West Brownsville officials clear up One Call confusion
WEST BROWNSVILLE -West Brownsville council was able to clear up some confusion about joining Pennsylvania One Call, a service for contractors and facility owners. Last month, board members were concerned that they would have to pay to join the service, but were threatened with citation if they did not.
Solicitor Melinda Dellarose said she had confirmed with the organization that the service is free.
“They again advised me that there was no fee for the service, but, because we are facility owners, we have to join,” said Dellarose.
The purpose of One Call is to notify council when anyone is building in the area, so the contractors can be warned of where underground utility lines are located, in order to prevent damage.
For this reason, council members were also concerned because they do not yet know where the sewerage lines will be.
“I also told them that the sewage project is just getting started and we aren’t sure where the lines are,” said Dellarose. “They said that as long as we tell contractors to be careful because there may be lines somewhere, we have fulfilled our obligation.”
Having all of the needed information about the service, the council passed a motion to join.
In another matter, the council members said that they still need more help with work around the borough, and they decided to hire more part time help.
The board agreed to hire Ian Moore on an as-needed basis, with a recommendation from Councilman Larry Beck. He will begin work, contingent upon passing a drug and alcohol screening and a physical.
“He can begin work as soon as we receive a report on that,” said board member Dan Kendall.
The council also adopted a resolution stating that it would develop an emergency-management program for the borough.
Secretary Jack Sabo reported that he had gotten correspondence from the Washington County Department of Public Safety that said officials should adopt such a resolution. It binds the council to have an emergency operation plan in the event of a disaster or emergency that would help protect the health and safety of residents.
The plan will be reviewed every two years to be certain it is in accordance with Washington County emergency guidelines.