was going on and PennDOT was kind of forcing our hand with some

[33:43] stuff there it kind of put us in an an awful awful position and that we talked

[33:48] our way out of it, but we don't want to be in that position

[33:51] again.

[33:53] » All right, let's talk new business. Let's have a discussion about the

[33:58] McLoughlin Run Road and Baldwin Street traffic signal versus a four-way stop

[34:04] intersection. Comments? Questions?

[34:10] » Well, we discussed it there and in the new and our new

[34:14] so I don't know. Does anybody else have anything

[34:18] to voice their opinion? >> I need to get some context. So that's

[34:21] for the community that's here. So uh Here and chime in. So

[34:26] Here Here's what's going on. It's a very antiquated traffic signal light corner

[34:31] of Holland and McLaughlin. A single four-way head that's suspended by three

[34:35] guy wires that's tied to three wooden utility poles at that intersection.

[34:41] It's old, the wires are sagging. During the uh while we were being diverted to

[34:46] detour traffic from the railroad crossing, a truck snagged one of the the

[34:50] guy wires. It wasn't the truck's fault. It was old and sagging, so you can't

[34:54] blame this on the truck. So, the thing has been low.

[34:58] We called out our traffic signal repair folks, and he said, "I

[35:03] can't raise that thing 8 in to a foot because the poles are in bad shape. So,

[35:10] I suggest you go to West Penn Power. They appear to be the pole owner. See if

[35:15] that pole will support us put new guy wires on it because if it can't support

[35:19] the new guy wires, you got to get a whole new signal here."

[35:23] So, we go to West Penn Power. West Penn Power does research and says these poles

[35:27] are owned by Verizon, they're not ours. So, Verizon says, "We own two of them.

[35:32] We own the one on Mill Street, and we own the one on McLaughlin, but the one

[35:37] on Holland Street is West Penn, so this kills 2 weeks now of them back and forth

[35:41] with utility wires." Go back to West Penn. They come back and

[35:45] say that that pole is joint owned with Verizon.

[35:49] So, they go back to Verizon. Verizon says, "All right, we'll we'll do it.

[35:54] We're already going to we'll do the third, but I won't be there till late

[35:57] August and into September." I said, "Oh, okay." Well, then last week uh another

[36:01] truck tapped the signal and then the bottom

[36:05] green signal head got cocked, you know, so

[36:09] another [snorts] truck called for traffic signals came out. So, they came

[36:12] out and fixed the green light, but it was still low. So,

[36:16] Gary and I made the executive decision that we we had to do something because

[36:22] it's going to the next traffic hit from a truck isn't going to go as well, and

[36:27] that's not right to put someone in that position. So, the traffic uh folks had a

[36:32] good idea was I can dismember the current signal head, take

[36:37] the yellows and the greens off, and leave the red, put the red on flash. So,

[36:41] uh that was done, and then Gary Coursey of Public Works put up uh temporary stop

[36:46] signs, so the folks under here can stand.

[36:48] We're We're city slickers here. We're always joking that we don't understand a

[36:52] blinking red light. Like, we're in the country that So, the stop signs kind of

[36:56] like made it more palpable and understandable.

[36:59] » [snorts] [clears throat]

[37:01] » So, we've talked to business owners that are down there. I was down there today,

[37:06] and I talked to Bruce at Bruce's Auto, and uh he you know, I he says

[37:11] the vehicles are actually the intersection's operating better, and

[37:15] he says it it I don't see the speeding. People were

[37:18] going through uh slow.

[37:22] So, uh that's kind of the history of what brought us here today. So, before

[37:27] like I pass this over to the chief, and we open up the discussion, we're really

[37:31] at a crossroads where we do three things. What do we do? One, we go full

[37:38] war and continue on with Horizon, replacing their three signals, and then

[37:42] we invest to put the traffic signal back. That's option one.

[37:46] Option two is we continue with the blinking red light,

[37:51] and you know, that you know, blinking red light and

[37:54] stop signs. Or three, we we have

[37:57] four stop signs and call off Horizon for replacing all these poles that really

[38:03] wouldn't be needed if we got a new signal head.

[38:05] So, that's where where we were, where we're going, and

[38:09] and maybe I can ask the chief now for like how has it been operating as a stop

[38:14] sign? >> It seems to be operating better. The

[38:17] only hiccup that we had was um we had to remove all the stop here on

[38:22] red signs because people were stopping 35 ft from the intersection.

[38:26] You're stopping for the blinking red light and then blowing through and you

[38:29] couldn't see them coming. So, public works

[38:33] went down and they blacked out the old um,

[38:37] lines on the roadway. Um, we put new stop stop lines down. Uh,

[38:42] the one is on the opposite side of the crosswalk.

[38:45] Um, the only reason that was done, um, which is different than the previous

[38:50] is that if you stop before the crosswalk, you actually wouldn't be able

[38:54] to see around Bruce Mayne's building, Bruce's Auto Body. So, we just moved it

[38:58] to the other side. Um,

[39:02] it's working, I think, better than uh, what it was. I will say I was

[39:08] shocked that yeah, people didn't know that a blinking

[39:12] red light in both directions means stop. Um,

[39:16] so, we adjusted, put up the temporary stop

[39:20] signs. And it's up to you all, I think, how you want to proceed. Do you want to

[39:24] leave just the blinking red light, replace the stop light, or go with a

[39:28] combination of either stop signs and a blinking red light, or or the stop signs

[39:33] themselves. >> Chief, what do you say? What would you

[39:36] recommend? >> I would probably recommend, um,

[39:40] right now the traffic light is out of the way. I would keep the blinking red

[39:43] light and put up permanent stop signs.

[39:48] That way, uh,

[39:51] it gives you warning. Um, me and me and Joe had a conversation about it today

[39:56] about possibly putting some signs prior to the intersection, stop ahead

[40:01] stop ahead signs somewhere along the main route, which is McLaughlin, so

[40:05] people just to give people the warning.

[40:09] Three of the three sides of the intersection, it's not a problem to post

[40:13] uh, stop signs. Um, the one side coming from Upper St.

[40:17] Clair to Bower Hill Road, it's

[40:20] a difficulty because it's a wide open parking lot. Um,

[40:24] but we do have an easement to put the stuff in.

[40:27] So, I would I would think that

[40:30] the blinking traffic light with the stop

[40:32] signs and I don't I don't foresee anybody

[40:36] hitting the stop light again.

[40:39] » They may go over the stop signs. >> What's that?

[40:43] » I said they may run over the stop signs. >> It's always always a possibility.

[40:50] » What what what is it the best decision then?

[40:55] It seems to be a problem in between that >> And where is the other signs?

[40:59] » We don't know about it. >> You get no coffee to take that sign

[41:02] » You looking at the blinking light down >> I mean

[41:06] » What cost is to replace everything? So, >> That is definitely an option.

[41:10] » To remove the traffic signal all together.

[41:13] » Um, I'll just go with four stop signs. >> If you see

[41:17] If you see future issues, well, then we can always revisit that.

[41:20] » I I think if we if we eradicate

[41:24] the stop signs first, we can just shut the light off

[41:27] » Yeah. >> Yeah.

[41:28] » and see how it's working. >> Yeah.

[41:30] » And then then we can come back later

[41:33] » And that's a great idea. >> and make a decision as to okay, there's

[41:35] four-way stop without the light working or should we continue with the

[41:39] the traffic signal also.

[41:42] » And option one is the only one that will cost us money, correct?

[41:47] » What? >> Replace everything.

[41:48] » Yeah. >> You think about it.

[41:50] » Um, >> You

[41:51] » We're not putting a signal. I think we all agree to put the regular green is is

[41:55] gone. >> That's out.

[41:56] » That's out. >> All right. So, then it's you got two

[41:58] options. One just four stop signs, no signal, or four stop signs and blinking

[42:03] red light. And then when we talk about the four signals and the blinking red

[42:06] light, >> Uh,

[42:07] » we have two things there. >> So, it's like

[42:09] » What was our talk? >> Uh,

[42:11] we're manning the stop signal. So, we need to resignal permit depend on it.

[42:16] So, PennDOT may come back and say, "Hey, you need to upgrade it to current

[42:20] specs." You know, and they may want to install red lights, which probably will,

[42:24] you know. So, who knows what PennDOT's going to

[42:26] require? And then, you know, yeah. Um

[42:29] or cuz Gary makes a good point where, in all reality,

[42:33] that thing's up high now that it probably won't be hit. It It's at the

[42:37] minimum height where we can play call Verizon off. Cuz it it went off a lot

[42:41] with the weight talking to them. Correct.

[42:45] I think save Verizon the hassle and the money, they don't need to do anything.

[42:49] So, if that's the case, it it it's just business as usual, but if

[42:53] Verizon replaces those poles and we have to switch over to the new

[42:58] poles, that's that's all new guy wire. It's going to be a couple thousand bucks

[43:02] for us to do that work. But, if if we

[43:06] apply to PennDOT, which we have to, and they come back and say, "Okay, fine as

[43:10] it is." Then we're done.

[43:12] » And we're still at the mercy of PennDOT's discretion.

[43:14] » Correct. But, um if Verizon does do the pole work, it's

[43:19] going to cost us a good bit of money. >> Is it

[43:22] » That's that's the That's the money equation.

[43:26] » So, I guess we're in the position what comes first.

[43:29] » Yeah. Do we need the poles? >> Uh

[43:33] I I I think what comes first is we all

[43:35] agreed to be four-way stop. So, it's that next month, you know,

[43:40] authorize the solicitor now to prepare an ordinance to make that intersection a

[43:43] four-way stop to start the agenda. So, it's kind of safe to seal the stop sign

[43:48] on through the head with an ordinance to make it a four-way stop.

[43:53] And then, while that's going on over the next month,

[43:57] we can stall Verizon until we find out what John does with making a permit

[44:03] application to PennDOT to for the signal permit. In the same application for a

[44:07] signal permit we you just did for the crosswalk here is

[44:11] what we're talking about. So, >> The only difference is because it's a

[44:15] sig- it's an actual full signal intersection right now and not signs,

[44:19] » [cough] >> eliminating [clears throat] the um

[44:23] Sorry, I'm joking. Eliminating the uh the full signal

[44:26] operation may not be it may be a separate a little bit different

[44:30] requirement and may require additional traffic studies.

[44:33] And they have to enroll that. >> So, the first step would be to

[44:37] meet with them and find out what what they're going to require.

[44:39] » Sure. So, PennDOT's involved cuz McCollum's a state road, is that is that

[44:44] why they are >> of the old court.

[44:45] » PennDOT's also every signal whether it's on a

[44:49] on a municipal road or a PennDOT road, if it is a flashing light, if it's a

[44:54] signal, you must obtain a permit from PennDOT.

[44:57] They control all signals in PA. >> So, we have to start with PennDOT.

[45:01] » Yes, start with PennDOT. >> Yeah.

[45:02] Okay. So, we've addressed the safety issue of the light at least being moved

[45:05] up, poles, the weight off. And we have to ask PennDOT's permission

[45:09] to change anything. >> Cuz we're amending the the signal.

[45:13] » Just to clarify, is >> would be able to do what the chief had

[45:17] recommended maybe >> We put in the four-way stop signs.

[45:20] » Yes. >> And then and you shut off the light and

[45:23] see how it goes. I With PennDOT's blessing.

[45:26] » Yeah, let's see what PennDOT says if that can be done. And it can stay off.

[45:29] » If it works well, then you you don't have to worry about that. If it doesn't,

[45:32] come back to flashing. >> And I'll get the signs. So, I had to

[45:36] order stop signs and uh we'll have the permanent stop signs in by the end of

[45:39] the week of next week. So, like that's that's a that we have to

[45:43] do that. >> Okay.

[45:44] » But it's just a matter of what we do with the light and uh

[45:48] I think the way I understand it is I'm going to stall the lights until they

[45:52] don't do anything for a while. And uh you'll apply for the signal permit and

[45:57] then we'll go with that and coordinate it with with the chief and the engineer.

[46:00] » I'm sure we have to go through the engineer

[46:02] right [clears throat] now whatever we doing

[46:05] temporarily now. It'll be we have experience to see what

[46:09] works the best of it. >> Yes, cuz that's kind of what we did now

[46:13] is you have temporary stop signs there now, so that's the toe in the water to

[46:17] see if it doesn't work and if it works, then now we'll have

[46:21] permanent stop signs within the week and Tom will start papering this up.

[46:26] » Okay, so do we need to make a motion? >> I think you do.

[46:30] » Yes.

[46:33] » So let's see. I'm going to need to make a motion for Tommy Sherman to do an

[46:39] ordinance >> to prepare, yes.

[46:40] » to prepare to >> So you're making a motion

[46:43] that you wish me to prepare an authorized general so that you have an

[46:47] opportunity >> I think it'd be smart because that way

[46:49] then at the September meeting it could be in effect.

[46:52] » Okay. All right. All right.

[46:55] Um I need a motion to approve.

[46:58] » Make a motion. >> I second.

[47:00] » Any questions? All in favor say I.

[47:05] » I. >> And what opposed? Say no.

[47:09] Motion passes. And could you say one more time what you're going to do?

[47:13] » I will prepare the ordinance and the general

[47:16] send it to the uh newspaper to advertise the time to be considered at the next

[47:21] month meeting. >> Okay.

[47:22] » And we'll make the intersection of Baldwin Mill in the block into a

[47:25] four-way stop. >> Okay. Okay.

[47:28] All right. No roundabout yet?

[47:31] » No. And uh subsequently uh direct the

[47:35] engineer to apply for the PennDOT traffic signal timing.

[47:43] » All right. Anything else? I need a motion to

[47:47] adjourn. >> I assume we'll second.

[47:51] » All in favor say I.

[47:53] » I. >> Motion passes.

[47:56] Great.

Aug 10, 2026 Council Meeting

Transcript