Politics

In the ongoing efforts to provide more information to the public regarding the electric utility, Bob Villella, the Borough Manager, has provided the following press release: The attached information is being provided in order to inform Ellwood City Electric customers of the effect the reduction in the Transmission and Capacity charges set by PJM has had upon the Rate Adjustment (PPA Factor) and customer billings during the months of October 2016 through the upcoming billing in January 2017. Comparisons of PPA components (Energy Purchased, American Municipal Power-Power Charges, as well as Transmission and Capacity Charges) were used. The Rate Adjustment…

Updated- 12/15/16– Few visitors were in attendance at Ellwood City’s December Council Meeting, and those who attended did not publicly speak. The main discussion matter was adopting a 2017 budget that, for a fourth consecutive year, includes a property tax increase. Finance Resolution- adopt 2017 Budget Ordinance- adopt 2017 tax rate, 8.75 mill Under finance, the ordinance to adopt the 2017 tax rate of 8.75 mill was discussed by council. On the average property owned in Ellwood City (averaging about $60,000), taxes will be expected to increase roughly $60 a year to accommodate the increase, Bob Villella, the Borough Manager…

Seven recreation projects were recently awarded Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) grants totaling over $1 million according to Senator Elder Vogel Jr. (R-47). The C2P2 program is administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and includes the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93), which includes Key – Community and Key – Land Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF); the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF); Pennsylvania Recreational Trails fund (PRT – federal source); Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program (HA) and; the Snowmobile /ATV (SATV). Grants announced today in Senator Vogel’s District include: Beaver County Potter…

Ellwood’s newly elected State Representative, Aaron Bernstine, has undoubtedly been working hard towards his promised improvements in the community. Despite his short time being elected, Bernstine is already known for his social media presence, posting updates often about his progress addressing issues affecting our community. A few weeks ago he posted a lengthy update to the Facebook group, Standing Up to Ellwood Electric, which can be viewed in full via our previous article. The main idea of his posted update was to inform residents that he has a game plan set up for his first attempt to tackle the Ellwood…

Dec. 8, Ellwood City– The Borough of Ellwood City announced today it is among a select group of high performing municipalities to become certified through the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification program. The Borough is recognized at the Silver level of certification for meeting the program’s rigorous performance criteria which tracks 131 policies and practices that define a sustainable community. The sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification, administered by the Pennsylvania Municipal League in partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh, is designed for municipalities that are working to save money, conserve resources, and serve vibrant communities. Originally deployed in Southwestern Pennsylvania by Sustainable Pittsburgh, the…

Senator Elder Vogel Jr. encourages all veterans who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 to visit his district offices to receive a special 50th Anniversary commemorative Vietnam Veterans’ lapel pin. Due to limited supply, only one commemorative pin will be available per veteran. Senator Vogel’s Beaver County District Office is located at 488 Adams Street, Rochester and his Lawrence County District Office is located at 1905 West State Street, New Castle. These lasting mementos of our nation’s thanks to all Vietnam Veterans…

The Mayor has called for the cancellation of the following meetings: Mayor’s Advisory meeting that was schedule for Dec. 1 at 3:00 p.m. and the Crime Watch meeting that was also scheduled for Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. BOTH meetings will be rescheduled for Thursday January 5, 2017. Mayor’s Advisory @ 3:00 pm Crime Watch @ 6:30 pm

There was plenty of discussion at Ellwood’s regular meeting last night: The Post family, owners of T&M Hardware, were invited to formally receive a commendation for 25 years of service, presented by council president Connie MacDonald. Dr. Nanjunda was also recognized for his performance as a local physician for 34 years. Aaron Bernstine publicly announced that his office is secured to be in the same location as the previous State Representatives’ office. He also thanked council for their continued support and cooperation in his endeavors to find an appropriate office location. Judy Dici asked if Bernstine will be employing Gibbon’s…

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that effective November 12, 2016, it will no longer enforce the Stage II vapor recovery requirement for new or modified gasoline dispensing equipment. Senate Bill 1386, a measure introduced by Senator Elder Vogel Jr. and signed into law as Act 135 of 2012, eliminated the requirement that gas stations in the Pittsburgh region install Stage II vapor recovery systems on fuel pumps. Since 2000, all passenger cars and light trucks have been required to include onboard refueling emissions controls, rendering the costly Stage II vapor recovery systems on fuel pumps redundant….