SEVEN FIELDS — With the borough's water billing software scheduled to be phased out by next summer, borough council on Monday voted to implement a new system.

Council voted to approve a bid from Bellwood, Pa.-based Muni-Link to provide the new billing system. According to Peter Jones of Muni-Link and Link Computer Corporation, the cloud-based system was created through feedback from customers, and there are currently more than 220 municipalities using the service.

By registering their email and account, residents will be able to pay their bill online as well as see past usage and other information on a dashboard. Jones said the dashboard can be accessed through any device that has an Internet connection. The service is already being used by Adams Township and Saxonburg, he said.

Jones said the fee structure is based on the number of bills sent each month, with the possibility of the borough saving 60 to 70 cents per household in postage and shipping costs. Because the system is cloud-based, there is no necessary software or hardware to purchase, which leads to additional savings. The system will cost the borough a $5,000 startup fee and a $6,900 yearly fee, Jones said.

With Monday's approval, Seven Fields is placed in a queue of other municipalities to go through the 11-part startup process. Jones said this will keep things on track for a June or July launch.

Borough Manager Tom Smith said the current software is being phased out by June 30, leading officials to seek an alternative.

“We've got to get in queue and get this conversation going,” he said.

No bids for roof

No bids have been received for work on the borough building roof.

According to John Balewski, borough engineer, three potential companies were considering submitting bids, but none were filed. He recommended seeking a bid for a second time, as companies may be interested after the new year begins.

If a second round of advertising for bids goes unanswered, the borough could then award the work to a company of its choice. Council voted to advertise the work once more.

Committee appointments

Council approved two appointments during Monday's meeting.

Sarah Karasack was appointed to an unexpired term on the planning commission. That appointment runs through Dec. 31, 2021.

Dean Galitsis was appointed to the Evans City/Seven Fields Regional Police Commission to fill an unexpired term. The appointment runs through Dec. 31, 2019.

Council also met in executive session for a personnel matter.