Township wide announcements and ongoing projects include the following:
If you're looking for a place to rent for an upcoming event or gathering you are planning, the Township Activity Center, located along Main Street in Imperial, may be what you are looking for. Go to Activity Center page for a description and more information on the Activity Center.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RIDC PARK WEST PAVING PROJECT
BID OPENING: APRIL 5, 2013
***CLICK HERE FOR BID TAB
VERIFIED BY ENGINEER***
| CONTRACTOR |
ADDRESS |
BASE BID AMOUNT |
ALTERNATE BID AMT |
| Peter J. Caruso & Sons |
352 Baldwin Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15207 |
$134,390.00 |
$166,392.50* |
| Youngblood Paving Inc. |
2516 State Route 18
Wampum, PA 16157 |
$116,530.00 |
$146,780.00 |
| Protech Asphalt Maintenance |
PO Box 8425
New Castle, PA 16107 |
$124,580.00 |
$150,009.50* |
| Morgan Excavating, L.P. |
1 Pompei Lane
Bentleyville, PA 15314
|
$155,647.00 |
$195,079.00 |
| El Grande Ind. Inc. |
384 Helen Avenue
Monessen, PA 15062 |
$179,875.00 |
$215,775.00* |
| TA Robinson Asphalt Paving |
1299 McLaughlin Run Road
Bridgeville, PA 15017 |
$155,386.00 |
$185,348.00* |
| Victor Paving & Construction |
738 Route 481
Monongahela, PA 15063 |
$155,900.00 |
$194,411.50* |
| A. Folino Construction |
109 Dark Hollow Road
Oakmont, PA 15139 |
$137,505.00 |
$168,950.00* |
| Michael Facchiano Contracting |
801 McNeilly Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15226 |
$194,975.00 |
$249,525.00 |
| East Coast Paving |
3484 Evergreen Road
PO Box 539
New Bedfor, PA 16140 |
$138,632.00 |
168,474.00* |
BIDS REVIEWED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AT THEIR REGULAR MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013. BIDS WITH *ASTERISK ARE BIDS THAT WERE SUBMITTED INCORRECTLY. THE RED BID IS THE BID ACCEPTED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR THE PROJECT.
Professional Service Providers Disclosures
MUNICIPAL PENSION SYSTEM - YEAR 2013
Act 44 of 2009 requires the posting of Annual Disclosures for Professional Services. Our Year 2013 Postings have been made for the Municipal Pension System Disclosures for the following:
* Mockenhaupt Benefits Group
* Private Wealth Advisors
* Axios Advisory Group
Click here to see the Professional Service Provider's Disclosures
Click here for 2012 Act 13 Report
Important Info About 2012 Taxes
Congressman Murphy will be offering free tax services to senior citizens and low-income families starting February 15, 2013 through April 14, 2013 at various locations throughout the 18th district as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA volunteers can also assist senior citizens and the disadvantaged in the preparation of Pennsylvania tax returns, Real Estate/Rent Rebate forms, PACE forms, and local wage taxes.
Persons seeking assistance should bring all tax documents such as: W-2 forms, interest and dividend statements, pension information, social security and/or railroad retirement statements, total amounts of itemized deductions, and copies of federal and state tax returns from 2012. Participants should also bring copies of real estate tax receipts and sales receipts for large purchase items.
People making $51,000 or less usually qualify for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for free tax preparation and electronic filing. Tax Counseling for the Elderly, a similar community-based volunteer program, offers free tax help with priority assistance to people age 60 and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement issues. Additional information on these programs can be found at IRS.gov
Photo ID is required. If filing a joint return, both parties must be present to sign the paperwork. If you are interested in attending one of the tax assistance workshops, please contact Rep. Murphy’s Mt. Lebanon office to find the nearest location at (412) 344-5583.
This year, the IRS expects to receive more than 147 million individual tax returns. Taxpayers have until Monday, April 15, to file their 2012 tax returns and pay any tax due. Although 80 percent of filers were able to begin filing their returns on January 30th, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates others will have to wait until late February or March to file because the agency needs time to update and test its systems. Early filers owed a refund may see their check delayed until February due to later-than-expected changes to existing tax law.
To track the status of your refund after filing a return, visit the "Where's My Refund?" tool available on the IRS.gov website. New this year, instead of an estimated date, “Where’s My Refund?” will give people an actual personalized refund date after the IRS processes the tax return and approves the refund.
PROPERTY TAX/RENT REBATE APPLICATIONS
Applications for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for tax year 2012 are now available through my Moon Township district office and online at RepMustio.com.
Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2012. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with permanent disabilities.
Eligibility income limits for homeowners are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:
- $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (Homeowners and renters).
- $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (Homeowners and renters).
- $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (Homeowners only).
- $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (Homeowners only).
Local residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.
Applications are due by June 30.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, $4.8 billion has been paid to qualified applicants.
FTMA McClaren Road Waterline Extension
The Findlay Township Municipal Authority has undertaken a waterline extension project along McClaren Road starting on Monday, January 7th. The project is expected to last 3 weeks. Traffic will be limited to 1 lane during working hours (7am – 4 pm) between the McClaren Road interchange and Garden Lane.
This project will install nearly 1,000 feet of 12” waterline and is part of the 2013 Capital Improvement Plan that aims to improve the water transmission and distribution throughout the Township of Findlay. FTMA has been making efforts to replace aging and undersized waterlines when the funds become available.
FINDLAY TOWNSHIP WINS "SUPPORTER OF DEVELOPMENT" AWARD FROM NAIOP
(Pittsburgh Business Times article)
Within the past seven years, a significant amount of industrial and office development has occurred within the Airport/West Corridor and Findlay Connector Westport Area and credit has to be given to Findlay Township for their proactive and supportive role in the process. Through the leadership of the Board of Supervisors: Tom Gallant - Chairman, Janet Craig - Vice-Chair, and Ray Chappell - Member-at-Large, along with Gary Klingman as Township Manager, Chris Caruso as Assistant Manager and Planning Director, Jason Orsini - Municipal Authority Manager, Russ Collins - Building Inspector, Allegheny County Economic Development, Redevelopment Authority, West Allegheny School District, and the Findlay Township Municipal Authority Board, Findlay Township has experienced over 2,000,000 SF in new Class A industrial and office development, with estimated investment in excess of $250,000,000.
Several NAIOP developer members have made significant investments in the Airport area and in Findlay Township including the following:
* The Elmhurst Group with 209,000 SF completed and 130,000 SF in development in McClaren Woods Business Park: Tenants include prior NAIOP project awards for the Lewis Goetz build to suit and Calgon Carbon build to suit; Cameron; Amcom and Baule.
* The Buncher Group with over 600,000 SF completed at the Clinton Commerce Park (Fed Ex Ground, Flabeg & American Tire Distribution) with Phase II in process with the Airport Authority that will access up to 361 acres for an additional 1,400,000 SF of building space. An additional 100,000 SF was developed on site by Knepper Press.
* The Findlay Industrial Park at Westport, developed by Imperial Land Corporation, with over 335,000 SF completed since 2009 (Okonite; Alro Steel; Appliance Builders Cooperative). Phase II is currently under development accessing an additional 373 acres in 2012.
* Horizon Properties at Northfield for the Dick's Sporting Goods Corporate HG (2010 NAIOP Office Build to Suit awardee) with 675,000 SF.
* Northfield Development Area completed by the Airport Authority with 105 acres - approximately 1M SF potential building space off of International Drive.
Other projects currently approved include Westport Woods by Imperial Land Corporation with a 101 acre business park. Airport Authority sites at McClaren Site #9 with 96 acres for 410,000 SF of office space and Route 30 Commerce Park with 185 acres.
Findlay Township also supported zoning designations to create the Westport Development Disrict which provides the largest contiguous industrial development opportunity in Western PA with the potential for over 6,000,000 SF when fully completed.
A significant portion of the development is the direct result of Findlay Township's support of a TIF District which allowed for $10M in upgrades to the water and sanitary sewer systems to directly support the planned development at Westport. The Clinton Commerce Park and other regional projects within Findlay Township were supported by a TIF District resulting in additional investment in excess of $13M.
"The Township staff, Planning Commission and Township Supervisors, clearly understand that each project is different and has its own set of development challenges. The Supervisors have been willing to listen to the issues impacting each site, make the appropriate modifications while maintaining the quality of the project and reducing the impacts on the community." Jerry Bunda, Imperial Land Corporation
"Findlay Township has been an excellent partner in providing the flexibility to come up with unique solutions for the needs of our tenants. Beginning with the Planning Commission and continuing with the Supervisors, Township Manager, Zoning and Building departments, all have been willing to roll up their sleeves and work with us to find designs and layouts that are both functional and attractive." Andy Gildersleeve, The Elmhurst Group
"Findlay Township has always been a great partner in the airport's real estate development activities and they are very deserving of this award." Randy Forister, The Allegheny County Airport Authority
From Gary Klingman, Township Manager:
The following link is a letter written by PSATS (Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors) Executive Director David M. Sanko, which appeared recently in the Scranton Times. This letter is an argument against forced municipal mergers and consolidations.
Click here for copy of letter
BURNING WEBSITE
Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has launched a new "Burning Central" webpage to help educate the public on the issues of wood smoke, waste-oil burning, and outdoor wood-fired boilers. The site, which can be accessed at http://www.achd.net/air/burning, went live in early May, 2011, and contains answers to frequently asked questions as well as resources for people to learn clean burning practices and how to stay healthy while utilizing wood as a renewable fuel.
Complaints regarding residential wood burning are the most common air quality complaints received by ACHD. Wood smoke can aggravate conditions such as asthma, and even the cleanest and driest of wood releases harmful pollutants into the air when burned. Residents are encouraged to read up on the issues surrounding wood smoke, as well as other types of burning, so that they can help protect their own health, the health of their families, and the health of their neighbors.
Citizens can call the ACHD complaint line at 412-678-ACHD (2243) when wood smoke or other burning issues arise.
"Internet Essentials”
Comcast has informed us of an exciting program by Comcast designed with the assistance of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help bridge America's digital divide, called "Internet Essentials."
In conformity with the National Broadband Plan, the program addresses key barriers to Internet access and adoption by providing affordable Internet access, the opportunity to purchase a computer and training to low-income families with at least one child receiving free lunches under the National School Lunch Program.
The “Internet Essentials” program will be available starting in the 2011 "back to school" season and is currently continuing (2013). Eligible participants will receive:
• Comcast home Economy Internet service for $9.95 per month plus applicable taxes and fees, with no
activation fees, no additional equipment rental charges, no credit checks, no price increases and no long-term
contracts;
• The option to purchase a pre-configured computer for 149.99 (plus applicable taxes); and
• Access to online, in print and classroom based digital literacy training.
An entire household will be eligible to participate in the program if the household i) is located where Comcast offers Internet service; ii) has at least one child receiving free lunch through the National School Lunch Program; iii) has not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days; and iv) does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.
Participating families may be able to benefit from “Internet Essentials” for the entire life of their child's K-12
education, as long as they remain eligible.
In order to reach as many eligible families as possible, we could use your help! We have met with the
Governor, the Secretary of Education and several state education associations all of which support the program. We are currently working with local school districts on ways to get the word out about the program to eligible students.
Additional information on the “Internet Essentials” program can be found at www.internetessentials.com
If you have any questions regarding the “Internet Essentials” program please feel free to contact Frank Polito at 412-249-0513 or by email to Frank_Polito@cable.comcast.com.
If you’re worried about losing your house, you may be eligible for financial assistance, including new emergency federal loans. In fact, a whole host of programs may help you avoid foreclosure and stay in your home. The first step is to call today, because funding –through the federal Emergency Homeowners Loan Program – is available for a limited time.
Call 2-1-1 for a referral or to learn more today.
If 2-1-1 isn’t yet in your area, call 1-800-552-4171.
Click here for more information (Page 1) and (Page 2)
January 2013
State Representative Mark Mustio announces....
PA's HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) CONTINUES
Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now accepting applications for cash grants. Crisis grants became available on January 3, 2011 and are still continuing. LIHEAP helps low-income people pay their heating bills through home energy assistance grants and crisis grants. Cash grants are awarded based on household income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Crisis grants are provided in the event of a heating emergency, including broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced, lack of fuel, termination of utility service or danger of being without fuel or of having utility service terminated. In most counties, assistance with home heating crisis situations is available 24 hours a day.
For complete eligibility requirements and additional information on LIHEAP, visit Representative Mustio's website and choose the "LIHEAP Home Heating Assistance Information" button.
Applications may be obtained by contacting the Allegheny County Assistance Office at 412-562-0330 (Cash Assistance) or 1-800-851-3838 (Crisis Assistance). Applications are also available from local utility companies and community service agenices such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.
Findlay Township Emergency Services would like to remind all Findlay Township residents:
"If any resident has recently changed or is thinking of changing their local telephone provider, please make sure that your service address is correct. Your service address may be different from your billing address, which is OK. As long as your service address is the correct address for that structure. Your service address is what 9-1-1 emergency receives and uses when dispatching help. PLEASE! Contact your local telephone company provider to verify your service address. It can mean the difference between life and death."
"LIGHT YOUR LIGHT - HELP FIGHT CRIME!"
The Board of Supervisors want to remind residents in the following residential neighborhoods (Imperial Pointe, Lindenwood Drive, Marion Estates, Maronda Farms, Rodgers Drive, Westbrooke, Wyndham Farms, and Valley Green Estates) of the following message:
Please be advised that a requirement for your neighborhood is that your post lamp must be illuminated, as a safety/security device, during evening and night times. The Findlay Township Police Department encourages the use as a method to deter unwanted activity in the neighborhood. When everyone follows this requirement, it makes it easier for our Police to cut down on crime. Dusk-to-dawn automatic illumination is your best bet for energy and safety purposes. Help us to keep your neighborhood safe.
Thank you,
Findlay Township Board of Supervisors
Tom Gallant, Chairperson
Janet Craig, Vice-Chairperson
Ray Chappell, Supervisor
Notice/Information
Click here for Compliance Information- Act 3 of 2008 (PA Open Records Law)
Ongoing Projects
For further information on meeting and event dates and times, please call during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 pm at 724-695-0500.