Municipal News
- Last Updated on Thursday, 29 December 2016 20:10
By Jill Runfola
The Donora Council meeting began on December 8, 2016, at 6 p.m. with Council President Dennis Gutierrez asking to take a moment of silence for recently deceased former Donora Mayor “Chummy” Lignelli.
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| State representative Bud Cook speaks at the Donora Council meeting on December 8. |
In regards to the meeting, the guest speaker had much to say that evening.
Next, during Public Address, a resident said, “Light-Up Night in Donora was beautiful. I wanted to thank our Mayor’s wife. She did a terrific job on Saturday night with the dance—two terrific nights.”
A special speaker, State representative elect of the 49th District Bud Cook, took the podium. He said, “Donora has a special place in my heart. We started promoting the Mon Valley. We want to bring back that pride…Palmer Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the area. This is a great place to raise a family—it just needs promoted. We’re putting together a 90-day plan.”
Jim McDonough, Donora business owner and resident, offered, “You let us know what you need sir; we would love to see you have an office here.”
Cook answered, “It is under consideration now to put an office in Donora.”
Following, the budget was made available for anyone to see by request, posted later online at donoraboro.org. Concerning the Borough of Donora 2017 proposed budget, Councilman Szakal, Jr. and Councilman John Conger, Chairperson of Finance, stated that they had gone over the budget multiple times. Concerns that they had cut down on the police department in the budget were addressed.
In the mayor’s report, Mayor Donald E. Pavelko stated, “Chummy was laid to rest today. I cannot say anything more than has already been said about him. What I will do is cherish his memory. He served 16 years on Donora Borough Council. John Lignelli retired as mayor in 2014….. I do hereby proclaim December 8 as John “Chummy” Lignelli Day. Also, I would like to wish all the residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Gutierrez concluded the meeting by speaking of Gilmore Cemetery. He said he walked through it and it was quite an experience. “It’s rich in history, and we would like to see it get cleaned up,” he noted. If anyone is interested in getting involved, speak to Gutierrez.
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