Municipal News

Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 January 2017 02:25

By Jill Runfola

The Monessen Council meeting on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 began earlier than the scheduled 7 p.m. time with a public hearing, as three engineers took the podium to speak of a new Route 906 paving project to take place in Monessen.

David Digioia, senior engineer, speaks at the Monessen council meeting as his work associate looks on.David Digioia, senior engineer, speaks at the Monessen council meeting as his work associate looks on.

This was a night for guests as, next at the meeting, an honor was to be presented by the Monessen Mayor Lou Mavrakis to young Monessen athletes.

Liberty Hill, engineering firm for PennDOT District 12 from Uniontown, said that they began plans in 2014 to improve the area. However, the roads were in such poor condition that the project changed.

David Digioia, senior engineer of STV in Pittsburgh, explained that there will be a “total reconstruction [of some streets of Monessen with] ripping everything out and replacing.” He indicated Schoonmaker will be first so it does not interfere with traffic. “This is a two-year process and will begin in March. Waterlines are being upgraded, also,” he continued, “south of Donner to 10th St.”

Next, Mayor Mavrakis read a proclamation to honor, with Council, participants of the 2016 midget league football team. He presented them with a certificate and took a photo with those in attendance.

During Public Forum, a Monessen resident asked: “Why is City Park closed?” The resident continued: “I use the park every day, and I don’t see why it has to be chained up.” He said he cannot possibly walk the distance to the swing set with his children while chains are there.

Monessen City Councilman Ed Lea, Director of Park & Public Buildings, later posted on his Facebook page: “During council meeting, there was discussion about City Park being closed. Let me assure everyone City Park is NOT closed. The upper portion road going through the park is closed, but the park can be accessed from the amphitheater road and walking track. All members were in agreement for safety, liability and financial reasons…. But to assure everyone, I will have another discussion with Council and the city solicitor about posting ‘Travel At Your Own Risk’ signs and reopening the thruway as long as the city would be held harmless by doing so.”

Effective January 1, 2017, Monessen council meetings will be held on the following dates for the year 2017 at 7 p.m. at Monessen Municipal Complex: Jan. 23, 2107, Feb. 27; March 27; April 24; May 22, 2107, June 26; July 24; Aug. 28; Sept. 25; Oct. 23; Nov. 27; and Dec. 27.