Sep 23, 2014 3 min read

• Date: Sept. 15

• Action: By a unanimous vote, the board authorized issuing bonds of up to $12 million, but closer to $10 million, to address maintenance needs in several buildings, including masonry and heating and ventilation issues at McMurray Elementary School, high school roofing and other issues. No interest rate has been determined.

The resignation of Assistant Superintendent Patricia Kardambikis was accepted, effective Oct. 1, and the status of Dr. Jennifer Murphy, who joined the district last year, was changed from assistant to the superintendent for performance management to fill Kardambikis’ position. The district is currently negotiating a contract with Murphy and no salary has been determined.

Superintendent Jeannine French was asked to prepare a proposal on the feasibility of granting athletic coaches extended contracts. Currently, the positions are opened each year with the board making yearly appointments .

The administration was authorized to consult with HHSDR for an engineering survey of the heating and ventilation system in the district administration office.

Raptor Technologies was awarded an $8,000 contract for the purchase of the Raptor Visitor Management System. The system could possibly be in use within the next several weeks. The system takes a visitor’s driver’s license, scans the license and prints out a copy after checking a sexual offender list. The district will also be able to input information in the database if there is a need regarding custody orders or other pertinent information. The system is currently in use in surrounding districts in Upper St. Clair and South Fayette.

• Next meeting: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the administration offices

• Date: Sept. 22

• Action: Council adopted an amendment to an existing ordinance that regulates the size of electronic signs in residential areas. The amendment permits the signs to be a maximum of 20 square feet, doubling the previous 10 square feet area. The only properties affected are institutional properties along Washington Road and McMurray Road, including the fire department, the high school, St. David’s Episcopal Church and Peace Lutheran Church. The high school and St. David’s church already have electronic signs.

A contract was awarded to Peter Margitai for a design for the former Bower Hill School. The township purchased the building at a tax sale last year. The design bid is for $5,500. The only other bid was for $12,500 from Joel Cluskey. Silvestri said the township would like to keep the structure sound while looking for an organization to take over long-term maintenance and occupancy.

A contract was awarded a bid to Mackin/TCA to update township zoning and subdivision ordinances. The bid is for $106,553, the highest of four bids received. The project is budgeted for $130,000. Council awarded to the highest bidder as members felt Mackin/TCA was the best qualified.

Council approved applying for a local share of state gaming funds. The application is for $250,000 in addition to the regular amount the township receives annually. If awarded, the township plans on using the funds to construct a new amphitheater in Peterswood Park for an estimated $804,000. No final decision on construction has been made.

• Next meeting: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the municipal building