Murrysville Matters - Summer 2024

www.murrysvilleparecreation.com

Recreation Department Mission Statement

The Murrysville Recreation Department is committed to improving our residents’ health and creating a sense of community by developing and supporting varied recreational and educational opportunities for the citizens of Murrysville.

Murrysville Recreation Department Staff

Carly Greene, Recreation Director

724-327-2100 ext. 115, cgreene@murrysville.com

Amy Wengrzyn, Special Events/Program Coordinator

724-327-2100 ext. 131, awengrzyn@murrysville.com

We are Proud Members

Parks and Recreation Commission

Dave MetzgarBen Sampson

Michael CarusoSelena Barefoot

Celine Kandala

To contact the Parks and Recreation Commission, please email momrecreation@murrysville.com

Stay Connected

To find municipal information visit www.murrysville.com

To find Recreation Department information including parks, events and programs, visit www.murrysvilleparecreation.com

Like us on Facebook by searching

• Municipality of Murrysville

• Murrysville Recreation Department

• Murrysville Farmers’ Market

• Murrysville Parks and Recreation Foundation

Subscribe to the Recreation Department’s Community Email newsletter and stay informed about upcoming programs and special events. To subscribe, go to www.murrysvilleparecreation.com and select Notify Me, Recreation Community Email Group.

Ways To Register

In Person with check or cash at the Murrysville Municipal Building, 4100 Sardis Road, Murrysville, PA 15668

By Mail by submitting a completed registration form and check payment to the above address

Online at www.murrysvilleparecreation.com with a credit card payment. This allows guests to register for recreation programs, reserve facilities, request field permits, no-lien letters and buy the Municipal street map.

Why Was My Class Cancelled?

Classes often have a minimum number of participants required. We encourage everyone to register early so that we know if there are enough students enrolled. Cancellations may be made as early as the week before the session is to begin. Do not wait until the weekend or the first day of class to register! Thank you

Photography Policy

Photographs for promoting our parks and programs are often taken of our program and event participants . If you prefer that you, or your child, not be photographed for these purposes, please alert the photographer. Thank you

HOW TO REGISTER

Online

Visit www.murrysvilleparecreation.com and select Online Registration to register for all recreation programs. Online Registration payment is credit card ONLY.

Mail

For registrations by mail, please complete the registration form and include a check payment. Printable registration forms can be found on our website under Programs & Events.

In Person

Stop by the Municipal building, 4100 Sardis Road, to complete a registration form. Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All Checks should be made payable to: Municipality of Murrysville (MOM)

Spring/Summer 2024 Programs Youth Programs

Mud, Sticks, and Sunshine with Lauren Menzietti Summer Classes

Mud, Sticks, and Sunshine:

Summer Solstice Event: TBD

Program details will be available at a later date.

Mud, Sticks, and Sunshine: Summer Sensory Class Series

Schedule and Pricing TBD

This summer, Sensory classes will be designed to help kids identify, use, and integrate 7 essential senses. We’ll also share insights about how kids develop their senses, how those senses impact kids’ learning, and what simple, but powerful things we can do to support our kids in that development.

Make sure to check www.murrysvilleparecreation.com and Murrysville Recreation on Facebook for updates. More information will be available as the program is developed.

Come out to play the Tinkergarten way!

Learn 3 Ride

• 2 Hour Lesson

• One on One Instruction

• Bikes are provided - The client must provide a helmet

• Lessons will be held at Townsend Park Fee: $135 per person or $130 per person for multifamily registration

The Murrysville Recreation Department works with Learn3Ride to offer bike riding lessons to the Murrysville Community. Learn3Ride has over a 95% success rate with their patented learning process. Once registered on Learn3Ride’s website they will contact you to book a lesson time that works with your schedule and their instructor. For more information on Learn3Ride or to register, please visit their https://www.learn3ride.com/home.

Ready, Set, Run! 5K

Ages: 8-13

Class Min: 10 Max: 50

Date: Tuesdays & Thursdays: June 11-August 1

Time: 9:00 AM-10:00 AM

Instructors: Jim Passarelli & Susie Albert

Location: Murrysville Community Park

Fee: $65.00 (16 sessions at $4.00 per session)

Have you ever wanted to run a whole 5K? Well, this is your chance!! Join Coaches Jim and Susie to learn how to safely train to run a 5K in this noncompetitive training camp, we guarantee you’ll have fun all summer long! The camp will conclude with all participants actually running a full 5K! This camp is sponsored by Pro Bike + Run and presented in conjunction with the National Alliance for Youth Sports.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE READY, SET, RUN 5K!

Youth and adult volunteers ages 14 and above will be needed throughout the program. Please call the Recreation Department at 724-3272100 x131 or x115 for more information.

Small Fry Scramble

Ages: 12 and Under

Date: Wednesday, June 19

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Townsend Park Fee: $25.00+

Townsend Park’s Small Fry Scramble is a non-competitive FUN run for children ages 12 and under offering a half-mile, one-mile, or two-mile course option. Volunteers will be cheering along the courses so that all runners are supervised during the entire event. Parents are welcome to run along with their child. All “Scramblers” receive a custom t-shirt, race bib, swag bag and a post-race party. Find event details and registration at https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Murrysville/SmallFryScramble

Mad Science Camps

Forces and Flight

Grades: Rising 1st – 6th

Date: June 10 – 14

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Min: 10 Max: 20

Location: Murrysville Community Center

Instructor: Mad Science Instructor

Fee: $168.00 ($8.00 Discount for Multifamily Registrations)

From the earliest flying machines to the first rocket flights, this hands-on program will allow your child to build many different flying devices, see how Newton’s law of motion helps explain how things move and how rockets fly, and show them how amazing our Milky way is. Please send your child(ren) with a nut-free snack, water bottle, and comfortable footwear!

Eureka! The Inventor’s Camp

Grades: Rising 1st – 6th

Date: August 5 – 9

Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Min: 10 Max:20

Location: Murrysville Community Center

Instructor: Mad Science Instructor

Fee: $338.00 ($8.00 Discount for Multifamily Registrations)

Overcome a series of challenges using basic materials, simple machines, tips from famous inventors and most important of all – your mind! Create catapults and forts, build shelters bridges, and learn about density. While Thomas Edison said, “invention is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration”, this program is 100% FUN! 12:00 to 1:00 PM is our lunch and play period – please send your child(ren) with a nut-free packed lunch, 2 snacks, water bottle, and comfortable footwear!

For the most current program offerings please visit www.murrysvillerecreation.com or Murrysville Recreation on Facebook

Spring/Summer 2024 Programs Youth Programs

Pioneer for a Day

Ages: 8 to 12

Date: Tuesday, July 9

Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Location: Hoey/Staymates Cabin & Barn

Fee: $50.00

Ever wondered what it would be like to live as an actual pioneer? Join us for Pioneer for a Day and learn all about cooking, herbal medicine, weaving/spinning, gunsmithing, candle making, and more! The Murrysville Historical Preservation Society is excited to share this experience with the youth and step back in time!

Outside the Box Labs: Summer Camps

Outside The Box Camps are experiment based DISCOVERY CAMPS. Campers get outdoors and actively learn & utilize scientific principles in both our camps to experiment and discover the science behind everything around them and then apply it to Everything from serious outdoor survival techniques to getting creative with making various forms of art media.

Science Adventure Camp

Date: June 24-28

Ages: 8 to 13

Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Location: Murrysville Community Park, Wetland Pavilion

Instructor: Out of the Box Labs Instructor

Fee: $375.00 ($8.00 Discount for Multifamily Registrations)

Campers get 100% OUTDOORS and actively learn about the natural sciences. Campers will learn the science behind survival techniques while they experiment with how to start a fire, purify water, whittle their own bow and try their hands at flintknapping, build their own shelters, practice orienteering, and more in this action-packed camp!

Make Art with Science Camp

Date: July 29 to August 2

Ages: 8 to 13

Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Location: Murrysville Community Park, Wetlands Pavilion

Instructor: Out of the Box Labs

Fee: $375.00 ($8.00 Discount for Multifamily Registrations)

Campers get 100% OUTDOORS and actively apply science to create their own media and art from the natural sources around them! Campers will learn the science behind the creation of different types of art media and will forage for their own natural materials to make their own dyes, drawing media and natural art. Campers will experiment with various techniques to create their own tie-dyed items, recycled paper, plaster molds, natural henna tattoos, charcoal pencils forged in fire and more!

Seeking staff for playground program

Currently seeking experienced and enthusiastic individuals to plan, organize, and supervise fun and exciting outdoor activities for Murrysville’s Playground Program participants. Previous experience in a summer camp setting is highly desirable. The schedule for the playground program is yet to be determined but will only cover weekdays, excluding weekends. For a full job description visit www. murrysville.com/Jobs.aspx

Age: 3 to 5

Music Moves

Date: Tuesdays, June 18 to July 23

Time: 10:00 to 10:45 AM

Location: Murrysville Community Center

Instructor: Erica Eztler

Fee: $25.00

Bring your daughter or son to enjoy music! We will have eurythmic exercises, dance, and play a few games to really get our bodies moving around a large space. The kids will have an opportunity to be creative and express themselves through improvising. In addition, we will have fun dancing to some traditional line dances so your child can really be a hit at the next wedding or party. Any comfortable clothing is appropriate, and no special shoes are required. A Spotify playlist for parents will be provided for listening in the car and dancing at home!

Jump Start Sports: Youth Soccer

Ages: 2 to 3 and 4 to 6

Date: Mondays, June 10 to July 15

Time: 5:30-6:00 PM for ages 2 to 3 and 6:00-7:00 PM for ages 4 to 6

Instructor: Jump Start Sports Instructor

Location: Sardis Park

Fee: $50.00 for ages 2 to 3 and $75.00 for ages 4 to 6

Children ages 2 through 6 have fun and learn the basics of soccer in an age-appropriate program. Players learn dribbling, passing, trapping, shooting, defending, and positioning. Each session consists of instruction in all aspects of the game, participation in fun drills designed to teach skills, and fun, lowkey, non-competitive games. Shirts and trophies are provided during the session & equipment and balls will also be available to use.

Municipality of Murrysville

4100 Sardis Road, Murrysville PA 15668

Phone: 724-327-2100 Fax: 724-327-2881

Website: www.murrysville.com

The following information and procedures apply to programs offered by the Municipality of Murrysville Recreation Department. Questions: 724-327-2100, Ext. 131 or 115

Refund Policy: Refunds will be given only if a program is cancelled and not rescheduled. There will be no refunds given for programs otherwise, unless there is a medical reason. A 10% administration fee will be charged if a refund is given. A registrant cannot transfer his/her right to attend a program to another person.

Resident Registration: All persons who pay their taxes to the Municipality of Murrysville pay resident fees. Non-Resident Registration: Non-residentsare all persons who pay taxes to any other Municipality, Borough, or Township.

Register Early: Don’t let a class be cancelled because everyone waited until the last minute to register. Registrations will be placed in the order they are received. A late fee will apply at the date noted in the class description. Walk in registrations will incur a $10.00 fee. For mail in registrations, please use one registration form for each individual participant. You may register each person for more than one class on the same form.

Payment: Mail in, drop off or online registration is available. Checks or money orders must be made payable to the Municipality of Murrysville (MOM). For credit cards, register online at http://murrysvilleparecreation.com/ and select online registration. A single payment may be made for all family members. Attendance. Attend the first class as scheduled. NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE MADE ONLY IF A CLASS IS FILLED, POSTPONED OR CANCELLED. If you register online or include an e-mail address on application, you will be notified by email of registration.

Class Cancellations. The Recreation Department reserves the right to cancel, postpone or reschedule any class that does not meet the minimum number of class participants. The Recreation Department also reserves the right to wait to cancel a class up to 2 days before the class is scheduled if the class does not meet the minimum number of participants. Every effort will be made to reschedule sessions due to unanticipated events or instructor illness. Rescheduling is not guaranteed.

Weather Related Cancellations of Single Classes: Cancellations will be announced on the Department

Facebook Page: Murrysville Recreation Department. Channel 21 may also include cancellations. Feel free to call our office any time prior to 5:00 to confirm program status.

Insurance. The municipality does not carry insurance to cover hospitalization or medical costs for persons injured during the course of participating in or viewing of any of MOM’s programs or events. All participants enter programs at their own risk.

Accessibility. People with disabilities who require special accommodations that are registering for classes must contact the recreation office prior to the start of class so appropriate preparations can be made.

Spring/Summer 2024 Programs

Adult and Family Programs

All About Coyotes

Ages: All Ages

Date: Saturday, July 6

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Murrysville Community Park, Wetlands Pavilion

Instructors: Sue Miller and PA State Game Warden Denton Schellhammer Fee: FREE

2024 Drive-Thru “Pop-Up” Glass Recycling and Food Pantry Donation Events

Join Murrysville Volunteer, Sue Miller, at the Murrysville Community Park Wetlands Pavilion on Saturday, July 6th, at 10:00 a.m. with Game Warden Schellhammer to learn about the lifestyle and habits of Coyotes within suburban communities. Afterwards, Sue will share a short summary of the variety of beautiful birds which raise their families or migrate through Murrysville Community Park, and then she’ll share an up-close view of the “adorable” purple martin babies that were born in the martin house next to the pavilion. A fascinating self-guided tour of bird photos and facts will be set up around the wetlands loop trail that you can walk at your leisure after the event or anytime in the next few days.

Rock Talks! Presents: In the Darkest Depths of Mordor: J.R.R. Tolkien and the Music of Led Zeppelin

Ages: All Ages

Date: Tuesday, July 16

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Murrysville Community Library

Instructor: Erik Selinger Fee: FREE

Calling all fans of Led Zeppelin, history, literature, and fantasy: Are you ready to go on an adventure? Examine references to the novels of J.R.R. Tolkien in Zeppelin classics like “Ramble On”. We will discuss all things Tolkien, from the Ringwraiths to “Gollum, and the Evil One...”, plus a visit to the Misty Mountains. We will analyze both Zeppelin’s and Tolkien’s use of runes. We’ll also refer to the films of Peter Jackson. Plus, who wins in a bombastic showdown (and throwdown) between JRR & GRR? You decide! Join us on an epic adventure to “The Battle of Evermore” and beyond. Come on, let’s simply walk into Mordor! Hobbit Rock On! Pre-registration is encouraged, walk-ins welcomed. This program is presented in partnership with the Murrysville Recreation Department and Murrysville Community Library.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Recreation Department special events and programs offer many sponsorship opportunities. Financial sponsorship of our events can reach thousands of customers across several counties through advertising for our many annual events. Sponsor participation is also welcome on site, providing important customer interaction. Thousands of guests attend our almost twenty annual events throughout the year. A variety of support options are available. Please contact Carly Greene at 724-327-2100 ext. 115 for additional information. We look forward to working with you!

Drive-thru to recycle your glass bottles and jars while supporting Murrysville’s only emergency food pantry, Loaves and Fishes, with a non-perishable food donation! Volunteers will collect your recycling and food donations, with no need to exit your car! Sponsored by the Municipality of Murrysville and Republic Services, four “Pop-Up” Glass Recycling and Food Pantry Donation Events are scheduled throughout the year on the dates listed below, each from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Veterans Field parking lot, 4200 Sardis Road Murrysville, Pa. For questions about Glass Recycling please call Republic Services at 877-788-9400.

Dates:

Saturday, June 15 • Saturday, Sept. 21 • Saturday, Dec. 14

Types of glass accepted:

All colors of glass bottles, jars and jugs ONLY

Caps, lids and labels are acceptable Empty all containers

Not accepted:

Window glass, Drinking glasses/stemwar, Dishware, Ceramics, Mirrors, Light Bulbs, TVs, All other materials including recyclables

Westmoreland Conservancy

Westmoreland Conservancy is an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501c-3 Corporation dedicated to acquiring and preserving rural and rustic lands for the public good. The Conservancy hosts multiple hikes and events throughout the year. To get involved or find out more information please visit http:// www.westmorelandconservancy.org/ or look for them on Facebook at Westmoreland Conservancy.

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, June 1: Enchanted Forest from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Morosini Reserve, off Morosini Farm Road.

Thursday, June 20: Summer Solstice walk at 8:00 PM at the Morosini Reserve, off Morosini Farm Road.

Friday, July 12: Perseids Star Party at 8:00 PM at the Morosini Reserve, off Morosini Farm Road.

Saturday, July 27: Enchanted Evening/Firefly Walk at 8:00 PM at the Morosini Reserve, off Morosini Farm Road.

Saturday, August 17: Export Ethnic Food Festival

Sunday, September 22: Autumn Equinox Walk at 7:00 PM at the Morosini Reserve, off Morosini Farm Road.

Saturday, September 28: Autumn Enchanted Forest from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, location TBD.

Saturday, October 5: Autumn Excursion to McConnell’s Mills. Information to follow.

Thursday, October 17: Super Hunter’s Moon (Supermoon) Walk at 6:00 PM at the Morosini Reserve, off Morosini Farm Road. Saturday, October 19: Witch Hazel Hike at 10:00 AM, location TBD.

Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for location announcements. All Westmoreland Conservancy Events are FREE and open to the public. For more information or to register for any event please visit www.westmorelandconservancy.org/eventregistration.

Special Events for 2024

Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MOMRecreation/

Farmers’ Market: June 6-September 26,

Thursdays

3:00-7:00 P.M.

The 11th annual Murrysville Farmers’ Market returns Thursdays at the Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company field, 3235 Sardis Road, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. The Market offers local produce vendors, baked goods, pantry items, fresh flowers and plants, honey, herbs, and weekly food vendors.

We’ll be celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week on August 8 with additional food vendors, live entertainment, and special activities at the Farmhouse Kids’ Club.

Farmers’ Market: Artisan Market Days

Thursdays, June 27, July 25, August 8, August 29, and September 26

Shop with local artisans during Artisan Days on the dates above. We are seeking artists and craftspeople creating one of a kind, hand/machine crafted goods that are locally designed and produced by the artist. Please contact us for details.

Farmers’ Market Kids’ Club

The Farmhouse Kids’ Club for ages 3-12 operates during the Market June 13-August 29, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Members learn where and how our foods are grown through interactive weekly activities, crafts, and food sampling while earning coins to purchase their favorite healthy foods at the Market. Membership in the Kids’ Club is free and sign up is held at the Kids’ Club Booth at the Market. Kids’ Club volunteers and presenters are needed; please call us for more information.

For Farmers’ Market information or if you’re an interested vendor, please visit our website at www.murrysvilleparecreation.com under Programs and Events, Farmers Market, call us at 724-327-2100 ext. 131 or 115 or visit staff at the Market.

Tuesdays at Townsend Sponsored by 1st Summit Bank:

June 11, June 25, July 9, July 23, August 6, and August 20

National Night Out, August 6

Join the Murrysville Police Department at National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Murrysville Public Works Facility (4200 Sardis Road, Murrysville 15668). Come out and spend an evening with your local emergency services featuring police, fire, and EMS staff and equipment. Child fingerprinting, activities, giveaways, drug prevention awareness, and personal safety information will be just the beginning of the fun. Meet the Murrysville Police K-9 team! This is a great night for police-public interaction and camaraderie. National Night Out builds partnerships to promote community safety.

Murrysville Concert in the Park, August 10

The seventh annual Concert in the Park will be held on Friday, August 10 at Murrysville Community Park. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. and the first band will start approximately 5:00 p.m. with fireworks after the last band. Follow the event on the Recreation Department website and Concert in the Park Facebook page for event details, band lineup, and food trucks. Save the date! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS to help make this event fabulous so call 724-327-2100 ext. 131 or 115 to be involved!

Star Parties

Presented in conjunction with the Amateur Astronomers’ Association of Pittsburgh (www.3ap.org), Star Parties are held at Murrysville Community Park Field 6 (the highest field for the best viewing!) These star gazing nights are free for guests, who may bring their own telescope or use the group volunteers’ equipment. Dress for the weather, bring chairs and blankets, and enjoy our beautiful night sky!

Dates and times are still being arranged and will be announced on our department website and Facebook page.

2024 Special Events

https://murrysvilleparecreation.com/186/Events (Dates, Times, and locations Subject to Change)

Farmers’ Market: June 6-September 26, Thursdays 3:007:00 pm, 3235 Sardis Road

Tuesdays at Townsend: June 11 and 25, July 9 and 23, August 6 and 20, 6:30-8:00 pm, Townsend Park

National Night Out: August 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Murrysville Public Works Facility

Tuesdays at Townsend is back for a sixth season with six dates! Each evening, guests can enjoy live entertainment by a different artist accompanied by a great food and beverage vendor, all in the intimate setting of Townsend Park from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Please bring blankets and chairs to relax under the trees near the upper pavilion. Parking is limited. To see each week’s schedules, visit https:// murrysvilleparecreation.com/535/Tuesdays-atTownsend.

Concert in the Park: August 10, 4:00-dark, Murrysville Community Park

Trick or Treat on the Trail: October 26, Westmoreland Heritage Trail at the Community Center trailhead

Seniors Halloween Party: October 25, 12:00-3:00 pm, Murrysville Community Center

Santa at Sardis: December 7, 1:00-4:00 pm, Sardis Park

VOLUNTEER WITH US! Only have an hour? That’s perfect! Greet guests, help to plan events, shuttle with golf carts, and more! Contact the Recreation Department staff for more information or ask us at an event 724-327-2100 ext’s. 131 or 115

Public Officials

2024 Council:

Dayne Dice - President

Mac McKenna - Vice President

Matthew Olszewski

Eli Diacopoulos

Carl Stepanovich

Jamie Lingg

Jason Lemak

State and Federal Official (Current)

Senator Robert P. Casey (D-Pennsylvania)

Grant Street Suite 2415

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412.803.7370

Senator John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania)

320 Market St suite 475E

Harrisburg, PA 17101

717.782.3951

US Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-Pennsylvania)

243 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

202.225.2135

State Senator Kim Ward (R-39th District)

1075 South Main St. Suite 116

Greensburg, PA 15601

724.600.7002

State Representative Jill Cooper (R-55th District)

3091 Carson Avenue Murrysville, PA 15668

724.387.1281

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Mayor Regis J. Synan

On behalf of Council, I am pleased to present the 2023 Annual Mayor’s Report which provides an overview of our municipal performance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. This publication represents our continuing commitment toward transparency and accountability to our citizens.

In 2023 the municipality hired two police officers, Perry Hills and Dennis Tymensky, and four public works employees, Andrew Depew, Darren Hill, Joseph Urban and Brian Slepsky. The new hires replaced two police retirees and two public works department retirees. The additional hires in the public works department helped to bolster staffing levels as we strive to provide a high level of service within the community.

Public works and the recreation department installed bottle fillers in several parks in 2023, with more to be installed in the future. Trail counters were installed at Murrysville Community Park, Duff Park and Pleasant Valley Park to aid staff in gathering data about our park users and visitors. Rubber surfacing was installed at high-traffic areas at the playground at Murrysville Community Park. Throughout 2023, the recreation department continued to expand programming offered to various age groups within our community.

Within Community Development, the economy had a major impact on development activities in 2023. Inflation and high interest rates contributed to a low number of new housing and business starts. Twenty new home permits were issued, with most of the starts in the Villa Ciano development on Cline Hollow Road. There were 20 new business starts in Murrysville. We expect to see an increase in those figures for 2024.

I would like to thank our staff for their work throughout the year to deliver essential services and initiatives that align with Council’s vision for Murrysville. Our staff takes great pride in the community as they work diligently to better position the Municipality for future success. Each of the department reports below will provide a glimpse into the continuing dedication toward our goals of an efficient, effective, and transparent local municipal government. I look forward to continuing as your Mayor in 2024 as we strive to maintain a prosperous and thriving community.

Regis J. Synan, Mayor

Department of Finance Jacie Milchak, Director

The 2022 financial audit was prepared in accordance with GASB 34 requirements with no material findings. In March, fieldwork will begin for the 2023 Financial Audit.

Total real estate collections account for 29% of total revenues in all funds. The assessed value of property within the municipality is established by Westmoreland County. The assessed value for 2024 is $348,552,330, which is an increase of nine-tenths of one percent (0.9%) from the 2023 assessed value or an additional $37,506 of real estate tax assessment at face value. Historically, 98% of residents pay their real estate taxes during the two percent (2%) discount period and one and one-half percent (1.5%) of residents are delinquent. Taking these two factors into account, the $37,506 increase in potential real estate tax collections equates to roughly $36,193 of new tax collections. In addition, property tax appeals are at an unprecedented level, which further decreases the assessment base and, ultimately, tax collections.

Local taxes, including earned income, per capita and local services taxes, account for 50% of the total revenues and are used solely for general operations. Earned income tax rates increased in 2022, from 0.5% to 0.7%. Receipt of the collections at the new rate began in the second quarter of 2022. Due to collections trailing by one quarter, 2023 was the first full year to receive the 0.7% tax rate in collections. Earned income tax revenue typically increases at an average rate of approximately 2.5%. In 2023 it is estimated to have increased approximately 11% from 2022 collections.

Real estate millage was reallocated in various funds in 2023. The Capital Reserve Fund will receive 3.45 mills to support Streets and Infrastructure, Building & Grounds, equipment purchases, parks and other projects. The Debt Service Fund is allocated 1.15 mills to support the 2024 debt payment. The Special Purpose Fund, which is used to allocate funding to support the Fire Departments, Library, and Medic One, decreased from a total of 2.55 mills in 2023 to 2.35 mills in 2024. The General Fund will have a set millage rate of 5.1 mills in 2024 and an interfund transfer will now take place to the Special Purpose Fund to support Medic One’s annual allocation.

The 2023 Minimum Municipal Pension Obligation (MMO) for the Non-Uniform and Uniform Pension Plans was calculated using the 2021 Valuation. The total MMO due, for combined plans, was $620,852 which was $70,796 less than the 2022 MMO. While the Uniform Plan saw an increase of $52,341, the Non-Uniform Plan saw a decrease of $144,989, which helped offset the increase that the Uniform Plan underwent. The decrease in the non-uniform MMO was due to a variety of contributing factors. The normal cost percentage of payroll factor, provided by the Actuarial Valuations, decreased from 9.24% to 7.607% in the 2021 valuation. A Funding Adjustment, instead of an additional Amortization Payment, was also applicable.

Many municipalities in PA struggle with unfunded pension liabilities. The Municipality of Murrysville does not have this problem. The Municipal Uniform Pension Plan is 87.8% funded as of January 1, 2022, and the Non-Uniform Plan is 96.9% funded. These funding levels are due to sound investment decisions, fiscal controls, and a Pension Committee that

functions extremely well.

In 2023 the Finance Department processed a total of seven retirees: two Public Works Retirees: Bernie Bradosky and Al Ostrawski; two Police Retirees: Jim Chafin and Matt Mastorovich; and three non-union retirees: Jim Morison, Don Pepe and Tom McGuire. In addition, two pension contribution rollovers were processed for employees that resigned who were not fully vested into the plan.

Seven new hires were onboarded through the Finance department in 2023. The new hires included two police officers: Perry Hills and Dennis Tymensky; and five public works employees: Andrew Depew, Darren Hill, Joseph Urban, Brian Slepsky, and Trevor Grace, who has since resigned.

In late 2023, the Capital Reserve Fund budget was amended to better reflect actual capital costs for the calendar year. The changes in expenditures included the addition of the Lyons Run Acid Mine Remediation, which is supported fully by grant funding, a Route 22 traffic light processor replacement, and an emergency vehicle preemption system repair. Increased purchases for equipment were also incorporated in the amendments to document the purchase of a brine pump sprayer for the Public Works Department and body cameras for the Police Department. The Kovalczik Park Improvement Project experienced more repair needs than originally anticipated. Additional repairs included in the project were paving and resurfacing the parking lot, as well as installing a new fence.

At year-end, $2,008,154 was transferred into the Capital Reserve Fund to be used to fund future capital projects. The 2024-2027 Capital Improvements Program ($20,727,900) and the 2024 Operating Budget ($10,567,825) were both approved with tax millage and service levels staying consistent. A Fiveyear budget plan was completed for all the funds and presented along with the 2024 Operating Budget.

In 2023, a total of 9 insurance claims were processed. Five of which were related to deer strikes on municipal vehicles. Vehicle purchases, per the 2023 CIP, were added to the Municipal insurance and vehicle sales were removed. The municipal asset lists were updated to reflect all changes in assets acquired or disposed of throughout the year.

In early 2023, the Pennsylvania State Workers Insurance Fund (SWIF) audit took place for the Fire Departments Workers Compensation Audit. Finance assisted with the audit, gathering and coordinating all information from the three (3) fire departments and setting up on-site inspections with the representative. There were no material findings.

The biennial Liquid Fuels audit took place in June 2023 for the period January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022 by the Department of the Auditor General. The mandated examination of the Tax Fund is required to qualify for the annual liquid fuels tax fund allocation. The audit went smoothly with no material findings.

The Finance Department’s transition to an updated software system is currently taking place. The new software, Accufund, will upgrade the municipal capabilities for reporting, tracking data and standardizing reports. Efforts to set up the system began in the 4th quarter of 2023 for a 2024 implementation.

Department of Public Works and Parks

William Paiano, Director Mike Jakub, Foreman

Due to the retirements of two valued employees at the beginning of the year, the Department was left with two vacancies. A third and fourth vacancy occurred in the spring and fall due to employees pursuing another position outside of the Municipality. Two positions were filled at the end of January and two others were filled in early December. Two laborers were promoted to Operator and Truck Driver due to the vacancies. Training thus far included CPR/AED and an extensive course on Bucket Truck Safety. Five herbicide technicians attended field training for calibration and application of herbicides. In-house tailgate talks were also conducted regularly.

Winter Maintenance

The crew was called out 13 times in the winter of 2022-2023.

Projects of 2023

Kovalczik Park - Capital Improvements Project

1.Removed tot lot attractions and re-graded for new.

2.Assisted with setting new attractions.

3.Concrete border and added 120 cubic yards of Kiddie Cushion.

4.Installed infield for FRAA little league games.

5.Trimmed trees throughout park.

6.Removed tennis court fence and repaired cracks.

7.Installed new pavilion roof and rewired pavilion.

8.Assisted on an Eagle Scout project of a Gaga ball pit.

9.Installed concrete steps and railing to the court area.

10.Installed concrete dumpster pad and portable restroom surround.

2023 CIP Paving Project and Road Treatment Projects

These two projects assisted the engineering department with prep work to extend funding to pave or seal more lane miles of roadway. The crew completed the below mentioned while performing routine maintenance.

1.Repaired or replaced 105 storm water inlets.

2.Replaced pipe 800 feet of cross-pipes.

3.Sub-base repaired on various roads- removed old failing asphalt and hand placed 735 tons. An additional 65 tons were installed with a road grader.

4.Formed and poured concrete curbs on Cline Hollow

5.Crack sealing treatment roads- Approximately 32,000 lbs. of crack seal filler were installed between the Road Treatment Project and routine road maintenance.

Forbes Trail (Bear Hollow Trail)

Stream bank Stabilization

Completed a project on the Bear Hollow Trail that would stabilize the stream banks and re-establish the path entering the trail to a safe width. The banks of the stream were re-aligned with the road crossing and then rip rap was added to stabilize erosion.

Routine Maintenance

1.55 tons of cold patch used for pothole patching.

2.Tree trimming on various roads, January through March and late fall, December.

3.Cleaned pipe and inlets once a week in winter months due to wet rainy conditions, then as conditions were necessary.

4.Cleaned up dead fall along roads due to above mentioned conditions.

5.Power washed traffic signs.

6.Sprayed guiderails with herbicide.

7.Roadside mowing with two mowers most of the year.

8.Fill road edges .

9.Ditch cleaning on most roads south of Route 22.

10.Paint stop bars and crosswalks.

Parks

Prepped all parks for opening day April 1.

1.Power washed pavilions and tot lot

2.Major tree trimming at Sardis, Kovalczik and Townsend Parks.

3.Prepped all baseball diamonds for FRAA opening day.

4.Installed topsoil for MASA on soccer fields.

5.Stoned all parking areas.

6.Painted dugouts.

7.Built a covered picnic table at the Murrysville Dog park.

8.Groomed infields once a week from April to October.

9.Deep tine aeration at MCP playing fields.

Tennis court rehab

Began restoration of Bear Hollow tennis courts

1.Mill and patch heavy open cracks.

2.Grind repairs low enough to accept acrylic patch binder.

3.Power wash and scrub surface.

4.Apply the first coat of leveling.

This project was the first for the department to engage in this type of repair. The crew worked hard to revitalize the failing surface. Although the weather dipped below 50 degrees, stopping progress for the year, a bright shiny surface is expected in the spring of 2024.

Kovalczik Park tennis courts

1.Mill and patch surface.

2.Grind patches to accept patch binder in spring of 2024.

Pipe Jobs

1.Installed 140 ft of 30” pipe and cleaned out flow on Logan Ferry Road.

2.Norbitrol Ct – 37 ft of 15” pipe and an inlet.

3.40ft of 8” waterline to water vault at proposed Amphitheater.

Department of Public Works and Parks (Continued)

Building Maintenance

The crew maintained supplies to all municipally owned buildings, as well as repaired routine plumbing and electrical issues. Some of the below listed were high points of the larger projects accomplished in 2023.

1. Stain all out buildings at public works.

2. Change rusted door frames at public works.

3. Replace aging windows and framing at the community center.

4. Replace drywall in one of the offices at the community center.

5. Replace six drinking fountains with sanitary bottle fillers.

6. Clubhouse water leak and remediation work.

7. Drywall repair and painting at the library.

Vehicle Maintenance

Our mechanic kept all trucks and equipment in good, safe condition throughout the year. One notable project of many consisted of adapting parts to fix a 1984 belt loader’s hydraulic system.

Equipment

New Mack tandem axle dump truck on order to replace 1995 model.

Two Ford F-Series dump trucks on order.

John Deere Gator with infield groomer acquired in June.

15 Foot Bat wing mower acquired in June.

500-gallon brine sprayer.

Goals for 2024

In-house paving of several roads.

Go into the winter season with a full healthy crew.

Complete work started for the amphitheater project at MCP.

Department of Community Development Jim Morrison, Director

The economy had a major impact on development activities in 2023. Inflation and high interest rates contributed to the low number of new housing and business starts. Twenty new home permits were issued, with most of the starts in the Villa Ciano development on Cline Hollow Road. There were 20 new business starts in Murrysville.

The Planning Commission recommended to Council an amendment to the zoning ordinance regulating injector wells. These wells accept drilling waste from shale rock reservoirs. The ordinance was designed to protect the interests of the community at large. The use is restricted to the business zoning district. The Planning Commission also recommended to Council an ordinance regulating short term rentals throughout the community.

Plans were approved for a car wash at the site of the old Standard Bank Building, renovations to the existing Eat ‘n Park restaurant and construction of a Dollar General on Route 66. An addition to the Sunoco gas station at Route 22 and Berlin Farm Road will be a beer distributor. Work on these projects will begin in early 2024.

An important aspect of the department’s activities involves property maintenance. In 2023, fifty-eight code violations were issued and prosecuted at the magistrate’s office. The violations included abandoned vehicles, high grass and property disrepair

Department of Engineering Emily Mallisee, Engineering Technician

Throughout the year, the Engineering Department worked closely with Public Works to repair various road and storm sewer problems. There were many calls throughout the year from residents in need of help with stormwater and run off. The Municipality partnered with the Westmoreland Conservation District to provide an in-person stream walk event that concentrated on stream pollution and how to prevent it, along with MS4 topics.

The Municipality was awarded multiple Growing Greener grants with the assistance of the Conservation District. The grants will assist in stabilizing stream banks in Duff Park and Bear Hollow Park. They will also aid in implementing stormwater management at various parking areas throughout the municipal parks. The Municipality additionally received a grant from the COVID-19 ARPA funds to retrofit four detention basins that will contribute to MS4 credits.

The Engineering Department issued 63 road occupancy permits and responded to 1593 PA One Calls. A total of 11 subdivision plans and 7 site plans were reviewed in 2023.

As part of the MS4 Program, the permit requires Murrysville to maintain records of its entire storm system including inlets, pipes, stormwater detention basins, ditches, and swales. Approximately 21% of the public outfalls were inspected to meet the conditions of the existing permit and mapping was updated. The Engineering Department continues to attend various training sessions offered by the Westmoreland Conservation District and the Local Technical Assistance Program to remain compliant with permit regulations regarding the education of staff.

Contracts

DPW-1-23 Municipal Road Overlay Project

The 2023 Paving Contract was awarded to Tresco Paving not to exceed the amount of $1,500,000. This year’s project included the following streets: High Pointe Court, Torrance Drive, Linda Drive, School Road, Wyant Circle, Mayer Drive, Orchard Court, Sarah Court, Braun Avenue, Rings Alley, Wedgewood Court, Oregon Street, Barberry Court, Ludwig Road, Brison Court, Kingdom Court, Logan Ferry Road, Calla Court, Lott Court, Margaretta Court, and Cline Hollow Extension. The repairs on the roads consisted of pavement replacement, milling of old asphalt, asphalt overlays, adjustment, and repairs of the existing inlets. This project encompassed approximately 6.88 miles of municipal roads and approximately 10,852 tons of asphalt.

DPW-2-23 Road Sealing Alternative Surface Treatment Project

Some roads in the Municipality are candidates for the use of an alternative surface treatment termed FiberMat. Essentially it is a chip and seal process that uses fiberglass strands to prevent additional cracking, while also holding together the cracks that are present. This process will extend the life of the road and prolong the time before it will need repaved, in effect also being cost efficient. Logan Ferry Road was selected for

2023 and Midland Asphalt was awarded the contract in the amount of $202,273.50. Public Works assisted in preparing the road for the treatment by crack sealing as well as patching soft spots to extend the life of the road.

DPW-3-23 Duff Park Bridge Repair

Duff Park contains two pedestrian bridges that were prefabricated wooden decking with a steel frame. These bridges were installed in 1990 by being flown in by helicopter, making access to them difficult. The floor beams of both bridges were showing signs of deterioration. The engineering department, along with engineers from KU Resources, evaluated these bridges and determined a full replacement would not be necessary, but replacing the wooden decking, floor beams, and back walls would preserve the life of the bridges. The bids were put out in the fall, and the project was awarded to Kukurin Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $75,000. Work was completed in December and the bridges were reopened.

Recreation Department

Recreation Department:

Carly Greene, Director Amy Wengrzyn, Special Events and Recreation Program Coordinator

Special Events

Easter events included “Egg My Yard”, the Easter DriveThru, and Easter Pet Photos. 67 families pre-registered for athome egg hunts provided by department staff and volunteers who packaged candy-filled eggs and delivered to lawns throughout Murrysville. Additionally, more than 400 families enjoyed meeting the Easter Bunny and Yellow Peep at the free Easter drive-thru at the Murrysville Community Library. Because Easter isn’t just for kids, some lucky dogs got free pictures with the Easter Bunny at the Visitor Center along the Westmoreland Heritage Trail.

Hot Chocolate Hikes were offered in various parks and reserves during the winter months, each offering a two-tothree-mile hike followed by hot chocolate and treats.

The Farmers’ Market 10th anniversary season was celebrated with customer appreciation days and prize giveaways. Seniors’ Day, Ladies’ Day, and Guy’s Day events awarded $2.00 wooden coins to the first 50 guests on each of these shopping days. In turn, the 150 wooden coins were redeemed with the vendors and the Market funds reimbursed the vendors. The Market operated weekly on Thursdays from 3:00-7:00 p.m. June through September at the MVFC Field on Sardis Road. Hundreds of customers supported the more than 35 vendors each week. Live music, weekly food trucks, and Artisan vendor days were also offered at the Market.

The Farmhouse Kids’ Club for children ages 3-12 at the Farmers’ Market again provided weekly activities in exchange for $2.00 coins, which were spent with the vendors. The coin program was well-received by the children who participated and generated $1222.00 in revenue back to our vendors.

An average of 200 guests per night at the Tuesdays at Townsend summer concerts during June, July and August enjoyed six nights of live music, food, and beverage vendors under the shady oak trees of Townsend Park.

The Concert in the Park on August 12 hosted four live bands and food trucks but was cancelled due to inclement weather. The event, including fireworks, is rescheduled for 2024.

550 children trick or treated with 66 local businesses and organizations (our largest participation to date) October 28 at the annual Trick or Treat on the Trail on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail.

Recreation Programs

The Small Fry Scramble trail race returned to Townsend Park with half-mile and one-mile trail routes for 67 children ages 3-12 years old. At the completion of the run, snacks and race t-shirts were provided to all.

19 children ages 8-13 trained for eight weeks to complete a 5K route through Murrysville Community Park at Ready, Set, Run 5K camp. Participants were rewarded for their hard work with a T-shirt and certificate of completion.

Working with the Murrysville Historical and Preservation Society, 12 children enjoyed Pioneer for a Day at the SampsonClark Toll House.

Adult and family programs included hot chocolate hikes, speaking programs with the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, a gardening series with the Murrysville Community Library and the Garden Club, an All About Bears program with the PA Game Commission, yoga in the park, a Star Party with the Amateur Astronomers Association, a free family fishing day at Townsend Park presented by the PA Fish Commission and more.

The 70 hunters in the archery-only deer management program in seven of Murrysville’s parks harvested 43 deer from the seven parks authorized in the program. This program has operated for more than twenty years and helps to curtail over-population in the Murrysville park system.

Field Use and Maintenance

25 youth and community sports organizations reserved fields and courts in Murrysville Community Park, Bear Hollow Park, Townsend Park, Chambers Park and Pedora Park from March through October. Kovalczik Park baseball field was reopened this year after being out of service for many years. Field maintenance, provided by the Public Works Department, kept staff busy throughout the year.

Parks

With the help of the Public Works Department, bottle fillers were installed in several parks with more to be installed in the future. Life Scout Nathan Snyder built a Gaga Ball pit at Kovalczik park. Trail counters were installed at Murrysville Community Park, Duff Park and Pleasant Valley Park to aid staff in learning how many guests visit the parks and when. Park benches were inventoried to locate them more easily when repairs are needed. Rubber surfacing was installed at high-traffic areas at the playground at Murrysville Community Park. Volunteers with the Parks and Recreation Commission and Scout Troop 205 worked in Kellman Reserve to clear trails, install trail signposts and mark trail directional signs to make the Reserve easier for users to explore. The permanent signs and trail blazes will be installed in 2024.

Murrysville Police Department Tom Seefeld, Chief

Sergeant Jim Chafin retired from the police department on April 12, 2023 after 29 1/2 years of service.

Officer Matt Mastorovich retired from the police department on April 22, 2023 after 25 years of service.

Officer Brian Sadlowe was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Officers Dennis Tymensky and Perry Hills were hired to replace retiring officers.

Chief Seefeld will retire from the Murrysville Police Department on June 28, 2024 after 21 1/2 years of service as Chief of Police.

Police officer testing process was completed to establish a Police Officer Eligibility List.

Preparations for the department’s re-accreditation began. The formal re-accreditation process and evaluation will take place on January 8, 2024.

Two new police vehicles were ordered and received. A new drone was secured through grant funding and placed into service.

Body Cams were received. Policy development, training, and structured implementation of the devices will be completed during the first quarter of 2024.

SWAT Chiefs met with the Westmoreland County Commissioners and were informed that $250,000 in funding would be provided to purchase night vision equipment for team members.

Chief participated in quarterly SWAT Chief meetings.

Chief chaired promotional and entry level interview panels for the Greensburg, North Huntingdon and Manor Borough Police Departments.

MPD hosted the September 2023 Westmoreland County Chiefs of Police Association meeting.

MPD Command Staff meeting was held.

Public Relations/Community Events

UTV patrols were conducted on the Heritage Trail. Several community/neighborhood public relations meet and greets were performed.

Canine demonstrations were conducted at the IUP Police Academy and Redstone Highlands.

Canine assisted in a joint canine enforcement event at Valley High School (New Kensington), Lower Burrell High School, Fox Chapel, and Armstrong High Schools.

Detectives Cox/Panigal and Canine Sergeant Kettren/Magnus took part in a public relations event at the FRSD Middle School.

Officer Talamo provided a station tour to students in the Life Skills/ Autistic Support Group from the Franklin Regional Primary School.

Officer Talamo presented a drug and alcohol workshop to Boy Scout Troop 208 at the station.

Officer Malik and Detective Panigal participated in a 5K run Takeoff Race for the Trooper Iwaniec Memorial Foundation event at Saint Vincent University. This event honors DUI victims and raises awareness about driving under the influence. By participating, the department obtained a free Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) device to help with DUI enforcement and investigations.

Officers participated in the Bella Terra Stables “Day of Magic” event to celebrate real life heroes. This event benefits children with mental or behavioral health crisis issues.

Officers participated in a Miracle League baseball game. Officers participated in a Special Olympics Track & Field event at Franklin Regional High School.

Officer Varner participated in the National Night Out event at Northmoreland Park on August 2, 2023.

Sergeant Coleman participated in the New Kensington National Night Out event on August 3, 2023 as a member of Westmoreland SWAT.

Officers assisted in the Blessing of the Bikes event on April 16, 2023 at the Murrysville Alliance Church.

Strengthening the Thin Blue Line event was held on May 21, 2023 at the Murrysville Alliance Church.

Several officers participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run on May 17, 2023. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics of PA. National Night Out event was held at the Public Works facility on August 1, 2023.

Two Drug Take Back and registration assist program events were conducted at the police station.

MPD staff participated in Trick or Treat on the Heritage Trail on October 28, 2023.

Officer Talamo presented an informational session on policing to the VITAL Christian Networking Association on November 28, 2023.

Officers assisted the Recreation Department at the Santa at Sardis event on December 2, 2023.

Several officers participated in the Shop with a Cop event at Wal-mart on December 19, 2023.

Murrysville Police Department (Continued)

Officer Training

Officers received MPOETC mandatory update training on Legal Updates, Officer Wellness, Criminal Investigations and Tactical Communications.

Officers received several training sessions on Case Law Updates.

SWAT officers attended monthly training. Most of the training exercises have been done at the abandoned Heritage Elementary School.

Officers Aminov and Talamo attended an Accreditation Manager’s conference in Harrisburg.

Officers Auvil and Smith attended Pistol Red DotInstructors firearms training. Both officers are department firearms instructors.

Sergeant Auvil and Sadlowe attended “POSIT” Supervisor training.

Sergeant Coleman attended POLEX-police management training sponsored by Penn State.

Officer Fearon and Detective Panigal attended Advanced SWAT training.

Several roll call training sessions were presented to officers by Patrol Sergeants.

Officers received training on Mental Health. Officers received training on Medical Marijuana. Officers received training on Police Ethics.

Officers received training on “How to Survive an Ambush Attack”.

Officers attended training on Drug Identification and Motor Vehicle Stops.

Detectives received training on “Background Investigations”.

Officer Smith attended the NRA Law Enforcement training for combined firearms and enhanced pistol.

Officers Fearon and Varner received Crisis Intervention Training (CIT).

Officer Susich attended Advanced Roadside Impairment Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) training.

Officer Susich attended Search and Seizure training. Officers received active shooter training (simunitions) at Heritage Elementary School. FRSD Police also participated.

Sergeant Kettren (Department Firearms Lead Instructor) attended Law Enforcement Concealed/Off Duty and Grounded and Wounded firearms training.

Firearms qualifications were conducted.

Officers Malik and Varner attended Interdiction Mastermind (Drug Interdiction) training.

Sergeant Auvil and Officer Dulkis attended training hosted by the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office on search and seizure, effective testimony, and trial-ready prosecutions.

Sergeant Auvil attended Basic Rigging for Rope Rescue training.

Officer Fearon received Field Training Officer (FTO) certification.

Officer Dulkis attended High Risk Vehicle Stop training.

Community Training

CRASE (Citizen Response to Active Shooter Events) was conducted at Mother of Sorrows Church, FRSD staff, FRSD Parent Lecture Series, Murrysville Alliance Church, 1st United Methodist Church, Murrysville 912 Group, Newlonsburg Church, Westmoreland Bar Association, Murrysville Library, MSA, Saint George Church, MOM staff and Public Works staff.

Traffic Initiatives

Buckle Up PA details were conducted.

Aggressive Driving details were conducted.

Traffic Safety Interdiction (TSI) details were conducted on Route 22.

DUI Roving Patrols and Checkpoint enforcement details were conducted.

Emergency Services

Murrysville Medic One

Darrick Gerano, Administrative Director

Throughout 2023, we continue to manage the effects we were hit with during the COVID-19 pandemic with increased costs for supplies when supplies are available. Workforce shortages in neighboring EMS agencies have forced us a lot more outside of our primary response. Workforce shortages in the emergency rooms have caused a significant delay in turnaround times for our unit’s ability to return for service.

In 2023, we responded to 12,188 EMS calls for service. The highest 911 responses were for responses of falls, cardiac emergencies, generalized illness, motor vehicle accidents, adult traumas, respiratory emergencies, and strokes. We operated a fleet of 17 vehicles during the year. We employed 66 employees, making up our roster of Emergency Medical Technicians, Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, wheelchair van drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and administration staff.

In addition to ambulance responses, we completed,

• 11,329 man-hours of training

• We conducted 54 public CPR and Stop the Bleed training.

• Performed 16 child safety seat checks

• Handled 33 public event medical stand-bys.

• 3,032 wheelchair van transports

Our public safety dive team responded to 7 calls for assistance, which included the underwater recovery of victims, evidence, and vehicles. This specialized team completed 6,623 man-hours of training throughout the year.

Our special response team responded to 171 incidents throughout Westmoreland, Armstrong, Allegheny, and Indiana Counties. These incidents include search details, large-scale emergencies, and mass casualty incidents.

In February 2024, our annual subscription membership drive will be mailed to all residents in our primary service area. This subscription not only has a great deal of monetary value to the subscriber in the event you need our service, but it also supports your local emergency medical service, allowing us to be here for you.

Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company

Pat O’Mahony, Chief

The Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company is one of three fire stations within the municipal borders, located near Town Square (intersection of Sardis Rd and Old William Penn). Though directly responsible for the Southwest third, we handle emergencies across Murrysville in conjunction with Sardis, White Valley and Export Fire Departments. We assist other fire departments in Export, Penn Township, Monroeville, Plum Borough, Delmont and farther depending on the emergency, providing Firefighters and apparatus to supplement those fire departments and personnel.

In 2023, Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company personnel put in 2,000 manhours while responding to 493 emergency calls, a 15% increase from emergency responses in 2022. Most calls for service are for emergencies such as structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, rescues, or other life-threatening situations. We also respond to a host of non-emergent requests, which involve assisting our community members in their time of need.

Response Type Calls

False Alarms235

Vehicle Accidents82

Natural Gas Leak36

Wires Down30

Possible Fire Investigation26 Fires25

EMS Assist17

Hazmat Investigation21

Police / Public Assists12

Chemical Leak or Spill3

Weather Disaster2

Physical Rescue2

Animal Rescue2

Emergency Services (Continued)

Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company

(Continued)

When the Department is not responding to emergency calls, we are busy training, maintaining equipment, providing fire prevention training or engaging in public events. Over 3,800 manhours were committed to training, maintenance and administrative rolls throughout the year. You may have experienced a fire prevention training that we provided to a school class or scout troop or maybe you saw us at an FR football game, handing candy out during Halloween or driving Santa around town. Overall, we participated in 32 public outreach events in 2023.

In March last year, the new 100’ ladder truck was commissioned and put in service. We’ve worked hard to train with this apparatus and pushed it to impressive levels, flowing more water than any other apparatus before; it’s capable, ready to respond and looks good doing it. Wave when we drive by!

Training Courses Completed in 2023

Hazmat OperationsVehicle Rescue

Fire Ground OperationsAerial Operations

Pumping OperationsEMS / CPR, First Aid

Large Water Movement

While there are no changes in the Officers of the department, we did sadly call the Final Alarm for long-time firefighter Randy Marts. The company would like to extend condolences to his family as well as thank Randy and his family for the dedication to Murrysville over his 55 years of service. Randy’s absence is already being felt, will be near impossible to replace, but his legacy will continue.

CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP

The Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company is a 100% volunteer service provided to the community by your neighbors. While we do our best to provide professional services in times of crisis, we can’t do it without dedicated members. The volunteer fire service is down 90% since the 1990s and we need help more and more each passing year. Consider joining our ranks, whether it’s to become a firefighter or rescue technician, assist with maintenance, or help with administration. There are benefits provided to firefighters, like income tax credits, training and education reimbursements and more. Please continue to help support your community in one of the most rewarding ways possible! Those interested in learning more about us, touring the station or joining our ranks may find more information on the company website www.murrysvillefire.com or message us at Facebook.com/murrysvillefire.

Sardis Volunteer Fire Company Joey Paiano, Chief

2023 Response Breakdown

Members of the Sardis Volunteer Fire Company #78 have provided approximately 1,317.53 hours responding and operating at these emergency and non-emergency incidents.

Training

In 2023, volunteers purchased a 200 hour training membership through Bucks County Community College, and completed 924 hours of in-house and nationally accredited training. This training ensures safety amongst our personnel and an effective and efficient delivery of services to the community and surrounding communities. These members have demonstrated and met the core competency requirements to obtain this training.

On top of this training, we have numerous members that have obtained national certifications which require a written examination along with a practical evaluation and skills exam.

Members within the Sardis Volunteer Fire Company #78 have obtained the following certifications:

• Hazardous Materials Responder at the Awareness LevelNFPA 1072

• Hazardous Materials Responder at the Operations LevelNFPA 1072

• Driver Operator - Pumper - NFPA 1002

• Firefighter I - NFPA 1001

• Rope Technical Rescue at the Awareness & Operations Level - NFPA 1006

• Rope Technical Rescue at the Technician Level - NFPA 1006

• Vehicle Technical Rescuer at the Awareness & Operations Level - NFPA 1006

• Trench Technical Rescuer at the Awareness & Operations Level - NFPA 1006

• Fire Instructor I - NFPA 1041

• Fire Officer II - NFPA 1021

• Fire Department Safety Officer - Health and Safety Officer - NFPA 1521

• Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I & II - NFPA 1035

Emergency Services (Continued)

Sardis Volunteer Fire Company

(Continued)

In 2024, we will be submitting a renewal to continue to maintain the 100% or Gold level for the Participating Department Recognition Program through the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Previously, this standard was met by the Sardis Volunteer Fire Company #78 in 2017.

Recruitment

We are always looking for new members to join and serve the community. There is no previous experience needed. Members can join as an active firefighter or support member starting at 14 years of age. We provide you with free training and personal protective equipment necessary to perform. For more information, anyone is welcome to stop at the fire station on Wednesday evenings at 7pm, or can contact us via Facebook or at (724) 327-3987

Fire Education and Prevention

The Sardis Volunteer Fire Company also offers a Fire Prevention program. This is typically completed in our Franklin Regional schools, businesses, or daycares. We also offer public education sessions along with a tour of our fire station. We have hosted numerous tours for groups of any size. All you have to do is contact our Facebook, or call the fire station at (724)-327-3987.

Fund Drive

The Sardis Volunteer Fire Company #78 is one of three volunteer fire departments that serve the Municipality of Murrysville. The company is still also feeling the after effects of the Covid-19 pandemic for fundraising events. We have turned to selling tickets for various prizes, or tipboards through our social media accounts. This is done in effort to reduce potential exposure issues regarding our members. We also send out a fund drive letter two times a year that your donations are used to cover our operating costs or provide necessary equipment to ensure safety amongst our volunteers. Please be on the look out for this letter starting in April, we send these to every household or business in our first due district

White Valley Volunteer Fire Company

John Bohinc, Chief

In 2023 The White Valley VFD will be marking its 75th year of service to the community. The firefighters from White Valley responded to 532 alarms in 2023, which is a slight increase of calls from the previous year. The highest response volume was for automatic fire alarms, 223. Out of those 223 alarms, 166 of those were caused by malfunctioning systems, which is down from the previous year. The next biggest volume of calls were vehicle accidents at 110. We still responded to 22 actual structure fires this past year. The total number of staff hours White Valley volunteered while responding to the alarms was 2504-man hours, almost 1000 hours more than the previous year. The average time spent on each alarm was an average of just under one hour per call.

During 2023 the White Valley VFD never missed a beat with responses, and we continued with our normal training activities. All these training hours were completed by the firefighters on their own time away from their families and their jobs. As we start our 75th year of service, we are still poised to provide the highest level of professional service for our residents that we have in the past. We encourage our residents to visit the Department to see what we are all about.

2023 Executive Officers:

President:Brad Lennox

Vice-President:Justin Dallo

Treasurer:John Bohinc

Secretary:Gary Harbaugh

2023 Line Officers:

Chief:John Bohinc

Assistant Chief:Rich Rupnik

Assistant Chief:John Primozic

Captain:Brad Lennox

Lieutenant :Dan Mazzoni

Sergeant:Sam Bohinc, Jr.

Sergeant:Don Liprando

Murrysville Community Library Amy Riegner, Director

The Murrysville Community Library (MCL) celebrated its 101st year of service in 2023, which marked a period of introducing new programs while maintaining our current offerings. The Library strives to offer endless possibilities for our patrons’ learning, literacy, and enjoyment.

We adopted a new focus on three core tenets: flexibility, ingenuity, and inclusivity. We strive to change and adapt to our community’s programming interests while focusing on offering a variety of programming for all age groups and abilities.

Special Highlights from 2023

Summer Reading explored the theme “All Together Now” for preschool children, school-aged children, teens, and adults with over 90 programs! Patrons tracked their reading progress through the Beanstack app. In total, we had 730 participants who read for over 549,239 minutes!

We are very proud of our summer programming. Some of our more memorable programs include: O’Ryan the O’mazing, Andy Warhol Screenprinting, 3Rivers4 Barbershop Quartet, Steel City Shakespeare Center, Carnegie Science Center’s Planetarium, The Zoomobile, Monarch Butterfly Release, and a Happy Birthday, Harry Potter party.

MCL added many new programs for adults. We now host a monthly ESL Conversation Group, led by an English as a Second Language teaching professional. This program allows members of the community to practice English conversation skills in a guided and welcoming environment. The Library also started two new monthly programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In collaboration with Milestone PA and PA Connecting Communities, we now host a monthly storytime and a monthly craft program. These programs promote literacy, creativity, and offers the opportunity to socialize. Finally, the Library’s continued partnerships with the Murrysville Garden Club and the Murrysville Recreation Department resulted in a Spring Gardening Series, taught by Master Gardeners from the Westmoreland County Penn State Extension.

The past year in teen services included the continuation of the Teen Advisory Board, held monthly and attended by a consistent group of teens, as well as the Teen Writing Club, a group for teens who want to improve their writing skills. Highlights in programming include the creation of a Teen Dungeons & Dragons group, a Teen Zine Workshop series, and monthly book displays located in the Young Adult section of the Library.

MCL took on an ambitious and highly requested program: A Craft Show. Forty-five vendors participated and displayed their wares using most of the Library’s building space. This event, which also functioned as a fundraiser, saw the single highest amount of foot traffic in one day since returning from the pandemic. It was highly successful and we plan to host another in 2024.

The Library was gifted a sensory board by Girl Scout Troop 16380. The sensory board features objects of various colors and textures, encouraging discovery, sensory exploration, fine motor skill practice, and enjoyment. The Troop was awarded

the Bronze Award for their creation. This endeavor truly embodies the Library’s vision of embracing flexibility, ingenuity and inclusivity!

MCL ended the year with our annual Jingles n’ Gingerbread open house. Families celebrated the holiday season with crafts, balloon animals, storytime, and performances by 3Rivers4 Barbershop, the Pittsburgh East Chinese Dancing Fellowship, Simply Saxes, the PennTrafford Flute Choir, and the Laurel Harmony Chorus.

Thank you to all of our donors, supporters, and patrons who made the 2023 year memorable! We look forward to offering more informed and creative programs next year!

2024 Statistics

• 136,628 Items circulated including books, e-books, magazines, audio books, music CDs, and DVDs

• 70,075 Library visits

• 5,687 Library card holders

• 9,083 Individuals attended Library programs, including in-person and virtual events

• 1,511 Patrons accessed public computers

• 1,973 Volunteer hours contributed

• 3,804 Free Wi-Fi sessions

• 807 New Library cards issued

MCL receives its funding from a variety of sources, including the Municipality of Murrysville, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Westmoreland County Commissioners, and the Murrysville Community Library Foundation. Local corporate sponsors include Bondi Printing, The Penn-Franklin News, and AAUW. Additional funding comes from civic organizations, grants, and very generous individuals and families. We received several grants this year that afforded us the opportunity to provide meaningful programming and services. We are very thankful to all who make it possible for the Library to provide resources and services that enhance the quality of life for all residents of the community.

Please continue to visit the Library, attend programs, and check out library materials. Together, we are building an amazing future for the Murrysville community. Our monthly board meetings are open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend to learn more about the Library and our vision for the future. Are you interested in helping? We love our volunteers and have a robust volunteer program. Want to help to better secure the future for the Library? Join the Murrysville Community Library Foundation!

If you have not been to the Library lately, please stop in! Receive your free Library card and take advantage of all the free services available to you. For more information, visit the Library’s website at www.murrysvillelibrary.org or call us at 724-327-1102. We look forward to serving you in 2024!

Murrysville Community Library

The Murrysville Community Library is central to a connected and engaged community enjoying endless possibilities for lifelong learning, individual achievement, and enjoyment. The Murrysville Community Library is located at 4130 Sardis Road, Murrysville, PA 15668. Visit www.murrysvillelibrary.org for more information on upcoming programs or call 724-327-1102 with any questions.

Programs for All Ages

Adventure Begins at Your Library! – Summer Reading starts Monday, June 10th

Join us at the library this summer for adventure and surprises. Read books and complete activities to win prizes. Attend fun and exciting programs for all ages! Don’t miss the adventure!

Adult Programs

An Intrusion of UFOs, Bigfoot, and Mysterious Happenings in Pennsylvania with Stan Gordon: July 23 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

This program will discuss some of the classic UFO, Bigfoot, (cryptids) Strange creature cases, and other mysterious incidents that have taken place in Pennsylvania and throughout the greater Pittsburgh region. Stan will also talk about the surge of unusual incidents that took place during 2023. Many low level and daylight UFO sightings were reported. There were also close range daylight Bigfoot sightings reported from many areas. Numerous strange encounters continued to occur in the areas around Chestnut Ridge.

MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE 2024 CURBSIDE LEAF RECYCLING

Republic Services, the Municipality of Murrysville’s trash/ recycling hauler, will conduct municipal-wide sweeps to collect leaf and yard waste. To schedule a pick-up on one of the collection dates listed below, please fill out the Curbside Leaf Collection Program Form on the Municipal website at https:// murrysville.com/305/Leaf-Collection-Spring-Fall. There is a 20-bag limit for each collection date. The deadline to sign up for each date is the Thursday before the pickup date, the final pick-up list is sent over to Republic Services on Friday morning.

Fall collection dates

Saturday, October 19Saturday, November 9 Saturday, November 16Saturday, December 7

Leaves must be placed in biodegradable leaf bags. Leaves placed in plastic bags or any other container will not be picked up. Please do not place grass clippings, trash, recycling materials, or any other refuse in biodegradable leaf bags. These bags will hold approximately 30 gallons/50 pounds of leaves. Each package of bags contains five (5) bags and can be purchased at local hardware/home improvement stores.

Yard waste must be tied into bundles and placed at the curb alongside the biodegradable bags. Yard waste means small twigs and brush that cannot exceed 3 inches in diameter and 48 inches in length. Republic Services will not be responsible for clean-up of leaves and/or yard waste disturbed or scattered by weather, animals, or other causes.

For questions or information regarding this topic, please contact Republic Services at 877-788-9400 (Toll-Free).

Sportsmen and Landowners Alliance of Murrysville (S.L.A.M.)

S.L.A.M. is an organization that serves the community and sportsmen through projects and education with dedication to conservation, hunting, fishing, and shooting sports as well as environmental and historical preservation. SLAM stocks Haymaker Run yearly to encourage youth fishing. Fishing at Haymaker Run, which is located across the street from the Murrysville Municipal building, is open to youth fishing only.

Hunter Trapper Education

Hunter Trapper Education classes, or HTE, sponsored by S.L.A.M. (Sportsmen and Landowners Alliance of Murrysville) Classes will be held at Murrysville District Sportsmen’s Association: 3751 Gun Club Road, Murrysville. Register early as class sizes are limited to 55. Classes are at no cost to students but students must bring a lunch. Water & soft drinks will be available. Students must register for a class at the PA Game Commission web site at www.pgc.pa.gov.

Hunter Trapper Education are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Sunday, September 8, 2024Sunday, October 20, 2024 Sunday, November 10, 2024Sunday, November 17, 2024

How to Reserve a Park Pavilion or Indoor Facility:

Online: Visit www.murrysvilleparecreation.com and select Rentals to select your facility. Once selected, choose Reserve Online, then follow the prompts. Creating an account is necessary if you do not have one.

By Mail: Printable registration forms can be found on our website www.murrysvilleparecreation.com under Facilities, or in our municipal lobby. Mail the completed form with a check to Municipality of Murrysville, 4100 Sardis Road, Murrysville, Pa 15668.

In Person: Visit the municipal building, 4100 Sardis Road, to complete a registration form. Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

All checks should be payable to Municipality of Murrysville Security Deposits

The security deposit fee is in addition to the rental fee. These funds are held at our office until after your event in case there are damages or additional cleaning is needed. If the facility is found in good condition, the security deposit is returned to the renter.

Security deposits must be paid by cash or check only and must be received by mail or in person within 3 business days that the rental was made or the reservation will be cancelled.

Pavilion Security Deposit: $200.00

Community Center and Clubhouse Security Deposit: $200.00

Call 724-327-2100 x131 or x115 with any questions.

Alcohol Permits

For those who wish to secure an alcohol permit for the Community Center, Clubhouse, Townsend Park or Sardis Park, a permit must be obtained when making your online reservation or by visiting the Municipal Building to complete the appropriate paperwork to secure the permit. There is a $50.00 application fee and a $350.00 refundable deposit required within 3 business days of the day the request was made or the request will be cancelled. This security deposit must be a separate check from your reservation security deposit.