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By Jill Brown

It was standing room only at the Monessen Council meeting on August 24, 2015. The full house was interested in the sale of the Municipal Complex and Eastgate 11 buildings.

Tejas Gosai informs the crowd of his generous offer. His father, Dr. Kamlesh Gosai, is in the middle back.

The people definitely came out to be heard, too, as was evident as the meeting progressed.

During public comment, area developer Tejas Gosai stood up and said, “Everybody knows the bid process. Where is the council going to be? We are offering to purchase the (Eastgate 11) building for $40,000 and the Municipal Complex Building for $225,000 and donating [the Eastgate 11 building] to the city of Monessen.”

After the people responded by clapping, Tejas Gosai commented, “It was my father’s idea.” His father is Dr. Kamlesh Gosai, business partner. The Mayor Lou Mavrakis commended him.

Monessen resident John Turkovich spoke to Council, saying, “Monessen is a dying city. Take what you can get and move on. We’re not in the landlord business. You’re worried about what this building’s worth—it’s only worth what one person’s willing to pay for it.”

Next a resident said, “I came here to support the efforts of Dr. Gosai. I’ve known him for years, and everything he touches turns to gold. I’d like to see the same fire brought to Monessen.”

Mayor Mavrakis observed, “I hope all of you can learn a lesson from this tonight. If you showed up all the time, we wouldn’t be in this dilemma. I think everyone should participate every month.”

After an argument with Councilwoman Lucille D’Alfonso, Mayor Mavrakis said, “I’d like to get on with the vote.”
Councilman Josh Retos spoke up, saying, “I would like to make a motion that we table this vote until further discussion.” Attendees yelled in response and were in an uproar.

Tejas Gosai stated, “You can take time, but we won’t be here. Is there any way you can accept the bid today?”

Westmoreland County Commissioners Tyler Courtney and Charles Anderson were present in support of the vote. Council made a motion to accept the bid, and there were two declines. They were D’Alfonso and Councilwoman Patty Bukowski.

Tejas Gosai requested a revote, just to get into the “playing field,” and Council members went into closed session.

When Council returned, Solicitor Trisha Dimascio said, “I’ll believe there’ll be a motion to accept the bid contingent upon a meeting with Council, the Gosais, and developing a sales agreement with them.”

Everyone cheered with the outcome of the meeting.

In other business:
• Council approved a motion made by Councilwoman Patricia Bukowski from Shirley Beneccio to use the City Park walking track on Saturday, Oct. 10 for the Annual Public Square Rosary Rally.
• Also by Bukowski was the approval of the authorization to purchase and approve payment of a GE self-cleaning range for the Civic Center in the amount of $659.99 (CDBG).

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