Mayor Urges Community to Slow Down; Council Hires Part-Time Officer

During Monday’s Borough Council Meeting, Mayor Anthony Court had one message for the community: Slow down and obey traffic signs.

Court warned that if he continues to receive complaints about speeding and other traffic violations, police will setup points of surveillance and tickets will be issued.

“Gotta slow down,” Court said. “It’s that simple.”

He said numerous complaints have been made about violations on Sunset Boulevard and Perry Street as well as other areas in the borough.

In other news, council decided to reject bids for the 2020 Paving Program.

Borough Manager David Allen said bids came in 30 percent higher than what was expected. He attributed the increase to Covid-19 along with supply and demand. He said the borough would readvertise in 2021 to complete the list of projects for 2020 and 2021. Allen assured the council members that the borough would not lose any liquid fuels funds designated to complete the projects by waiting until 2021.

Council also voted to hire Nicholas Carusone as a part-time patrolman at the rate of $19.30 per hour.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Anthony Court thanked Victory Church for their efforts in community work in Ellwood City.

He said that he received 230 nominations for Beautification Awards this year and the final award would be given soon.

He recognized Evan Barton. Court said last week Barton performed a heroic deed by rescuing an elderly woman from a burning vehicle in Ellwood City.

“Barton’s quick and courageous actions prevented this situation from becoming even more serious,” he said.

Court emphasized how proud the Ellwood City community is for his quick action.

Borough Manager’s Report

Borough Manager David Allen thanked the community for their vigilance in paying their utility bills despite the pandemic.

“Everyone is virtually caught up or has been put on a payment plan,” he said.

Allen also commended the community on its participation in the Community Garden project citing the grounds at Five Points in Ewing Park currently has 38 beds.

He said although there was no new news to report regarding the hospital, negotiations continue.

He implored the community to stop putting trash in the public receptacles on Lawrence Avenue and around town as it is causing a burden to the employees of the borough and is illegal.

“It’s not legal to do,” he said.

Allen wrapped up his report by saying that despite rumors of Lawrence and Beaver Counties going back to the “Red Phase,” he contacted the Governor’s Office, and there is no truth to the rumor.

Allen also wished longtime Ellwood City Area School District Superintendent Joseph Mancini all the best in his retirement.

Other Motions Passed during the July 20 meeting:

• A motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held 6/17/20, as submitted.
• A motion to approve the Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 7/14/20, in the amount of $1,179,158.18, and the List of Vouchers to be Paid dated 7/15/20, in the amount of $284,600.98.
• A motion to approve the Departmental Reports, as submitted.
• A motion to accept the 2019 audit performed by Mark Turnley, CPA.
• A motion to approve the quote from Rehrig Pacific in the amount of $7,225.20 for the purchase of 120 recycling bins. This amount will be paid from the Recycling Fund.
• A motion to approve the travel request of Vince Esposito and Brenton Gilmore to attend the “Journeyman Refresher – Transformers” course at the AMP facility located in Columbus, OH, August 18 – 19. The cost is $1,000 ($500 each) plus hotel & meals. This amount will be paid from the Electric Fund.
• A motion to approve the travel request of Levi Marburger to attend the “Lineworker Training Advanced” course at the AMP facility located in Columbus, OH, September 28 – October 2. The cost is $1,700 plus hotel & meals. This amount will be paid from the Electric Fund.
• A motion to advertise an amendment to the Parks Ordinance, specifically “Speed Limits,” “Dogs in Parks,” “Requests for Use of Facilities,” “Reservations for Shelters,” “Rates for Pool Admission.”
• A motion to approve the quote from Marshall Tree Experts in the amount of $5800 to remove dead trees from the Kids Created Kingdom area in Ewing Park. This amount will be paid from the Park Improvement Fund.
• A motion to approve the employment of the following individuals for summer work, contingent upon satisfactory background checks/clearances: Hunter Biddle Parks $8.00 Criminal History, Driver’s History; Allison Lynn Playground $8.00 Child Abuse, Criminal History, Fingerprint Criminal History
  A motion would to accept the entrance into the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) by Ptl. Jon Disher, retroactive to 7/11/20. His last day of employment will be 7/11/24.
• A motion to accept the resignation of Louis Nocera, III (Operator I, Wastewater Treatment Plant), effective September 2, 2020, his last day of employment.
• A motion to schedule a public hearing on the proposed Zoning Map amendment, changing the zoning of 600 Mt. Vernon Drive from R1 to C1.
• A motion to approve the bid for the Beaver Co. Repository property located at 422 Summit Avenue (22-001-0803.000) to Brian Seeger for $1,547.