Apr 23, 2009 3 min read

SMITHFIELD – Smithfield Borough Council took action Tuesday on personnel matters, voting to hire two part-time employees and accepting the resignation of a current employee. Council accepted the resignation of police officer Brian Harvey, effective April 30. Council then hired Mike Garlowich as Harvey’s replacement. Garlowich will begin the part-time job next week. John Lewis also was hired as a part-time maintenance worker.

In other matters, residents David and Wilma Minor approached council about a hazardous condition that exists at their home on Shaffer Lane. The neighboring property, that has been left vacant, contains several pine trees that tower more than 60 feet in height. The Minors said one of the trees previously fell onto their house and disrupted their electrical service.

Borough solicitor Gene Grimm said he was unsure if the council could become involved in the matter, but urged the Minors to speak with their attorney to see if the trees are on the property line. If they are, there is a possibility the Minors could remove the trees.

The Minors also told council about runoff water that is being carried from storage sheds, which are located above their property, through a pipe that deposits the water into their yard.

Wilma Minor said she contacted the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and they told her about the Storm Water Management Act. According to the DEP’s Web site, the program aims to prevent or mitigate the negative impact of runoff.

Borough secretary Jamie Hoone brought to council’s attention information she received about a meeting the county is holding on Tuesday to address issues with storm water management. Council plans to send a representative to the meeting. Other residents having issues with storm water management can call the borough office at 724-569-9601.

In other business, recycling will be held on Monday. Those with hard-to-recycle products, such as paint and appliances, are encouraged to attend the hard-to-recycle drop-off event held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. For more information, call the Fayette County recycling hotline at 724-430-4884.

In other matters, council:

– Announced that the Memorial Day parade in the borough will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 25. Participants will line up at 1 p.m. at Smithfield Elementary School on Liberty Street. Those interested in participating in the parade should call the borough office or call Mayor Chuck Cieszynski at 724-569-1829.

– Announced that police will be conducting speed checks throughout the borough.

– Announced that the May meeting has been rescheduled because of the primary. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. May 12 at the borough office on Water Street.