Ellwood Borough Council November Meeting Brief

The following is a brief summary of the council meeting on held on Monday, Nov. 16:

Announcements

There will be a public hearing today at 2 p.m. to discuss storm water management systems.

Visitors

Three visitors spoke regarding the Inmetco fire on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 8 and 9. Overall, residents wanted to know if the borough has any system in place to the community of an emergency and expressed concerns about the environmental effect. On Nov. 9, the Ellwoodcity.org staff spoke to Fire Chief Rick Myers who stated that the DEP officer on the scene advised nearby residents to stay indoors with windows closed but did not consider the fire to be a major health hazard warranting further measures. Council President Brad Ovial agreed that the borough needs a better system for notifying residents and said council is waiting on information from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Dave McQuade, representing the community organization Kitchen Cabinet, inquired if council was still working with Town Center Associates, a downtown revitalization consultant center. Borough Manager Bob Villella responded that the borough is indeed working with the group. Council member David DeCaria said that the Ellwood Chamber of Commerce, the Ellwood Revitalization Committee and borough council are all working together to improve downtown.

Resolutions

A motion was passed adopting a resolution authorizing free borough parking in all metered spaces for two hours from Nov. 28 through Dec. 31, 2015.
A motion was passed re-establishing the following parking violation fines effective Jan. 1, 2016:

A motion was passed re-affirming the Borough’s positive relative to the Uniform Policy on Body Armor adopted unanimously by Borough Council on Nov. 18, 2013. This was done because two police officers have neglected to always wear body armor on duty.

Appointments/Resignations

Linda Eisenbrown was appointed to the Ellwood Area Family Center Authority for a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2016.

Health/Public Safety

A motion was passed closing Lawrence Avenue from Fourth to Sixth Street on Dec. 4 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. for Light Up Night.

Public Works

A motion was passed ratifying the contract for the Todd Avenue Sewer Line Replacement Project to Miller Pipetech in an amount not to exceed $104,000. This amount will be paid from the Sewage Collection Reserve Fund.

Parks/Recreation

A motion was passed approving the use of Ewing Park facilities for Christmas in the Park on Nov. 7 through Dec. 31.
A motion was passed approving a request by the Ellwood Area Chamber of Commerce to use the swimming pool parking lot for horse and carriage rides on Dec. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Utilities

A motion was passed to have CT Consultants/Richard Cleveland (Washington, Pa.) to perform a storm water analysis on Bell Ave. for $2500. This amount will be paid from the Sewage Collection Reserve Fund.

Administration/Personnel

The resignation of part-time patrol officer Jason Gostkowski was accepted. Council President Brad Ovial thanked Gostkowski for his years of service to the community.
A motion was passed advertising for a part-time patrolman with applications due by 3 p.m. on Dec. 2.
A motion was passed approving a report by the actuary stating that the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers has decreased by .04% from Sept. 2014 to Sept. 2015. Hence, there will not be any cost-0f-living adjustment effective Jan. 1, 2016 for retired police officers William Betz, Chris Hardie and John Lubich.
A motion was passed advertising vacancies on the following boards/commissions: Zoning Hearing Board, Economic Development Authority, Civil Service Commission, Library Board, Board of Health, and Recreation Board. Letters of interest are due by Dec. 5 at 3 p.m.

Community Development

A motion was passed approving the Subdivision Request of Elaine Colao for the 200 block of Petain Street. The request was to combine Lot 431 and the southern 1/2 lot of Lot 432 in the Shelby Land Company’s Plan.
A motion was passed approving a bid from Jasmine Jones in the amount of $500 for property located at 818 Bridge St.

New Business

A motion raised by Ralph Chiappetta to appoint part-time officers Jonathan Fauzey and Richard Kruger as full time failed in a vote of 5-2, with Chiappetta only joined by John Todorich.
A motion by Todorich to install gates at the Ewing Park Swimming Pool Parking Lot passed 4-3, with DeCaria, Mancini and MacDonald dissenting.