May 13, 2004 By Patty Shultz 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – The city council voted Wednesday to turn over a city-owned property to the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority to market it for possible sale. On a 4-1 vote, the board decided to have the authority market the 203 W. Washington Ave. site, which the city recently purchased from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through its Good Neighbor Policy Dollar Homes program.

Mayor Judy Reed, who cast the single no vote, said the transfer was in conflict with the initial contract signed with HUD.

“I do not think this is an appropriate resolution,” Reed said of the motion presented by Councilwoman Chris Wagner.

Wagner responded that the redevelopment authority will abide by all regulations for the sale and will advise council of its progress.

“I am very confident they are capable of taking care of it,” she said.

In addition to Wagner, council members Brad Geyer, Charles Matthews and Bruce Jaynes supported the resolution.

The hiring of two part-time seasonal employees for the street department also drew criticism from Reed, who noted the city, as a cost-saving measure, had not used temporary workers in recent years.

“We obviously got along without them for two years,” Reed said.

Geyer, who oversees the department, said the $7-per-hour positions for the eight-week period will cost the city only about $3,500, and the amount was included in the 2004 budget.

“I’d rather pay someone $7 an hour to mow grass than (a regular street department employee),” said Geyer, noting that the hourly rate is much higher for the department worker. “I think it is a wise use of money.”

Reed also challenged the hiring of workers who reside outside the city limits, adding that the city would gain no local tax dollars by employing someone living in other municipalities.

Geyer responded that the city’s hiring guidelines require that employees reside within the Connellsville Area School District, and he assured the council that both men met that requirement.

The council also conducted the following business:

– Approved Companion Life Insurance Co. as a new insurance carrier for the city.

– Proclaimed May 29, 2004, as World War II Veterans Recognition Day and Saturday as Peace Officers Memorial Day.

– Agreed to close certain streets for the July 7 John Woodruff run/walk event.

– Authorized the purchase of two portable water pumps for the city fire department, at a cost of $1,138.

– Donated $300 to the Connellsville Lions Club for its annual summer concert series.