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California council buying property to store materials

By Jenny Susa 3 min read

CALIFORNIA – The California Borough Council is preparing to purchase property that council members said would be used for storage of borough materials. President Arthur Harris said Thursday that the property at 315 Ash St., located next to the borough garage, was for sale for $25,000. He said he offered the property owner $15,000 and the council voted to buy the property at that price contingent upon an appraisal and a clean title search.

The council also considered what to do with property at the end of Third Street, near California University of Pennsylvania. Councilman Patsy Alfano brought up fixing the curb at the end of that road to improve safety in that area, but Harris said that the university had been trying to obtain the property on that part of Third Street.

“Before we spend any money, we should talk to the people at the university, since we know they want it,” said Harris. “Then we will save the tax payers’ money.”

The council agreed to table the matter until their next meeting so that they would have time to discuss it further.

Alfano also pointed out that the borough was behind on their street repair program this year, and he said PennDOT was preparing specifications that would tell them what streets in the borough could be fixed.

“I would like to make a motion that we advertise for bids as soon as we get the specs so that we won’t be too late getting started,” said Alfano.

The board passed his motion to proceed as soon as possible.

In other matters, Councilman James Maddiex said that a resident had suggested to him that the borough have “no littering” signs put up that warn residents that anyone caught littering would be prosecuted.

Solicitor Keith Melenyzer advised the council that the signs would only be worth the money if the law would be enforced.

“Everyone in the borough knows it’s against the law to litter,” said Melenyzer, pointing out that there have not recently been any fines for littering issued. “Signs are not the problem.”

Council members agreed not to purchase signs, but said that something must be done to make sure the laws against littering are enforced.

In another matter, Mayor Gerald “Galvie” Gardner asked for the council’s approval to advertise to hire five part-time police officers. Council approved his request.

Gardner also announced that the American Cancer Society asked that the council proclaim the month of June as Relay for Life Month. Council agreed to sign a proclamation.

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