SOUTH CONNELLSVILLE - Residents from the tri-town area who remain without electricity from the recent snow storm have been able to seek refuge over the last few days at a warming station set up on the second floor of the South Connellsville Volunteer Fire Company.

Mike Gross, assistant fire chief, told borough council Monday the American Red Cross designated the fire company to serve as the central site for residents of Connellsville city, Connellsville Township, Bullskin Township and other neighboring municipalities as they continue to operate in a state of emergency.

Gross said the fire company opened its doors Friday, serving hot beverages around the clock and setting up cots at its own expense.

With another snow storm predicted for today through Wednesday, Gross said the warming station would stay open.

"South Connellsville was designated as a bigger zone area because the Red Cross didn't have the manpower," said Mark Ward, council president.

Don Clark, councilman, said local businesses have contributed before in similar situations while Gross said Sheetz has already donated to the fire company to be later reimbursed by the Red Cross.

With snow piling up from plowing, Ward suggested the fire company dig out some of the fire hydrants to address public safety.

"There are certain places and intersections where snow is built up and a lot of fire hydrants are buried," said Ward.

Gross said the fire company has a map to locate and uncover the hydrants.

In another matter, council agreed to have the street department plow the fire station parking lot.

Council also agreed to charge the company that hauled salt last week to pay for two hours of overtime for the borough's street workers after it was delivered to the city instead.

"There was some urgency because we needed to get it here before the storm hit and the city needed it moved," said Ward.

Turning to other business, council elected former member Guy Napolillo to fill a four-year vacancy created by Geoffrey Snyder after he tendered his resignation.

Snyder captured the post in the November general election but was not officially sworn in.

In an unrelated issue, council agreed to hire Lieberger Welding to replace a worn-out cutting edge on a high-lift bucket used by the street department at a cost of $300.