South Connellsville toughens system for purchase orders
SOUTH CONNELLSVILLE – Borough council reinstated a system requiring the signature of two council members and the mayor for purchase orders in the borough, after learning of several unauthorized expenses. Council agreed to start using the system again, a procedure that has remained inactive for some time.
According to Mark Ward, council president, council was unaware of some “trivial” purchases that were made without its consent.
Ward added that although the system was never formally eliminated, it needs to be complied with for all purchases.
In a separate matter, Ward noted that he signed an application for the borough’s community development block grant (CDBG) funding that would help finance a storm sewer project along the middle of Dushane Avenue.
Tproject involves running a sewer line down Second Street that would tie in with lines on McCormick Avenue to help eliminate storm sewer runoff.
Council applied for the annual grant through the Fayette County Redevelopment Authority.
Council also learned that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released $7,160 for part of the project, as part of a $20,000 grant the borough secured.
In a related issue, council directed solicitor Richard Bower to review a proposed ordinance from the DEP that consists of enacting new federal regulations for storm sewer management.
The ordinance requires that “urbanized areas” across the state employ a legal mechanism such as an ordinance that would address the regulations.
Council also conducted the following business:
? Agreed to shut off the utilities to the kitchen area in the pavilion located at the playground and to winterize them.
? Agreed to review a permit involving a residential driveway on Sixth Street in conjunction with the Fayette County Office of Planning and Community Development.
? Adopted an employee disciplinary form.
? Agreed to compensate street department employee Tim Ritenour time-and-a-half for working on Christmas as well as overtime for other days. Ritenour remains on a three-month probation period.
? Received a $2,250 quote from Kisiel and Associates to conduct the borough’s audit and agreed to obtain additional quotes.
? Moved to inquire if Widmer Engineering is authorized to determine the value of fixed assets in the borough.
? Granted pay raises for police officers Michael Helms and Kevin Grippo effective immediately.