Municipal News
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 January 2017 02:54
By Charlotte Hopkins
The West Elizabeth Town Council established their committees for 2017, with a new addition of the Communications Committee. That committee will be in charge of the website and general PR. The committees now include the following.
RECREATIONS: Chaired by Lisa Morris, Janet Isaacs, and Jenna Gilbert
BOROUGH PROPERTY: Chaired by Janet Isaacs, Ray Armstrong, and Lisa Morris
HEALTH & SANITATION: Chaired by Jenna Gilbert, Ray Dodds, and Lew Miller
PUBLIC WORKS: Chaired by Ray Dodds, Lisa Morris, and Lew Miller
FINANCES: Chaired by Louise Biddle, Janet Isaacs, and Jenna Gilbert
PUBLIC SAFETY: Ray Armstrong, Lisa Morris, and Lew Miller
COMMUNICATIONS: Chaired by Louise Biddle, Jenna Gilbert, and Lisa Morris
In other news:
• The new mayor, Paul Gilbert, discussed his plans for West Elizabeth. It is important for him to learn the needs of residents, as he is urgently working to make the community a place for everyone. He is making progress in either removing or rebuilding abandoned property and removing overgrowth from the playgrounds and the ramp leading up to the bridge. Whether your need is to reinstate the Port Authority bus stop or fix a crack in your sidewalk, he wants to hear about it. He set up an email for just such requests: mayorpgilbert@gmail.com.
• Council voted to pass Act 77, which grants a 30% discount on property taxes to qualifying residents at least 60 years of age. To qualify, residents need to be at least 60 years of age, have been a widow or widower for at least 10 years, have a disability, and/or an income of less than $30,000 a year.
• Residents inquired about why it took so long for the roads to be cleared during the recent snowstorm. It was confirmed that there was a miscommunication but steps were taken to make sure it does not happen again.
• There is a vacant seat on the West Elizabeth Sewage Authority Board. Those who are interested in filling the vacancy should send a letter of interest to the borough building at West Elizabeth Town Council, PO Box 716, West Elizabeth, PA 15088. The accepted applicant will serve a 5-year term.
• Councilwoman Jenna Gilbert is looking into opening a homework/cyber center for residents who need internet and a place to work from. She is currently seeking businesses that would like to donate computers and possibly other materials.
• Robin Gaydos of Gaydos-Behana Kennels submitted a bid for the position of animal control officer. Her kennel is located at 430 N. State Street in Clairton. Gaydos is both an animal control officer and a humane police officer. She is the only person in Allegheny County to earn the dual ranks. Her kennel is a no-kill shelter. Animals that are not adopted out are sent to a rescue league.
• In January 2017, the Elizabeth Borough police answered 24 calls for West Elizabeth and handed out 28 traffic citations and 3 non-traffic citations. They also made 3 criminal arrests. They will be posting “No Passing” signs and signs warning that the speed limit lowers soon.
• The town council meetings will now be held on the third Tuesday of each month.