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Politics & Government

Oakmont Borough Council Notebook: May Regular Meeting

Hiring policies, road projects and the passing of the 2012 Library Bond Refinance were among the items discussed.

Here's a roundup of items discussed at the May 14 Oakmont Council meeting:

Council Does Not Honor Request for Release from Completion Bond

After an inspection by Bill Wenger, an engineer with Senate Engineering, the engineering company assisting the borough with the development, it was found that a second topcoat on the roads in the is not complete, according to Wenger. Because of this, council could not release the requested full amount of a $322,110.25 completion bond held by Kacin Companies.

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In an agreement with the borough in 2009, the company obtained this bond to cover any unforeseen expenses that the borough may incur as a result of the Edgewater development, such as the company not being able to complete the work leaving the borough responsible for unfinished work that affects the rest of the community, like an unfinished sewer line.

Council will discuss with Kacin Companies the completion of this work in order to release the $174,000 part of the bond that covers the road work. Currently, there is a dispute as to whether the top coat is included in the completion bond or in a different maintenance bond.

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Council Passes Library Bond Refinance Ordinance

Council passed ordinance number O14-2012 adopting the 2012 Library Bond Refinancing discussed at this month’s work session.

This ordinance is a "not to exceed” ordinance authorizing Council Vice President Nancy Ride and Council President Timothy Milberger to decide when Boenning and Scattergood, the independent securities, asset management and investment banking firm handling the refinance, should sell the bond at a price where the profit would not be lower than $40,000.

The bond, which is over $1 million, was used by the for renovations. The savings from the sale will go toward paying the interest down on the bond.

Mayor and Police Chief to Review New Draft of Borough Hiring Policies

Milberger passed out at Monday’s meeting. Some information that is still outstanding are requirements for part-time police officers and what positions require which types of clearances and criminal background checks.

Oakmont Mayor Robert Fescemyer and Police Chief David DiSanti agreed to discuss this information and report their thoughts back to council next month.

Oakmont Solicitor Robert Shoop also agreed to draft a nepotism policy for these positions.

Meeting Scheduled for May 24 to Review Park Renovations and Budget

Acting Borough Manager Lisa Jensen, Borough Treasurer Fredrick Favo, a representative from the Riverview School District, and others will meet May 24 to discuss the current situation of the renovations and the budget for the project.

"We need to discuss this and get everyone on the same page," Jensen said.

At previous meetings, there have been many discussions around the project and the actual costs and status.  

Council Votes on Delinquent Tax Collector

Council reappointed Jensen as the delinquent tax collector for borough real estate taxes.

Delinquent earned income taxes and local services taxes will be collected by Pennsylvania Municipal Service Company.

Council Approves Several Road Projects

Council authorized the borough engineer to create specifications and advertise requests for a bid on upcoming 2012 paving projects, which include paving Pennsylvania Avenue from Allegheny River Boulevard to Sixth Street and other undetermined streets in the borough. Council has $215,000 in the budget for these paving projects.

“We’re trying to spread that around to the most needed roads in the borough,” Councilman Tim Favo said.

Council also approved the authorization of an additional expenditure no greater than $3,000 to repair curbs along Allegheny River Boulevard during the Allegheny River Boulevard Brick Street Reconstruction project, and sink hole repairs at 301 Ninth St. and 834 Tenth St. by Carlucci Construction, Inc. The sink hole repair is expected to cost $10,000.

Work on Recreation Area on Dark Hollow Road ‘Moving Along’

Councilwoman Kitty Vagley said work on a recreation space on Dark Hollow Road by Edgewater Properties was moving along.

“We’ve had engineers and code folks up there and they’re developing a timeline [for the project] for council to look at,” she said.

The recreation area, which is yet to be named, will contain soccer field, a baseball field, bleachers and restroom facilities.

Milberger suggested council request recommendations on the name of the area from the recreation board.

Council Approves Purchase of Oak and Pine from Riverside Park

Richard Kacin’s request to purchase dressed oak and pine removed from Riverside Park during the renovations for $4,000 was approved by council. It is not yet known how the $4,000 will be used.

Council Approves Stop Sign

Council approved a motion by Councilman Ron Scott for a permanent stop sign at the south-west corner of Delaware Avenue and Third Street.

Council Approves Contributions

Council approved a motion by Scott for a cost-sharing payment of $10,000 to the Oakmont volunteer fire department toward the installation of a new generator in the department’s fire hall.

Council also approved Scott's motion for a $400 contribution to the Oakmont-Verona Memorial Day Committee in support of the 2012 Memorial Day ceremonies.

Council Discusses Replacing Dump Truck

Council discussed replacing a 1998 dump truck used at Riverside Park because it would take $5,000 to pass inspection this month. Jensen said council could just repair the dump truck or purchase a used dump truck to replace it.

Currently, Scott is looking into vehicles and investigating what the trade-in value would be on the dump truck and a backhoe purchased last year to go toward a used dump truck.

“I really feel the truck we have now is not safe on our roads,” Scott said.

Council will discuss Scott’s recommendation when it’s available.

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