Ellwood City Borough Council December Meeting Brief

The following is a brief summary of the Ellwood City Borough Council Meeting December Brief:

Visitors

Judi Dici, who will be sworn in on council on Jan. 4, addressed council concerning a proposal by council member Ralph Chiappetta at last week’s agenda meeting. The proposal suggested that officers only answer calls with municipalities that have an agreement with the borough, which she described as “inconceivable that an officer wouldn’t answer a call.” She praised council president Brad Ovial for suggesting that the borough seek other agreements amicably with other municipalities.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Chiappetta answered that it was never his intention that officers refuse to answer calls but that his proposal focus on townships that have no police coverage and depend on Ellwood City’s resources.
Visitor Jeff Krosovic suggested that Representative Jaret Gibbons may be able to assist the borough in getting reimbursed for police services, and he inquired if the lawsuit filed by former police chief Mark Romutis had settled. Borough Solicitor Ed Leymarie said the matter was still in development.

Commendation

Sam Pawlowski and Bob Baird received commendations for their role in organizing Christmas in the Park.
Council members Chiappetta and John Todorich were honored for their years on council. For both, it was their last meeting before the council reorganizes with new members Dici and George Celli. Chiappetta also received a commendation by the Pennsylvania Senate. Todorich was absent.

Ordinances

An ordinance establishing the real property tax at at 7.75 mills for the year 2016 was passed 5-1 with Chiappetta voting no.

Resolutions

A motion adopting the 2016 budget passed 4-2 with Chiappetta and David DeCaria voting no. DeCaria said that it was ridiculous that council only had a week to review the budget. Chiappetta did not approve of the police expenditures. Although Connie MacDonald had several complaints on the budget and felt there were several ways of cutting cost, he did approve it.
The 2016 police pension contribution, requiring contributions in the amount of 3.5 percent for 2016, was passed.

Finance

A motion was passed allocating $70,000 to the Economic Development Fund, and the balance of $31,427.50 to the General Fund. This represented proceeds from the sale of property to Hall Industries. MacDonald voted no, believing $40,000 should be allocated to the General Fund which would still give the option of moving some of it to the Economic Development Fund if needed.
A motion was passed approving a Fee Schedule/Service Agreement for 2016 with Huntington Bank relative to the custody of the Borough’s Pension Plan monies (.06 percent of market value). MacDonald voted no.

Health/Public Safety

A motion adopting the 2016 Civil Service Rules was removed from the agenda in a unanimous vote after MacDonald brought up several problems in the wording that other members agreed with.
A motion amending the policy on body armor was passed.

Public Works

A motion was passed ratifying the submission of a bid in the amount of $23,500 to the Lawrence Co. COG for a pot hole spray patcher.

Utilities

A motion was passed approving payment in the amount of $7500 to Chalmers Kubeck, Inc. for the removal of a gear box from the aerator at the waste water treatment plant to be paid from the Sewage Fund.
A motion was passed to complete the expression of interest form regarding renewing the St. Lawrence power contract which expires on April 30, 2017.

Administration/Personnel

A motion was passed accepting the proposal from Municipal Risk Management Pooled Trust for workers’ compensation insurance at the cost of $165,952 to be paid from the General, Electric and Sewage funds.
A motion was passed accepting the proposal from the State Workers’ Insurance Fund for workers’ compensation insurance for the Ellwood City Volunteer Fire Department at the cost of $18,666 for 2016 to be paid from the General Fund.
The resignation of police officer Brian Damon was accepted effective Dec. 2.
A motion was passed approving the 2016 fee schedule submitted by Mourice Waltz Planners and Consultant for Sewage Enforcement Services.
A motion was passed approving the 2016 fee schedule submitted by Frank B. Taylor Engineering for professional services.
A motion was passed retaining Matthew Kennedy as a full time police after after successfully completing his six month probationary period.

Community Development/Planning/Permits

A motion was passed approving the Conditional Use request by M. Quest Property Co. LLC to demolish an apartment building at 307/309/311/3113 Tenth Street and to extend parking at the existing dealership. This request is on behalf of McElwain Motors.
A motion was passed approving the bid from Shay Coccia in the amount of $551 for the property located at 705 Wayne Avenue.

New Business

The borough approved three labor contracts representing clerical, public works, electric and wastewater employees.

Manager’s Report

Borough Manager Bob Villella asked residents to visit the new borough website and wished everyone a happy holidays.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Anthony J. Court said there were several items he had on the agenda but that he would wait until the January meeting. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas.