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MILLVALE, PENNSYLVANIA

 

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Millvale Borough

501 Lincoln Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15209
(412) 821-2777

info@millvaleboro.com

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 Employment

 How do I apply for a Borough position?
Millvale Borough advertises open positions on the website & in the local newspapers as well as in the Millvale Borough Building.
 How do I apply for a police officer position?
Millvale Borough advertises open police positions on the website & in local newspapers as well as in the Millvale Borough Building.
 How many staff members does the Borough employ?
Millvale Borough employs. 23 full and part-time staff.
 General
 How can I receive a copy of a public record such as, meeting minutes or an ordinance?

A request in writing for access to or for a copy of a Government Record shall be submitted to the Borough Manager. Some records are immediately available other records may take 5 days to produce. There is no fee involved in simply inspecting a document during normal business hours. The fee assessed for the duplication of a printed record shall be $0.25 per page. For a police accident report there is a fee of $15.

 Does the Borough accept credit cards for payment for utilities and other services?Can have  

 payments automatically deducted from my checking or other accounts?

The Borough accepts cash, check, or money orders but does not accept credit cards. The Borough is unable to have regularly scheduled payments deducted from checking or other accounts.

 My business would like to solicit our product door to door and/or pass out flyers in Millvale.    

 Where can I apply?

Door to door sales require registration at Borough offices for a Pedlers Permit. Cost of a Pedlers Permit is $20 per day per person. To distribute flyers to homes or on cars registration is required at Borough offices and fee of $250 per day is charged. Millvale Borough has the right to reject request for Pedlers Permits or flyer distribution.

 Where can I register to vote?

You may register in person at the Millvale Borough Office.

 How do I license my dog?
Dog licenses are issued by Allegheny County. Applications are available at Borough Building and can be mailed in as well. 

 I was injured or incured damages in Millvale and would like to know if it was Borough owned 

 property, will the Borough cover these expenses?

The first step is to immediately contact the Borough Manager, once the Manager has been contacted she will determine if the property is owned by the Borough. Generally, if the damage or accident occured on Borough property a Tort claim could be filed. 

 Borough Government

 Where is Borough Building located and what are the hours of operation?

The Borough Building is located on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Sedgwick Street, you can enter the Borough offices at the Sedgwick street entrance. The Borough mailing address is 501 Lincoln Avenue, Millvale, PA 15209. The Borough Office can be reached by phone at 412-821-2777. Borough offices are open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays.

 How large is Millvale Borough?

Millvale Borough comprises 0.68 square miles in Allegheny County in southwestern Pennsylvania. The population of Millvale according to the 2000 Census was 4,028.

 How old is Millvale Borough?
Millvale Borough was founded in 1868.
 How is Millvale Borough governed?
Millvale Borough is incorporated and organized under Pennsylvania’s Borough Code. The present type of borough government is typical of small Pennsylvania municipalities in the nineteenth century. Most of the present cities were boroughs first and became cities as their populations increased. The governing body of Millvale Borough is an elected council of seven members, elected at large for four-year overlapping terms. The powers of council are broad and extensive, covering virtually the whole range of municipal functions. A mayor is elected for a four-year term. Under the Borough Code, the Mayor oversees the operations of the Police Department, has veto authority over Council legislation and may break ties on Borough Council votes.  
Like many of the more than 200 boroughs operating under the Borough Code, Millvale Borough has adopted an ordinance to establish the office of the Borough Manger. As the chief administrative officer appointed by council, the manager is responsible for carrying out the policies and enforcing the ordinances of council, relieving council members from routine daily administration.
 Who is my Council Member and how may I contact him/her?

Council members are elected at large in the Borough. Click here to see the current Borough Council. Citizens who would like to contact a council member should call the Borough office at 412-821-2777.

 When does Borough Council meet?

Borough Council meets at 8:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Borough Building at 501 Lincoln Avenue. Council has an Executive Session begining at 7:00 P.M. that is open to the public. Although most of the Executive Session is open to the public Council may retire to a closed session as per the 1976  Sunshine Act which enumerates 10 specific exemptions for categories of information that need not be disclosed, including:

information relating to national defense,

related solely to internal personnel rules and practices,

related to accusing a person of a crime,

related to information where disclosure would constitute a breach of privacy,

related to investigatory records where the information would harm the proceedings,

related to information which would lead to financial speculation or endanger the stability of any financial institution, and related to the agency's participation in legal proceedings.

 

Public hearings on specific issues are often held before the regularly scheduled Council meeting times. Public hearings and any additional or special Council meetings required are advertised in the local newspaper no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting.

 How do I get something on the agenda or address the Council at a Borough Council meeting?

To discuss the agenda, contact the Office of the Borough Manager at 412-821-2777 or vpucci@millvaleboro.com . Items appearing on the Agenda receive prior approval of the Borough Manager. Citizens who desire to speak to council will be provided an opportunity under the "Public Comment" portion of the meeting. You are asked to limit your comments to three minutes, excluding questions from Council.

 If I want to voice my concern (or compliment) about Borough services or a Borough  

 department or employee, what do I do?

If you know the specific department, you wish to contact please call or e-mail them directly.  The Borough Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Borough. You may to contact the Borough Manager’s office at 412-821-2777, or write to Millvale Borough, 501 Lincoln Avenue, Millvale, PA  15209 or info@millvaleboro.com
 Mayor/Administration 

 I am interested in serving on a Board or Commission of Millvale Borough. How can I let you

 know I am interested and available?

Millvale Borough welcomes your participation on various Boards and Committees. Please let us know your interests by submitting a VOLUNTEER INTEREST form available on our website. Alternatively, simply call the Borough office at 412-821-2777.

 I am planning to marry, is the Mayor available to officiate?

The Mayor, if available, performs wedding and civil union ceremonies. Please call the Mayors Office at 412-821-2777.

 Who appoints the Borough Manager?

Millvale Borough Council appoints the Manager.

 Who carries out Councils plans and directives?

The Borough Manager carries out Borough Councils’ plans, negotiates contracts makes reports and recommendations concerning the nature and location of municipal improvements.

 Who is responsible for purchasing?

The Borough Manager acts as the purchasing agent, as its contracting agent for bids / quotations as required by law and in accordance with provisions of Commonwealth statutes and sound purchasing practices.

 Finance & Tax Department

 Where do I pay my municipal taxes?

Municipal taxes for Borough residents can be paid in two ways: either in person or sent through the postal service to 501 Lincoln Avenue, Millvale, PA 15209. Questions on property taxes can be directed to the Borough’s tax office at 412-821-3441.

 I can’t find my tax bill, can I have a copy & how much will it cost?

There is no charge for copies of tax bills. 

 When are wage/EIT tax payments due?

Taxes are due quarterly in Millvale Borough: January, February and March are due APRIL 30.

April, May and June are due JULY 31, July, August and September are due OCTOBER 31 with October, November and December not being due until FEBRUARY 28.

 Will you notify me when the next payment is due?

No, the tax bills are mailed

 Economic Development

 What do I have to do to start a business in Millvale?

Prospective business owners need to contact the Main Street Manager at 412-821-2777 X43 or efigas@millvaleboro.com .

 Does the Borough have incentive programs to assist small business?

Millvale Borough, along with the Allegheny County Economic Development Department, Millvale Borough Development Corporation and Millvale Main Street offers a number of programs to potentially assist prospective new business owners in Millvale. These include facade improvement grants and a low interest loan program. In addition, Millvale is located in a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Act (LERTA) district, which provides for exemption from portions of real property taxes for improvements to a deteriorated property or for new construction. Finally, Millvale is located within the Allegheny River Town Enterprise Zone (ARTEZ), which can provide loans or grants and a variety of other benefits to new and existing businesses.

 Planning and Zoning

 How can I determine how my property is zoned and what is permitted in that zoning district?

Zoning maps are available at the Borough building. Copies of the Zoning Ordinance handbook are also available for review at the Borough building or can be purchased for $2.50. Residents are reminded that zoning issues may be complex. Questions and clarifications should be addressed to the Millvale Borough Code Enforcement Officer at 412-821-2777 x 14.

 Are zoning and building permits required in the Borough?
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has adopted a Uniform Construction Code, which requires all municipalities to comply with most sections of the following codes:
•         International Building Code
•         Residential Code
•         Mechanical Code
•         Plumbing Code
•         Electrical Code
•         Fuel Gas Code
•         Fire Code
•         Energy Conservation Code
•         Existing Building Code
•         Urban Wildlife Interface Code
Most of these codes require permits for work done to comply with the requirements of the code. Residents are encouraged to contact the Code Enforcement Officer to determine whether a building or other permits are required prior to beginning any work or project, which may be governed by these codes.

 Road Crew

 How is trash collected in the Borough?

Millvale Borough uses Waste Management as their solid waste collector. Trash is collected on Fridays, place at curb no earlier than 7 p.m. on the night before collection and no later than 6 a.m. on the day of collection. Included in trash service is a free recycling service (residents are required to make a one-time purchase of a recycling container for $6.00). 

 What Refuse is Collected?

Household Trash

    • In addition to household refuse, crews will accept chairs, small TVs, bikes, small appliances, garden tools, end tables, ironing boards, roasters and grills.
    • Place all refuse at the designated site on collection day in plastic bags or bagged and placed into a container not exceeding 35 gallons in size.
    • Wrap sharp objects (broken glass/sharp metal) in heavy paper and place in a box reinforced with tape or string. Place animal feces and litter in double plastic bags and place outside the refuse container.

Protect Refuse Workers!

Prohibited Materials: Propane tanks, smoke detectors and chemicals are some examples of prohibited materials. For information on disposing of these and other materials which may be hazardous, please call the Borough at 412-822-2777.

 Where is Refuse Collected?

Curbside

Waste Management DOES NOT COLLECT construction, building, explosive, medical, hazardous, infectious or flammable materials as well as car and automobile parts, bricks, cement, glass blocks, or marble or stone countertops.

 Does the Borough collect Christmas Trees?
Christmas trees are collected over a two-week period in January.

 Whom do I contact with questions about my water bill or to set up water service in my name?

Only the property owner can set up water service. Contact the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority 412.255.2423 or Info@pgh2o.com .
 I would like a handicap parking space in front of my home. What do I need to do?

A handicapped plate and liscense is required to apply for a handcapped space sign. To apply bring a copy of your license and registration to the borough building and fill out the required form. All sign applications are reviewed and approved or denied by the Handicapped Services Committee through Millvale Borough Council.

 Affordable Housing

 Are there rental or purchase opportunities in Millvale that I can afford?

Millvale Borough offers various low and moderate housing opportunities. 

 Parks and Recreation

 What recreation opportunities are available in Millvale?

Millvale Borough is lucky to have the Millvale riverfront park, which is located on the Allegheny River. The riverfront park features a pavilion, skate park, bait shop that features food and boat/bike rentals, marina, and bike and walking trail. The trail provides access to the North Shore without using or crossing a major roadway. Three Rivers Rowing Association also has a boathouse at the riverfront.
Millvale also has McCarthy Park located at the intersection of North, Grant and Howard. McCarthy Park features a playground and shelter. Millvale ball field is located off Evergreen Avenue and is a full functioning ball field with lights, pavilion and concession.
Although Millvale does not operate a parks and recreation, department many opportunities are available for Millvale residents from other sources:
·        Shaler Soccer Club
·        Shaler Seadogs Swim team
·        Shaler Youth Lacrosse
·        Ice and In-line Hockey
 Are shelters and other parks and recreation facilities available for rental?
The field and shelters are available for rent by contacting  Kim at 412-445-8091.

 Millvale Community Center

 Does the community center have space available for rental?

The community center has a banquet facility that can seat up to 260 people, the community

center features restrooms, dance floor, and full service kitchen. The banquet facility is available for rent by contacting  Kim at 412-445-8091.

 What other facilities are located in the community center?

The North Hills Community Outreach, the ALS Association of Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Chapter, and  The Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America www.apraxia-kids.org .

 Police Department

 Do I have to give my name when reporting criminal activity?

To effectively combat crime in a community, it is important that citizens get involved, provide their names, and act as complainants and/or witnesses. However, if you are uncomfortable about providing your name, address or phone number, you can still report suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Citizens do not have to give their name, address or phone number when reporting suspected criminal activity. If callers do not give their name or are unwilling to be a complainant, the officer's enforcement options may be limited unless the police can otherwise corroborate the criminal activity. 

 How can I obtain a copy of a police/accident report?

Many police reports and all accident reports fall under public records accessibility. The best way to obtain these reports is to either make a written request or call the police department Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Information such as names of involved parties and date and location of the incident are needed. There is a $15.00 fee for report copies.

 Does the Police Department provide talks to interested civic or community organizations?

Yes, to schedule contact Chief Derek Miller at 412-821-3401.  

 Does the Millvale Borough have a curfew ordinance?

Yes, anyone under 18 must be indoors by 9:30 P.M., Contact the police department at 412-821-3401with questions.

 How do I report graffiti?

Contact the Millvale police @ 412-821-3410, photgraph the site immediately, do not remove the graffiti until after the police have documented it. Although Millvale treats graffiti as a serious problem it is not an emergency. 

 Volunteer Fire Department

 I want to become a volunteer firefighter, what do I do?

New members are always welcome, you can always begin by filling out an online volunteer application. You can also contact the Borough @  412-821-1868.
 How do I report a fire, medical, or other emergency call?
Dial 9-1-1