Council Promotes Ellwood City Police Officer to Sergeant

Ellwood City Borough Council voted Monday night to promote Ellwood City Police Officer Rob Magnifico to sergeant.

Council had a choice to make in promoting one officer or two. Magnifico along with fellow Officer Matt Kennedy were the choices to fill the position.

Councilman Caleb Cragle and Councilwoman Jan Williams voted to promote two officers but were met with opposition from the rest of council.

Councilmen James Barry, Brad Ovial, and George Celli and Councilwomen Judith Dici and Michelle Lamenza voted to appoint one officer—Magnifico—to fill the role.

Before the vote, Councilman Cragle asked Mayor Anthony Court, who heads the department what his recommendation was regarding the hiring.

“I recommend two sergeants for Ellwood City,” Court said.

Magnifico will be paid $38.02 per hour.

Other motions approved:

A motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held 7/18/22, as submitted.
A motion to approve the Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 8/9/22, in the amount of $444,170.95, and the List of Vouchers to be Paid dated 8/10/22, in the amount of $209,139.31.
A motion to approve the Departmental Reports, as submitted.
A motion to appoint Michelle Hand to the EC Library Board. The term expires 12/31/22.
A motion to appoint the following individuals to serve on the Comprehensive Plan Committee, consisting of five borough residents and three council members: John DeCaro, Jr. – resident; John Fraser – resident; Jude Dici – Council; Brad Ovial – Council; and Jan Williams – Council.
A motion to accept the 2021 audit performed by Mark Turnley, CPA.
A motion to advertise an ordinance providing a procedure for the real estate tax collector to waive additional charges for real estate taxes when a taxpayer has not received notices of taxes due.
A motion to approve the request to hold the Life Chain event on October 2 from 2-3 p.m. along Fifth Street and Fountain Avenue.
A motion to award the bid for the 2022 Paving Program to Youngblood Paving in the amount of $363,206.58 (Base Bid $179,842.05 + Alternate #1 $27,236.68 + Alternate #2 $156,127.85). This amount will be paid from the Liquid Fuel Fund.
A motion to amend the Electric Ordinance as it relates to Customer Owned Electric Generation.
A motion to approve the request by Reeds Services to use Ewing Park and all facilities June 23 – 26, 2023 for the 3rd annual “Dog Days of Summer” event (actual days of event are June 24 & 25).
A motion to hire Devin Marshall as Lineman III at 23.443 per hour contingent on background check.
A motion to ratify the resignation of Colin Williams (Playground Instructor) effective 7/18/22, his last day of employment.
A motion to accept the resignation of David Daufen (Part-time Public Works) effective 8/18/22, his last day of employment.
A motion to advertise for a part-time laborer in the Public Works Department.
A motion to advertise for part-time patrolmen in the Ellwood City Police Department.
A motion to accept the donation of property by Darryl and April Simmons for 1219 Crescent Avenue, contingent upon all taxes being paid.
A motion to allow the Wolves Club, Lions Club, and Rotary Club to use Ewing Park facilities on October 1 for Oktoberfest and to waive the open container law for the event.

Announcements:

Mayor Court announced that Trick or Treat will be held on Monday, October 31, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Ellwood City Community Garden has a Share the Harvest box. The purpose of this box is to serve as a central location and drop point for community members who have backyard gardens to drop off their extra produce. The Ellwood City Community Garden will take it to the food bank where it will be distributed.
Town Hall Meetings for Advance Life Support (ALS) will be held Aug 23 6-8 p.m., Sep 26 6-8 p.m. & Oct 22 12-2 p.m. at the Community Center above the Fire Station.