Borough Council January Meeting Brief

The following is a brief summary of the Ellwood City Borough Council meeting held on Jan. 19:

Visitors

• Ralph Chiappetta, a former council member, asked council if the police department had implemented a schedule change passed by council last year and intended to reduce overtime. Council members replied that as that is Mayor Anthony J. Court’s duty, they are not yet aware if the changes have been implemented. Chiappetta asked council to find out and to authorize Borough Solicitor Ed Leymarie to obtain a writ of mandamus if the mayor doesn’t comply.

Appointments/Resignations

• Ellwood City Library Board- Norma Zingaro and Daren Salls for terms expiring Dec. 13, 2018.
• Recreation Board- Gene Coccia for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2020.
• Zoning Hearing Board- Paul Dici and Noah Robbin (alternate), for terms expiring Dec. 31, 2018.
• Economic Development Authority- Charles Rubino for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2020.
• Civil Service Commission- Judith Dici and Tony Celli (alternate) for terms expiring Dec. 31, 2021.

Finance

• A motion was approved to donate $100 to the Lawrence County Tourist Promotion Agency to be paid from the General Fund.

Public Works/Utilties

• A motion was passed advertising an updated pre-treatment (sewage) ordinance, as approved by the US EPA.
• A motion was passed approving an agreement with IGS Energy (Dublin, Ohio) for the delivery of natural gas to 105 Sixth St., 501 Jameson Ave. and 1200 Factory Ave. at the fixed rate of .349 per Therm for three years.

Administration/Personnel

• Kathleen Kelly was appointed as a part-time probationary patrol officer at the rate of $17.48 per hour.

Community Development/Buildings

• A motion was passed excluding the Borough from the Beaver County Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Program and continue to receive funds from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development as an entitlement community under Act 179.
• A motion was passed authorizing the submission of a grant application for a Countywide Housing Rehabilitation and Blight Removal Program.
• A motion was in order approving the design plans for a handicap ramp located in the rear of the Municipal Building. Borough Manager Bob Villella explained that an unused comfort station would be demolished and a handicap ramp extending to Sixth Street would be added.

New Business

• A motion was passed approving the monthly disability pension benefit for Brian Damon, a police officer on disability retirement. In the visitor’s portion, Damon objected to the figure ultimately approved by council unanimously.
• Jonathan Fauzey, a part-time patrol officer, was appointed as a full-time probationary patrol officer at the rate of $23.57 per hour in a 5-2 vote. Judi Dici and Marilyn Mancini voted no after an unsuccessful attempt to postpone the motion for a month.
• Kevin Cragle was appointed as a probationary part-time patrolman at the rate of $17.48 per hour.
• Villella was authorized to return a hydro grant and apply for a solar panel grant as council believes solar polar will have sooner returns for the borough than hydro.
• A motion was passed approving a bid from Michael Sinibaldi in the amount of $500 for property located on 1003 Wayne Ave. In the visitor’s portion, Sinibaldi said he intends on cleaning up the property and moving in with his family. Sinibaldi has recently moved to Ellwood City, and said he loves the community.

Announcements