Borough Council Accepts Coronavirus Funding

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to accept $80,052.28 in Coronavirus Relief Monies during its Regular meeting on Monday.

The funding comes with numerous restrictions for use of which the county and borough officials are researching.

“There are tons of restrictions,” said Borough Manager David Allen.

Some needs, according to Allen, the funds could be used for include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and assistance for local first responders who were unable to work because of the virus.

Mayor Anthony Court’s Report

The mayor thanked Council for hiring police officers. He said there was a great need due to understaffing.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” he said.

Court said parents are welcome to stop by the Police garage on Sunday from 10 a.m. to Noon to pick up school supplies. The supplies were collected and donated by local businessman Justin Neupeur.

“Justin always goes above and beyond for us here in Ellwood City,” Court said.

Manager David Allen’s Report

Allen urged the community to follow state guidelines when it comes to wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines, as he confirmed that there are cases of Covid-19 in Ellwood City. He said although local officials have not been offered many details about the cases, they have been made aware that cases do exist.

He said negotiations over the Ellwood City Medical Center continue and have been positive.

“We are cautiously optimistic that the facility will reopen as a hospital,” Allen said.

Allen said the borough is working to have its website updated to be more user friendly by adding forms and other features.

Board Opening

Ellwood City Borough Council is advertising a vacancy on the Recreation Board. Any Borough resident interested in serving is asked to submit a letter interest to the Borough Secretary, 525 Lawrence Avenue, Ellwood City. All letters must be due/postmarked on or before 4 pm on September 4, 2020.

Other Approved Business

• A motion to approve the Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 8/13/20, in the amount of$505,963.74, and the List of Vouchers to be Paid dated 8/13/20, in the amount of $201,999.49.
• A motion to adopt an Ordinance, as submitted, amending the Parks Ordinance
• A motion to adopt a Resolution, as submitted, approving the submission of a revision to the Sewage Facilities Plan for the Wampum Pump Station Project.
• A motion to approve payment in the amount of $13,845 to RMS Energy for transformer testing. This amount will be paid from the Electric Capital Reserve Fund.
• A motion to approve the quote from Wright Concrete in the amount of $I5,900 to replace the concrete section of Sixth Street from Fountain Avenue Ext. to Spring Avenue. This amount will be paid from the General Capital Reserve Fund.
• A motion to approve the quote from Golden Equipment Co. in the amount of $9,470.68 to retrofit the Vactor truck from the old-style pneumatic valve to the newer style valves. This amount will be paid from the General Capital Reserve Fund.
• A motion to approve the proposal from Valley Waste Service to provide between six (6) and eight, 30-yard dumpsters at $375 each for the purpose of a “drop off’ clean-up program. This amount will be paid from the Recycling Fund. To offset the cost, residents would pay $8.00 per vehicle load per trip (2 trips max) or have the option (for those age 65 or disabled) to pay $35.00 to have their items picked up curbside, but still limited to a vehicle load.
• A motion to approve the request by the ECABF to use the men’s field August 15 – October 15 from 5-8 pm.
• A motion to approve the request by the ECGSL to use the men’s field August 28 from 5-10 pm, Aug 29/30 from 9 am – 10 pm for a tournament.
• A motion to approve the “Covid-19 Work Policy.”
• A motion to start the process to update the Borough’s Comprehensive Plan.
• A motion to approve the request to hold a fundraiser walk to raise money for the “Child Rescue Coalition” in Ewing Park September 20 from 11-3 pm.
• A motion to transfer $250,000 from the Electric Capital Reserve Fund to the Electric Fund.

Upcoming Meetings

Public Hearing – August 24 at 5:45pm – Zoning (change zoning of 600 Mt. Vernon Dr from RI to Cl)

Special Council Meeting – August 24 at 6pm – Advertise amendment to Zoning Ordinance (change zoning of 600 Mt. Vernon Dr from RI to Cl)