Aug 3, 2006 By Rebekah Sungala 2 min read

MASONTOWN – Borough council was unable to hold a special meeting Wednesday since they failed to advertise the meeting as required by the Sunshine Act, according to Solicitor Gary Monaghan. In an advertisement that was published Sunday in the legal notices section of the Herald-Standard, it was stated the borough would hold a special meeting in the municipal building Wednesday at 7 p.m. The legal notice did not state why the special meeting was being held.

According to the Sunshine Act, a notice “must state the nature of the business to be conducted at the meeting.”

About 10 people were in the audience before council President Harry Lee announced the meeting would not be held because the legal notice did not meet advertising requirements of the Sunshine Act.

Without convening the meeting, Lee told those in attendance that council initially called the special meeting in order to hold a discussion with Vito Dragone, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 491, in regards to a grievance filed by borough employee Charles Popovich.

Lee said council also wanted to discuss the appointment of a new tax collector to fill the vacant position.

The vacancy was created when former tax collector Francis “Sam” Rossini passed away July 15.

Borough Secretary Vince Serra said six people have made written requests for the appointment, including Rossini’s widow, Arlene Rossini.

The tax collector position will pay approximately $19,350 this year.

The total compensation includes $12,500 from the Albert Gallatin Area School District, approximately $4,000 from Masontown Borough and $2,850.30 from the county this year, according to information from the three taxing bodies.

Monaghan said previously that council has 30 days from Rossini’s death to appoint a new tax collector, which would give them until Aug. 15.

If council fails to make a selection within 30 days, the Fayette County commissioners will be given the authority to appoint a new tax collector.

Although council was unable to hold a public meeting, Monaghan said the borough council personnel committee could still meet with Dragone to discuss the grievance filed by Popovich.

Council members Carole Daniels, Joe Volansky and Frank McLaughlin serve on the personnel committee. They and Monaghan met with Dragone and several other borough employees involved with the grievance behind closed doors after the room was cleared.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the municipal building. Council is expected to appoint a tax collector and make a public statement about the grievance.