Municipal News

Last Updated on Sunday, 31 May 2015 19:08

By Jill Brown

The Donora Council meeting on May 14, 2015, heard dire complaints from the small group of residents at 6 p.m. that evening. Council allowed them time to air their grievances.
During public address, the first to speak was a resident and school teacher who said, "My students know what to expect. Lack of communication causes problems." She went on to state her case against the Borough and their indifference to the damage done to her family's home when the Fifth Street School was torn down. She also said they did not let residents know in advance this work would be done. Her 86-year-old mom was so upset she required doctor's care. The resident also had letters and pictures which she shared with Council.

President of Council Karen Polkabla said, "It should have been handled by the insurance company from the beginning."

Councilman Mr. Jason Menendez said, "From this point forward, we'll take care of it. Let's see if we can get this resolved."
Next, on a more positive note, Mr. John Conger, a Donora Mayoral candidate, said, "I want to thank Council and the mayor. I think we should be proud that the Fifth St. School is gone. Very, very impressive."

Another resident complained of Council promising to take care of the previous resident's damage to home: "As far as dirt and dust, we got it, too. I don't think it's fair that someone else should get [pressure washing on their house.]"

Councilman Menendez replied, "We'll make it right."

Council then addressed residents at large, stating, "All the complaints are noted. We're going to deal with that."

The following announcements were made:
1. The annual A. P. Delsandro Golf Tournament will be held at the Chippewa Golf Course in Bentleyville on Sun., August 9, 2015. For more info, contact Paul at 724-379-4567 or Ron at 724-379-4174 or tdelsandro@gmail.com.
2. "Music in the Park" - the free summer concert series at the Damon Garde stage in Palmer Park begins on June 14, 2015, 5 - 7 p.m. with "The Townsmen Plus One" band. Five more bands will be held during the season.
3. Facing an emergency situation? The Crisis Center Hotline telephone number is 724-225-3584.
In the mayor's report, Mayor Donald Pavelko said, "Sorry about the confusion we've been having here. I did not foresee these problems [in regards to the old school coming down]."