[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6165038,"mediaKeyId","5426435-fb02957c1fa08d2cce147d0b6b45b9d4","parentId",5426435,"title","Monroe Council starts LERTA process and asks solicitor to draft tax-forgiveness ordinance","audioSeconds",718,"startMs",530000,"endMs",1248000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426435-fb02957c1fa08d2cce147d0b6b45b9d4&start=530&end=1248","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426435-fb02957c1fa08d2cce147d0b6b45b9d4/thumbnail_530000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6165038/Munhall/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Monroe-Council-starts-LERTA-process-and-asks-solicitor-to-draft-tax-forgiveness-ordinance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165038-6b7bf3260cbc92c570d6cbab6c3cc851/orig.mp4?Expires=1771024308&Signature=WhwQSGwMCsnT~XcM0rZ-ZM-frHuU5lfqTqSvzWU-7J9Yz-1zgrqqreHDc~VQKNgZdnxiS~Ywxby~08205Qf5rWIRx69ZhT9QYT8iKZa~SLbfVyHMlRQvV7iOALjG-FVNkqpGzyukYElIGxGIuS40b0F51bRR-ttqvrUah6FvG16TIYgi0Qc46UL6rz7LRhDyhWntvdtFbIbFbrD03qoyVFtwr8BmZBclT69LCykqB8DLK2PZcGvdRAMAKwWXYNKRKFRqWi1axJqikf9D5ws-Y837Iit2d0gqYSiJpGBNiEJ86vR06nVSWX4oVBUQ1eSHfQVFDVbOYnc~9608qzgOIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Munhall Borough, PA","date","2025-07-18T19:48:59.787Z","article","Monroe Borough Council on July 15 began the formal process to consider tax incentives for redevelopment and asked the solicitor to prepare a draft tax-forgiveness ordinance.

The council voted to instruct the Planning Commission to identify “deteriorated” areas that could be eligible for a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance program, commonly called LERTA, and voted to authorize the solicitor to finalize drafting of a tax-forgiveness ordinance for council review. The council also heard staff explanations of how each program would operate and which taxing bodies must participate.

Why it matters: LERTA and a tax-forgiveness program are tools towns use to encourage private investment in blighted properties; if adopted, they could change property tax bills for redeveloped parcels and affect revenues received by the borough, the county and local school districts.

The solicitor summarized the LERTA process for the council and said it must begin with the Planning Commission reviewing and recommending the geographic limits of any deteriorated area. He said the statutory maximum for the abatement portion is 10 years and that abatement applies only to the assessed increase in value attributable to improvements, not to the property's preexisting assessed value. The solicitor told the council the Planning Commission must recommend the areas, the council must hold statutory hearings and then adopt an ordinance, a process he estimated could take about four months.

Council members pressed staff on practical details of the tax-forgiveness program. The solicitor emphasized that the program is designed to help a third-party purchaser who intends to redevelop a property, not to relieve current owners of outstanding taxes. \"You have to be a purchaser,\" the solicitor said when a council member asked whether an owner behind on taxes could apply for the program.

David, a borough staff member who will help administer the programs, told council members that the school district's participation is important. He reported that borough staff learned the school district plans to participate, which staff said makes the tax-forgiveness program more viable. Amanda, described in the meeting as the manager from Olmstead (a municipality that uses the program), offered to meet with Monroe staff to share the documentation and procedures her municipality uses.

Council members asked who would do the preliminary intake and eligibility checks. The solicitor said administrative staff would perform initial verification and that final approval of individual tax-forgiveness agreements would rest with the council.

Next steps: The Planning Commission will examine and recommend the geographic boundaries of any deteriorated areas for LERTA; the solicitor will draft a tax-forgiveness ordinance and present it to the council; and staff will schedule statutory hearings before any adoption. The council directed staff to proceed and to coordinate with the county and school district, both of which must participate for some proposals to fully take effect.

Background details discussed during the meeting: under LERTA, abatement applies only to the cost of improvements and not to the preexisting assessed value of a property; municipalities commonly use sliding scales over a multi-year term (up to 10 years) but may adopt shorter or different percentage schedules; tax-forgiveness typically requires the redeveloper to complete improvements and receive an occupancy permit before forgiveness applies; the borough's solicitor recommended written policy and administrative procedures to prevent abuse and to verify bona fide purchasers.

Council actions taken: vote to instruct the Planning Commission to determine LERTA area boundaries; vote authorizing the solicitor to prepare the tax-forgiveness ordinance and related materials. Staff said they will return to the council with draft ordinance language and recommended administrative steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Munhall Borough - Council Meeting - 7/15/25","oneSentenceSummary","Monroe Borough Council on July 15 began the formal process to consider tax incentives for redevelopment and asked the solicitor to prepare a draft tax-forgiveness ordinance.","taxTitle","Munhall, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania","taxId",71865,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165018,"Munhall committee outlines 125th-anniversary events and fundraising plan",238,202000,440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426435-fb02957c1fa08d2cce147d0b6b45b9d4&start=202&end=440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426435-fb02957c1fa08d2cce147d0b6b45b9d4/thumbnail_202000.jpg","/articles/6165018/Munhall/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Munhall-committee-outlines-125th-anniversary-events-and-fundraising-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165018-6213d16e0a17719c787c5e0b850e49a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771024308&Signature=RbESFHUM5CTyZduhiQkny-YMXsoBj3OnHOvAgO6ybQ0muVMjSJH7CrW5FXfBPHNBXdtCgwCp6HgqGt-GVlcxldMolbJT5USp0ZnVJgG5Sb456~lfJ8RKIQy~iqR3CFdGlTly8o054m2lLzhdCK7lPEKuHRl8O9md2-LkuqXh0RnS6VA1JfKFPIXPvTJmT0y0aZI3s2vpmYs9BrRwwjtiNGEmUoc7oBCJVC0D979L-5HTK-tGlye2m3PGUv~QYkSdv067k1YdwGZEYGxR134Vmcb9o7s3r8JvP9vNYPRUiqHKfqi~l3HPGnctS0heEJwN02-MPLkdVtWvBBYi0p1bbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee members and council on July 15 described plans for Munhall's 125th-anniversary celebration and directed staff to support fundraising steps.

Why it matters: The anniversary program will be a community-facing series of events and materials — including walking tours, a history book and a parade — and council interest in creating a separate borough account for fundraising could affect how donations are tracked and spent.

Committee members outlined tentative programming for a yearlong commemoration: walking tours of local landmarks, a printed history book, a video of interviews with longtime residents, recognition of people born and raised in Munhall, a proposed parade and festival around June 20 of next year, and a possible drone show for the finale. Committee members said they will pursue corporate donations and sponsorships, citing potential outreach to US Steel and other regional firms. The committee described plans for t-shirt sales, a night-at-the-races fundraising event and market-night promotions. The committee chair said Carol from the library has produced four t-shirt designs for the committee's vote.

Councilmembers discussed creating a separate borough account to ring-fence donations for the anniversary committee; staff said that would be feasible. The committee set a follow-up meeting date and asked for volunteers to help with ongoing fundraising and event organization.

No official appropriations or contracts were approved at the meeting. The committee requested staff assistance with banking, donation letters and marketing as it develops a schedule and budget.","A volunteer committee described plans for a yearlong 125th-anniversary celebration including walking tours, a history book, a parade, a festival, a possible drone show and a separate fundraising account; councilmembers volunteered contacts and set follow-up meetings for fundraising and design work.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165023,"Borough searches for new salt-bin site as electric garbage truck chargers require current location to be cleared",1891,159000,2050000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426435-fb02957c1fa08d2cce147d0b6b45b9d4&start=159&end=2050","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426435-fb02957c1fa08d2cce147d0b6b45b9d4/thumbnail_159000.jpg","/articles/6165023/Munhall/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Borough-searches-for-new-salt-bin-site-as-electric-garbage-truck-chargers-require-current-location-to-be-cleared","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165023-c17a6ccc10ce892fa103b3724f942f34/orig.mp4?Expires=1771024308&Signature=nAjCoXmYJWpbkD-UA7Y368xm2O7qisxcdz3ERLmBjhi~vmCmoDADAi0dub9~pcDg8~Dhr-0wR8XMhTHEyxpNJYfZh4jCEggAIekLd4OrY3bVcLPOoakKAZ7t7nSdSc6fVvPQ-BrnMq4IerMydlTg9IAqM1lUC8dKL~MXziR0okPJ5772GRMst64A0jMx8UfMAeBvWIUTIB9TXt0ey2TKclsWotYjN8uwVEzaieyynCSfKaKR3yvjXC8eNMCnr5yoivFtMc4S9mvfBfF3BVlT7CN8ePYa9SAhgoLq5kIrd-fiPQv-wnnU5NxE3N4CaygGqh-FiIEORDMBtYO7SmlRpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Monroe Borough officials said on July 15 they are actively searching for a new salt-bin site after learning the current storage location must be cleared to accommodate electrical infrastructure for the borough's new electric garbage trucks.

Why it matters: The salt bin stores winter road salt used for deicing; relocating it affects winter readiness and creates short-term logistical needs for the borough's public works operations. Council members and staff discussed potential parcels, environmental constraints and the timeline for the new trucks and chargers.

The borough president told council members the borough must move salt bins because the authority installing power for electric truck chargers needs the current area to connect lines. Staff estimated the electric garbage trucks could arrive by the end of the year or early next year. The borough manager and public-works staff reported they have examined several properties, including a wooded lot near a church, an Eighteenth Avenue site and an old Franklin School parcel; each option has constraints: limited size, possible environmental contamination, access issues or cost. One property owner asked about a $400,000 price for two sites, staff said.

Staff discussed a possible temporary agreement with a church to use part of a parcel while a subdivision application is processed because subdividing a single parcel could otherwise take six months or longer. The manager said the borough is verifying ownership of candidate parcels and will follow up with negotiations or subdivision steps as required.

Council direction and next steps: Council asked staff to continue negotiations and report back; staff said they will confirm ownership, explore temporary-use agreements and aim to identify a usable site soon so winter operations are not disrupted. The borough also discussed expanding operations at a new site if available to reduce future crowding at the current public works facility.

No formal land purchases or contracts were approved at the meeting. Staff emphasized that some parcels may need environmental review and that timing depends on negotiations and potential subdivision processing.","Public works staff told council they must relocate borough salt bins because the current site is needed for power infrastructure that will support the new electric garbage trucks' chargers; staff are exploring multiple properties and discussed possible use of church land or subdivision steps if a parcel must be split.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165028,"Council approves MOU to credit prior municipal police service; discusses pension buyback provision",110,3140000,3250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426435-fb02957c1fa08d2cce147d0b6b45b9d4&start=3140&end=3250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426435-fb02957c1fa08d2cce147d0b6b45b9d4/thumbnail_3140000.jpg","/articles/6165028/Munhall/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Council-approves-MOU-to-credit-prior-municipal-police-service-discusses-pension-buyback-provision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165028-610ba3cd6893d4b841800e912925a782/orig.mp4?Expires=1771024308&Signature=hCOryHPRHTzxtyBWkMtJc68p4zOLxNjd6w4mwGrQDPEN1LjIQJ8uhJrXGHLQT8YaaxdLVpcc2lUlhvtC-DfyIHu2rlyD~m4I4x~yi3H1rdCFhYQoBorXa9~BMUxmkTW1kAct6vGrlW1mIevyHH0jLZ-8OCL9SQMNW~3dY8oVtvlRzGGmcXd4QcH0uqm-tQWhf1GUR~fZjAemwa3oUSPgLCKIcxqAwQl1Wrgt7DCq7tickd0P5zNaDmjWegpWzSUgoEjxN~vliPNyVRimiAwzCkQ3qFtfRkkdkrlCJvU6JvneXWfEMKlV7HpwjZu2i7Yayn5tjoRRtKTa7DtmBNeVMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Monroe Borough Council on July 15 approved a memorandum of understanding that allows newly hired police officers to receive credit on the borough's pay scale for previous municipal police service, and discussed a separate statutory change that allows police officers to buy back prior municipal service for pension credit.

Why it matters: The MOU is designed to make Monroe more competitive in recruiting experienced officers by ensuring some prior years of service count toward pay-step placement. Separately, a new law that permits buying back prior municipal police service would require changes to the borough's pension plan and an actuarial cost study before adoption.

Council voted in favor of the MOU, which staff said previously produced a larger applicant pool when used in earlier hiring cycles. The council discussed the formula used to convert prior service into credit; staff said the typical approach is to grant partial credit (for example, 50% of prior years of service, as in prior practice), with specifics to be reflected in the MOU and consistent with the union agreement.

The solicitor and staff also told council members that a recent law permits officers to buy back municipal service to increase pension benefits, but that adding the buyback option to the borough's pension plan requires an amendment and an actuarial cost study. The solicitor recommended engaging a law firm or pension expert to review the plan and prepare required amendments to remain tax-compliant and actuarially sound.

The council approved the MOU with the police union and instructed staff to finalize related documents. Council members said the change helps recruitment and that the union had endorsed the agreement. The solicitor said the borough would need to coordinate the pension amendment and actuarial review if the council decides to adopt the buyback provision.

Next steps: staff to finalize MOU language and union ratification, and to obtain an actuarial cost study and legal review to amend the police pension plan if council directs adoption of the buyback provision.","Council approved a memorandum of understanding so new officers can receive partial credit for prior municipal police service to start at higher pay steps; the solicitor and staff also discussed a new law allowing prior municipal service buyback that will require an amendment to the police pension plan and an actuarial study.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165033,"Monroe approves Main Street grant applications, selects streetlight and streetscape elements",2283,2227000,4510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5426435-fb02957c1fa08d2cce147d0b6b45b9d4&start=2227&end=4510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5426435-fb02957c1fa08d2cce147d0b6b45b9d4/thumbnail_2227000.jpg","/articles/6165033/Munhall/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Monroe-approves-Main-Street-grant-applications-selects-streetlight-and-streetscape-elements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165033-f76bfa329f357fee15aca09677a89e14/orig.mp4?Expires=1771024308&Signature=MeAwf~6IWkIM9wNkRiUbbhS~zDIDLqTV6aXw4HgG5wL6oU81B9VgnWOM9ZMZnHIwsQdwmBG8FPnrs6odDbBc5rfsXexgxc-kc1LMXc3tpdAczWIzbEPsvKyGfGPpKyW8k7vVzsem-WIK5hOMo089pOm9MRn6HQ9e13RMT3Z5HRcqavMwDMVe1MDcA8f6lIOUXCnmX8ZliqmvzNvaWkYbEajMRgSCEM5S4XFaL7KWJx0sfAiBQ3xS9HbRKheIHExSpjKizEolrIsCWz-5dBU9xIm2~Z4O2OFDV5mg-6Brt9cjIrgxUV60cniocICGJwk-9fxziYx9vTO~pIczwf1NAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Monroe Borough Council on July 15 authorized applications for grant funding and advanced several Main Street streetscape and infrastructure decisions.

The council voted to apply for roughly $400,000 from the Main Street program to complete remaining downtown improvements and instructed staff to proceed with design choices and procurement. Council members also reviewed proposed historic-style streetlights, bench models and covered trash cans for Main Street and asked staff to proceed to bid for lighting, with placement and final details to return to council for confirmation.

Why it matters: The Main Street grant and the chosen streetscape features will determine the look and functionality of Monroe's downtown improvements, affect downtown pedestrian experience and involve a mix of borough funds and external grant money.

Councilmembers reviewed three historic-lighting style options and discussed color and mounting details; staff confirmed the fixtures will include electrical outlets to support seasonal events. The borough manager summarized that the larger \"welcome\" signs proposed for each entrance to Main Street are among the higher-cost items, and the council agreed to place smaller benches at bus stops and standard benches elsewhere, for a total of about 12 benches. Council members expressed concern about trash overflow and favored models with partial lids or rain covers to reduce wind-blown waste and rodent access.

The borough also agreed to apply for a multimodal grant to address the Creek Street bridge over Homestead Run, which staff described as structurally rusted at approaches and in need of repair. The council asked the borough engineer to include improvements to approaches where feasible; members said widening approaches or improving alignment should be considered in the grant application.

Procurement and schedule: Staff said they will post the lighting project for bid this week, with the goal of having construction underway before the next meeting; council members asked that detailed placement drawings and final cut sheets be posted on the borough website so the public can provide input. For the speed hump project on Green Street and a separate contract to install three speed bumps on Ravine Street, the council voted to award contracts after bid openings (lowest Green Street bid reported at $24,009.50; Ravine Street award to El Grande Industries at $24,009.50 was approved).

Actions taken: council voted to submit the $400,000 Main Street grant application, voted to seek multimodal funding for Creek Street bridge repairs, authorized staff to proceed with lighting bid documents and awarded street-speed-hump contracts. Staff said additional Main Street work would continue as grants are awarded and contractors mobilize.

Next steps: staff to finalize bid packages and post them, engineer to refine Creek Street bridge scope for the multimodal grant, and council to receive placement plans and final product cut sheets for Main Street fixtures before final purchase decisions.","Council voted to submit a $400,000 Main Street grant application, considered lighting and bench designs for Main Street, and discussed trash-can models and signage; staff also discussed timeline for bids and groundwork for related projects including a multimodal grant application for the Creek Street bridge repair.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Monroe Council starts LERTA process and asks solicitor to draft tax-forgiveness ordinance

Munhall committee outlines 125th-anniversary events and fundraising plan

Borough searches for new salt-bin site as electric garbage truck chargers require current location to be cleared

Council approves MOU to credit prior municipal police service; discusses pension buyback provision

Monroe approves Main Street grant applications, selects streetlight and streetscape elements