Ellwood City Borough Council May Meeting Brief

The following is a brief summary of the borough council meeting held on May 16:

Awards/Recognition

Nikol Damato, junior council member, was recognized for her year of service on council.
Jozek, Ellwood’s K-9 who is retiring this month after nine years of service, was recognized by council, the Lawrence County Commissioners, State Police and Jarret Gibbon’s office. The K-9 officer, Sgt. Michael McBride, will now work with Jozek’s son, Ranger, who is already certified. Jozek will retire on the McBride Family Farms, after McBride purchased him from the borough for $1. Council President Connie MacDonald presented McBride with 10 dimes from each member of council, along with the manager, secretary and solicitor, to purchase Jozek. Although Jozek enjoyed the recognition, he was more interested in his retirement Frisbee present.

Announcements

There will be a special council meeting on June 13 at 5 p.m. to award paving bids.
There will be a public hearing on July 11 at 5 p.m. for the Community Block Development Grant 2016.

Health/Public Safety

A motion was passed advertising an amendment to the traffic ordinance designating handicap parking on the east side of Sixth Street between Bell Avenue and Lawrence Avenue. Borough Manager Bob Villella said there will be at least two spaces to provide handicap access to the new ramp for the Municipal Building.
A motion was passed to advertise for a part-time patrolman. MacDonald commented that council may advertise for more if needed.
A motion was passed approving the sale of K-9 Officer Jozek to handler Sgt. McBride for $1.

Public Works/Utilities

A bit was awarded for the Fourth Street Storm Sewer Pipe Lining Project to Insight Pope Contracting (Harmony) in the amount of $66,065 to be paid from the Sewage Collection Fund.
A motion was passed approving the following sewer tap-ins for Wayne Township: David Moore, 641 Crabapple Lane- $1,000 and George Byers, 1066 Joffre Street- $1,000.
A motion was passed approving the payment in the amount of $9,500 to Wright’s Concrete for the repair of sidewalks on Crescent Avenue from Seventh Street to Eight Street to be paid from the General Fund.
A motion was passed allowing PennDot to waive the noise ordinance guidelines for their Route 65 Project (Second Street to Woodside Avenue) expected to commence Spring 2017.

Parks/Recreation

A motion was passed approving a request by Lauralee Zelesnak Lees to hold “Aroma Yoga” in Ewing Park on June 11 and 18, July 16, 23 and 30, and Aug. 6 and 20 at 10 a.m. “This type of activity is what we’re trying to generate in Ewing Park,” council member David DeCaria said.
A motion was passed authorizing Frank B. Taylor Engineering to prepare/advertise bids for the purchase of materials for the Pittsburgh Circle Heritage Park Grant.

Administration/Personnel

A motion was passed approving a proposal submitted by HDH Group to provide the following insurance coverage: property, inland marine, general liability, auto liability, police professional liability, public officials/EPLI, umbrella liability and crime at a cost of $125,870 to be split between the General, Electric and Sewage Funds.
A motion was passed approving a three year phone system upgrade proposal from AEC Group for the Municipal Building in the amount of $5,521.17 to be paid from the General, Electric and Sewage Funds.
A motion was passed approving a three year phone system upgrade proposal from AEC Group for the Fire Department in the amount of $5,521.17 to be paid from the General, Electric and Sewage Funds.
A motion hiring Beth Kingston as Park Crew Leader at a rate of $10,000 was rescinded and replaced by a motion hiring Kingston at a rate of $11 per hour and no more than $10,000 per season.
A motion establishing the wages for the Playgrounds Coordinator for 2016 at a rate of $1,700 was rescinded and replaced with a motion establishing the wages at $2,000.
A motion was passed hiring Richard Kruger as a full-time probationary patrolman at the rate of $23.57 per hour. Kruger was hired over candidates James Knatz and David Maiella. Kruger has been a part-time patrolman with the department since Oct. 14, 2014. There are now no part-time officers and 11 full-time officers in the department.
A motion was passed hiring Kathleen Gibbons for summer park employment at the rate of $8 per hour.

Community Development/Buildings

A motion was passed scheduling a public hearing regarding the proposed zoning ordinance and map. However, the date for the hearing has yet to be determined.

New Business

A motion was passed approving the bid for the property at 504-506 Ninth Street to Nathan Knight for $500. The property is held in the Lawrence County Repository.