Ellwood City Borough Council Takes Action on Budget, Announces Community Programs

In addition to handing down discipline for an officer in the Ellwood City Police Department, Ellwood City Borough Council took action on budget items and borough leaders gave updates on projects, community initiatives during Monday’s regular meeting.

Mayor Anthony Court congratulated the Riverside Baseball team on its recent championship win. Court said that he along with a couple school board members were planning a parade for the team, but because of a time issue Franklin Township Fire Department wanted the parade to be put on hold.

“It wasn’t from the Mayor’s Office. Want to make sure that’s understood because there has been a lot of negativity out there about Ellwood City not having a parade for Riverside. We were 100 percent for the parade.”

Court said the Borough’s Police Department has had some issues with the Lawrence County Sherrif’s Office when it comes to the transportation of prisoners. He said recently the Sheriff’s Department refused to provide transport for Lawrence County Prisoners apprehended through a traffic stop citing a liability issue. Court said there is an agreement in place for such transportation, which comes at a cost of $500 per prisoner.

“We are in the process of getting a resolution for that as soon as possible. We don’t feel responsible for their prisoners. They are the only county who have given us an issue.”

Borough Manager Kevin Swogger said the community is anticipating the Healthy Ellwood Event, which will feature “no cost care” through the Military IRT program and will be held July 23-26 and July 28-Aug 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Approximately 200 military medical professionals from all branches of the U.S. military will provide a range of services, including:

• Medical Evaluations: Sports physicals, general wellness exams, and education on chronic illness/disease management and prevention.
• Dental Care: Exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
• Vision Services: Eye exams with on-site eyeglass fabrication; one pair of glasses provided per patient.
• Behavioral Health: Resiliency training, stress management, goal setting, and connections to community resources.
• Veterinary Services: General care for pets.

All services are provided at no cost, with no appointments, insurance, or identification required. Services are available to individuals of all ages, and there are no income or residency requirements. Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) is a Department of Defense program that provides real-world training opportunities for service members while delivering essential services to underserved communities across the United States.  The program enhances military readiness and strengthens civil-military partnerships.

Community members can arrive at Lincoln Jr./Sr. High School during clinic hours.  Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments are necessary. For more information and updates, visit the Operation Healthy Ellwood IRT 2025 Facebook page.

Residents should be aware that there will be a Mock Mass Casualty Incident planned for July 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. as part of the IRT program. Fourth to Sixth Street will be closed that day from noon to 9 p.m. to accommodate the event.

Swogger said the Wampum Pump Station is up and running and announced that 53 kids are registered for the Playground Program, which is being organized and run by the Beaver County YMCA.

Motions Passed:

• A motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held 5/19/25 as submitted.
• A motion to approve the Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 6/10125. in the amount of $891,503.40, and the List of Vouchers to be Paid dated 6/12/25, in the amount of $120,688.29.
• A motion to approve the Departmental Reports
• A motion to approve the modification to the 2025 Budget as follows:

• A motion to approve the request by Club Hope to close First Street from Fountain Avenue to Apple Way on July 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. for a Christmas in July event.
• A motion to approve the quote from Estherlee Fence Co. in the amount of $11,395 for the replacement or a fence/gate at the old Wastewater Treatment Plant. This amount will be paid from the Sewage Plant Reserve Fund.
• A motion to approve the quote from AR Oliastro, Inc. in the amount of $6,520.50 for a roadway surface repair at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This amount will be paid from the Sewage Fund. (Councilman James Johnson voted no).
• A motion to approve the quote from T&R Electric in the amount of $7,800 for the replacement of four (4) pole mount transformers. This amount will be paid from the Electric Fund.
• A motion to approve the employment of Ryan Gibbons as Bookkeeper in the Clerical Department. contingent upon the successful completion of all background checks. The rate of pay is $21.63/hour (85 percent of full rate of $25.45).
• In the Police Contract (1/1/25-12/31/25). there is a provision to increase the Length of Service Increment if after an actuarial study it reveals that it is financially feasible. The study was performed and the cost to provide the increase will have minimal effect on the annual MMO (an increase of $3,000 based upon current data). Therefore, a motion to advertise an amendment to the Police Pension Plan Ordinance to increase the service increment from $100 per month for participants with at least 26 years of service to $100 per month for each year of completed service in excess of 25 years, up to a maximum of $200 after 27 years of service.
• A motion to appoint David Custozzo as Code Enforcement Officer Pro Tern.
• A motion to approve the following sewer taps:
• Aiken Refuse. 1613 Wampum Road (Wayne Twp.), 1 tap, $1,000
• Michael Hallman, 1740 Mercer Road (Franklin Twp.), 1 tap, $1,000
• A motion to approve the bid for the Lawrence Co. Repository property located at 727 Lawrence Avenue (empty lot) (11-063800) to Laine Lordi for $500.
• A motion to accept the resignation of James Lutz (Public Works Working Foreman) effective 6/20/25.
• A motion to post/advertise the position of Laborer 3 in the Public Works Department.
• A motion to approve the rendering of discipline to Sgt. Robert V. Magnifico as follows: demotion from Sgt. to patrolman, suspension for 10 days (unpaid), requirement to attend anger management classes.

Announcements

• Bids are due on the purchase of an unused Vactor by June 20.
• There will be a special meeting of Council on June 25 at 5 p.m.