Borough of Verona

The workshop meeting agenda included approval of minutes from a prior meeting. A key discussion involved the swearing in of new Police Officer Jacob Pepper. Borough Manager items centered on the review and potential interviews for cleaning contracts (Kirkman and Coverall) and establishing next steps for vendor selection. The Council discussed and planned next steps regarding a Garden Club request to plant flowers around trees on the R-V and E's railroads, including watering arrangements. Significant time was dedicated to the ARPA budget proposal, covering planned expenditures for administration capital, server upgrades for secure communications, AV equipment, street paving (specifically Second Street), and a sign for Railroad Park. The finance committee reported on the ARPA draft budget, which totals $170,000 for the current year, and a plan was set for public comment on the ARPA allocation before a final vote. The Recreation and Community Events Committee discussed revising the rental policy for the CRIPS concession stand for seasonal use and tree work planning, noting that certain tree pruning should be deferred until winter. Finally, updates were provided on applying for a PCNPR Grant for planning Riverbank and the public dock, including securing letters of support.

The key discussion point of the meeting was the announcement and discussion surrounding the Borough Manager's resignation, effective January 30, 2021, and the proposal for him to continue serving as Treasurer at a specified rate, which some members noted should be a separate vote from the resignation acceptance. Public comments were solicited regarding agenda items and the resignation. Specific financial and infrastructure concerns were raised, including inquiries about the plans for First Street improvements, specifically concerning speed mitigation measures due to its proximity to an elementary school, and whether paving over the bricks would maintain necessary speed control. Other topics included questions regarding the collection of licensing fees for amusement devices (noting zero collection in 2018), the classification of Highway Aid Revenue as liquid fuels money, and clarification on sewer rental revenue from Penn Hills. A significant concern raised during public comment related to a past performance issue involving the purchase of a police car without appropriate council discussion, which was cited as an unacceptable use of tax dollars and a dangerous precedent.

The meeting commenced with a roll call followed by the consideration of emergency agenda items. A registered public comment was received from Jessica Barone requesting the borough acknowledge the Verona Community Group as a Civic Organization to facilitate obtaining a temporary games of chance license for a planned community picnic raffle. Council members also discussed operational matters, including the repair of a severe dip on Arch Street that necessitates contacting Oakmont Water Authority, and the planned restoration of Wildwood Avenue pavement by Lindy Paving. Contract discussions addressed personnel matters, referencing a prior executive session regarding two employee contracts. Updates were provided on the Center Avenue storm sewer extension and the next section of the Wildwood Culvert project, with bids forthcoming. The Borough Manager noted the seven-month budget review indicated using 45% of the budget and mentioned grant opportunities, specifically the CDBBG funding, are being researched. The Code Enforcement Officer emphasized the impracticality of fulfilling four-day requests for occupancy inspections. The Police Chief reported on activity metrics, fines collected, and noted a decrease in magistrate funds year-to-date compared to the previous year. The EMS report noted the retirement of a team member and provided transport statistics. The Solicitor reported on an executive session held to discuss contractual agreements and legal matters, including a maintenance recommendation for 800 2nd Street, and confirmed that resolutions for civic organizations seeking games of chance licenses are routine.

The meeting began with council members addressing additional agenda items, including changes regarding the community garden lot at 851 Second Street and West Railroad Avenue. Public comment was taken, followed by a detailed discussion about voting procedures for filling a vacancy on the council, particularly concerning tie-breaking scenarios involving the appointed vacancy board member. The council reviewed decisions made in previous executive sessions, specifically concerning potential litigation related to County Hauling's performance, resulting in a plan to apply progressive liquidated damages for contract violations over a 45-day monitoring period before pursuing further legal options. Other executive sessions involved interviews for potential interim and permanent borough manager positions, as well as interviews for the vacant council seat. The main discussion centered on hiring a consultant, Susan Hockenberry, who possesses extensive local government experience, to act as a coach and advisor during the transition period, focusing on improving efficiency and assisting with the search for a permanent borough manager for a flat fee of $32,500 for three months, with an hourly rate of $75 for any services requested beyond the defined scope. The status of the current acting manager's resignation and their ongoing financial responsibilities was also clarified.

The meeting began with roll call and a request for emergency agenda items, which included an update on Civil Service hiring and a motion regarding the October Workshop meeting. Public comments featured a representative from Lower Valley EMS and the volunteer fire department presenting donation checks. A resident introduced himself seeking consideration for the Planning Commission, discussing his background in engineering and project management. Key discussions focused on tabling the hanging basket requests and canceling the October 31st Workshop meeting, largely due to it being Halloween, with consideration for rescheduling it as a budget-focused meeting in November. Significant time was spent discussing the enforcement consistency of the borough's code regarding signs on public property, including temporary and political signs, and clarifying right-of-way restrictions. The Borough Manager reported on a potential five-year contract for a full-service network phone system that would result in monthly savings and offer improved service capabilities, including fire department communication integration. Additionally, a request was made for permission to relocate a 'No Turnaround' sign and install new parking signage near the DPW garage due to recurring safety hazards caused by vehicles turning around or parking improperly in emergency vehicle zones.