Centerville council discusses sewage project
CENTERVILLE – During their regular meeting Tuesday evening, council members discussed sewage project plans and elected a new member to the sewage board. A sewage authority board member told council that communications with customer base should begin soon, and that in hopes of picking up the pace on the project the sewage authority plans to meet twice a month.
Like many sewage authorities, Center-West Joint Sewer Authority might have to make cutbacks to their project plans, the board member said. Rising fuel costs contribute to the rise in project costs, he added.
President Patsy Ricciuti vowed to take matters to U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, if the completion of the sewage project was ever threatened.
“We’re open to make a trip to D.C.,” he said. “This council will go down and talk to Murtha eyeball to eyeball.”
Council members elected Tom Karolewics, of Brownsville, to the Center-West Joint Sewer Authority.
Council members also conducted the following business:
– Awarded a five-year contract to Southeast Ambulance Service. The service will cover the entire borough, Ricciuti said.
– Announced for a second time that the borough comprehensive plan is available for public view in the borough building. A copy of the Washington County comprehensive plan is available for public view as well.
– Mayor Frank Stanko suggested cutting back vehicle patrolling within the police department to save money on gasoline, and announced that the borough is still seeking part-time police officers.
– Agreed to consider a police ride-along request for a college student majoring in criminal justice, pending a liability policy through the school.
– Voted to sign a five-year garbage contract.
– Agreed to adopt three 2006 tax ordinances: emergency municipal tax, street light tax and a fire hydrant tax.
– Voted to appoint Greg Scott to Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Board of Appeals.
– Agreed to advertise grading permit and tenants ordinances.
– Voted to accept the 2006 uniformed and non-uniformed pension plans.
– Announced a special meeting about the agricultural security area to take place Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. in the borough building.
– Voted to advertise for a new animal control officer.
The next borough council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in the borough building.