Mar 10, 2006 By Amanda Clegg 2 min read

CALIFORNIA – The question of building on California land topped the regular meeting of council Thursday evening. Council announced they were sending out a letter of welcome to a man who wishes to build a 60- to 80-room hotel and sports bar complex on five acres of land in Technology Park.

“This is our way of saying our board will work with him in any way, shape or form to make this come to fruition,” President Jon Bittner said.

Because the deal is still being negotiated Bittner asked that the man’s name not be revealed. The possible future business developer has five months to make a decision, he added.

In another land matter, legal questions as to the use of borough land for a wellness center prompted council members to meet in executive session after their regular meeting.

Bittner said a Feb. 25 meeting with Rep. Peter J. Daley (D-California) and representatives from Monongahela Valley Hospital, Centerville Clinic, California School District and the borough’s recreation authority and council resulted in Daley asking for the use of land known as the Project 70 area to build a wellness center.

Project 70, located near the borough’s water tanks, was set aside 30 years ago for the purpose of recreation, Bittner said.

A $2 million match grant for the center expires in May or June and California Area Parks and Recreation Association (CAPRA) is seeking funds to match the grant, Bittner said, adding that the borough has no financial obligation to the wellness center, but had written a letter of support to the association.

In other matters, council agreed to continue the regular meeting until Tuesday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m. in order to further discuss a Phase V pilot agreement, an arrangement where California University of Pennsylvania gives money to the borough in lieu of taxes, Bittner explained.

Council also conducted the following business:

Voted to buy a leaf machine for $3,375 contingent on the approval of a state grant.

Agreed to review a wireless broadband community network

Appointed Ralph Todd as an alternate to the Zoning Hearing Board.

Agreed to send Mayor Casey Durdines and council member Vicki Gallo to a police civil service workshop.

Accepted the resignation of a part-time police officer.

Appointed George Crane to the Recreation Board Authority and accepted the resignation of Dr. Mark Nowak from the authority.

Discussed taking legal action if necessary to address garbage pile-up problems.