Municipal News

Last Updated on Saturday, 28 March 2015 19:37

By J.R. Brower

At their March 9 meeting, Peters Township Council recognized first responders and residents who took action demonstrating responsibility and good character during several emergency situations.

Last year on September 19, the fire department was alerted that a 66-year-old Giant Eagle employee had collapsed and wasn't breathing. Resident Kathy Waltz applied CPR on the man, who had suffered a stroke, until the emergency responders arrived to administer advanced life support at the scene. Besides Waltz, Council recognized firefighters David Caputo, Frank Caputo and Chris Richer as well as emergency medical technicians Michael Schultz and Patrick Rogers.

"For taking action to help save a life, we commend you," said Council Chairman David Ball as he presented the group with a distinguished service award.

In the other incident, which occurred early on January 23, three gas well contractors who work at a drilling site on Trax Farms noticed a house on fire on Turkeyfoot Road. With fire crews enroute, Kenny "Bo" Finney, Bill Chase and Jack Baker, stopped, knocked on the door and yelled to awaken the occupant, allowing him to escape from the burning house.

"This action most likely saved the man's life," said Ball, as he presented the three with awards.

In another item on his public safety special report, Township Manager Michael Silvestri cited two recent surveys that rank the community high as a safe place to live. Both surveys used FBI crime report data and included criteria such as murders, rapes, robberies, assaults and vehicle thefts. One survey sponsored by Movoto Real Estate listed Peters Township as the 9th safest place in Pennsylvania, and the other survey sponsored by ADT recognized Peters Township as 19th safest community in the United States.

In other business, Peters Township Council:

· Approved a resolution to amend the township personnel manual to create a new Deputy Police Chief position. The action came about following news of the impending retirement of police Captain Michael Yanchak, currently 2nd in command, at the end of the year. The township will begin considering candidates for the new position, which council stipulated will require a degree in criminal justice or a related field.

· Acknowledged notification by the state Department of Environmental Protection that Ramaco, Inc.has applied to operate a deep mine to extract coal in the area. The entrance to the mine and majority of its area will be in Nottingham Township, however a small portion will extend into the southeastern section Peters near Venetia Road between McCombs and Bower Hill Roads. The DEP said that it would avail itself to send a representative to present information about the mine at a future council meeting.

· Reminded residents of the new curbside recycling containers that are being distributed township-wide in March. Residents should begin using the new containers the week of April 6. The new containers should be placed several feet from regular garbage containers with the handle facing the street so that they can be picked up and emptied mechanically. Old recycling containers will be picked up and disposed the week of April 13.