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By Jill Runfola

At the Monessen Council meeting on February 27, 2017 at 7 p.m., attendees and Council worked together on ideas for the city. Also, there were guest students from Seton Hill, and Councilman Chiaravalle was once again commended for great budget work.

Seton Hill students who made a presentation at the meeting are (l-r): Breanna Myers, Danielle Kowder, and Chandler Rose.

Dept. of Accounts and Finance Councilman Ron Chiaravalle said that all the lights are being changed by West Penn Power to new energy-efficient lights, which he estimated to have 7-10 year lifespans. They were replaced for no charge through a utility co. program. He said, “We expect to see a large savings in our street lights audit. There were new lights installed at the civic center…We’re trying to make things better with the lights.”

Mayor Lou Mavrakis commented, “I like that, Ron, I appreciate that, and so does everyone else. You did a good job with the lights.”

Next, a presentation was given by a Seton Hill University student group as part of a class project. Their mission: What could they do for Monessen? They asked for suggestions from residents and Council. The mayor told them about being in the process of selling the building, and would they like to do anything with that?

One student, Chandler Rose, said, “We’re also thinking of hosting a community event. We should have food, beverages, and face-painting for kids.” A resident suggested they hold it at the civic center.

Breanna Myers, another student, spoke next, saying they would be in touch. They will hold the event in May. Later, residents suggested the school group be in charge of organizing clean-up day for each block of Monessen.

Monessen Councilmen (front row, l – r): Gary Matta, Solicitor; Mayor Mavrakis; Ron Chiaravalle, Accounts and Finance; and (back row, l – r): John Nestor, Public Safety; Ed Lea, Parks and Public Properties; Wayne Vlasic, Controller.

Next, Mayor Mavrakis made a motion to post a public sign for “Bishop Joseph E. Bass Sr. Way.” This sign would be on Reed Ave. to honor Bishop Bass’ life and ministry. The mayor added that he spoke on the Bishop Bass’ behalf, because they were very good friends.

During public commentary, a Reed Ave. resident, Lois Thomas, spoke out by saying, “Monessen is filthy. Why could we not organize quarterly clean-up days? Then, let each street be responsible for their own street?”

Residents all spoke at length, offering suggestions on cleaning up Monessen. The idea of cleaning Monessen took off, and the Mayor concluded the meeting by saying that he will organize a clean-up with Council, and there will be volunteers.

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