2-15-12-minutes

Oakland Code Enforcement Task Force Meeting Minutes Recorded by: R. Ranallo February 15th, 2012 Mission: Reactivate the Oakland Code Enforcement Task Force and engage more community members to participate in enforcing codes on negligent landlords, housing violations, parking violations, disruptive behavior, excessive noise and underage drinking.

1. Introductions A. Introductions, Brief new members B. In attendance: S. Su, B. Hill, E. DeIuliis, N. Solic, M. Bethel, E. Anderson, H. Johnson, K. Cunningham, N. Hart, W. Wilson, L. Kazior, A. Butkus, C. Krystyniak, Z. Vishup, M. Oleniacz, G. Becker, M. Hogue, H. Golden, C. Mitchell, D. Manthei, S. Koss, I. Boggs, R. Bennett, D. Gilman, A. Coyne, R. White, M. Mallampalli, M. White, P. Sedlack, L. Robinson, P. O’Shanick, L. Style, C. McLaughlin, S. Wigle 2. City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Environmental Services Trash Codes, Processes, and Policies: Bill Klimovich, Assistant Director; Shawn Wigle, Recycling Supervisor A. Trash collection in Oakland is on Tuesdays. Trash pickup route was rerouted a few years ago because of weekend trash buildup in Oakland. Improvements in litter have been seen.

B. Collection policies: Two large bulk items and unlimited number of bags per property.

C. Approximately 60 tons of garbage are taken from University of Pittsburgh dumpsters in a year.

D. Looking forward: The City is attempting to streamline street cleaning and refuse collection on the same day for Oakland; signs will be updated soon.

E. The City of Pittsburgh is a “mandated community,” meaning all businesses and residents are required to recycle. The two biggest challenges are communicating laws and proper set up. City of Pgh has a single stream system (bottles, papers, cans all together) in place and it is proven successful over last few years in boosting participation.

F. The City of Pittsburgh is eligible for recycling grants which are used to buy additional vehicles, etc.

G. Old cell phones and computer recycling programs are available at various locations, listed on the city website.

H. The residential recycling program brought in $800,000 last year.

I. Report addresses with large trash pileup to 311. Environmental services will leave “door knockers” informing tenants of policies. Citations may be issued in cases of noncompliance. Non-compliant residences eventually end up in housing court.

J. Upon OCETF members request at meeting, Environmental Services says they will work to better coordinate efforts with BBI when applicable. Maria Bethel of BBI said notices from BBI have stopped recently. Bill will discuss with her after meeting.

K. Maria Bethel (BBI) suggested increased efforts in educating multi-unit landlords on mandated recycling? She’s observed that they are often the ones in violation.

L. Paint cans can be disposed of at Construction Junction or filled with cat litter so it is solid and will be collected.

M. Sam Su introduced OPDC’s KICO (Keep it Clean, Oakland), and the Oakland Dumpster Program, which is funded by local landlords to minimize the excess of trash in Oakland during student arrival and move out seasons. The City of Pittsburgh compacts the trash collected in this program. Sam says the City of Pittsburgh is planning street cleaning for Tuesdays, and Adopt a Block will supplement with monthly Saturday cleanups.

N. Geof Becker’s idea- During peak trash seasons, hit Oakland with additional trash pickup mailings.

3.

University Of Pittsburgh, Student Government Board: Mary Mallampalli, Community Outreach Chair reports: Update and call for volunteers A. Mary wants the Student Government Board to work closely with OPDC and OCETF. She introduced the Good Neighbor Lunch, to take place on March 24th to discuss constructive solutions to the challenges students pose to the community. Long-term residents, student leaders and university administrators will all be invited.

B. Mary will connect the Student Government Board Environmental Chair to KICO and the City of Pittsburgh Environmental Services.

4. Tracking Oakland’s 10 Most Wanted Properties: Liz Style A. 3738 and 3746 Dawson Street: Terris Parking issue has been submitted to Judge Ricciardi.

Peduto’s office has put in a phone call to Judge to get it on dockets ASAP. Their occupancy permit has been revoked, meaning that, legally, nothing has ever been there, and they must start permits process all over. Peduto’s office will attend hearing. This hearing does not address the issues this property has caused hillside on Bouquet street side.

B. 4512 Centre Avenue is scheduled for court—owner lives in Squirrel Hill. Peduto’s office has been working on it for six years, and they found the site to be in deplorable condition after a recent toured with City Police and Environmental Services. OCETF urged all residents to attend hearing to pressure judge for harsh enforcement of codes.

C. Boulevard of the Allies/ 3109 Forbes Avenue project: Penn DOT approved the illegal paving for parking done by owner and is pending action from City. Peduto’s office is trying to get the Mayor’s solicitor to take the property to the zoning board because the state does not have authority to override city zoning laws. Dan Gillman (City Council) urged group to keep calling 311 telling City to defend itself on this case. Mary Fleming of BBI is handling this and has paperwork ready if Mayor does send it to court. Liz Style to follow up with Mayor’s office.

D. At Janet Wang’s 3431/3433 Parkview Ave property, there are no police reports of nuisance partying in the last 90 days.

5. Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group (PCRG), Emily Anderson: Safe Neighborhoods Network.

A. PCRG Safe Neighborhoods Network: Second Saturday of every other month, different community members from across the city discuss neighborhood safety issues. Meetings are structured similarly to OCETF with guest speakers on current topics plaguing neighborhoods, etc. Emily encouraged OCETF members to get involved.

B. If vacant properties are tax delinquent, PCRG coordinates with the City Land Reserve program. However, it is hard to target non-tax delinquent properties.

6. Housing Court schedule- 12 Dawson Court & 4512 Centre Ave.- February 23, 2012: Volunteers are needed to attend hearing 7. Announcements A. Rock Alley Meeting- 2/20 6pm, CHS B. Community Ice Skating at Schenley Park, 2/20/2012 at 1:30 PM. C. SGB Community Outreach Committee member Lacey Kazior is looking for student community service projects.

D. Transportation/ Safety Committee Chair Richard White 8. Next meeting- March 21, 6:00pm, Speaker Judge Ricciardi 9.

Meeting Adjournment

Remember to keep flooding 311 with calls about the nuisance properties in your neighborhood, and let the Oakland Code Enforcement Task Force know when you do! You can submit reports to our email account at oakwatch@opdc.org or call us at 412.621.7863 ext. 27. Thanks for keeping us in the loop!