May 10, 2002 By Ted Boscia 4 min read

PERRYOPOLIS – As a tribute to recently deceased board member Frank Russo, Perryopolis Borough Council donated funds in his name to a local library Wednesday. Council unanimously voted to grant $100 to Mary Fuller Frazier Library in honor of Russo, 80, who died May 3 in Mount Macrina Manor in Uniontown. Solicitor Sam Davis paid the money as a personal gift, noting that the council budget was very tight.

Russo was elected to the board in Nov. 2001 and was unable to appear at most meetings due to his ongoing battle with cancer. However, Councilman Charles Johnson said that should not detract from his contributions to the community.

“Mr. Russo served the community for many years,” Johnson said. “Had things worked out, I am certain he would have been an asset to us. This (gift) will help perpetuate his memory.”

In addition to his brief tenure with council, Russo was a longtime member and past president of the Frazier Area School Board. He was also active in the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, Perryopolis Senior Citizens and the Knights of Columbus.

“Frank was a man of great dignity and strength,” council President Ronald Dreucci said. “He always tried his best to represent the borough of Perryopolis, and his door and phone were always open. (He) was a pillar of the community.”

Council opened Wednesday’s regular meeting with an extended moment of silence to honor Russo.

Johnson added that the $100 donation would be used to purchase books for the library in Russo’s name, which he hoped would make future generations aware of Russo’s accomplishments.

In a related matter, council appointed Robert Zundle to fill Russo’s spot on the board. Zundle and Jon Prestia submitted letters for the opening, but council voted 3-1 to appoint Rundle. Dreucci voted against Zundle’s nomination.

“I have nothing personal against anyone,” Johnson said, “but Mr. Zundle worked on the road crew and as borough secretary in the past. He completely understands the operation of the borough, and, if we go by experience, there’s nobody else in Perryopolis that can take his (Russo’s) place.”

Dreucci added that the board was able to replace Russo so quickly because he had notified them of his intention to retire before his death.

In other business, council voted to suspend the issuance of all solicitation permits, except for non-profit agencies, until a later date.

Treasurer Ron Lombard said that different portions of Route 51 are being overrun with roadside vendors that are taking profits from the local community and creating traffic congestion. The move was also a response to complaints from several local businesses, including CJ’s Perry Market, who submitted a letter to council about roadside stands during holidays and growing seasons.

“It’s a big concern down on Route 51 because there are cars everywhere at those times,” Lombard said.

“There’s a concern for people pulling on and off the road. I resent the fact that somebody comes in here fly-by-night, sells and leaves town. They should pay commensurate with how much profit they’re taking out.”

Lombard added that the existing borough ordinances already forbid roadside peddling on Sundays and holidays and that many groups are currently selling without permits.

Council placed a temporary hold on any new permits because they want to wait until the solicitor obtains quotes for a codification project to condense all borough ordinances into a single volume. The project is expected to streamline the enforcement of borough ordinances and nullify any outdated or conflicting laws.

Before adjourning, council conducted the following business:

– Discussed the feasibility of an ordinance to require borough residents to visibly post their 911 street addresses. Karen Deangelis of Perryopolis 911 told council that they would begin taking orders for 911 signs, at a cost of $15 to residents, and they plan to install signs for $20. Council could pass a 911 ordinance by June.

– Tabled bids for a 40-caliber Glock pistol after they received two offers. Andrew J. Boni submitted a bid for $222, and Mark A. Pasqua submitted a $290 bid.

– Discussed bids for a new computer system for the borough office but were unable to vote on the measure because they lacked a quorum to authorize expenditures.