Swissvale public meetings in 2021

Borough Council

The council approved the 2022 budget, a 9.0 mill tax rate, a $600,000 TAN loan, and several personnel and administrative items. The budget and tax increase passed with one dissenting vote from S. Alfonso Wells, who expressed disapproval of the millage increase. The council also approved the 2022 meeting schedule, appointed an Open Records Officer, hired two part-time patrolmen, and approved a license agreement with Worm Return for composting services.

• Approved Resolution #21-26 adopting the 2022 budget (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance #21-03 setting 9.0 mills tax rate for 2022 (4-1, S. Alfonso Wells dissenting)
• Approved Resolution #21-27 for $600,000 TAN loan at 2.48% interest (all ayes)
• Adopted 2022 meeting schedule, moving Oct. 5 meeting to Oct. 3 (all ayes)
• Appointed Sarah Ansell as Open Records Officer (all ayes, C. Ansell abstained)
• Approved amended holiday schedule effective Jan. 1, 2022 (all ayes)
• Hired Jacob Kingerski and Ryan Kingerski as part-time patrolmen (all ayes)
• Approved license agreement with Worm Return for composting services (all ayes)

Borough Council

Swissvale Borough Council held its regular meeting on December 1, 2021, following a budget presentation. The council approved advertising the 2022 budget, hired a new executive assistant, authorized a fund transfer for cash flow, and approved two property acquisitions under the Vacant Property Recovery Program. They also set a public hearing date for a zoning amendment regarding chickens and bees.

• Approved advertising the 2022 budget as presented
• Hired Sarah Ansell as Executive Assistant at $44,000 salary
• Authorized transfer of up to $265,000 from Capital Reserve Fund to General Fund for cash flow
• Approved Resolution #21-24 to acquire property at 2333 Buena Vista Street (Tax Parcel ID 235-E-236)
• Approved Resolution #21-25 to acquire property at 7311 Denniston Avenue (Tax Parcel ID 178-L-198)

Council approved advertising the 2022 budget as presented and authorized a transfer of up to $265,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund to the General Fund for cash flow until state Streetscape Grant reimbursements arrive. It also approved hiring Sarah Ansell as Executive Assistant at $44,000, approved two Vacant Property Recovery acquisitions, and set a public hearing on a zoning amendment for chickens and bees. All motions passed unanimously except for noted abstentions.

• Approved minutes of Oct 27 and Nov 3 meetings (all ayes).
• Hired Sarah Ansell as Executive Assistant at $44,000 salary (C. Ansell abstained).
• Approved advertising the 2022 budget as presented (all ayes).
• Authorized transfer of up to $265,000 from Capital Reserve to General Fund for cash flow, to be repaid from state reimbursements (all ayes).
• Approved Resolution #21-24 to acquire property at 2333 Buena Vista Street via Vacant Property Recovery Program (all ayes).
• Approved Resolution #21-25 to acquire property at 7311 Denniston Avenue via Vacant Property Recovery Program (all ayes).
• Set public hearing for Jan 26, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. on zoning amendment for chickens and bees (all ayes).
• Approved paid bills totaling $267,315.68 (all ayes).

Shade Tree Committee

The commission provided updates on the TreeVitalize application and the Tree City USA application process. Members also planned a tree maintenance session for November 13th at the Church and Braddock parklet.

• TreeVitalize application status delayed to Spring 2022
• Preparation of Tree City USA application for February 2022 deadline
• Planned tree maintenance and aeration of Chinese Elm at Church and Braddock parklet
• Plan to prepare more tree tags for newly planted Borough trees

The Swissvale Shade Tree Advisory Commission met and discussed several ongoing items but made no formal decisions. The Fall 2021 TreeVitalize application has no update and may be deferred to Spring 2022. Gib Miller prepared the Tree City USA application for review, with a February 2022 deadline. The committee scheduled a tree maintenance work session for November 13, 2021, and discussed preparing more tree tags.

• Scheduled tree maintenance work session for Nov 13, 2021 at Church and Braddock parklet
• Gib Miller prepared Tree City USA application for review
• Planned to prepare more tree tags for newly planted Borough trees

Borough Council

Swissvale Borough Council approved several actions, including applying for a $2.5 million state grant for a new municipal building and a $175,000 county grant for baseball field improvements. Council also adopted a stop-sign ordinance, a vehicle use policy, and ratified a DPW hire. Public comment included requests for police enforcement, a demolition, and a climate action plan.

• Approved Resolution #21-21 to apply for $2,500,000 RACP grant for new Municipal Building
• Approved Resolution #21-22 to apply for $175,000 Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund grant for Les Getz Memorial Park baseball fields
• Adopted Ordinance #21-02 requiring stop signs at Vernon, Melrose, and Cheyenne Streets at South Braddock Avenue
• Ratified hiring of Steven Coleman as Second-Class Operator in DPW
• Approved paid bills totaling $918,858.90

The council approved resolutions to apply for a $2.5 million state grant for a new municipal building and a $175,000 county grant for baseball field improvements at Les Getz Memorial Park. It also adopted a vehicle use policy, an ordinance requiring stop signs at three intersections, and ratified a DPW hiring. A temporary park name change to 'Les Goats Memorial Park' for a November 20 event was approved with one dissenting vote.

• Approved Resolution #21-21 to apply for $2,500,000 RACP grant for new Municipal Building (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution #21-22 to apply for $175,000 Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund grant for Les Getz Memorial Park baseball fields (all ayes)
• Adopted Vehicle Use Policy (all ayes)
• Adopted Ordinance #21-02 requiring stop signs at three South Braddock Avenue intersections (all ayes)
• Ratified hiring of Steven Coleman as Second-Class Operator in DPW (all ayes)
• Directed Civil Service Commission to administer Police Sergeant promotional exam (all ayes)
• Approved temporary name change of Les Getz Memorial Park to Les Goats Memorial Park for Nov. 20 event (all ayes except W. Scales)
• Approved paid bills totaling $918,858.90 (all ayes)

Shade Tree Committee

The Swissvale Shade Tree Committee met to discuss the status of the Fall 2021 TreeVitalize application, which was not approved for fall but is scheduled for spring, and the Tree City USA application due in February 2022. They also reviewed tree maintenance issues, including damage on Nevada Street and a Chinese Elm in the parklet at Church and Braddock, and discussed fall project ideas such as a tree walk and mapping the tree inventory. The meeting was largely routine, covering ongoing administrative and maintenance matters.

• Fall 2021 TreeVitalize application not approved, deferred to spring
• Tree City USA application due 2/2022; borough spends $4 per citizen on trees, above $2 minimum
• Tree maintenance: Hawthorne on Hutchinson Ave, trees on Nevada Street damaged by weed wacker, Chinese Elm in parklet at Church and Braddock needs attention
• Upstream funding may support 3 borough planting projects (Wilkinsburg, Edgewood, Swissvale)
• Fall tree projects planned for November, possibly a walk about

The Shade Tree Committee discussed the status of its Fall 2021 TreeVitalize application, which was not approved for fall but is scheduled for spring. The Tree City USA application is due in February 2022, and the borough's per-capita tree spending was corrected to $4, above the $2 minimum. No formal votes were taken; the meeting focused on reports, project ideas, and administrative updates.

• TreeVitalize application deferred to spring 2022
• Tree City USA application due 2/2022; per-capita spending corrected to $4
• Perry and Jan to work on mapping tree inventory to a single-page map
• Upstream funding discussed for 3-borough planting projects
• Old tree removal request to be forwarded to Gib and Greg
• Article for Swissvalian submitted by 10/1/2021; status uncertain

Borough Council

The Borough Council approved proceeding with the design of a new municipal building following a presentation from CORE Architects. The council also passed several personnel appointments and a contract for roof installation at the DPW Building.

• Authorized CORE Architects to proceed with the design of a new Borough Building
• Awarded $185,000.00 contract to Likar Roofing for the DPW Building at 1927 McCague Street
• Approved appointment of Greg Bachy as Interim Borough Manager with an $8,320.00 salary increase
• Promoted Dave Zacchia and Justin Keenan to the rank of Sergeant in the Police Department
• Approved acquisition of 2333 Buena Vista Street through the Vacant Property Recovery Program

Council authorized CORE Architects to design a new Borough Building after a feasibility study found renovation impractical. Greg Bachy was appointed Interim Borough Manager retroactive to August 25 with a salary increase. Two police officers were promoted to Sergeant, and a contract for a new DPW roof was awarded. The Vehicle Use Policy was tabled.

• Authorized CORE Architects to design new Borough Building (all ayes)
• Appointed Greg Bachy as Interim Borough Manager with $8,320 salary increase (all ayes)
• Promoted Dave Zacchia to Sergeant, conditional on exams (all ayes)
• Promoted Justin Keenan to Sergeant, conditional on exams (all ayes)
• Awarded $185,000 roof contract to Likar Roofing (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution #21-19 for Vacant Property Recovery at 2333 Buena Vista St (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution #21-20 to apply for $750,000 library grant (all ayes)
• Tabled Vehicle Use Policy (all ayes)

Shade Tree Committee

The Swissvale Shade Tree Advisory Commission (SSTAC) discussed routine business, including an upcoming video interview for an award, the status of a TreeVitalize grant application, and preparation for the Tree City USA application. They also planned tree maintenance and planting efforts and decided to continue Zoom meetings through fall and winter.

• SSTAC selected as Mon Valley Initiative Community Partner of the Year; video interview Sept 9 at Parisi Café, 7107 Harrison Ave.
• No update on Fall 2021 TreeVitalize application; time short for DPW to prepare tree pits.
• Tree City USA application preparation to begin (Gib Miller, Barb Grabowski).
• Street tree trimming/maintenance planned on Hampton, St Lawrence, Hudson, Union, and Nevada.
• Possible new tree plantings at St Lawrence/Lehigh, Union, and Nevada if viable stock available.

The Swissvale Shade Tree Advisory Commission was selected as the Mon Valley Initiative Community Partner of the Year, with a video interview scheduled for September 9 and an awards ceremony on October 21. The committee also discussed tree maintenance, planting, and applications, but made no formal decisions beyond agreeing to prepare the Tree City USA application and continue Zoom meetings.

• Selected as MVI Community Partner of the Year (unanimous)
• Agreed to prepare Tree City USA application (Gib and Barb to assist)
• Decided to do tree trimming on Hampton, St Lawrence, Hudson, Union, and Nevada on an individual basis
• Encouraged members to do minor trimming or cleanup of street trees, with caution about homeowner-planted trees
• Agreed to plant new trees at St Lawrence/Lehigh, Union, and Nevada if viable stock is available
• Consensus to continue Zoom meetings through Fall and Winter

Borough Council

The Borough Council approved a State of Emergency resolution to allow remote meetings and authorized the acquisition of two vacant properties through the Vacant Property Recovery Program. The council also reviewed a presentation regarding a new Swissvale Municipal Building and accepted the resignation of Borough Manager Katherine Malsch.

• Approved Resolution #21-15 declaring a State of Emergency for remote meetings
• Authorized CDBG application to fund replacement of eight handicapped accessible ramps
• Approved acquisition of 7530 Short Street and a property on Locust Street
• Awarded $5,105 contract to Beasley Plumbing for backflow preventers on McClure Avenue
• Approved payment of borough bills totaling $289,907.98

The Swissvale Borough Council approved a state of emergency resolution allowing remote meetings, authorized a CDBG application for eight handicapped ramps, and approved two property acquisitions through the Vacant Property Recovery Program. They also tabled the approval of prior meeting minutes and the promotion of two police officers to sergeant. The council accepted Borough Manager Katherine Malsch's resignation and approved a separation agreement.

• Tabled approval of July 28 and August 4, 2021 meeting minutes
• Approved Resolution #21-15 declaring a State of Emergency and allowing remote meetings
• Tabled promotions of two officers to sergeant in the Police Department
• Approved Resolution #21-16 authorizing CDBG application for eight handicapped ramps
• Approved Resolution #21-17 to acquire property at 7530 Short Street via Vacant Property Recovery Program
• Approved Resolution #21-18 to acquire vacant property on Locust Street via Vacant Property Recovery Program
• Awarded contract to Beasley Plumbing for $5,105 for backflow preventers on McClure Avenue
• Accepted resignation of Borough Manager Katherine Malsch and approved separation agreement

Shade Tree Committee

The Swissvale Shade Tree Advisory Committee met to discuss the status of the Fall 2021 TreeVitalize application, noting that two site visits occurred and some trees on Washington St. were removed from plans due to parking issues. The group also discussed replacing six two-year-old Arbor Day trees planted in 2020 at specific addresses and reviewing open tree requests where site appropriateness was unclear. Additionally, the committee outlined next steps for a Blueberry Bush project and noted that the deadline for the November-December Swissvalian issue is October 1, 2021.

• TreeVitalize application status: Two site visits completed; trees on Washington St. removed from plans due to parking issues; potential split with Spring planting.
• Replacement of six 2-year-old Arbor Day trees planted on June 6, 2020, at 8010 St. Lawrence, 7819 Union St., and 2106 Hudson St.
• Discussion of open tree requests dated May 15, 2021, for 7915 Union and 8301-13 St. Lawrence, with uncertainty regarding site appropriateness.
• Blueberry Bush project: Perry Recker to continue conversations regarding Scot Way sites and volunteer recruitment.
• Deadline for the November-December Swissvalian issue is October 1, 2021.

The Swissvale Shade Tree Advisory Committee discussed the status of its Fall 2021 TreeVitalize application, noting site visits and adjustments to tree plans on Washington St. The committee is high on the list for the grant, though it may be split between fall and spring. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational and planning-focused.

• Discussed TreeVitalize application status; no formal action taken
• Identified potential replacement sites for trees planted on 6/6/2020
• Discussed open tree requests for 7915 Union St. and 8301-13 St. Lawrence
• Continued planning for Blueberry Bush project with volunteer recruitment
• Set deadline for Nov-Dec Swissvalian article as 10-1-21
• Explored possibility of resuming in-person meetings in September

Borough Council

The council approved several routine items, including the sale of four borough vehicles, the appointment of the finance director as treasurer, and resolutions regarding the Steel Valley Authority and Poor Yorick's Players. The most significant decision was awarding the Plum Alley retaining wall alternate bid to Soli Construction, Inc. for $211,160. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved June 30 and July 7, 2021 meeting minutes (all ayes)
• Designated Finance Director Cameron Caputi as Borough Treasurer and Signatory (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution 21-13 amending Steel Valley Authority Articles of Incorporation (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution 21-14 recognizing Poor Yorick's Players as Artist in Residence (all ayes)
• Sold 1996 Ford F-Series Utility Truck to Ian Tomei for $500 (all ayes)
• Sold 2008 Ford Focus to David Sensenig for $4,659 (all ayes)
• Sold 2009 Ford F-550 Dump Truck to Dwaine Gordon for $7,550 (all ayes)
• Awarded Plum Alley Retaining Wall bid to Soli Construction, Inc. for $211,160 (all ayes)

Shade Tree Committee

The Swissvale Shade Tree Advisory Commission met to discuss routine tree maintenance, including watering newly planted trees, mulching, and recommending removal of dead trees. They also reviewed a grant application for fall tree planting, planned outreach, and addressed pruning requests and community concerns.

• Watering bags installed for 22 newly planted trees; DPW to fill them through summer
• Recommendation to DPW to remove dead trees along Edgewood Avenue near busway
• Fall 2021 TreeVitalize grant application; WPC site visit on 7/15 on Washington St.
• Tree trimming needed on Hampton Ave; advice requested for DPW workers
• Yellow dots on trees evaluated; likely markings for electric company pruning

The Swissvale Shade Tree Advisory Commission met on July 14, 2021, and discussed several operational items. They decided to recommend that the DPW remove dead trees along Edgewood Avenue near the busway. A second site visit for the Fall 2021 TreeVitalize grant application is scheduled for July 15, with a decision expected in mid-August. The commission also noted that watering bags for 22 newly planted trees were installed and will be filled by the DPW.

• Recommended DPW remove dead trees along Edgewood Avenue near the busway
• Scheduled a second site visit for the TreeVitalize grant application on July 15
• Noted DPW will fill watering bags for 22 newly planted trees throughout the summer
• Continued Zoom meetings until Wilkins School Community Center opens for in-person meetings

Borough Council

Swissvale Borough Council approved several personnel hires, including three full-time probationary patrolmen, and passed a resolution publicly censuring Council Member David Petrarca for failing to perform his duties. The council also approved a fee schedule amendment, a trash can purchase, and the sale of a police vehicle.

• Hired Natalie Richards, Ryan Waros, and Benjamin Stone as probationary full-time patrolmen
• Approved Resolution 21-12 censuring Council Person David Petrarca (5-1 vote)
• Approved sale of 2013 Ford Explorer to McKeesport Police Department for $10,000
• Approved trash can purchase not to exceed $1,000
• Approved Resolution 21-10 adding Auxiliary Service Fee and Multiple Fire Alarm Fee

The council approved the hiring of three probationary full-time patrolmen (Natalie Richards, Ryan Waros, and Benjamin Stone) and ratified part-time hires for police, fire, and DPW. It also passed a resolution publicly censuring Council Person David Petrarca for failing to perform his duties, with a 5-1 vote. Other actions included approving a trash can purchase, a fee schedule amendment, and the sale of a 2013 Ford Explorer to McKeesport Police for $10,000.

• Approved the June 2, 2021 meeting minutes.
• Approved purchase of trash cans at a cost not to exceed $1,000.
• Approved Resolution 21-11 donating the globe to Woodland Hills School District.
• Ratified hiring of Eric Williams as part-time patrolman at $18.25/hour.
• Hired Natalie Richards, Ryan Waros, and Benjamin Stone as probationary full-time patrolmen.
• Ratified hiring of Richard Normand and Joseph Mahoney as part-time firefighters at $15.03/hour.
• Ratified hiring of Craig Payne as temporary first-class operator in DPW at $18.48/hour.
• Approved Resolution 21-10 amending fee schedule to include Auxiliary Service Fee and Multiple Fire Alarm Fee.

Shade Tree Committee

This meeting has no agenda available. The agenda text only directs readers to review the minutes, so there are no specific items to report as being decided or discussed.

The Swissvale Shade Tree Advisory Commission discussed plans for a Tree Vitalize Grant application for 24 trees at Universal Academy and 9 elsewhere, and tentatively scheduled a mulching event for June 26 at 9 AM near the Farmers Market. No formal votes were taken; decisions were tentative or consensus-based.

• Tentatively scheduled mulching event for June 26 at 9 AM near Farmers Market
• Removed Harrison St locations from Tree Vitalize Grant application
• Continued Zoom meetings for the time being
• Agreed to follow up on two tree requests (St. Lawrence/Lehigh and Union)
• Discussed planting 9 blueberry bushes at Universal Academy (pending WPC choices)

Borough Council

Swissvale Borough Council approved several resolutions, including the 2020 Allegheny County Hazard Mitigation Plan, Enterprise Zone re-designation, and a Pride Month proclamation. They also approved $814,179 in bills and a part-time police hire, but tabled two part-time firefighter hires. Discussions covered a trash can initiative, a property sale at 2107 South Braddock Avenue, and full-time police hiring.

• Approved Resolution No. 21-07 adopting the 2020 Allegheny County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Approved Resolution No. 21-08 for Enterprise Zone re-designation and funding
• Approved Resolution No. 21-09 proclaiming June as Pride Month
• Approved payment of bills totaling $814,179.00 for February and May 2021
• Tabled hiring of part-time firefighters Richard Normand and Joseph Mahoney at $15.03/hour

The council approved three resolutions: adopting the 2020 Allegheny County Hazard Mitigation Plan, re-designating the Enterprise Zone, and proclaiming June as Pride Month. It also ratified the hiring of a part-time police officer, tabled two firefighter hires, and approved $814,179 in bills. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Resolution 21-07 adopting 2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution 21-08 for Enterprise Zone re-designation and funding (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution 21-09 proclaiming June as Pride Month (all ayes)
• Ratified hiring of Joshua Fox as part-time police officer at $18.25/hr (all ayes)
• Tabled ratification of Richard Normand as part-time firefighter (all ayes)
• Tabled ratification of Joseph Mahoney as part-time firefighter (all ayes)
• Approved payment of bills for Feb and May 2021 totaling $814,179 (all ayes)

Shade Tree Committee

This meeting has no agenda available. The agenda text states only that there is no agenda and directs readers to review the minutes.

The Swissvale Shade Tree Advisory Commission met and discussed plans to apply for a Fall 2021 TreeVitalize planting grant, with a June 1 deadline. The application will include replacement trees for 7132 and 7134 Harrison Ave, a tree for an empty pit on McCague Street, up to twelve trees for the Swissvale StreetScape on Washington Ave, and potentially trees for Universal Academy Pittsburgh. The committee also discussed tree pit cleaning and mulching in June, coordinating watering for recently planted trees, and reviewing the tree inventory. No formal votes were taken; all items were discussion and planning.

• Planned to submit Fall 2021 TreeVitalize grant application by June 1
• Included replacement trees for 7132 and 7134 Harrison Ave in grant application
• Included one tree for empty pit on McCague Street in grant application
• Included up to twelve trees for Swissvale StreetScape on Washington Ave in grant application
• Discussed potential trees for Universal Academy Pittsburgh pending request
• Planned tree pit cleaning and mulching in June for business district
• Coordinated watering for recently planted trees with WPC and Greg Bachy
• Agreed to review and supplement tree tag list

Borough Council

This meeting has no published agenda. The only item listed is 'No Agenda,' indicating that the meeting may be procedural or that the agenda was not made available. Residents are directed to review the minutes for any actions taken.

Swissvale Borough Council approved the declaration of four structures as dangerous and authorized their demolition, approved purchases for remote work infrastructure and a new phone system, and approved an agenda management software purchase. The council also tabled a motion to add bulk recycling to the Homestead agreement, approved a garbage fee deadline extension, and named the Collingwood Park basketball court in honor of Darin Poindexter.

• Approved $241,248.51 in paid bills (all ayes)
• Approved minutes with edits (all ayes)
• Tabled motion to add bulk recycling to Homestead agreement (all ayes)
• Approved $4,288.37 Dell purchase for laptops and virtual meeting hardware (all ayes)
• Approved Comcast phone system at $14.95/seat/month plus $915.80 installation (all ayes)
• Approved CivicClerk agenda software at $13,898.00 (all ayes)
• Approved naming Collingwood Park basketball court in honor of Darin Poindexter (all ayes)
• Approved demolition of four unsafe structures (all ayes)

Shade Tree Committee

This Shade Tree Committee meeting has no agenda available; the only listed item is to review the minutes. No decisions or discussions are scheduled for public notice.

• No agenda items listed

The Swissvale Shade Tree Advisory Commission discussed plans for a fall 2021 TreeVitalize grant application, targeting spots on Washington Avenue and replacing underperforming trees. They also scheduled an Arbor Day tree tagging event for May 1st at 2pm, meeting on the Aurelius side of Dickson STEAM Academy. No formal votes were taken; all items were discussion and planning.

• Planned fall 2021 TreeVitalize grant application for June submission
• Scheduled Arbor Day tree tagging for May 1st at 2pm at Dickson STEAM Academy
• Tabled coordination with Landforce and Bidwell Training Center
• Assigned Perry Recker to take meeting notes

Borough Council

Swissvale Borough Council approved hiring Cameron Caputi as Finance Director at $52,500 and promoting Dione Hood to Assistant Finance Director at $46,716.80, both effective April 12, 2021. Council also approved a new borough website through CivicPlus at $31,987, an insurance renewal with a premium increase to $124,262, and a subdivision at 2502 and 2504 Woodstock Avenue. A motion to purchase CivicClerk agenda management software at $13,898 was tabled. All other motions passed unanimously.

• Approved February 24, 2021 agenda meeting minutes.
• Approved Manchego/Navarro subdivision at 2502 and 2504 Woodstock Avenue.
• Hired Cameron Caputi as Borough Finance Director at $52,500 annually, effective April 12, 2021.
• Promoted Dione Hood to Assistant Finance Director at $46,716.80, effective April 12, 2021.
• Approved Turtle Creek Valley COG 2021 Vactor opt-in agreement at $18,150.
• Approved purchase of new Borough Website through CivicPlus at $31,987.
• Tabled purchase of CivicClerk agenda management software at $13,898.
• Approved insurance renewal with Duncan Financial Group, premium rising to $124,262.

Shade Tree Committee

There is no agenda available for this meeting. The record indicates that there are no items scheduled for discussion or decision.

The committee reported that its Tree Vitalize application was approved, with 4 trees for Harrison Street and 18 for the Swissvale Business District; planting is scheduled for April 6-7, with DPW cutting pits and volunteers restricted due to Covid. The committee also recapped a February 20 pruning event where bagworms were removed, and discussed plans for an Arbor Day celebration, with the date to be set at the next meeting.

• Approved: Tree Vitalize application for 22 trees, with planting dates set for April 6-7.
• Noted: DPW will cut tree pits and remediate soil; three pits cut as of the meeting.
• Decided: Volunteers will not help plant due to Covid protocol; SSTAC members may assist with masks and gear.
• Discussed: Bagworm removal methods; physical removal preferred, chemical control as last resort.
• Planned: Arbor Day celebration with tree tags and new proclamation; date to be decided April 14.
• Discussed: Increasing resident interest in street trees, including yard tree program via Nine Mile Run Watershed Association.
• Discussed: Duquesne Light sapling planting in open spaces; possible sites include Memorial Field or behind Dickson School.
• Discussed: Potential partnership with Edgewood on invasive vine removal; Jan to raise at next Edgewood meeting.

Borough Council

This meeting has no published agenda. The only item listed is a note stating there is no agenda available and directing readers to review the minutes.

• No agenda items listed

The council awarded a $99,575.63 paving contract to EL Grande Industries for work on Whipple Street and Aurelius Avenue. It also created a Swissvale Historical Committee, rejected all bids for the Plum Alley Retaining Wall, and adopted a resolution to develop a LEAD program. Several appointments to boards and commissions were approved, and an ordinance expanding the graffiti definition was adopted.

• Approved $99,575.63 paving contract with EL Grande Industries for Whipple Street and Aurelius Avenue
• Rejected all bids for the Plum Alley Retaining Wall project
• Created Swissvale Historical Committee with Frank Berry, Calvin Yoder, and Hollen Barmer as first members
• Approved appointments to Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Shade Tree Commission, Steel Valley Authority, and Recreation Advisory Committee
• Adopted Resolution 21-03 directing police to develop a LEAD program
• Adopted Ordinance 21-01 expanding graffiti definition to include signs and handbills posted without permission
• Approved minutes from four prior meetings with an amendment regarding tax collector compensation
• Removed Councilman Petrarca as Finance Committee Chair and appointed Councilman Ansell

Borough Council

This meeting has no published agenda. The only item listed is 'No Agenda,' indicating that no specific business items are scheduled for public discussion or decision. Residents are directed to review the meeting minutes for any actions taken.

The Swissvale Borough Council approved a $14,000 bid for the Noble Street accessible ramp, promoted Michael Norkus to Shift Commander, renewed the animal control contract with Sable Kennels, and approved several resolutions and agreements. All votes were unanimous. The council also approved paying bills totaling $216,168.78 and unpaid bills of $27,778.51.

• Approved $14,000 bid to A. Folino, Inc. for Noble Street Accessible Ramp (all ayes)
• Promoted Michael Norkus to Shift Commander in the Fire Department (all ayes)
• Renewed animal control contract with Sable Kennels from Feb 2021 to Feb 2023 (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution 21-01 for Vacant Property Recovery Program application (all ayes)
• Approved MOU with Rankin Borough for Carrie Furnace Access Trail Project (all ayes)
• Approved agreement with owners of 2228 Hampton St for Plum Alley Retaining Wall (all ayes)
• Approved Resolution 21-02 to apply for CITF funding for demolitions (all ayes)
• Approved paid bills of $216,168.78 and unpaid bills of $27,778.51 (all ayes)

Shade Tree Committee

This meeting of the Swissvale Shade Tree Committee has no agenda available. The agenda text indicates only that there is no agenda and directs readers to review the minutes.

Borough Council

This meeting has no published agenda. The only available record is the meeting minutes, so there are no specific items to report as decided or discussed.