Monongahela to auction armory
Bids are being accepted for the old Armory property in Monongahela, with certain conditions attached to the sale.
According to the resolution adopted Wednesday by city council, the purchaser of the property must lease two first-floor rooms of the building to the Free Methodist Church, known as Journey by Grace for five years, with the option of two additional five-year terms. The church uses the rooms for storage and operation of its community food bank.
In addition, the facility, by covenant, must be used for service to and the betterment of the community “through programs designed, operated and directed with a focus on recreation and guidance of youth in the City of Monongahela and its neighboring communities,” the ordinance states.
Sealed bids for the building and real estate will be accepted until 4 p.m. April 11 and must be accompanied by a cashier’s check, certified check or cash equal to 10 percent of the bid, with a minimum bid of $20,000. The bids will be opened April 12 at 7 p.m. at the regular council meeting, with the buyer responsible for all fees, taxes and title searches.
Council voted unanimously in favor of the sale by private auction for the Armory.
Council also voted unanimously to amend the solid waste collection contract to prevent the city from having to register with the state’s hazardous waste collection program. Solicitor Keith Bassi said the amended contract would not affect the ability of residents to put out electronic items, including televisions and computers for trash collection. It was noted that the borough secretary has the complete information on the steps to be taken to dispose of such items with Bigs Sanitation.
In other matters, Mayor Robert Kepics announced that the community Easter egg hunt will take place April 8 at noon at Chess Park.
Michelle Parnell, secretary of the Monongahela Area Neighborhood Watch program, said the neighborhood watch group and Italian Village Pizza are teaming up to cover the cost of the installation and inspection of playground equipment donated to the city by the Ringgold School District that the city intends to install at Mounds Park. The exact cost of those services has not yet been determined. Councilman Alan Veliky said a man will be in town Tuesday to inspect the used equipment to determine if it is still safe to use.
Parnell and Monongahela Area Library board member Terry Necciai noted that there will be a memorial gathering and open house at the library Monday from 4-7 p.m. in memorial of Tiffany Fleet, the library director who passed away recently.
“On behalf of the library, we’re really touched with the support from the community over the passing of Tiffany,” Parnell said.
It was also reported that volunteers will be taking care of the 11 flower planters in Main Street in Monongahela. Susan Gruber said 11 people have offered to cover the cost of the plantings and maintain the planters throughout the summer.
“Main Street needs some color,” Gruber said.
Gruber said there are additional people on a waiting list willing to help out with the project. Gruber said she would like to see plaques on each planter recognizing the volunteers.