Council to Vote on Proposed Addiction Treatment Clinic

At its regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 21, Borough Council will vote on a proposal to establish a medical clinic/outpatient addiction treatment facility.
Council held a public hearing on Monday, Sept. 14 regarding the request by Freedom Healthcare Services. The proposed facility will be on 773 Pershing St. in Walnut Ridge. The building used to be an orthopedic doctor’s office.

Following the public hearing, Council held its agenda setting meeting at which Hunter Farmer, a representative of Freedom Health Care Services, spoke. Farmer said the company won a contract through the Lawrence County Drug and Alcohol Commission to provide addiction treatment, and the commission identified Ellwood City as an area needing a clinic.

In response to an inquiry by council member Connie MacDonald about what services the clinic will provide, Farmer specified the clinic gives counseling and prescriptions, but patients will not will leave the building with drugs.

Council is also poised to approve a travel request for MacDonald and Mayor Anthony J. Court to attend the PA State Association of Borough’s Fall Leadership Conference on Oct. 3.

However, council member Ralph Chiappetta requested council vote on removing Court from the trip. When council president Brad Ovial asked why, Chiappetta responded that the meeting was neither the time nor place to discuss the details.

Council member John Todorich also read a hand-written letter that he, along with other council members, received in the mail. The anonymous author complained about burning violations and asked how to report the problem. The author also said the Park Gate area of Wayne Township smells bad because people are burning all the time.

The council and Borough Manager Bob Villella said that anyone could report burning violations to the police department or fire department.

In conclusion, the Mayor announced the Halloween parade will be Oct. 24 at 3 p.m., trick or treat will be Thursday, Oct. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m., and the Christmas parade will be Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. He also reminded residents that police are continuing to set up speed traps.