Municipal News

Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 July 2015 18:51

By Jill Brown

At the June 22, 2015, Monessen Council meeting, residents were made aware of a helpful program and affairs of which they may not have known.

Texie Waddell, Director of Agency Services and Programs, stated, “The Westmoreland County Food Bank has been feeding the needy since 1982. We currently have 44 volunteer food pantries that distribute food monthly. There are over 40,000 people who are eligible, but not receiving assistance through a food bank. We are able to do referrals.”

Waddell continued, “WCFB is evaluating the need for an additional food pantry to serve participants in the Reed Avenue area. A site has been identified, and we are in evaluation process at this time.”

Currently, the Salvation Army and the Schooner Food Pantry serve the Monessen area. The Salvation Army distributes on 308 Schoonmaker Ave. with Coordinator Captain Susan Thwaite, and Schooner Food Pantry is located on 721 Schoonmaker Ave. with Pastor John Custer.

For more information on Westmoreland County Food Bank, call, 1-800-462-2080 or on the web: westmorelandfoodbank.org

Captain Thwaite with the Salvation Army took the podium next and thanked those who have partnered with her organization.

The Mayor Lou Mavrakis said that the Salvation Army needs volunteers for the 2nd Thursday and 2nd Friday of the month with the 2nd Friday servicing the food pantry. He said of Captain Thwaite, “I think she deserves a hand.”

Resident Ron Vivio of Willow Drive approached council stating, “On behalf of Martin Dudas, I would like to present this check for $4,000 [from the City Park Restoration Committee].”

Councilwoman Patricia Bukowski made a motion to approve payment to John D. Caruso, Inc. for $102,433.75 for the Walking Track Paving Project—City Park and Ninth St. Park. Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program Grant are to fund the project. Council approved motion.

An argument was made by a resident about the high cost of the purchase of the trucks again which the city had financed. Council went back and forth with the resident about that. Then, after Council and Mayor Mavrakis discussed the need for new police cars with Chief of Police John Mandarino, the meeting was adjourned.