Donations received for honor roll upgrade
SOUTH CONNELLSVILLE – The borough’s honor roll is taking on a new look as it continues to undergo various restorations with the help of anonymous donations and most recently a $5,000 grant secured through state Rep. Larry Roberts (D-North Union). According to Lonnie Casini, the grant will be used to refurbish the plaques within the next month.
Clyde Martz said the cannon wheels have been reassembled and preserved with Thompson water seal. Martz added the dates on the wheels revealed they were made on July 7, 1917, following the cleaning by an Amish company in Ohio.
“I’ve never seen cannon wheels anywhere look that nice,” said Don Clark.
While the funding has been ongoing, Pete Casini, mayor, said it would take additional money to replace the concrete.
Martz said there was still $500 remaining from an earlier contribution while the borough’s treasurer indicated $1,000 was also budgeted for costs associated with the landmark.
The honor roll has continued to undergo repairs since 2005 when it initially received a $5,000 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to restore a stone wall and sidewalks.
During that time, the borough was given a $2,500 donation from 84 Lumber it used to clean the tarnish from the nameplates.
In a separate matter involving the DCED, council learned it has 30 days to comply with replacing two shut-off valves for the boiler in the borough building. The DCED stated in a letter that the borough was in violation of safety concerns and would not issue a certificate of operation until the repairs were completed.
Tim Ritenour, street department foreman, said the valves include one that regulates the water supply and one with a safety feature to shut it down if the water gets too low.
In order to comply with the notice, council agreed to solicit quotes to begin the repair process. Andrea Doppelhauer, secretary, said the DCED routinely inspects the building every two years.
Mark Ward, council president, added the boiler dates back to 1963.
Council also agreed to hire Marvin Striner as a street department worker at a starting salary of minimum wage contingent upon 90 days probation. Casini cast the dissenting vote.
Further, the board adopted a grass-cutting ordinance introduced last month that includes the maintenance of weeds that exceed 12 inches and applies to residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Pete Casini said the police department would accept applications and conduct interviews in the event a part-time officer accepts another job.
Set fall clean-up for Oct. 4
Agreed to have the secretary submit letters to borough businesses that recycle their products in conjunction with the proceeds it receives from the state based on tonnage.