Ellwood City Borough Council held its regular meeting on Monday.
Borough Resident Peri Malcolm, who has attended council meetings numerous times to report incidents of speeding cars at the intersection of 4th and Crescent Avenues, announced that she has officially resigned her position as crossing guard.
According to Malcolm, her resignation of the position was due to what she believed was “disrespect the crossing guards get from the borough and school board.”
She used her public comment time to bring up another situation in her neighborhood that she feels could be dangerous. Malcolm said the bend at 9th Street and Border Avenue needs to be painted to make the no parking zone more clear along the bend in the road. She said there is a neighborhood vehicle that parks there regularly causing near collisions.
Mayor Anthony Court said the resident has been made aware that they cannot park there and that the police will monitor the situation.
Malcolm said the resident continues to park illegally despite the warning.
Malcolm also mentioned that there is a home two doors away from hers in her neighborhood with high grass and said that rats have been spotted on the property. She said if the rats decide to migrate to her home there will be trouble.
Borough Manager Jeff Foley and Council President Brad Ovial assured Malcolm that the new code enforcement officer has been making aggressive rounds in the borough to detect and record properties that are not up to code. Foley said they have a document with at least two pages that includes a list of properties facing code enforcement.
Borough resident Dave McQuaid asked Council if the borough police wear body cams. Court responded that the borough police do not wear body cams. He also inquired about flock cameras, which, are widely known for their Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs). These are solar-powered cameras used by communities, police, and businesses to capture vehicle data, read license plates, and track moving objects. According to Council, flock cameras are currently not in use in the borough.
McQuaid also questioned what moves by Council contributed to the 3mil raise in taxes.
Ovial replied that the raise came as a result of the purchase of two firetrucks—a ladder truck and a pumper truck and also a vactor.
Mayor’s Report
Court recognized the K9 team for a recent apprehension in Wayne Township.
Court said all residents, but particularly the elderly need to be aware of a “rash of scams” circulating. He said elderly residents are getting calls claiming that a family member is being held in jail and that money must be wired for them to be released along with other scenarios trying to get money.
“Never give money over the phone,” Court said.
He also reported 672 drug arrests since he has taken office.
Manager’s Report
Borough Manager Foley said that he is currently looking into grants for Steifel Park and the Ewing Park Pool.
He offered an update on the new garbage service with Aiken.
“There have been some glitches, but the group working handling it is doing a good job,” he said.
According to Foley, the borough is conducting monthly esafety meetings and working with Esafe Cybersecurity to avoid cyberscams and strengthen the borough’s cybersecurity.
Foley spoke again about the Borough beginning a better system for code enforcement as well as the officer’s efforts.
“She’s spending her time diligently,” he said.
Motions passed:
A motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held 6/16/26.
A motion to approve the Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 7/17/26, in the amount of $623,077.20, and the List of Vouchers to be Paid dated 7/17/26, in the amount of $l,121,478.00.
A motion to approve the Departmental Reports.
A motion to adopt a Resolution, as submitted, authorizing the Council President to sign an Agreement with the PA Department of Transportation relative to their traffic signal improvement project (Fountain Ave./Sims St.)(5th St/Spring Ave).
A motion to accept the resignation of John Fraser from serving on the Comprehensive Plan Committee and the Civil Service Commission.
A motion to appoint Dawna Pella to the Comprehensive Plan Committee.
A motion to accept the 2025 audit performed by Turnley Robertson & Assoc.
A motion to approve the travel request of Jeff Foley to attend the PMEA annual conference in Bedford, PA, September 9-11. The total cost will be $473 plus meals and mileage. This amount will be paid from the Electric Fund.
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