Glassport, Pennsylvania

News Articles

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McKeesport Daily News March 16, 2004

Glassport woes result in layoffs

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Three workers will be laid off temporarily as Glassport councilors struggle with an underfed budget.

Council President Terry DiMarco said one sewage plant employee and two street department workers will be laid off until tax money begins rolling into the borough. The layoffs could begin as early as today.

DiMarco said March is a particularly rough month for borough finances. The situation ceases, he said, when taxpayers begin handing over funds in April and May. That's when the employees can anticipate going back to work.

The number of workers laid off amounts to about 30 percent of Glassport's sewage and street employees. Seven or eight employees comprise the street department and three work at the sewage plant.

DiMarco said the borough is trying to work out a new schedule for police officers with "a few reduced hours." He said council didn't want to lay anyone off but had to do so. DiMarco doesn't anticipate any additional layoffs. "We are still at that point where we're not receiving any taxes," the council president said. "We are trying to subsidize that by laying these guys off."

DiMarco said raising millage wouldn't have been fair because it would punish residents who pay their taxes. Delinquent taxpayers, he said, are the problem and almost $100,000 in back taxes are owed from last year.

The borough recently hired a delinquent tax collector to go after these residents. DiMarco said the borough also is considering putting the names of delinquent taxpayers in the newspaper.

When council adopted the 2004 budget last December, it included no tax hike.

Councilors said they debated the decision and opted for the no-hike budget, which depended heavily on aggressive delinquent tax collection. Some officials reportedly disagreed with the decision.

Last week, council approved a $120,000 loan to finance expenses while waiting for additional tax income. Councilman John D'Angelo dissented. The loan reportedly was needed to make up for a $33,639.75 overdraw in the general fund and a $24,413.50 overdraw in the payroll account.

Last week, DiMarco said council is looking into several cost-cutting plans. The borough recently stopped collecting garbage fees, allowing the hauler to do so instead.

The borough authorized some public works employees to do minor repairs on borough vehicles and put a halt on recycling for the time being. Taking the recycling truck off the insurance bill saves about $1,200 per year.

McKeesport Daily News March 18, 2004

Glassport

Fire meeting scheduled

Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 will meet today at 7 p.m. at the hall for a regular meeting.

Residents take notice

Delinquent taxpayers are advised that the 2003 borough real estate and garbage tax delinquents will be turned over to Keystone Municipal Service Co. shortly for collection.

Once Keystone officials receive the list, they will add an additional penalty, interest, court cost and attorney fees.

Borough officials said this is the last opportunity to pay the borough real estate tax without the added attorney commission and court costs.

Payment can be made to the borough tax collector. Checks should be made payable to Carol R. Pasinski, tax collector, 439 Monongahela Ave., Glassport, 15045.

This also is the final call for 2003 garbage tax without added costs.

For 2003 garbage, submit payment to The Borough of Glassport, 440 Monongahela Ave., Glassport, 15045.

Residents must respond within 48 hours or they will be turned over to Keystone Municipal Service.

McKeesport Daily News March 19, 2004

Scouts to receive religious awards during Sunday Mass

Registered Girl Scouts of Glassport, Cub Scouts of Pack 57 and Boy Scouts of Troop 54 who will receive religious awards will gather Sunday at 8:45 a.m. at Queen of the Rosary Church in Glassport to participate in the 9 a.m. Mass there. The Rev. Casimir Kedzierski will officiate and present the awards, certificates and Millennium and Joyful Mysteries patches to those scouts who have earned them.

Guard Angel Awards will be presented to Nikki Carter, Quinn Donkin, Leonna Egenlauf and Morgan Stupar of Daisy Troop 22.

I Live My Faith Religious Medals will be presented to Anna Herold of Troop 1082 and Emily Herold of Troop 912.

Kateri Award patches and certificates will be presented to Katherine Barnett and Cassandra McClelland of Troop 1082; Brittany Hallick of Troop 562; Kristen Kudla of Troop 726; and Kelsey Joseph, individual membership.

Kip Burgman and Corey Greenwood of Troop 54 will receive certificates for completing Part 1 of Ad Altare Dei Award.

Millennium patches will be presented to Eric Baker, Daniel Barnett, Jonathan Binkney, Kasey Brown, Ian Hapsias, Garrett Holmes, Christopher Joseph, Raymond Massung, David Merritt, Cameron Newton, Michael Ruffing, Patrick Ruffing, Frank Wakefield and Michael Whaby of Troop 57.

Joyful Mysteries patches will be presented to Katie Barnett, Julianna Burgman, Breanna Gribshaw, Anna Herold, Carissa Kratz, Cassie McClelland and Alesha Sanutelli of Troop 1082; Brittany Hallick of Troop 562; Karen Thorwart and Renee Thorwart of Troop 252; Kristen Kudla of Troop 726; Megan Barnett and Emily Herold of Troop 912; Christopher Joseph and Daniel Barnett of Pack 57; and Kelsey Joseph, individual membership.

McKeesport Daily News March 24, 2004

Police probe shooting incident

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police are asking for help in connection with a shooting incident.

Police Chief Howard Kifer said they received multiple calls Friday night about shots being fired in the vicinity of Vermont Avenue and Sixth Street. "We have reports of a gold-colored Chevrolet sedan in the area," Kifer noted. "Witnesses told us shots were being fired out of that car."

The chief said a patron entered a store along Sixth Avenue shortly after 8:30 p.m. "He went in the store and walked back out to his truck across the street," Kifer added.

"Shots were then fired at the truck." The truck's headlights were shot out, he said.

The police chief said after the shots were fired, the alleged victim left the scene, while the suspected shooter left in the opposite direction. No one was injured in the attack, Kifer said.

The alleged victim has not reported the incident to police, making the investigation more difficult. "We really don't have a lot to go on," the chief said. Kifer said photos of the crime scene and nine empty shells from a 9 mm handgun were taken by police.

The chief asks anyone with information about the incident to contact Glassport police at 412-672-4514.

McKeesport Daily News March 25, 2004

Budget woes worry Glassport councilor

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport Councilman John D'Angelo said the borough's financial woes are worse than officials are indicating.

D'Angelo said the borough needs to control spending, closely supervise day-to-day operations and improve office procedures.

Last week, three borough workers were slated for temporary layoff to help curb the budget deficit.

Council President Terry DiMarco said one sewage plant employee and two street department workers will be laid off until tax money begins rolling into the borough. Also, some police officers' hours were to be cut.

The borough reported a $33,639.75 overdraw in the general fund and a $24,413.50 overdraw in the payroll account earlier this month.

DiMarco said March is a particularly rough month for borough finances. The situation ceases, he said, when taxpayers begin handing over funds in April and May.

D'Angelo said the situation is worse than DiMarco stated. The councilman said laying off a few people won't make up the shortfall. D'Angelo voted against the layoffs and reduced hours for police officers because he feels the positions are essential. "I do believe that the borough needs its police department and the services of the street and sewage departments to be at a level where we can function and not go further into the decay that I see happening all around the borough," he wrote in a letter to The Daily News.

DiMarco said the layoffs won't create a change in service to borough residents and will save money. He said the borough vowed to crack down on delinquent taxpayers, the cause of major financial hardship in Glassport. Delinquent taxpayers, he said, owe almost $100,000 in back taxes from last year.

When council adopted the 2004 budget last December, it included no tax hike. Councilors said they debated the decision and opted for the no-hike budget, which depended heavily on aggressive delinquent tax collection.

D'Angelo said he opposed the decision not to raise taxes because he feared the borough wouldn't generate enough revenue to match expenditures. "I agree that (tax delinquencies) have contributed to the problem," D'Angelo wrote. "But if we collected every delinquent dime owed the borough today, it would not offset the deficits we now face."

DiMarco said raising millage wouldn't have been fair because it punishes residents who pay their taxes. He said the borough's troubles will clear up in the coming months as tax money arrives. "We're working to remedy the problem, and it all should be handled by the end of the year," DiMarco said.

D'Angelo disagrees. "I do not consider our present situation to be a little bit of a problem," he said. "We should have worked on it during budget sessions when I pointed out to council that we are facing a huge budget shortfall."

D'Angelo said the borough was warned by auditors, himself and another councilman that they needed to do something to raise revenue to offset deficits.

McKeesport Daily News April 7, 2004

Glassport

Woman cited for DUI

Eileen Lacivita, 42, of Glassport, was cited for DUI Monday.

Police said she struck a fire department vehicle on Oak Alley at approximately 6:30 p.m. Police said she appeared to be intoxicated and subsequently failed a field sobriety test. No injuries were reported.

Actors Whip Easter Bunny at Church Show

Thu Apr 8,11:08 AM ET Add U.S. National - AP to My Yahoo!

GLASSPORT, Pa. - First, the Passion of the Christ. Now, the torment of the Easter Bunny?

It may not have been as gruesome as Mel Gibson's movie, but many parents and children got upset when a church trying to teach about Jesus' crucifixion performed an Easter show with actors whipping the Easter bunny and breaking eggs.

People who attended Saturday's show at Glassport's memorial stadium quoted performers as saying, "There is no Easter bunny," and described the show as being a demonstration of how Jesus was crucified.

Melissa Salzmann, who brought her 4-year-old son J.T., said the program was inappropriate for young children. "He was crying and asking me why the bunny was being whipped," Salzmann said.

Patty Bickerton, the youth minister at Glassport Assembly of God, said the performance wasn't meant to be offensive. Bickerton portrayed the Easter rabbit and said she tried to act with a tone of irreverence.

"The program was for all ages, not just the kids. We wanted to convey that Easter is not just about the Easter bunny, it is about Jesus Christ," Bickerton said.

Performers broke eggs meant for an Easter egg hunt and also portrayed a drunken man and a self-mutilating woman, said Jennifer Norelli-Burke, another parent who saw the show in Glassport, a community about 10 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

"It was very disturbing," Norelli-Burke said. "I could not believe what I saw. It wasn't anything I was expecting."

McKeesport Daily News April 9, 2004

Glassport plans sign vandalism crackdown

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport plans to crack down on those who destroy or defile campaign signs of political candidates.

Police Chief Howard Kifer has issued warnings for those who deface signs within the borough.

"It's been an issue here for a while," he said. "People have been knocking down, destroying, and moving signs of candidates they may not like."

Kifer said anyone caught demolishing or moving a political sign will be charged with a misdemeanor.

"Let this serve as their warning," Kifer said. "If found, we will act on the perpetrators."

The chief said sign destroyers will be apprehended and taken to District Justice Armand Martin's office in Glassport. "They will be charged under a specific criminal code," Kifer added. "There's a specific code for crimes involving destruction of political signs."

Kifer said those who work on the signs and on political campaigns are hurt the most. "They're very upset," he explained. "They've spent a lot of money on making the signs and putting them up. It's an issue we are looking to resolve."

McKeesport Daily News April 14, 2004

Budget woes may cause Glassport to file for Act 47 distressed status

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport councilors continue to struggle with ways to correct a growing budget deficit.

Council Vice President James Uziel said the problem is bigger than originally anticipated. "We realized we're a lot worse than we thought we were," he said last night. "There's no secret about it. It's really bad, just bad."

Council is meeting with an official from the state Department of Economic and Community Development about the possibility of filing for Act 47 distressed status. Uziel said communities such as Clairton and Duquesne have filed for distressed status in the past. He said the meeting will hopefully offer some solutions and recommendations for dealing with the fiscal woes.

Council President Terry DiMarco, who was absent last night, has said he thought the budget problem would clear up in May as tax money came in. Last night, however, Uziel said incoming tax revenues won't cover expenses.

In March, a sewage plant employee and two street department workers were laid off temporarily in an attempt to save money. The layoffs were anticipated to last approximately three months, but could run longer. Some Glassport police officers also had their hours cut.

Uziel said the borough hopes to avoid laying off additional employees.

Last month, Councilman John D'Angelo said the borough's financial problems were worse than council was indicating. He said taxes should have been raised last year instead of relying heavily on the collection of delinquent taxes.

Council does not plan to open the community swimming pool this year as a way to save money. Instead, they hope to be able to do some repairs and continue upkeep this summer.

Several borough vehicles are on hold for repairs until funds are available, including two public works dump trucks. When possible, borough workers will do routine maintenance and repairs on vehicles to save money.

Last night, council agreed to sell a 1999 Crown Victoria with approximately 100,000 miles for almost $3,000. The car was being used as an alternate unmarked police vehicle.

Borough secretaries collected $18,000 in delinquent tax money by calling residents and informing them of the owed money. The secretaries said many people didn't realize they had neglected to pay and appreciated the reminder.

The remaining delinquent taxes were turned over to Key stone Municipal Service for collection.

Also last night, residents raised concerns about sewage. Joe Borkowski, a Pacific Avenue resident, said his backyard gets raw sewage runoff from a problem spot along Oregon Avenue. "No family should have to live with raw sewage in their yard," Borkowski said. "This is not Iraq - this is Glassport, Pa." He asked council for a storm sewer in the area to help alleviate the problem. Council agreed to contact the Department of Mines and the Department of Health to seek help.

In other business, Councilman Michael Ksiazek stressed the borough wasn't involved in Glassport Assembly of God's Easter program that gained national attention after a costumed bunny reportedly was whipped.

McKeesport Daily News April 14, 2004

SA residents cry foul over Risha contract buyout

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

South Allegheny residents aired mostly negative opinions about Superintendent Patrick Risha's recently released contract buyout.

The agreement, made public on March 22, cost district taxpayers $325,907, plus benefits lasting through 2015 in exchange for voiding the five-year extension the previous board gave Risha last November. His previous deal was set to expire on Sept. 20.

The board voted March 9 - by 5-3 vote - to release Risha from his contract extension. Directors Dino DiFelice, Russ Geary and Luke Riley dissented, while Board President Dianne Rosche, Vice President Doris Bailley and directors Falco Muscante, Caroline Popovic and Blair Wojton voted in favor.

Port Vue resident Rich Carter said he thinks the buyout is wrong and wondered aloud how SA taxpayers and children benefit from the deal. "It's money this district doesn't have," he said. Carter said he used to have pride when someone asked him from what district he hails. "It's just one embarrassment after another and we've had enough," he said. "I have three daughters in each school here, and I want them to come up through the district the same way I did."

Liberty resident Raymond Luppe questioned where the money is coming from for the buyout. "You're going to up our taxes because you had an attitude," he told school directors. "You are snubbing your noses at the taxpayers of this district."

Glassport resident Cathy Wolfe was the lone resident to speak in favor of the buyout and cited a published newspaper report favoring the agreement.

Former Board President Walt Hibner said the district is spending in excess of $750,000 in benefits on Risha as part of the deal. Hibner also said the district shouldn't search for a new superintendent. "You have a good one right under your nose," he said, referring to Acting Superintendent Dr. Thomas Starmack. "The key is to have success in education, but the majority of this board doesn't care about that."

DiFelice made a motion to go into executive session to discuss moving Starmack into the superintendent position and eliminate the assistant superintendent's post. "He knows the district and the staff," he said. The executive session motion failed by 5-3 vote, with Wojton, Bailley, Muscante, Popovic and Rosche voting against. Riley, DiFelice and Geary were in favor.

DiFelice said cutting the position will help South Allegheny recoup the money spent on Risha's buyout. "Even if we hire (Starmack), it would still take two years to break even," he said.

Bailley said the buyout saves the district money, considering Risha would have made $160,000 annually by the end of the contract extension. "You wouldn't save any money by wiping one position out with another," she reasoned. Muscante said the matter is too important for an executive session during a school board meeting and time should be set aside for a separate gathering on the issue.

McKeesport Daily News April 14, 2004

Dozzi leaves SA post, moves from district

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

South Allegheny School District is looking to replace School Director Terry Dozzi, who was embroiled in controversy after she allegedly struck a police officer with her car.

At last night's meeting, directors declared Dozzi's school director seat vacant then appointed Port Vue resident Kurt Betzner to replace her. The vacancy occurred when Dozzi and her family moved out of the district. Dozzi is leaving the board after an incident last Oct. 23 when she was charged with running over the school Police Chief Kris Kircher after a school board meeting. She is charged with reckless driving and aggravated assault.

The incident was sparked by Dozzi's husband being charged with reckless endangerment, corruption of minors, and furnishing cigarettes to minors. Charges since have been dropped.

The vote to replace Dozzi passed 5-2-1, with Board President Dianne Rosche, Vice President Doris Bailley and school directors Blair Wojton, Falco Muscante and Caroline Popovic favoring the move. School Directors Luke Riley and Russ Geary voted against the appointment, and Dino DiFelice abstained.

No SA officials could say when Dozzi left the area. Popovic said the former director's children were reenrolled in school outside the district March 24.

New director Betzner is a lifelong Port Vue resident and a member of that borough's zoning board, Popovic noted.

Riley said instead of appointing Betzner, the board should have declared Dozzi's seat open and taken letters of interest from residents in the district's four communities - Port Vue, Glassport, Liberty and Lincoln.

Muscante said the board needed to act immediately because there is a 30-day deadline from the time a person resigns from the board to when the district can appoint a new director. However, school officials said Dozzi never officially resigned.

In other news, the board ratified expulsions of two students until the first day of the 2005-06 academic year. Hearings took place March 25. Last night, Solicitor Albert Zangrilli Jr. said the first student, a female senior at the high school, had a weapon with her on a school bus March 12. The other student, a male ninth-grader, was expelled because of racial comments he made in the middle/high school cafeteria March 8.

Another issue brought up last night dealt with the bookmobile, which is available to the community at South Allegheny Elementary Thursday nights from 6 to 8. John Matyasovsky, a former school director, said the service should stay open because the four communities extensively use it. "It's very important to the older people," he said.

Matyasovsky said it's not appropriate to refer to the service as an expensive delivery system, which is what he said Bailley called it. Bailley responded the bookmobile is a displaced service. "No one from this area petitioned to the county (to keep it open)," she said. "There was no great outcry to the councils." She added the service is costly and unfunded.

Popovic added she is working with Carnegie Library to get a branch put into the district. She said those concerned should attend the next community relations meeting, slated for May 6 at 3:30 p.m. in the administrative conference room Resident Fran Roth also spoke in favor of keeping the bookmobile. "We all know you don't quit a job until you have a new one," she said. "Until (a Carnegie) library is functional, keeping the bookmobile open would be good." The district has invested $12,000 in the service since funding from Allegheny Regional Asset District for the bookmobile was pulled last year.

McKeesport Daily News April 19, 2004

Glassport

Retail theft charged

Leonard Myles, 35, of McKeesport was charged with retail theft Friday. Police said Myles was attempting to leave the store with three steaks shortly after 4 p.m. He was apprehended and cited for retail theft.

Car window shattered

Amber Englauf, 20, of McKeesport, was cited for criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. Police said Englauf was embroiled in a dispute along Oak Alley and allegedly broke a driver's side car window.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday.

Public drunkenness cited

Daniel Ganazzo, 47, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication and disorderly conduct yesterday. Police said Ganazzo was creating a disturbance along the 600 block of Indiana Avenue shortly after 7 p.m.

He also reportedly was highly intoxicated at the time and was taken to McKeesport police for holding until deemed sober.

McKeesport Daily News April 23, 2004

Crews rescue 50-pound chow from 100-foot Glassport ledge

By CHUCK GIBSON Daily News Staff Writer cgibson @dailynewsemail.com

Sid the dog is back with his owners after a harrowing rescue from a cliff above Glassport-Elizabeth Road in Glassport.

A driver spotted Sid stuck on a ledge, approximately 100 feet above the road about a tenth of a mile from the Clairton Bridge.

The person who phoned in the Sid sighting is identified as Brian Chandler, an employee of A-1 Sewer Specialists in Elizabeth Twp. He notified Elizabeth Twp. police who relayed the call to Lincoln police.

Lincoln Police Chief Ted Hazard said he was notified by Elizabeth Twp. police soon after the initial call regarding the dog.

A call also was placed to Glassport police from another individual aware of the situation. Hazard watched from the side of the road while Glassport Police Chief Howard Kifer attempted a rescue from the property overlooking the ledge.

"We think this is a dog that was reported missing from the area a few days ago," Hazard said while keeping one eye on Kifer. "It looks like the dog that was phoned in."

Police called Gordon Van Kirk of Glassport and fiancee Patricia Wilson, who phoned in a lost dog earlier in the week.

Van Kirk arrived on the scene holding a freshly laminated lost-and-found poster for the 50-pound chow.

"It's him," Van Kirk said happily.

He then tossed the poster to an onlooker and smiled, saying, "We were just going to start putting these up today."

The dog went missing Monday after Wilson went outside to bring him back to the house.

"We last saw him around 6:30 p.m. Monday," he said. "When we came out a half-hour later, the leash was broken and he was gone."

Glassport and Clairton fire crews responded to the scene after animal control officer Ken Ferree could not reach Sid with his rescue pole.

Fire crews then made an attempt to reach the dog from a ladder mounted on a fire truck, but could not get close enough for a rescue. They grabbed all the safety equipment they needed and were taken up a back road to the ledge.

Firefighters took the truck back to the station but many returned to watch the rescue from the pavement below.

Glassport Firefighter Dave Oberley made the harrowing trek down the ledge to reach Sid and quickly made a new friend.

Sid alertly sat up and barked before Oberley managed to calm him down and pat him on the head. Once calmed down and fastened into a safety harness, Clairton rescue officer Greg Huschak helped lift the dog up the cliff to safety.

Van Kirk also took part in the rescue effort, helping crews lock down and secure ropes from the top of the hill. Huschak then rappeled down the rest of the rock face, as several items from his pocket clinked down the side of the hill. Kifer returned below just before the rescue concluded.

He arrived at the base of the hill with cuts and scrapes on his arms and dirt staining his white shirt. "It's all brier patch up there," he said while brushing some spurs from his pants. "I had to cut through it all to get over there."

The road was not closed during the incident.

Hazard kept traffic flowing despite several onlookers who kept slowing down in front of the scene.

Family friend Tara Dobos was with Van Kirk on the scene and was impressed with the dedication of the fire crews. "The fire department went above and beyond the call of duty to rescue the dog," she said.

Dobos said Sid was taken to a veterinarian's office and, despite being dehydrated and hungry, he was in good health.

He is also sporting a bald appearance after having his fur shaved to eliminate the spurs clinging to him. "He had some trouble walking, but they said that was probably from being stuck in one place for so long," she said.

"Everyone was happy he's home, especially (Wilson). She was at work and didn't get to see him until around 9.

" Looking back on the rescue, Dobos was able to put a final, humorous touch on the event. "He's going to be all right, as long as he doesn't run away again," she laughed.

McKeesport Daily News April 27, 2004

Bratton has manned the polls in Glassport for half a century

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

For the past 50 years, voters wanting to cast a ballot in Glassport have had to go through Nora Bratton. Bratton is 92 years old and has been working the polls in the borough's fourth district for more than half her life.

She was ready this morning at Glassport's youth center, the cushion on the metal chair she'll spend the day and part of the night on in place, signing in primary voters.

Bratton's got a pack of supplies behind the chair: goodies, candy and a roll of toilet paper, just in case there wasn't any at the polling site.

The longtime poll worker said she's been performing those duties for as long as she can remember and will continue to do so for as long as she can.

She works as the minority inspector and stays tough in her job. "If you don't have your name in the book, you don't vote," Bratton said as she leafed through the binder of names looking for a registered voter. The voter's name was on the list, so she was allowed to head back to the voting booths.

Bratton said White Oak and Penn Hills solicited her to work their polls this year, but she turned them down. "I said I'm getting too old to move," she said with a smile. "And she said, `You're not old."'

Bratton offered a secret to keeping young. "I drink too much Gatorade to be old," she said with a laugh. "It keeps me going."

Another thing Bratton isn't willing to change is her party affiliation. "I've been a Republican all my life," she declared. "I'll be a Republican until I die."

Bratton said she hopes to see more voters, especially young people, turn out for this year's primary and the general election in the fall. "That's the trouble today. These things are very important and (younger people) ought to get out and learn a few things," she said.

Bratton surmised that the kids might need some motivation. "Maybe they just need a few vitamins or something," she said.

Bratton got her own daughter interested in voting at a young age. Now grown, Sally Bratton mans the polls next to her mother. "She's already given me my orders for today when we walked over," Sally Bratton said with a laugh. "She's a very, very strict Republican, no matter what." The younger Bratton admitted that she too votes Republican, but she made up her own mind.

Nora Bratton said she hadn't voted yet that morning, but surely would before the polls close at 8 p.m. "I wait to see how many votes there are and then I know how I'll vote," she said with a smile.

Nora Bratton will be at Glassport's youth center at Seventh Street and Delaware Avenue for the entire 13 hours the polls remain open today.

McKeesport Daily News April 27, 2004

Letter to the Editor: Glassporter unhappy about council inaction

I am writing this letter in response to the front page article in The Daily New on April 14, about the borough of Glassport possibly filing for Act 47. Why? Instead of laying off borough workers and cutting police hours, why didn't council act sooner? Why didn't they raise our taxes a little to help this problem? Is it because the people who own a lot of properties in the borough are greedy, on council or related to a council member that this wasn't done?

Boat docks were discussed, not voted on, and boom, they were put in. Council was supposed to vote on it.

Police hours are being cut. Isn't that great. Not only are drugs out of control in our town, we have some idiot shooting a gun a few weeks ago in front of a store that kids gather by. Thank heavens it was a cold, rainy night or someone could have been killed.

But because some of our council, not having foresight to increase our taxes a little, here we are. I would also like to know why the delinquent tax problem wasn't handled sooner? But then you have council getting grants to replace police that have left. No police officers have been hired and the money isn't there. Where is it? What other grant money has the borough got but is not accounted for? Why?

I think all of this should be made known: 1. When there is a grant; 2. What it is to be used for; and 3. Where every cent was spent and published in the paper.

Council members are paid a monthly fee. Are they still accepting their checks? But borough workers get laid off and police get their hours cut.

Maybe Glassport should have a citizens committee to oversee council.

Caucus and council meeting details should be put in the paper, not some, and hide what they don't want us to know. There should be no secrets when they are using our money.

Sherry L. Marini Glassport

McKeesport Daily News April 28, 2004

Ruffing, Colecchi trade allegations

By PATRICK CLOONAN and JENNIFER R. VERTULLO Daily News Staff Writers pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com jvertullo@dailynewsemail.com

It was deja vu for state Rep. Ken Ruffing. For the second time in as many elections, the West Mifflin Democrat has alleged he and his family were threatened by an opponent's family member.

"One of my opponents' fathers got into a confrontation with me in Glassport," Ruffing admitted, but said little else about the alleged incident.

Police were dispatched to Queen of the Rosary Parish in Glassport yesterday at approximately 4:30 p.m. to resolve a reported conflict between Ruffing and Ken Colecchi, father of challenger Jamie Colecchi.

The church was a polling site for yesterday's primary election.

Baldwin Council President Mike Ducker also ran against Ruffing but wasn't involved in yesterday's incident. According to complete but unofficial results from the Allegheny County Elections Division, Ruffing won with 52.4 percent of the vote, while Colecchi garnered 30.5 percent and Ducker had 17.1 percent.

Ken Colecchi said Ruffing confronted him inside the polling site. According to Pennsylvania statute, a candidate isn't permitted to enter a polling site for any purpose other than to place his own vote.

Ken Colecchi claimed the legislator physically assaulted him. "And as he shook my hand, he pulled out all these papers from behind his back and shoved them into my face," he said. "(Ruffing) said, `If you want to talk about me and my family, this is about you and your family."'

Reportedly, the documents listed information involving Apollo resident Aaron Colecchi. "(Ruffing) said, `This is you. These are your relatives. You're nothing but a bunch of scumbags,"' Ken Colecchi said.

The elder Colecchi claims he's never heard of the individual in question and is not related to him. Ken Colecchi said Ruffing threatened him by saying a state legislator's influence could get him in trouble regarding this case and any he may encounter it the future. "He said, `I'm Ken Ruffing, the state legislator, tomorrow and for the next two years. And I'm going to do whatever it takes,"' Ken Colecchi claimed.

Ken Colecchi said Ruffing yelled for witnesses to call Glassport police be cause he allegedly threatened Ruffing's home, wife and children. Reportedly, Ruffing called upon his campaign manager to serve as a witness to the comments. Ken Colecchi denied making any threats against Buffing's home or family.

Ken Colecchi said Ruffing and his wife were intoxicated during the incident, which heightened the situation.

Glassport Police Chief Howard Kifer could not confirm that claim by press time and said he doesn't know specific details regarding the incident.

"It's an embarrassment - not just from me to him, but for him to represent all taxpayers. I wouldn't want to have him as a neighbor, let alone a representative," Ken Colecchi said. "He won the election. He got more votes. Life goes on. But why didn't he intimidate one of these guys here that could possibly teach him a lesson instead of picking on me? "I'm physically incapacitated. I have a bad heart. I've got throat cancer. The guy is about a foot taller than me, 20 years younger than me, and he's trying to entice me into fighting with him."

Jamie Colecchi said the incident between his father and Ruffing could damage morale in the 38th District. "I think it leaves a bad taste in everybody's mouth," he said. "The political process is tarnished in a way to begin with, and to have an incident like this makes it even worse."

Kifer said the conflict may be political in nature. He referenced damaged political signs throughout the borough prior to the election. While Ruffing didn't have much to say about yesterday's incident, he acknowledged that he is controversial. "I get beat up all the time," he said. "I'm always a target."

Later, Karen Ruffing told reporters she has witnesses who can rebut the elder Colecchi's charges and confirm that he threatened Ruffing and his family. Both Ken Colecchi and Ruffing filed reports with Glassport police. No charges have been filed as of press time.

Some voters in the 38th District said they aren't surprised about yesterday's incident because Ruffing is no stranger to confrontation. Last August, during the state budget stalemate, he took the microphone during a Station Square news conference by Gov. Ed Rendell and lambasted then Allegheny County Executive James Roddey.

He said Roddey should have urged his fellow Republicans in the General Assembly to return from a midsummer recess. He later said Roddey rushed up to him to ask why he challenged him.

On May 16, 2002, a spirited candidate forum in a Glassport fire hall ended in a confrontation with supporters of one of Ruffing's opponents in that campaign, Dr. Sam Baker. Ruffing's answer to a question about funding public education was criticized by Baker's father.

Ruffing then told James Baker and another Baker relative, "Don't come on my street." That was an apparent reference to an alleged confrontation over literature Sam Baker's cousin handed out to Ruffing's neighbors.

Sam Baker and Diana Olasz were defeated by Ruffing in the primary two years ago. As is the case this year, Ruffing was unopposed in the fall of 2002. This past winter, Ruffing scuffled briefly with Olasz's father-in-law, West Mifflin Councilman Richard Olasz Sr., in a West Mifflin municipal building hallway after a borough council meeting. Moments later, Olasz allegedly was assaulted by William Welsh Sr. - a Ruffing supporter and father of Council President William Welsh Jr. - on an elevator. The elder Welsh is awaiting trial on charges in that incident.

Staff Writer David Whipkey contributed to this story.

McKeesport Daily News April 29, 2004

Latest Ruffing scuffle under investigation

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police are investigating an Election Day altercation between state Rep. Ken Ruffing, D-West Mifflin, and the family of candidate Jamie Colecchi. Police Chief Howard Kifer said officers were dispatched to Queen of Rosary Parish Tuesday to resolve a scuffle between Ruffing and Ken Colecchi, the candidate's father.

For the second time in as many elections, Ruffing alleged he and his family were threatened by a family member of one of his opponents.

The Glassport church was a polling site for Tuesday's primary election, won easily by the incumbent.

"One of my opponents' fathers got into a confrontation with me in Glassport," Ruffing acknowledged yesterday.

Baldwin Council President Mike Ducker also ran against Ruffing but wasn't involved in Tuesday's incident.

Ken Colecchi said Ruffing confronted and assaulted him Tuesday afternoon inside the polling site.

According to Pennsylvania statute, a candidate cannot enter a polling site other than to place a vote. "He pulled out all these papers from behind his back and shoved them into my face," Ken Colecchi said of Ruffing. "He said, `If you want to talk about me and my family, this is about you and your family."'

The documents in question reportedly list information about Apollo resident Aaron Colecchi.

According to complete but unofficial results from the Allegheny County Elections Division, Ruffing won by earning 52.4 percent of the vote. Jamie Colecchi received 30.5 percent, and Ducker garnered 17.1 percent.

Kifer said charges haven't been filed against either Ruffing or the elder Colecchi. "We need to talk to all the witnesses involved," the police chief explained. "We're gonna have to talk to both of them, too."

Ken Colecchi said Ruffing yelled for witnesses to call Glassport police because the elder Colecchi allegedly threatened Ruffing's home, wife and children. Ruffing reportedly called upon his campaign manager to serve as a witness to the comments.

Ken Colecchi denied making threats against either Ruffing or his family. Although Ruffing didn't have much to say about yesterday's incident, he did acknowledge that he's often embroiled in controversy. "I get beat up all the time," the victorious Ruffing noted. "I'm always a target."

Two years ago, there was a similar dispute between the incumbent and the family of Democratic primary foe Dr. Sam Baker.

Kifer said the latest incident is political in nature. "It was probably something minor," he added. "But we have to talk to more people to get a better handling on the situation."

The Colecchis insist that Ruffing was under the influence of alcohol during the scuffle, and Kifer confirmed that Ruffing had consumed some alcoholic beverages on Tuesday. "He wasn't out of hand that I saw," the chief stressed. "He was definitely drinking. But how much he was, I don't know."

Jamie Colecchi said the incident between Ruffing and his father might compromise morale in the 38th Legislative District. "I think it leaves a bad taste in everybody's mouth," he said. "The political process is tarnished in a way to begin with, and to have an incident like this makes it even worse."

Staff Writers Patrick Cloonan and Jennifer R. Vertullo contributed to this article.

McKeesport Daily News April 29, 2004

Glassport

Mischief reported

Police reported Dennis Haugh, 32, of Glassport, was cited for criminal mischief Friday.

Police said Haugh reportedly was involved in an altercation with a juvenile along the 300 block of Ohio Avenue shortly after 3 a.m.

He reportedly ripped a silver chain from the juvenile's neck.

Haugh was also cited for disorderly conduct, police said.

Public intoxication cited

Police reported Brian Danca, 35, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication Tuesday. Police said Danca refused to leave a tavern along the 500 block of Monongahela Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. He was escorted out by police, cited and later released.

Conduct arrest made

Police reported Justin Campbell, 26, of Glassport, was cited for disorderly conduct Sunday. Police said Campbell was involved in a fight near the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue at approximately 3:30 a.m.

He reportedly attempted to bring a hammer into the fight before police intervened.

McKeesport Daily News April 30, 2004

Ruff ing, Colecchi face citations for altercation

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News Staff Writer pcloonan @dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police said citations will be filed against state Rep. Ken Ruffing and the father of one of his primary election foes in connection with an Election Day incident in a church hall.

Police Chief Howard Kifer said Ruffing and Ken Colecchi of Glassport will be cited for harassment and disorderly conduct. The citations will be filed with District Justice Armand Martin.

Kifer said Officer Phil Larcinese drew up the citations after talking to a prosecutor in the office of Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. "It was determined that two citations are in order - one for harassment, the other for disorderly conduct, on both parties," the chief said.

No date has been set for hearings on those counts.

Meanwhile, Ruffing is rebutting allegations stemming from the Tuesday incident in Queen of the Rosary hall. "I never touched that guy. It was a verbal disagreement," Ruffing said yesterday about Colecchi, who claimed Ruffing assaulted him.

At least one witness said she can back Ruffing's story. "There was never anything physical," Rose DiMarco said. "There was no slap in the face with papers, nothing."

The West Mifflin Democrat also said he was sober Tuesday afternoon and that the entire incident has been blown out of proportion. "There was no scuffle," Ruffing said. "He had no bruises or scratches."

Asked if he shook Colecchi's hand, Ruffing said, "I believe I may have ... but I did not do anything to hurt that man." DiMarco said Ken and Karen Ruffing were having dinner with her and her husband, Glassport Council President Terry DiMarco, at the Sons of Italy hall.

The incident occurred as Democratic voters were assuring Ruffing a fourth term in the state House representing the 38th Legislative District. Ruffing faced Jamie Colecchi, Ken's son and a former aide to U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Swissvale, and Baldwin Council President Michael Ducker in the primary.

According to complete but unofficial returns from Allegheny County Elections Division, Ruffing had 52.4 percent of the vote, Colecchi 30.5 percent and Ducker 17.1 percent. No Republican sought the seat.

DiMarco said Jamie Colecchi arrived after the encounter between his father and Ruffing. "Jamie asked me, `Did this happen for real?' I told him it happened exactly as they said it did," DiMarco said. "Ruffing did apologize to Jamie and said, `Your father shouldn't have been doing that.' Jamie Colecchi started screaming, `You see how drunk they are?"'

Ruffing said all he had prior to the incident was coffee, but the responding officer disagreed. Clarifying an account in The Daily News yesterday, Kifer said he quoted Larcinese's reports about the incident. "I wasn't even on duty when this was taking place," the chief said. "I had no idea if Mr. Ruffing was drinking or not, (but Larcinese) smelled alcoholic beverages on Mr. Ken Ruffing according to the report he filed."

"If I was intoxicated like (Larcinese) said I was, why wouldn't he do his job and take me in?" Ruffing asked. "We didn't have (an alcoholic) drink all day. All I had was a cup of coffee with cream and sugar."

"(Ruffing) was not drinking, he was not drunk and neither was his wife, and we were not drinking, either," DiMarco said. She said she was outside the church hall during the encounter. "Mr. Colecchi looked at (the Ruffings) and stated, `Mr. Ruffing, don't be surprised if you come home from Harrisburg one day and find a vacant lot, and I don't care if your wife and children are in there,"' DiMarco said.

Ken Colecchi denied making threats against Ruffing's home or family. He said Ruffing shoved papers in his face. "I put them in his hand," Ruffing said. "I said, `Mr. Colecchi, can you read these?"' DiMarco agreed, saying Ruffing entered the church hall while the elder Colecchi was trying to keep warm. "Mr. Ruffing approached Mr. Colecchi, extended his hand and asked, `Are you Mr. Colecchi?"' she said. "Mr. Colecchi said, `Yes, I am.' Mr. Ruffing then said, `Do you know who I am? 'And Mr. Colecchi did not know who he was at that moment. "(Ruffing) reached behind his back, and pulled out of his pocket a piece of paper, that was maybe three sheets long. He handed it to Mr. Colecchi, holding it up in front of him, and said, `I did not badmouth and slander your family through this election, why are you up here badmouthing me?"'

The papers reportedly referred to an Apollo resident, Aaron Colecchi. Ken Colecchi said his family isn't related to the man. "That was one Colecchi," Ruffing said in acknowledging the Apollo resident wasn't a relative. However, he said the papers also referred to "about five or six others who were."

Prior to Kifer announcing that citations had been written, Ruffing said there was nothing to investigate in his case and that he has consulted an attorney. "I am going to take legal action against these statements," the legislator said. "I don't want to sue the borough of Glassport, but personally, if I have to sue the chief and the officer I will do that."

"This is exactly what happened," Kifer said. "Based on (Larcinese's) report, I have to go with the common sense thing." Ruffing said he's "tired of my reputation being pulled down" by political opponents. "These people are out of control. The election is over and these people are trying to distort my reputation. These guys are just trying to tear me down left and right."

DiMarco also debunked reports that her husband was Ruffing's campaign manager. "We're friends," she said. "We were working the polls for him." DiMarco said she and her husband were at the church hall to relieve another Ruffing volunteer.

Staff Writers Jennifer R. Vertullo and David Whipkey contributed to this article.

McKeesport Daily News April 30, 2004

Glassport

Registration accepted

Glassport United Methodist Church is accepting registration for the summer program. The session begins June 14 and space is limited. For more information, or to register, call 412-672-2866.

McKeesport Daily News May 8, 2004

Letter to the Editor

Colecchi thanks campaign supporters

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who participated in the April 27 primary election, and especially those who bravely volunteered during my campaign.

However, I still am troubled over the attention that this particular election received thanks to the incident that took place in Glassport.

What bothers me is that this is nothing new for Ken Ruffing. He claims that he is a target, but in all of his belligerent outbursts and scuffles there is one common ingredient... him.

Who went to the polling location, armed with unrelated campaign material that had nothing to do with the election. Who disturbed Gov. Rendell's press conference to go after Jim Roddey? Who sought out Councilman Rich Olasz in their scuffle? Who went from polling location to polling location insulting and berating my volunteers throughout this district?

It is a shame that the election came to this, and it is a shame to read Ken Ruffing's advertisement that he had to endure false accusations. My campaign stuck strictly to the issues, and my next one will as well. I challenge him to prove any of this.

Finally, it is a shame that Ken Ruffing did not have the courage to debate issues with me in public. Each challenge to a debate went unanswered by him. Is it because his pattern of belligerent behavior would supersede and the voters would finally know who their real representative is?

Jamie Colecchi Glassport

McKeesport Daily News May 19, 2004

Glassport considering Act 47 to ease its financial troubles

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport is weighing the options of moving ahead with Act 47 distressed status.

Last night, Council President Terry DiMarco said council met with state Department of Economic and Community Development officials who are examining the borough's situation. DiMarco said council opted to go ahead with preAct 47 measures to see if Glassport qualifies for distressed status. He said state officials have gathered information and will report back to the borough with a recommendation.

That recommendation will either offer financial advice or suggest the borough file for Act 47 distressed status. DiMarco noted, however, that real estate taxes have been coming in as he expected. April and May are typically strong months for tax collection, he explained, and the funds are helping the borough pay some of its outstanding bills.

In previous months, Glassport had trouble making ends meet. Police hours were reduced and a few borough employees were laid off temporarily.

In other business, residents addressed a major concern in the borough - dilapidated houses. Councilors said the problem is not a lack of desire to get condemned houses demolished, the borough just doesn't have the funds. Glassport reportedly didn't get a grant this year for demolition.

DiMarco said he hopes another grant he applied for will come through. Other roadblocks to demolition are legal issues involving getting the go-ahead to tear a house down. If an owner can be tracked down, he often challenges the demolition request and can stop the borough in its tracks.

Now that Glassport has a code enforcement officer, it can begin citing violators to get them into compliance or change their minds about signing over the property. The code officer reportedly has a long list of properties in need of citations for structure violations or high weeds and grass.

Also last night, council switched delinquent tax collectors. Keystone Municipal Service will collect the borough's delinquent per capita and occupation taxes. Pennsylvania Municipal Service previously handled those collections.

McKeesport Daily News May 21, 2004

Letter to the Editor

Council president addresses unhappy Glassporter

Just a few lines to respond to an unhappy Glassporter.

I am Terry DiMarco, president of council, and I voted not to raise property taxes. We had $98,000 delinquent taxes for 2003, $82,000 delinquent for 2002. As long as I hold a position on council, I will not vote to raise property tax. I can't see taxpayers paying more while deadbeats remain deadbeats and pay nothing. Raising taxes would be like punishing the innocent.

When the CopsFAST Grant was accepted in Glassport the year was 1995, and in 1997 the rules were not followed. That was when the CopsFAST Grant became in err. Every grant I secured from the Legislature and Senator was publicized, told what it was for, and grant close-out papers were sent back in. We still accept our pays the same way that you do when you are acting warden. Last month my council pay came to 66.5 cents per hour.

I have never seen you at caucus or council meetings so I am sure that your information that you received is from a second-hand source and I could even tell you his name just from what you wrote. If you want the real truth, you are welcome to come to the borough building any day after 3 p.m., where I am after I come home from work and I will explain it to you.

Terry DiMarco Glassport

McKeesport Daily News May 21, 2004

Glassport Women highlight dinner

Glassport Women.'s Club held its spring dinner Thursday in Rock Run Inn, Butler's Golf Course, Elizabeth Twp.

Donna Kurucz, president, extended the welcome. Ruth Whirl offered the invocation and Kurucz presented Kelly Gribschaw with a scholarship.

Gribschaw is the daughter of Mark and Patricia Gribschaw.

Jane Drogoski installed new member Isabelle Bishop.

Entertainment was provided by Dr. and Mrs. Carl Thomas. Door prizes were in charge of Kurucz and Sandy Urbanski.

McKeesport Daily News May 26, 2004

Glassport man sentenced on RSP, weapons charges

By THE DAILY NEWS

Ken Colecchi, 52, of Glassport, has been sentenced to 18-36 months in Allegheny County Jail.

He was sentenced yesterday on charges of dealing in illegal proceeds and unlawful acts, receiving stolen property and possession of prohibitive offensive weapons by Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge David Cashman.

The charges were filed Sept. 24, 2002, by Glassport police.

McKeesport Daily News June 16, 2004

Glassport OKs consumption rates

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Starting next month, Glassport residents will see a change in their sewage bills. July 1, residents will be billed by consumption instead of a flat rate.

Sewage Chairman John DeSue said at council's meeting last night that two-thirds of residents will pay less. The new rate will be $13 for the first 5,000 gallons of water per month. After that, residents will pay $3 per 1,000 gallons of water.

Councilmen John D'Angelo and Ed Mihoces oppose the new plan.

D'Angelo said by-consumption rates will punish residents who water lawns or gardens by making them pay for water that never gets treated at the sewage plant. He also said the flat rate encouraged new business in Glassport. Businesses often use much more water than the average home and now will be required to pay more, D'Angelo said. "In my opinion, council fixed something that wasn't broke," D'Angelo said.

Instead, D'Angelo said he proposed a small hike in sewage rates at the beginning of the year. The councilman said raising rates a few dollars would give council a year to look into which billing strategy would work best for the borough.

Some councilmen said they felt they had no other alternative but to approve the change. The water company will begin billing residents shortly.

In other business, council announced a Twin Rivers Council of Governments grant for the demolition of a few empty buildings in the area of Ninth Street and Ohio Avenue. Talks are under way with a developer who intends to build a McDonald's restaurant and an Exxon gas station and convenience store on the property. Officials estimated the new businesses would bring approximately 35 jobs to the area. Currently, the borough has only one gas station, in the area of Third Street, across town from the expected development.

Glassport has no fast food chain restaurants. The nearest McDonald's restaurants are located in Versailles and West Mifflin.

Council also is looking into acquiring Regional Asset District funds to re-open its swimming pool. "There's a flicker of hope," D'Angelo said. "Not this year for sure, but hopefully we may be able to get it open next year."

Council did not open the community pool this year because of a lack of funds.

In other business, the borough opted in for the Uniform Construction Code. Pennsylvania required all municipalities to make a decision on participation.

Also last night, council changed its meeting. The regular meetings now are set for the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. The executive session is set for the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News June 16, 2004

Letter to the Editor

Glassporter upset about lack of local pool

As a resident of Glassport, I am upset for our youth and their families.

We have a community swimming pool that is not being opened this year, as it is in need of repairs. Why is there no money for the repairs.

Funds have been received. but none allotted for the pool, why? Even better, no pool for our use, what a shame. So, I guess we help other communities by paying to swim in their pools. It's Glassport's loss.

Eileen Nolfi Glassport.

McKeesport Daily News June 18, 2004

Glassport police nab shooting suspect

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police made an arrest in connection with a March drive-by shooting.

Lt. Ron Benoit said Chalfonte Demery, 23, of McKeesport, turned himself in last month on charges of criminal conspiracy, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, and criminal attempt after learning he was wanted on an arrest warrant.

"We got several phone tips after the story of the shooting was in the paper," Benoit noted. "We did not know the victim at the time. however."

Demery was wanted in connection for shooting at a. man who was sitting in his truck outside a convenience store near the intersection of Vermont Street and Sixth Avenue March 19.

Benoit said the victim was located a few days following the shooting, allowing for the investigation to continue.

"We were able to follow up on that," Benoit noted. "We were able to get an identity and put a warrant out." The lieutenant added police kept Demery's identity under wraps because they feared he would flee the area. "If he knew we were looking for him, he would have gone off hiding," Benoit added. "Once he found out from his attorney we had a warrant on him, he turned himself over to us."

The lieutenant added the warrant was put out April 2. Benoit said it was a miracle the victim was not harmed in the shooting. "He was scared to death," Benoit explained. "There were holes in the dash and windshield and out the back window. Miraculously, he was not hit."

Demery was held for court May 18 at District Justice Armand Martin's office. He is currently in Allegheny County Jail.

McKeesport Daily News June 25, 2004

SA bumps taxes by 5.98 mills

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

South Allegheny residents face a 5.98-mill increase, which is down from the preliminary 8.13-mill bump.

At last night's board meeting, school directors adopted the final budget - a $17,598,784 spending package set at 20.96 mills - by a 6-1-1 vote, with Dino DiFelice dissenting and Luke Riley abstaining. Those in favor are Board President Dianne Rosche, Vice President Doris Bailley and directors Kurt Betzner, Falco Muscante, Caroline Popovic and Blair Wojton. School Director Russell Geary was absent.

Next year's plan is up from last year's budget of $16,71,867. One mill generates approximately $270,000.

Riley abstained, he said, because his schedule didn't allow him to attend several budget meetings and he wasn't present to hear proposals.

DiFelice said the district could have saved money if a $5 million bond was allocated correctly. Those funds were received in 1995 for renovating former Glassport and Port Vue schools, but it could not be used until 1999. By that point, the director said, it would cost about $7.5 million for the renovations.

The board instead moved forward with plans for construction of South Allegheny Elementary in Port Vue, which cost roughly $11 million, DiFelice said. Other funds were taken from the bond for maintenance costs and various projects. The director also said that as former boards have not raised taxes, they have used the fund balance as a crutch in order to keep the millage rate the same. "We cannot operate in that fashion," he said. "Once you deplete savings you must find a way to compensate for that shortfall every year, and that hasn't happened."

He also cited the buyout of former Superintendent Patrick Risha's five-year contract extension, which cost approximately $325,000. Muscante responded that the buyout was worked through carefully, and savings should come from restructuring of administrative positions. Other savings will come from early retirements and resignations, as well as program cuts.

He said expenditures in the proposal were cut by $536,326 since the first draft written in March. "(The buyout) was done so it would be spread out over two budget cycles," he said. "We should save $425,000 from this decision this year, and that will continue through the years when we would have dealt with (the extension)," Other savings came from the $270,000 - or one mill - that was going to be put back in the budget to replenish the fund balance, but Muscante said this funding was taken out to save taxpayers money next year

It took some work to get the budget passed last night. When the motion first was made, it failed 2-6, with Betzner and Wojton in favor of the plan. Muscante proposed making an amendment to the budget, which would allow for a small decrease in the hike, bringing the increase to 5.5 mills. He said the district could put $135,000 back in the budget for funds from the sale of Glassport Elementary, which he said can be expected to occur within this next fiscal year. The building was appraised at $550,000, Muscante said, and it should be sold for close to that amount - or at least $300,000.

The director also proposed installment payments for tax bills so it might be easier for those on fixed incomes to pay. The amendments never made it to a vote. After going back and forth with several comments on the budget, Rosche urged board members to vote. "We're all here tonight, and this is not a happy or pleasant situation ... I

t's a very difficult time for me because I relate to these people," she said. "We must be responsible now whether we like it or not. We are here to do a job - not a nice job. We must vote on this tax increase."

McKeesport Daily News June 25, 2004

Main count dropped in Dozzi case

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

The most serious charge against former South Allegheny School Board Member Terry Dozzi has been dropped by the Allegheny County District Attorney's office.

Dozzi is accused of striking South Allegheny Police Chief Kristopher Kircher with her car in Glassport last Oct. 23, but defense attorney Stanton Levenson said the prosecution dropped the aggravated assault charges during an Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas arraignment last week.

"We didn't have enough evidence on the particulars of the case," DA spokesman Mike Manko said. "Not enough to make it stick, anyway."

She reportedly left a school board meeting the night of the incident upon discovering her husband Eugene had been arrested on charges of corruption of minors and inciting a food fight.

Those charges were dropped a month later.

Eugene Dozzi was in the process of being arraigned at Burnett's office when she arrived, police said. Dozzi allegedly confronted Kircher and Burnett about her husband's arrest. She then reportedly drove off and struck Kircher in the process.

The former school director still faces a misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment in connection with the incident. "As far as that goes, everything else remains the same." Manko said.

McKeesport Daily News July 6, 2004

Glassport

Disorderlies cited

• Police reported Diana Davis, 33, of Glassport, was cited for disorderly conduct Thursday. Police said Davis was yelling obscenities at the intersection of Fifth Street and Oak Alley at approximately 11:30 p.m.

• Police reported Theresa Caideu, 34, of Glassport, was cited for disorderly conduct Thursday. Police said she as creating a disturbance along the 400 block of Ohio Avenue at approximately 11 p.m.

• Police reported Christopher llartman, 25, of Glassport, was cited for disorderly conduct, Thursday. Police said Hartman was yelling at neighbors and being disruptive along the 800 block of Delaware Avenue shortly after 4:30 p.m.

Drunkenness reported

•Police reported George Mehalick, 44, of Glassport, was cited for public drunkenness Sunday. Police said Mehalick was observed staggering along Monongahela Avenue at approximately 10 p.m. He was apprehended and held until deemed sober.

• Police reported Richard Homza, 60, of Glassport, was cited for public drunkenness Sunday. Police said he was observed staggering and falling along the 800 block of Allegheny Avenue at approximately 1:30 a. m. He was cited and released.

McKeesport Daily News July 17, 2004

Glassport man dies in Hazelwood blaze

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

Fire officials in Pittsburgh's Hazelwood section continue to investigate a blaze that killed a Glassport man.

Robert McMasters, 44, was found dead in a third-floor apartment Thursday after firefighters finished quenching a blaze along the 200 block of Abanda Way.

Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire said the fire broke out shortly after 1 p.m. at the six-unit apartment building. It was brought under control at approximately 2 p.m., according to a news release.

Fire Chief Peter J. Micheli Jr. said the blaze's origin was in an apartment in the building's third floor, possibly in the living room.

Damage has been estimated at approximately $75,000, Micheli added.

The building's third-floor ceiling apparently collapsed on McMasters, trapping him inside, the news release indicated. Allegheny County Coroner's Office said the cause of death was smoke inhalation.

McMasters' girlfriend, Anna Arlotta, was transported to Mercy Hospital. She suffered burns and smoke inhalation. Her condition was not avail able as of presstime.

Arlotta and McMasters reportedly were living in Glassport but were staying at the apartment at the time of the fire.

McKeesport Daily News July 17, 2004

Glassport HS '34 planning reunion

Members of the Glassport High School Class of 1934 are planning a 70th reunion.

Interested classmates are to contact Sue Shultz at 412-6781207 or Cy Gaydos, 412-7517600, before Aug. 15, 2004.

McKeesport Daily News July 19, 2004

Glassport

Disorderly conduct cited

Holly Dickinson, 19, of McKeesport, was cited for disorderly conduct Friday, police said.

Public intoxication cited

Two people were cited for public intoxication over the weekend, police said.

• Michael McGigan, 47, of Glassport, was cited Saturday.

• Dennis Haugh, 31, of Elizabeth, was cited Friday.

McKeesport Daily News July 21, 2004

Residents urge crackdown on dilapidated homes

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Tumbling bricks, overgrown rass, broken glass and rats.

These are just a few of the omplaints Glassport residents have about their neighbors. Several residents brought concerns about neighboring dilapidated houses to last night's council meeting. No one lives in these homes. Owners are supposed to be fixing them up but aren't, the neighbors said.

Terry Johnston said she is nore than fed up with a house near her Vermont Avenue home. A while back, the house's chimney fell and damaged hers with tumbling bricks. It's one annoyance after another, Johnston said. "I have rats. I had one that was this long," Johnston said, using her hands to mark off the length. "I caught it. I was so mad I was going to bring it straight to you," she continued, directing the comment to Mayor Tom Urbanski.

Johnston called the house a dump, stating that there's broken glass, human feces and bottles of urine inside the structure. "(My neighbor) opens her door, she gets hit in the face with stink. Is that fair?" she continued.

Urbanski said the borough took the chance that the owner of the home would fix it up. Since they reportedly haven't, the mayor said he'd go up to the site with code enforcers tomorrow. The mayor also promised he'd check out a few other properties brought up at last night's council meeting.

Ann Marie McClelland handed council a petition signed by residents of Michigan Avenue about a dilapidated house. McClelland said a real estate agent told her the value of their homes would drop because of the troublesome property. An insurance agent told her insurance rates would go up because of the fire hazard. McClelland wants the house torn down. "You can't fix something that's not fixable," she added.

Councilman James Uziel said the owners of the house must comply - or tear it down. "They are done. They're done. They get no more time," Uziel said. "They are getting cited."

Another property along Ohio Avenue also will be inspected, officials said.

In other business, council announced that Glassport's ambulance service will now be dispatched on 33.80 megahertz on scanners. The former frequency conflicted with the one firefighters were dispatched on.

Jeremy Leftkus, chief of Reliance Hose, was named assistant borough fire chief after the resignation of Dave Godfrey.

Council also passed a first reading of an ordinance which would allow landlords to remove renters after three police warnings or citations.

McKeesport Daily News July 22, 2004

Glassport firefighter arrested for arson

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

Police have arrested a Glassport volunteer firefighter in connection with a series of suspicious trash bin fires throughout the region.

The same investigation led to the arrest of two former Glassport volunteer firefighters. They stand accused of stealing a fire helmet and portable radio from the company last year.

County police said the investigation is ongoing and may lead to additional arrests.

William Haberjak, 21, of Port Vue and a member Glassport Citizens Hose Co. No. 1, was apprehended Sunday on charges of arson, risking a catastrophe, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. Haberjak will face a preliminary hearing Tuesday in Glassport District Justice Armand Martin's chambers.

A county bail agency spokesperson said he was released from Allegheny County Jail Monday after posting $15,000 bail.

Glassport Police Chief Harold Kifer confirmed there have been several suspicious trash bin fires in Clairton, Glassport, McKeesport and Lincoln this year. Kifer added he could not confirm how many fires occurred and if anyone was injured as a result. He said county police and the fire marshal are conducting the investigation related to Haberjak.

A police affidavit said Haberjak was responsible for an April 11 trash bin fire behind the Glassport Thrift Store. Glassport police said in the same affidavit Haberjak admitted to setting the blaze by lighting a fountaintype firework and tossing it into the bin shortly after 1 a.m.

The same investigation also led to the arrests of Edward Emerick, 19, and Steven Lloyd, 21, both of McKeesport, last week. Emerick is charged with theft, criminal conspiracy and receiving stolen property, while Lloyd faces charges of criminal conspiracy and receiving stolen property.

Both are former Glassport volunteer firefighters. An informant in the Haberjak investigation led to their arrests, police said. Emerick and Lloyd reportedly stole a radio, a charger, and a helmet from Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 in June 2003. Police added the items were sold at a flea market in North Versailles Twp. for $25.

McKeesport Daily News July 22, 2004

Glassport

Assault arrest made

John Anthony Jamber, 46, of Glassport, was arrested for simple assault and disorderly conduct yesterday.

Police said he was involved in a fight shortly after 9 a.m. along the 200 block of Oak Way.

McKeesport Daily News July 23, 2004

Former firefighter faces Glassport arson count

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

A Port Vue man charged with setting a trash bin fire in Glassport also was a volunteer firefighter in three communities.

William Haberjak, 21, was charged earlier this week with arson, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief and risking catastrophe in connection with a trash bin fire along Allegheny Avenue in April.

According to a police affidavit, Haberjak admitted to Glassport police he was responsible for setting the blaze with a firecracker. At the time of the incident, Haberjak was a firefighter with Citizens Hose Co. No. 1. But Glassport Police Chief Tim Kifer said Haberjak also was affiliated with Duquesne Volunteer Fire Co. and Clairton Volunteer Fire Department.

"They've been taking a lot of heat over this," Kifer said. "They're just looking for some relief."

The chief added there have been other suspicious trash bin fires set in Glassport, McKeesport and Lincoln within the past year.

Duquesne VFC Chief Richard Bodnar confirmed Haberjak joined his company in April. "He was on two runs with us, one in April and one in May," Bodnar said. "We haven't seen him since." Bodnar added Duquesne VFC met earlier this month about Haberjak's status with the company. "We were going to let him go," Bodnar added. "You have to do at least one run a month. I didn't even know what he looked like."

He said the company did a background check before bringing Haberjak aboard.

Clairton VFD Chief john Lattanzi confirmed Haberjak was a firefighter with his department since 2002.

McKeesport Daily News July 27, 2004

Five district men facing multiple arson charges

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsernail.com

Five area men are accused of multiple counts of arson. The arrests come as a result of a multi-community arson investigation coordinated by McKeesport and Glassport police.

McKeesport District Justice Thomas Brletic arraigned the men yesterday afternoon.

Several of the suspects reportedly are Glassport volunteer firefighters.

Glassport Police Chief Howard Kifer said all the men served as firefighters in a community at one point in time.

One of the men, a fire lieutenant with Glassport's Citizen Hose, was arrested last week for an alleged series of trash bin fires. William Haberjak, 21, of Port Vue, was apprehended on July 21 on charges of arson, risking a catastrophe, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. Haberjak now faces eight additional counts each of arson and criminal mischief, along with 26 counts of criminal conspiracy.

He was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation at Allegheny County Jail Behavior Clinic. Brletic set bail at $100,000 straight cash.

Also charged were Stephen Lloyd, Justin Danko, Edward Emerick and George Warman. Lloyd and Emerick reportedly were members of Glassport's Auxiliary Police. Lloyd, 21, of Trafford, is charged with 11 counts of criminal conspiracy and three counts each of risking a catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person and three counts of criminal mischief.

Danko, no age listed, of Glassport, is charged with four counts of criminal conspiracy, along with single counts of risking a catastrophe, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.

Danko and Lloyd's bails were set at $25,000 straight cash.

Emerick, 19, of McKeesport, is charged with 27 counts of criminal conspiracy and 10 counts each of arson, risking a catastrophe, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. Emerick's bail was set at $100,000 straight cash.

Warman, 20, of McKeesport, is charged with three counts each of arson and risking a catastrophe, along with 12 counts of criminal conspiracy. His bail was set at $50,000 straight cash.

Brletic ordered each man to undergo a psychological evaluation. They are scheduled to return to his courtroom Monday for a preliminary hearing.

Kifer said some of the fires involved in the investigation occurred along Lincoln Boulevard and Gardner Alley in Lincoln, Shaw Avenue and Colfax Street in McKeesport, Broad and Chambers streets in Clairton and Harrison Street in Glassport.

A press conference about the arrests is slated for later today.

McKeesport Daily News August 2, 2004

Glassport

Second quarter bills due

Residents are reminded that the second quarter of 2004 sewage payment was due Saturday to the borough of Glassport in the amount of $42. This bill was for April, May and June. Those who have not paid the second quarter bill should drop off the payment to the borough secretary's office.

This is the last payment to be made to the borough office. Residents received a bill from the water company beginning July 1.

Sewage is now based on water consumption. Residents will receive a half month's credit on the next water bill for the sewage portion.

The new rate is $13 for the first 5,000 gallons and $3 for each 1,000 gallons of water thereafter.

If you are delinquent with your past sewage payments or you think you might be, please contact the borough office for a total amount that is due. The borough is continuing an effort for strong collection of delinquents. Delinquent sewage will be subject to water shut-offs.

Children's activities set

Michael Ksiazek, chairman of parks and recreation, announces that Glassport Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Night at the Movies Aug. 28.

Fun to be a Kid Day is set for next summer.

Sponsors are sought to support these programs.

Council meetings planned

Glassport council will conduct its executive session Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.

The monthly meeting is set for Aug. 17 at 7 p.m.

Ninth Street Park to close

Glassport will lock all gates in the Ninth Street recreational area and will step up police patrols.

Anyone who may have information on recent vandalism is asked to contact police at 412-672-4514.

Anyone caught in the recreation area after closing hours will be prosecuted.

The area is open from dawn to dusk.

McKeesport Daily News August 3, 2004

Glassport Library volunteers set

Glassport Library is open on Wednesdays.

Volunteers should report on their scheduled day.

Tomorrow, Sandy Urbanski and Helen March will volunteer.

On Aug. 11, Florence Gerstner and Jenny Szmyd are scheduled.

On Aug. 18, Donna Kurucz and Dena Chottiner should report.

On Aug. 25, Bernice Palmiero and Isabel Bishop will volunteer.

McKeesport Daily News August 3, 2004

Arson suspects testify against ex-firefighters

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

Two of the five men arrested in connection with a series of fires in the Mon Valley had arson and risking catastrophe charges dropped in exchange for testifying against two former area firefighters.

William Haberjak, 21, of Port Vue; Stephen Lloyd, 21, of Trafford; Justin Danko, no age given, of Glassport; Edward Emerick, 19, of McKeesport; and George Warman, 20, of McKeesport, faced multiple charges, including arson, risking a catastrophe, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.

But after testimony by Danko, Warman, and Allegheny County Police Detective Lewis Ferguson, only Emerick, Haberjak and Lloyd will be tried on the aforementioned counts.

The charges stem from a series of abandoned structure fires inGlassport, McKeesport, Clairton and Lincoln starting in January 2003.

Four of the five men faced a preliminary hearing yesterday in McKeesport District Justice Tom Brletic's chambers.

Haberjak's hearing was postponed until Aug. 26.

Danko, with defense attorney Chuck Lopresti by his side, testified against Emerick. He said Emerick gloated about setting fire to an abandoned McKeesport home in April 2003. "He said, `Look at what a good job I did. I finally got one to set,"' Danko testified.

The McKeesport fire reportedly wasn't the first blaze started by the former firefighters. Ferguson said burning debris was found inside an abandoned bar in Lincoln in January 2003.

Burning curtains were found inside a residence along Broad Street in Clairton later that month. No structural damage was reported in either incident, Ferguson explained.

Both Emerick and Lloyd wept openly during testimony as their families looked on yesterday.

Warman, who was not a firefighter, testified that Emerick set fire to another abandoned home along Colfax Street in McKeesport in April 2003. "He poured liquid on a couch in the basement and told me to light it," Warman said. "But I had on firefighter gloves and couldn't light the lighter."

Warman said Emerick took the cigarette lighter and ignited the blaze. He also testified that Emerick and Haberjak tried to coerce him into starting more fires in Glassport and McKeesport.

Danko, a suspended firefighter with Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 in Glassport, now faces one count of criminal conspiracy.

One count of arson, one count of risking a catastrophe and one count of reckless endangerment of another person were dropped.

Warman now faces four counts of conspiracy. Three counts of arson, three counts of risking a catastrophe and eight counts of conspiracy were dropped.

Brletic maintained Emerick's bond at $100,000 straight cash. Lloyd's straight cash bond stands at $25,000. Danko is free on $25,000 bond, while Warman's bond was reduced from $50,000 to $10,000 straight cash following his testimony.

Warman's lawyer, Scott Coffey, said Emerick threatened his client in a holding area after the hearing.

A spokesperson from Brletic's office said no additional charges have been filed against Emerick.

Both Emerick and Lloyd were held for trial, which is slated to begin Oct. 7 at Allegheny County Courthouse.

McKeesport Daily News August 6, 2004

Glassport takes aim at vandals

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport officials said they've had enough of vandals damaging their town.

In recent weeks, vandals have damaged several public places within the borough. Shattered windows, broken benches and defiled baseball dugout roofs have angered residents and public officials alike. And they want it to stop.

Mayor Tom Urbanski and Police Chief Harold Kifer spent yesterday afternoon touring damaged areas of Glassport. Urbanski said he believes parents need to take more responsibility for their children. "We try so hard to give the kids nice things here, but you see what happens," the mayor said while surveying dented doors and damaged dugout bricks at the Ninth Street ballfield.

"It's a real shame." Glassport Athletic Association Secretary/ Treasurer Renee Zecchini said the dugouts and bleacher railings were painted two weeks ago. Within days, however, they were damaged. "They broke into the building and got into the register," she added. "They got on the roof and damaged it.

Zecchini said the painting was completed Sunday evening. Within hours, blocks were damaged on the dugout and a bench was broken. "We saw this Monday morning," she added. "Even the bleacher covers were ripped off. It's just really sad."

Urbanski said he plans to assign a police officer to patrol the ballfield every hour in an attempt to prevent additional vandalism incidents. "We'll be checking inside the dugouts and the ballfield on a regular basis," the mayor promised. "The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk." Kifer said those caught trespassing after hours will be cited, no questions asked.

Vandals also have pulled down the backboards at the nearby basketball court. "People here try so hard to " keep up with it and this is what you get," Kifer said. "We need to stop this and shut it down."

Another site victimized by vandals is the Glassport Youth Center along Seventh Street. Kifer said vandals have used rocks and bricks to break thick glass block windows. "They write on the walls, spread graffiti, break the windows," Kifer added as he looked out over the trash-strewn property. "There are people here constantly. We put out trash cans for them to throw out their garbage and look at it."

Urbanski said there needs to be parental involvement in keeping the center clean of vandalism. "I tell the parents at meetings we'll leave it open if there's supervision," he explained. "We can't let the kids loose and destroy it."

Areas of business in Glassport have also been vandalized, Kifer and Urbanski added. Vandals shattered windows of a tugboat operated by EZ Marine docked in Glassport, while keys from cement trucks parked outside Stone Company near Harrison Street have been stolen.

"We've taken all the keys out of the misers," employee Aaron Lusty said. Kifer added there's the threat of vandals cutting the lines mooring barges to the shore. "We can't have them loose on the river," Kifer said. "It's happened before. If it wasn't for the Coast Guard and another tug, we would have had them floating loose downstream."

Kifer and Urbanski said Glassport residents can play a vital role in preventing such incidents from taking place. "If you see anything happening, call the police," the mayor said. "We need your help in shutting this down."

McKeesport Daily News August 11, 2004

SA resident tries to give 'greedy' board last dollar

By MELISSA SPANGLER Daily News Staff Writer mspangler@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport resident on oxygen tried to give South Allegheny school directors his last dollar and called them greedy, two-faced thieves.

At last night's school board meeting, resident Billy Csorba complained to the board that the borough tax collector won't let him pay his taxes in installments. "They wanted it all in full!" he screamed. "It was $560, and my hospital bill was $800. Where am I going to get my medicine? What is wrong with you greedy people?"

Csorba said he worked at Copperweld and is getting $180 each month from them. "I'm not getting $100,000 a year for (buying out) my contract," he said, referring to former South Allegheny Superintendent Patrick Risha.

He said if the district ends up taking his house in a sheriff's sale, it will have a fight on its hands. "You better think twice," he said. District Director of Fiscal Affairs Sharon Miller said she is working with tax collectors and residents should be able to pay in installments.

Board Vice President Doris Bailley said many residents have come to her asking about the possibility of payments and she wants to work with them. "Coming up with $100 or $200 is much easier when you don't have a lot of money than $1,200 to $1,400 (for taxes)," she stressed. "We must do something. We can't cut taxes. Our hands are full."

Board President Dianne Rosche said the school district has never established a payment policy and that it would be best to form one that includes a payment plan. "If this man was denied, we need to talk to the tax collector," she said. "I would not think any tax collector would turn down tax money. You take that money and hope for the next payment."

The board discussed having a meeting with all the borough tax collectors to align policies in all district communities to allow installment payments. A date has not yet been set.

In other news, the board discussed a possible project for the middle high school baseball field. School Director Dino DiFelice moved to hire Foreman Architects Engineers Inc. to form a design plan for the project, which would cost almost $20,000.

The motion failed by a 4-3 vote, with DiFelice and school directors Russ Geary and Blair Wojton in favor. Those against it were Rosche, Bailley and directors Caroline Popovic and Falco Muscante.

Muscante said he wants to know where the money for the design plan would come from in the budget. "We knew there was a need for work to be done as long as six years ago," he said. "We need to change our spending habits. Where would it be adjusted in the budget to account for this expenditure?"

Funding of $1,500 to $2,500 was allocated for safety renovations to the field, but at a recent meeting of the building and grounds committee, Muscante said the work would just be "putting a Band-Aid on the field" and the majority of that board decided to get professional services.

DiFelice said there would be money available if Risha's contract wasn't bought out. Geary said there's the possibility of getting a grant, but attempts to secure one have failed in the past. DiFelice said he talked with Twin Rivers Council of Governments, and the district could get a matching grant through COG.

This means South Allegheny would have to fund 50 percent of the project and Twin Rivers would secure funds for the remaining half. "It would be lengthy," he said. "It wouldn't be resolved this year, but probably sometime in 2005."

McKeesport Daily News August 11, 2004

Glassport

Movie night scheduled

Glassport Recreation is having a night at the movies Aug. 21 at the honor roll along Monongahela Avenue.

Looney Tunes' "Back in Action" will be shown at 8 p.m.

Gates open at 7:30. Admission is free.

Free popcorn and soft drinks will be available.

For more information, call James Rocco at 412-758-1018.

McKeesport Daily News August 14, 2004

Ruffing, Colecchi cleared of charges

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Citations against a local state representative and the father of a primary candidate reportedly have been dropped.

State Rep. Ken Ruffing, D West Mifflin, and Ken Colecchi of Glassport had been cited for disorderly conduct and harassment after an Election Day incident.

Colecchi is the father of Jamie Colecchi, Ruffing's competition for his party's nomination in the May primary.

The charges reportedly were dropped yesterday in the courtroom of Glassport District Justice Armand Martin.

Glassport police said after the event that officers were dispatched to the Queen of Rosary Parish to resolve a dispute between Ruffing and Ken Colecchi.

The Glassport church was a polling site for the primary election, which Ruffing easily won. Jamie Colecchi finished second, ahead of Baldwin Council President Mike Ducker.

Ken Colecchi reportedly claimed Ruffing assaulted him. Ruffing reportedly claimed the elder Colecchi threatened his home and family. Both denied the claims.

Jamie Colecchi confirmed last night that the charges had been dropped. "It's good to see it's over," the younger Colecchi said. "It was an unnecessary situation." Ruffing could not be reached for comment by press time. No other information on the dropped citations was available last night.

Ruffing represents the 38th Legislative District in the state House of Representatives, serving the communities of Dravosburg, West Mifflin, Homestead, Glassport, Liberty. Port View, McKeesport, Pleasant Hills and parts of Baldwin.

Jamie Colecchi was an aid to U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D Swissvale.

McKeesport Daily News August 14, 2004

Glassport official faces charges for lost child

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

A local fire marshal and code enforcement officer has been ordered to attend parenting classes after police said a 3-year-old child in his care was found several blocks from home unattended.

Richard Harris, 38, of Glassport, was charged with endangering the welfare of children and disorderly conduct after a July 14 incident.

Glassport police said they received a radio call advising them of a lost child near the Iron & Glass Bank Credit Union in the 500 block of Monongahela Avenue.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the little girl told the responding officer and credit union employees her name, but was unable to show them where she lived. A credit union employee reportedly identified the child and said she might belong with Harris along Ohio Avenue, the affadavit said.

According to reports, the girl had been unaccounted for for more than an hour. Harris reportedly was sitting on his porch when police arrived with the girl. He then allegedly became disorderly with officers, prompting the disorderly conduct citation.

Harris' hearing was continued until December.

In the meantime, Glassport District Justice Armand Martin ordered him to attend parenting classes, according to court records.

Harris was hired as Glassport's code enforcement officer earlier this year. In addition to serving as the borough's fire marshal, Harris is a firefighter for several companies.

McKeesport Daily News August 14, 2004

Glassport

Celebration set

The Glassport Sons of Italy will host its annual Feast of the Assumption Celebration today and tomorrow. The feast began in Glassport in 1956. The annual feast is an opportunity for area residents to celebrate both their community and religious spirit.

It will take place on the street in front of the SOI club at Sixth and Allegheny streets in Glassport.

There will be games of chance, fun for children, entertainment and a full menu of homemade Italian food.

The Letter-Carriers Band will play tonight at 7 p.m. The 38-piece Redcoats Marching Band will play tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Tomorrow afternoon, there will be ravioli, spaghetti and gnocchi dinners at the hall from noon to 6 p.m.

Games and music will continue until 10 p.m. when the band will march in parade formation to the stadium where Zambelli Internationale will present a fireworks display.

McKeesport Daily News August 18, 2004

Glassport officials approve hiring of new police officer

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police soon may be adding another officer.

At last night's meeting, council approved the hiring of a fulltime officer, pending an OK from the police union. The police department has had trouble scheduling part-time officers, who often work for several communities, to fill all slots. Officials hope the new full-time position will alleviate this problem.

Councilors said they'll hire the officer who had the highest score on a recently-administered Civil Service test.

In past months, the borough reduced police hours in a budget shortfall. Council President Terry DiMarco said Glassport continues to weigh its financial options.

Recently, council met with Allegheny County Department of Community and Economic Development officials to discuss financial operations. They are waiting for the results of that report, which could include a recommendation to file for Act 47 bankruptcy.

Also last night, Councilman Ed Mihoces said the group that operated the senior citizen center moved out and closed down the center. In recent months, Mihoces said not many seniors used the center. Council members said they're not sure why the center closed without advanced notice.

Reportedly, the borough had loaned the seniors the building. Now council will consider new options for the real estate. Councilman John D'Angelo suggested they move the borough offices and police department there. The current borough building is dilapidated, he said.

Councilman James Uziel agreed, but said they first need to look into the prospect. "We need to know the condition of that building first," Uziel said. "To move from one dilapidated building to another isn't the thing to do." A meeting will be held to further discuss the possibilities.

In other business, Mayor Thomas Urbanski discussed a commercial revitalization project for the main street area with Twin Rivers Council of Governments. Council is trying to acquire a grant for the project, which would include the layout of blighted areas or conditions that may lead to blighted areas.

McKeesport Daily News August 24, 2004

Glassport residents hope pool will help in war on vandalism

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

Two Glassport residents said they are tired of their community's reputation being ruined by vandals.

James Rocco and John McCombs are doing what they can to help Glassport confront a recent run of vandalism. Both are natives and have formed the Glassport Survival Group, an organization dedicated to revitalizing their town and improving the quality of life in Glassport. "We want to bring back family values to Glassport," Rocco said. "We want to make a difference in this town."

The volunteers screened "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" Saturday night in the lawn adjacent to Glassport's honor roll. He said approximately 250 people were in attendance.

"It's nice to give something like this to the community," Rocco added. "We went through about 75 pounds of popcorn. It was incredible to have the showing we did." Rocco said he hopes to put on similar events in the coming months. "We plan on having another night at the movies next month," Rocco said. "We're moving it indoors, just in case."

Rocco added both fire companies in Glassport were at last weekend's event, handing out prizes and other gifts to the children in attendance. "We know they've been having a rough go of it lately," he said in reference to the arson arrests earlier this month. "But they wanted to show they are here and will help us."

Rocco said he hopes to win a seat on council in the next municipal election and is in the initial stages of putting together several events next summer. "We're going to have `Fun to be a Kid Day' next July," Rocco added. "We're also going to have a bike rally and a community day. We want to give the kids here something to look forward to."

Rocco said registration for next summer's "Fun to be a Kid Day" is slated for February. A petting zoo, face painting, free T-shirts and food all will be part of the celebration. Clifford the Big Red Dog is also scheduled to appear, he added. "There will be games, too," Rocco said. "But everyone will walk away a winner."

Rocco said the day will conclude with a tug of war between the participating children and members of Glassport council and volunteers. "It's gonna be a lot of fun," he added.

Rocco and McCombs said they are making efforts to reopen the town swimming pool next summer. "We're trying to get some grants from our local COG," Rocco said. "The pool needs a new vinyl lining before we can open it." He added the pool also needs to pass an inspection.

McCombs said having the pool reopened will be a huge benefit for the community. "There needs to be a place where the kids can hang out in the summer," McCombs said. "This would be one of those places."

McCombs said the pool. which opened in 1953 and was shut down this summer, always was a central figure in summer social activity in Glassport. "This place used to be packed," he said. "But people started getting their own pools and the crowds went down. But it still should be open."

Because of a lack of funds, the pool remained closed this summer. McCombs said he hopes these added events will help facilitate an improved relationship between the children and the borough of Glassport. "If you show you care, then maybe the kids will take some pride and ownership here," McCombs said. "Parents and kids were a unit at one time. Somewhere along the line, we lost that. Hopefully, we can help restore that feeling here."

McKeesport Daily News August 25, 2004

Glassport men's hearing postponed

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

A preliminary hearing involving two Glassport men was postponed.

Blake Brown, 40, and John Krivacek, 27, were arrested earlier this month on charges of burglary, criminal trespassing, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy. Glassport police said both were spotted stealing aluminum and copper from Penn Coil on Aug. 8.

An employee from CSX reportedly told police he witnessed two men fitting the description of Brown and Krivacek loading what appeared to be metallic wire inside a minivan.

Police reported they were told that both took the items to a local scrapyard in exchange for cash.

The yard's owner supplied police with a receipt and issued a written statement Aug. 10 which is to be used in court, a police affidavit said.

Both were arrested Aug. 15 along Monongahela Avenue at approximately 11:30 p.m.

McKeesport Daily News August 27, 2004

Port Vue man held for arson

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@)dailynewsernail.com

A Port Vue man faces trial for a string of arsons and criminal conspiracy. William Haberjak, 21, was ordered to stand trial yesterday following a preliminary hearing in McKeesport in connection with several suspicious fires in Glassport, McKeesport, Clairton and Lincoln starting in December 2002. Haberjak pleaded not guilty, but Elizabeth Twp. District Justice Ernest Marraccini, filling in for McKeesport magistrate Thomas Brletic, still held him for court.

The Port Vue man was charged, along with Steven Lloyd, 21, of Trafford; Edward Emerick, 19, of McKeesport; and George Warman, 20, of McKeesport; and Justin Danko, 20, of Glassport; with multiple counts of arson, conspiracy, and reckless endangerment in connection with the fires.

Emerick, Danko and Haberjak were volunteer firefighters for Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 in Glassport.

Earlier this month, Danko and Warman testified Haberjak, Emerick, and Lloyd were the main culprits in setting th e fires during a preliminary hearing before Brletic.

A police affidavit said Emerick threatened Warman following his testimony at an Aug. 2 hearing about the arsons. As a result, Emerick was charged with terroristic threats and intimidation of a witness.

Haberjak tearfully entered the courtroom yesterday and listened to the testimony of Allegheny County Police Det. Lewis Ferguson. During a July 18 interview at the Glassport police station, Ferguson said Haberjak told him he was the getaway driver during the fires.

Ferguson said Haberjak and his friends drove around the Mon Valley looking for houses to set on fire. He added Haberjak testified he concocted an unspecified homemade substance used as a fire accelerant. But he never admitted to setting the fires, Ferguson said. Haberjak admitted driving Emerick, Danko, Warman and Lloyd to the scene and dropping them off.

The men failed in their early attempts to set fires, Ferguson added. Twice, they attempted to start fires at an abandoned bar in Lincoln and at a vacant home along Broad Street in Clairton in January 2003. Ferguson testified there were remnants of burned newspapers and boxes in the center of the Lincoln bar and burned curtains in a bathtub in the Clairton home. "The problem was they did a bad job," Ferguson added. "It never started."

Ferguson said the fires took place along Chamber and Broad streets in Clairton, Colfax, Shaw, and Gardner streets in McKeesport, Lincoln Boulevard in Lincoln and Harrison Street in Glassport between December 2002 and August 2003.

Defense Attorney Terrence Ging said his client did not set the fires and added the prosecution could not assume Haberjak brought the jug of accelerant to all the fires. "There is no evidence of him participating in setting the fires," Ging added. But Assistant District Attorney Shanicka Kennedy said the prosecution has more than enough evidence to show a pattern of deviant behavior. "He admitted to taking them up there for the purpose of burning those homes down," Kennedy added. "He acted as the getaway driver and look out."

Marraccini withdrew the arson and conspiracy charge connected with the Shaw Street fire in McKeesport because of lack of evidence, but seven counts of arson and conspiracy remain.

Two property owners who were victimized by the fires in Clairton spoke out yesterday. "You'd think they would protect us," said Floyd Johnson, owner of the Spruce Street home in Clairton. "Yes, we feel violated." Johnson said the fire caused an estimated $30,000 to his home. He added his son was in the process of remodeling the residence before the incident occurred.

Fellow Clairton native Norma Hairston concurred with Johnson, saying her trust was compromised by the actions of a few. "I was really devastated," Hairston said in reference to the fire that started in a Broad Street home. "I was in shock when I heard it was the volunteers."

Hairston said she also was in the process of remodeling a home when the fires occurred.

Glassport Citizens Hose Co. No. 1 Chief Duane Lewis said he too was hurt and devastated to learn one of his own (Haberjak) could be involved with the fires. Haberjak is being held in Allegheny County Jail on $150,000 straight cash bond.

McKeesport Daily News August 30, 2004

New Glassport officer hits streets

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport has another fulltime officer patrolling the streets.

Former Dravosburg officer Cliff Lafever now is on hand to protect the citizens of Glassport, a fact that pleases Mayor Tom Urbanski. "He's an excellent officer," Urbanski added. "He's definitely top of the line and dedicated."

Urbanski said the borough needed another full-time officer to help cut back on overtime hours worked. The addition of Lafever gives Glassport three full-time officers.

Police Chief Howard Kifer said he agrees with Urbanski on the credentials Lafever brings to Glassport. "It was an excellent choice to bring him in," Kifer added. "No doubt he will be a good officer here."

Lafever spent six years patrolling the streets of Dravosburg and two and one-half years in Glassport, both on a part-time basis. Now he enjoys the security of being a full-time officer in one municipality.

The mayor said council did well in voting Lafever in as a full-time officer. "We are so proud of him," Urbanski added. "We will welcome him with open arms." The mayor added having an officer of Lafever's caliber will be an asset for the community. "It took a while but we got another full-time officer," Urbanski said. "The community of Glassport can be proud to have someone like him here.

The 43-year-old Dravosburg resident said he plans on moving across the river within the coming weeks.

He added he is also happy to have full-time status in Glassport. "Absolutely, I'm glad to be here," Lafever added.

The new officer was slated to begin his duties Sunday.

Lafever's hiring gives Glassport three full-time officers.

McKeesport Daily News September 3, 2004

Glassport bar owner held for court

By DAVID WHIPKEY Daily News Staff Writer dwhipkey@dailynewsemail.com

A Glassport bar owner charged with various drug offenses was held for court.

Gregg Cegelski, 39, of Glassport, who owns Chuggers Bar, was arrested Jan. 8 at approximately 11 p.m. He was charged with use and possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substances, manufacture, delivery, and possession of controlled substances with intent to manufacture and deliver, and manufacture or sale of false identification card.

Glassport District Justice Armand Martin held Cegelski for court Tuesday.

A police affidavit said officers were conducting bar checks in the area when they encountered a Chuggers patron who was under the age of 21. He was apprehended and taken to the Glassport police station, police added.

Police said they later were contacted by an informant who said cocaine was being dealt behind the bar. When officers returned to the establishment to investigate, Cegelski was seen throwing a clear plastic bag containing suspected cocaine, the affidavit said. Police added Cegelski ran from behind the bar into the kitchen area in the building's rear, where he eventually was apprehended.

The affidavit added Cegelski willingly informed Police Chief Howard Kifer and Officer Shawn DeVerse there were additional drugs in the kitchen. A search warrant subsequently was obtained and issued to Cegelski, the affidavit said.

Approximately 66 grams of suspected cocaine were found and later field tested, police added. The substance tested positive for cocaine, police said.

Approximately $4,000 in cash also was found, along with several items of drug paraphernalia, the affidavit added. Police said the street value of the drugs was approximately $8,000.

Cegelski was arraigned Jan. 9 in front of Martin and transported to Allegheny County Jail.

McKeesport Daily News September 3, 2004

Glassport

Public intoxication reported

Josh Skiffington, 19, of Glassport, was cited for pub lic intoxication early today. Police said Skiffington was highly intoxicated in front of his residence along Vermont Avenue shortly after 1 o'clock.

He was held until deemed sober.

McKeesport Daily News September 21, 2004

Glassport

Public intoxications reported

• Patrick Carter, 19, of Liberty, was cited for public intoxication and disorderly conduct Saturday, police reported. Police said Carter was creating a disturbance and was involved in a fight with a 17 year-old male shortly after 2 a.m. along Sixth Street at Vermont Avenue. He was cited and released.

• Kevin Cadieu, no age given, of Glassport, was cited for public intoxication Sunday, police reported. Police said he was observed being highly intoxicated and a danger to himself and others along the 400 block of Ohio Avenue shortly before 8 p.m. He was held until deemed sober.

McKeesport Daily News September 22, 2004

Glassporters may start neighborhood watch

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport residents say they're concerned with a limited police presence in the borough and they want to do something about it.

Residents last night asked council for permission to start a neighborhood watch to patrol the borough for crime.

Recently, Glassport reduced its police hours to combat a diminishing budget. The limited force makes it difficult for officers to cover the borough in patrols.

A group of residents wants to help. Residents told council about problems they are having with congregating youth. The residents described property damage, personal threats, corner drug deals and foul language they attribute to the youth.

The group also asked for a curfew reduction from 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends to 10 p.m. week-long for those under 18. "They say there's no place to go in Glassport so at 10 p.m., you take your butt home," one resident suggested. "Let their parents deal with it."

The residents also want a stricter enforcement of borough noise ordinances and more reporting of criminal incidents.

Council and the mayor agreed to meet with the residents to discuss the plan.

Council President Terry DiMarco said he thought such a neighborhood watch would be a good thing for the borough.

In other business at last night's meeting, councilors discussed a list of properties on which to place liens. They will check out the properties further to make sure each is valued at more than $100.

Council also discussed the future Third Street Sitting Park, which is being paid for with a Twin Rivers Council of Governments grant. The park's amenities will include a gazebo and playground equipment no longer being used at an old school, Councilman Michael Ksiazek said.

Ksiazek also announced that Fun to be a Kid Day is scheduled for July 23. 2005.

McKeesport Daily News September 23, 2004

Dozzi is acquitted of hitting SA chief

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A former South Allegheny School Board member was acquitted of a charge that she hit a school district police chief with her car after he arrested her husband last year.

Theresa Dozzi, 43, was acquitted of reckless endangerment by Allegheny County Judge Robert Colville Sr., but fined $25 for a summary charge of careless driving.

Prosecutors last year withdrew charges against Dozzi's husband, who was arrested Oct. 23 and accused of giving cigarettes to school children and inciting a food fight.

The Dozzis have since moved from the district and Theresa resigned from the school board.

Eugene Dozzi testified yesterday that he was sitting in the back of Chief Kristopher Kircher's police car when he saw the police officer put his knee into the side of his wife's car, then throw himself to the ground as though he had been hit.

Prosecutors said Kircher was hospitalized for four days. Theresa Dozzi and her attorney, Stanton Levenson, didn't comment after Wednesday's verdict.

McKeesport Daily News September 27, 2004

Glassport

Underage drinking cited

Police said three 14-yearold area youths were cited Friday for underage drinking and disorderly conduct. Police said they were picked up at 11:45 p.m. along Sixth Street in the vicinity of Cypress Alley and taken to the police station for holding. They later were released.

Harassment charge filed

Terrance Abraham, 43, of Glassport, was charged Saturday with harassment. Police said Abraham threw a bucket of water on a female acquaintance shortly before 4 a.m. He was cited and released.

Disorderly conduct reported

Amanda Ofcansky, 24, Mike Tutko, 19, both of White Oak, and Mindy Riley, no age given, McKeesport, all were cited for disorderly conduct in connection with a fight outside a club along Sixth Avenue yesterday, according to a report. Police said the incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m.

McKeesport Daily News September 30, 2004

Worried Glassport residents explore neighborhood watch

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport residents are joining forces to combat a problem concerning loitering youths. Residents in the Sixth Street and Vermont Avenue area say they're fed up with teens hanging on the corners at all hours of the night. They say they're sick of the loud, abusive language and the damage to property.

The residents are trying to start a neighborhood watch to help police keep a better eye on the area. Eric Baker, a member of the Concerned Neighborhood Citizens, said they'd like to patrol the neighborhoods. "This way we can let the cops know where the problems are," Baker explained.

Glassport's police hours were cut back recently in an effort to tighten a troublesome borough budget.

Baker said officers do what they can but can't do it all alone. "They can't be everywhere at once. We would be an extra set of eyes." Borough officials said they plan to sit down with the residents to discuss the plan.

Baker said the problem with the youths has been ongoing for several years. The kids range in age from 12 to 17, neighbors said, and they stay out as late as 4 a.m. Vehicles, mailboxes and other property reportedly have been damaged.

Police Chief Howard Kifer said residents should call the police when incidents occur. Even if damage is already done, they should file a report.

Officers plan to patrol the area, but with a limited police force and difficulty with the juvenile system, their hands often are tied, he said.

Baker said he hopes the residents can get started on the neighborhood watch. "I think public safety should come above all else," Baker said.

McKeesport Daily News October 5, 2004

Glassport

Disorderly conduct cited

Three people were cited over the weekend for disorderly conduct, police said.

• Kenneth Albeck, 35, of Glassport, was cited Friday night along Ohio Avenue.

• Joseph Donovan, 24, and Anthony McCallister, 47, both of Glassport, were cited early Saturday morning along Ohio Avenue.

Criminal mischief noted

A 15-year-old Glassport boy was cited Friday for criminal mischief, police said.

McKeesport Daily News October 11, 2004

Glassport

Halloween date set

The borough's Halloween parade is set for Oct. 30 at 5 p.m.

Lineup will begin at Sixth Street and continue to the Glassport Honor Roll. Trick-or-treating will follow the parade from 6 to 8 p.m. Parents are reminded to have their children wear reflective clothing and to check the candy their children bring home.

The siren will sound when trick-or-treating begins and ends.

McKeesport Daily News October 12, 2004

Glassport

Trespassing reported

Police said three male juveniles were trespassing at the site of the old Glassport Elementary School Sunday.

Police said they were observed along the 200 block of Ohio Avenue shortly after midnight, were cited and released.

Public intoxication cited

Police said David Rusnock, 26, of Port Vue, was cited for public intoxication near the intersection of Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue Sunday. Rusnock was observed being a danger to himself and others, police said, and was held until deemed sober.

McKeesport Daily News October 13, 2004

Glassport UM planning pork dinner

Glassport United Methodist Church will sponsor a breaded pork cutlet dinner Saturday from 2-5 p.m.

Dinners at $6.50 per adult and $4 per child ages 12 and younger will include breaded pork cutlet, gravy and mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, applesauce, dessert and beverage.

Free delivery in the Glassport area and take-out orders will be available. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Additional information is available by calling Vina March at 412-678-8312.

McKeesport Daily News October 20, 2004

Glassport to enforce curfew

By JENNIFER EISEL Daily News Staff Writer jeisel@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport youth soon may have to be home a little bit earlier than they like.

Solicitor Gary Matta explained the terms for the proposed curfew ordinance at last night's council meeting. Matta based the new ordinance on past borough curfew laws. He said he made a few changes to make the ordinance "meet today's standards."

Under the proposed ordinance, during the school year borough youth under 18 would have to be indoors by 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday the time would be moved to 11 p.m.

During the summer, the curfew is planned for 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. all week.

Fines would be handed out to parents or businesses that allow children to be out past curfew.

The solicitor noted that a few exceptions will be made for youth who are working past curfew, are on an emergency errand, or are participating in a school or church activity. Those individuals out past curfew for any of the above reasons would have to carry a permission slip from a parent or guardian at all times. The permission slip would have to be dated and signed by a parent each and every time a youth is out past curfew.

As proposed, youngsters would not be permitted to carry one general permission slip. Council plans to vote on the ordinance at its next meeting.

Borough officials hope the proposal will help eliminate some problems they have had with youth being disruptive, especially at late hours.

Mayor Tom Urbanski said he observed area youths for a few hours and witnessed them yelling obscenities. The borough also plans to distribute tip cards around the area to help police catch those causing disruptions. The tip cards will allow residents to report to police where they may have witnessed a disturbance.

Police then plan to look into the incident. The cards are set to be placed in local businesses and at the police station.

Council also is looking into creating some form of a community block watch. The mayor said he plans to hold a meeting for any interested residents. The borough has ordered literature to help them on the matter. "We're hoping for a good turnout," Councilman Eugene Skerkoski said.

In other borough news, Council President Terry DiMarco said he has submitted a grant request to state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, for $20,000, which would allow the borough to purchase a new police car. DiMarco said he also talked with a dealer who will allow the borough to purchase a new 2005 vehicle at a 2004 price. "It's been bleeding us to death in maintenance (the old police car)," DiMarco said. "We can't wait to get a new car, instead of one always breaking down."

Glassport Development Corp. will hold a Get to Know Our Business and Movie Night kickoff event tonight. From 5 to 6, residents will have the chance to participate in special sidewalk sales and giveaways. A scavenger hunt also will take place. Residents can receive a stamp from each participating business and can qualify for a grand prize drawing. A movie will be shown at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 443 Social Hall. The featured presentation is "The Haunted Mansion." Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

McKeesport Daily News October 25, 2004

Glassport

Public intoxication cited

Daniel Gribschaw Jr., 27, of West Mifflin, was charged with public intoxication. Police said they picked up Gribschaw Saturday at approximately 2 a.m. at 601 Allegheny Ave.

Sign tampering reported

Borough police are cracking down on anyone caught tampering with political signs. Police Chief Howard Kiefer said anyone caught destroying or removing political signs will be prosecuted and, if convicted, will face jail time and / or fines.

McKeesport Daily News October 25, 2004

Glassport

Halloween activities slated

Glassport's Halloween parade will take place Saturday at 5 p.m.

Sign-ups will be at the borough offices between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The last day for sign-ups will be Friday.

The line-up will be at Sixth Street and Monongahela Avenue and continue up Main Street to the Honor Roll where children will be judged by various individuals.

Also, Boy Scout Troops 57 and 54 of Glassport and Port Vue will distribute treat bags.

McKeesport Daily News October 29, 2004

Glassport Rosary Society to gather

Rosary Society of Queen of the Rosary Parish, Glassport, will gather Monday at 7 p.m. in the social hall.

A decade of the rosary will open the meeting led by Corrine Hopkins, president.

A prayer service will be offered for the poor souls. Reports will be given by the chairwomen. Plans will be finalized for the annual Christmas party, Dec. 6, at the Rock Run Inn.

Transportation will be provided for the members. Reservations will be accepted at the meeting.

Members of Group II, led by Ann Kula, will serve as hostesses.

The group will gather Nov. 7 to pray the rosary for world peace. Kula and members of Group II will lead the prayers.

McKeesport Daily News November 6, 2004

Glassport mourns tax collector

By JENNIFER EISEL Daily News Staff Writer jeise@dailynewsemail.com

Carol Pasinski is being remembered as an active member in her community and an entrepreneur. Pasinski, 59, who was Glassport's tax collector, died Wednesday at UPMC Shadyside.

"A good sister, loving sister-in-law, great entrepreneur and all around great kind soul," Pasinski's sister-in-law Barb Radecki said when recalling her late family member.

Pasinski served her community as Glassport's tax collector for the past six years, a job she enjoyed, Radecki said. "Anything with figures she liked," she said.

Pasinski was proprietor of Pasinski and Associates and president of Service Master by Pasinski.

She also was a member of Glassport Democratic Committee, Lions Club and Queen of the Rosary Church.

"She was just interested and wanted to make things better," Radecki said on Pasinski's community involvement.

Pasinski leaves behind her three children, Jennifer, Janelle and Jimmy Pasinski, all of Glassport.

"She just will be missed by everyone who knew her," said Radecki.

McKeesport Daily News November 8, 2004

Glassport

Disorderly conduct cited

Dennis Kudrec, 51, of Glassport, Is charged with disorderly conduct for an incident that occurred Oct. 30.

Police said Kudrec was causing a disturbance along Monongahela Avenue and fighting with police.

Public intoxication noted

Derek Brown, 40, of McKeesport, was cited with public intoxication and two counts of retail theft Thursday at approximately 5 p.m.

Police said Brown was apprehended along North Monongahela Avenue. Brown stole $33 in steaks from the Foodland and $36 in clothing from Dollar General, police said.

Criminal mischief cited

Donald Braucher, 20, Dustin Rivera, 19, and a 15-year-old male, all of Glassport, were charged with criminal mischief and damage to vehicles.

Police said the three shot out the windows from approximately 20 vehicles with BB gun pellets between Sept. 3 and 4.

McKeesport Daily News November 9, 2004

Glassport

Disorderliness cited

Two people were cited with disorderly conduct yesterday, police said.

• Robert Donofrio, 58, of Glassport, charged for an incident that occurred at his home along N. Monongahela Avenue at approximately 1:30 p.m. He also was cited with intoxication.

• Sharon Sisk, 47, of Glassport, was cited along N. Monongahela Avenue at approximately 1:30 p.m. yes terday. Police also charged her with intoxication.

McKeesport Daily News November 9, 2004

Glassport

Parade winners named

Halloween parade winners recently were announced by Michael Ksiazek, chairman of parks and recreation.

The divisions are as follows with the winners:

First place Angela Lundberg, prettiest; Nicole Hughes, funniest; Zacchary Beauchamp, scariest; Lexis Campaneo, most original; and Jonah Price, cutest.

Second place Makyla McShane, prettiest; Kirstie Cross, funniest; Chris Joseph, scariest; Riley Patrick, cutest; and Dylan Papson, most original.

Third place Mikala Gindlesperger, prettiest; Gage Harmon, funniest; Chris Mosqueda, scariest; Sean Candelaria, cutest; and Katie Jones, most original.

First-place winners will receive $15, second place $10 and $5 for third place. Winners may pick up their prize at the borough office. Winners' names will be placed on the door.

McKeesport Daily News November 17, 2004

Glassport

Library volunteers set

Glassport Library is open Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Dorothy Manzlak and Gail Kwolek will volunteer today. Betty Gaydos and Dena Chottiner are scheduled for tomorrow.

The library will be closed Nov. 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving.

McKeesport Daily News November 17, 2004

Glassport UM slates soup, bake sale

Glassport United Methodist Church, 501 Ohio Ave., will sponsor a super soup and bake sale Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Soups will be available for $3 per pint or $6 per quart. This is a take-out only event.

Advance orders are being accepted by calling Vina March at 412-678-8312.

Free delivery is available in the Glassport area.

Featured homemade soups will include chicken noodle, vegetable, potato beef, chili, potato, wedding, clam chowder, ham and bean, five bean and stuffed pepper.

McKeesport Daily News November 17, 2004

Glassport appoints replacement for late tax collector

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport councilors have appointed a new tax collector to replace the late Carol Pasinski. Pasinski's term runs through the end of 2005. Last night, council appointed Jennifer Pasinski to fulfill the remainder of her mother's term.

In other business, council plans to start work on next year's budget in the near future. Last year, council held the line on taxes, keeping millage at 4.85 mills. This year, council has faced many budgetary woes, with cuts including the layoffs of some borough employees and a reduction in police hours.

In August, council found funds to hire a full-time police officer.

Council met with representatives from the state Department of Community and Economic Development to discuss financial operations. Council awaits the findings, which could include a recommendation to file for Act 47 distressed status.

McKeesport Daily News November 17, 2004

Glassport

Citations filed

Walter Plesniak Jr., 41, of Glassport, was cited for harassment and disorderly conduct Thursday night along Monongahela Avenue, police said.

Residents warned

Police Chief Howard Kifer is urging residents to buckle up this holiday season. Police strictly will be enforcing seat belt laws this week.

McKeesport Daily News November 30, 2004

Glassport Lions planning events

Glassport Lions Club is announcing December activities.

A business meeting is planned Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Sons of Italy Lodge 941 in Glassport. Co-hosts will be John Palmiero and Tony Campano.

The annual Christmas party will take place Friday at Elks Lodge 11 in West Mifflin.

Members will attend the Christmas Around the World benefit for diabetes research at Stratigos Banquet Hall.

The club is sponsoring a nut sale including cashews, mixed nuts with macadamias and classic mixed nuts along with pecan puddles. Orders are being accepted by calling 412-678-1954 or 412-673-0881.

McKeesport Daily News December 8, 2004

Glassport

Belt findings reported

Police issued 46 citations for seat belt violations over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Project coordinator Cliff LaFever said the study found seat belt usage at about 70 percent, a rate he would like to see increase.

Residents are urged to buckle up, and officers will be running another seat belt program during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

McKeesport Daily News December 17, 2004

Glassport native Bradley gets auxiliary bishop post

By PATRICK CLOONAN, Daily News Staff Writer December 17, 2004

Glassport is rejoicing over the naming of a native son as an auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. "Oh my gosh, how nice, wow," Borough Secretary Nancy Piazza-Whaby said when told of the Very Rev. Paul Bradley's elevation. "He's very well known in Glassport, a very nice family." Advertisement

"Growing up in Glassport was a tremendous foundation," Bradley recalled at a news conference announcing Pope John Paul II's decision to elevate Bradley, the diocesan general secretary and vicar general.

"The Holy Father has given the Diocese of Pittsburgh a wonderful Christmas present," Bishop Donald Wuerl said. "Father Bradley is blessed with many priestly talents and pastoral abilities."

Bradley, 59, said the seeds that grew into those talents and abilities were planted in St. Cecelia's parish in Glassport.

"Glassport was a wonderful community in those days, and still is," said the son of the late John and Cecelia Bradley. "The focus of our life very much was the church, St. Cecelia's parish in Glassport. Our family was very involved in the life of the parish and it became a part of our family existence."

The bishop-elect attended St. Cecelia Grade School before going on to the Benedictines' St. Meinrad Seminary in southern Indiana. After his ordination in 1971, he served as a parochial vicar (assistant pastor) in Ross Twp., Butler and Lawrenceville.

In 1982, he became part of the bishop's staff as director of the Office of Family Life. He became diocesan secretary for social concerns in 1988 and served in that post until 1994.

In that same year, St. Cecelia's was merged with Holy Cross to form Queen of the Rosary parish. The current pastor there thought something was up two weeks ago.

"On Nov. 30 we had Vespers at St. Paul Seminary (in Crafton) celebrating the 150th anniversary of (Pope Pius IX proclaiming the doctrine of the) Immaculate Conception," the Rev. Casimir Kedzierski said. "Father Bradley was the assisting priest."

Bradley already knew the news, even if he didn't say so when they shook hands, Kedzierski said. "He was very happy and in good spirits."

He returned to parish life in 1991 as co-pastor of Madonna del Castello in Swissvale. He returned to his first assignment, St. Sebastian in Ross Twp., as pastor in 1994.

In 2001, he succeeded a Munhall native, the Rev. Leo Vanyo, as pastor of St. Paul Cathedral. He served the central church of the Pittsburgh diocese for the next two years.

"In a very special way, I salute all the priests of this great diocese," Bradley said in prepared remarks accepting his appointment. "I am particularly grateful to Bishop Donald Wuerl for his tremendous example of what it means to be a bishop of the church, to be a strong and courageous leader, while still being a compassionate and pastoral shepherd."

Those remarks also celebrated the bishop-elect's parents "who are already enjoying their heavenly reward," as well as others in "my extended family, who are so important in my life."

The family ties aren't intertwined quite as much these days in Glassport - of Bradley's seven siblings and 12 nieces and nephews, only one niece is still there, a member of Queen of the Rosary who lives with her family along Monongahela Avenue.

But there are other Mon-Yough ties for the bishop-elect, a member of boards of McKeesport's Auberle and its Pauline Auberle Foundation.

And there's an invitation for Bradley to come home soon.

"I would like to invite him to have the confirmation here in Glassport," Kedzierski said. "In the spring usually we have a confirmation here. The whole of Glassport would be very uplifted."

Bradley's ordination is Feb. 2 at St. Paul Cathedral. His appointment brings the diocese back to three bishops, with Wuerl as ordinary principal bishop, and Bradley joining the Very Rev. William Winter as auxiliary bishop.

McKeesport Daily News December 21, 2004

Drug suspects arrested in Glassport

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport police and the Allegheny County District Attorney's Narcotics Enforcement Team nabbed five suspected drug dealers over the weekend. Warrants were issued for four additional suspects who hadn't been picked up as of this morning.

Glassport Police Chief Howard Kifer said the suspects were charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver and delivery of a controlled substance.

The arrests, which began Friday, were the result of months of investigation, Kifer said. The chief said drug dealers aren't welcome in Glassport. "We're glad we are getting rid of them," Kifer said.

Those arrested to date include: Jason Nolfi, 36, of Glassport; Jamie Lombardi, 41, of Glassport; William Seitz, 40, of Glassport; David Benner, 43, of Glassport; and Richard Kostyzak, 39, of Glassport.

Kifer said heroin, crack cocaine and prescription drugs were involved in the sweep.

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF GLASSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL DECEMBER 21,2004.

The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Glassport Borough Council was called to order.

Roll Call:

D'Angelo, present; DeSue, present; Ksiazek, present; Mihoces, absent; Skerkoski, present; Uziel, absent; DiMarco, present; Mayor Urbanski, present;

Motion made by Ksiazek, second by DeSue to hear resident requests and complaints.

Mary Jane Stanzak -1 am here once again about the smell that is coming from the pump station on Naomi Avenue.

DeSue -1 have purchased various additives to eliminate the odor.

Stanzak- The sewage employees should be monitoring this. It is their job. I am sure they can smell the smell. I can smell it at my house.

Urbanski -1 will meet with Mr. DeSue and the borough engineer and we will go up and look at the problem.

Stanzak - Also, the police need to be up in our area more often after school is out. The no trespassing signs are not doing any good. The kids are up there on quads and bikes doing wheelies between 6:00 and 8:00 P.M.

Urbanski - We will have the police up there to patrol more often during those times. Motion made by Skerkoski, second by D'Angelo to resume regular order of business.

FINANCE and ADMINISTRATION - Terry DiMarco Monthly report given.

A special meeting will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. to pass the borough budget.

PARKS and RECREATION - Mike Ksiazek

The borough workers are putting together the equipment for Harrison street. The county requires that the grant be fulfilled by the end of this calendar year. They will have to be done by the end of next week.

The Third Street Park will be started in the spring.

Monthly Sanitation report given.

Recycling is not being collected at this time because the fire truck used is down for repairs. Anyone who has recycling is requested to drop it off in the bin located on Allegheny Avenue by the fire hall. It will be in the newspaper when they will begin again.

Keystone Municipal is making a strong attempt to collect the delinquent garbage. They will be putting judgments against those who owe.

SEWAGE - John DeSue Monthly report given.

STREET and LIGHT - Jim Uziel Monthly report given.

The one ton dump truck is currently out of service due to the transmission going bad. Mayor Urbanski has helped us out once again by securing someone to fix it for us at a very fair price. We are looking to get that piece of equipment back on the road as soon as possible since it is vital in taking care of snow removal.

POLICE and ORDINANCE - Eugene Skerkoski Monthly meter report given.

FIRE, AMBULANCE, TRCOG, CODE ENFORCEMENT - John D'Angelo

Monthly ambulance report given.

Monthly fire report given.

Monthly Code Enforcement Officer report given.

Urbanski: I spoke to the zoning officer several days ago, and he has about four or five problems with local businesses in regard to signs and blinking lights and things of that nature. He is asking for directions on which way to go with these people. I am going to call him back and tell him to cite those who are in violation and have a hearing at the magistrate. He had also commented that RHC #2 has a sign on their building that blinks also.

Skerkoski: I think the ordinance reads that if the sign is impairing the vision of the motorists then it is a problem.

Urbanski - The other problem he has is that a local business wants to put a sign coming off of the DRAVOSBURG Bridge. I am not sure who owns the property. That is who has to be contacted.

Monthly TRCOG report given.

Glassport will host the TRCOG meeting on October 27, 2005.

DiMarco - Carla from TRCOG called me this evening and said we were approved for $23,900 for demolition money for 2005. She suggested we use this money for demolition, but if we choose to use it for another project, we can.

MAYOR'S REPORT - Thomas Urbanski Monthly police report given. Monthly juvenile report given. Monthly adult arrest report given.

Urbanski -1 would like to comment on the satellite ID center they are opening in McKeesport. This will be a great help to our police department. It will save them from going to Pittsburgh.

Skerkoski -1 think this will save our police department a lot of time and money. It will save our officers from going to Pittsburgh for night court. It is open until 4:00 A.M. and will be a great asset for us.

Urbanski -1 would also like to report that Ed Mihoces has a broken foot which is why he is not here this evening.

We will also begin free parking on the main street tomorrow, December 22, 2004 through the first of the year.

I read in the paper today, and I think council and the borough family should be proud of Rev. Paul Bradley on his appointment of Bishop. I would like a resolution drawn up in honor of him.

Motion made by D'Angelo second by Ksiazek to prepare a resolution honoring Rev. Paul Bradley on his recent appointment.

Skerksoki - The policy and procedure manual for the police department is complete. I sent the last two sections to the solicitor for his comments.

SOLICITOR - Gary Matta

Ordinance Number 1066, the borough budget will be passed at the special meeting on December 30, 2004.

Ordinance Number 1067 affixing the tax levy will also be passed at that time. Proposals are being accepted for the 2005 Tax Anticipation Loan for the borough.

The COPS Fast information was forwarded to the Department of Justice.

Resolution No. 1 (12-21-04) the 2005 Minimum Municipal Obligation which will change the amount contributed from the police from 5.0% to 2.5%.

Motion made by Ksiazek, second by D'Angelo to accept the reading of Resolution #1 (12-21-04) the Minimum Municipal Obligation.

Motion made by D'Angelo, second by Skerkoski to accept reports and move onto communications.

COMMUNICATIONS

Allegheny Regional Asset District - Sales and Use Tax Fund Act 77 - received a check in the amount of $7,247.69

Received checks from Keystone Municipal Service Co. in the amount of: Current Earned Income - $25,022.74; Delinquent Earned Income Collections - $12.58.

A tax refund will be issued to John Gniazdowski, Jr. for 517 Monongahela Avenue for real estate taxes that were paid in 2004.

Tax Collector's report for the Month of November, 2004: Balance Collectable - beginning of month $115,679.55 Face Amount $ 3,073.48 Balance collectable for end of month $112,606.07 Face amount of collections $ 3,073.48 Penalties $ 306.36 Discounts $ 14.00 Total cash collected $ 3,366.84 Per Capita/other $ 334.60 Other occupation taxes $ 330.00 Total cash collected $ 4,031.44

A letter from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation that due to a computer software program we will be receiving their check in several more weeks.

A check from Allegheny County District Court in the amount $348.86 for JP Violations for the month of November, 2004.

A letter from Griffith, McCague & Wallace, PC regarding Duquesne Light Company vs. Allegheny Rebar, Inc. Bankruptcy case number 04-31042, File no. 10464.041876.

United States Bankruptcy Court vs. Allegheny Rebar, Inc. and Duquesne Light Company. Hearing date is December 28, 2004 at 9:30 A.M.

United States Bankruptcy Court vs. Michael J. and Michelle Snyir - Chapter 13 at 11:30 A.M. in room 3251, US Steel Tower, 600 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

The Hartford Group Annuity Contract GA-4005 Borough of Glassport Police Pension Fund and Service Employees Pension Fund - 1/01/05 - 12/31/05 - Minimum guaranteed rate of 3%.

Announcement of House Bill 197 - "Local Tax Enabling Act" - affecting several boroughs. The authorized amount to levy would range from $10 to $52. The proposal created a restricted usage of the EMST to be used only for:

Local police, fire, or emergency services road construction and/or maintenance reduction of property taxes.

We will draw up an ordinance to adopt this local tax from $10 to $52 and to raise the annual salary to $12,000 and over for those eligible to pay.

Twin Rivers COG - Third Street Sitting Park Development ($20,000) - Ken Barrick received a check in the amount of $13,372.30 for the payment of Invoice #3716, dated 9/20/04 for the aforementioned project.

NEW BUSINESS

Allegheny County Boroughs Association banquet will be held on February 12, 2005 at the Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh in the Allegheny Ballroom. Hospitality hour will be at 5:45 P.M. and dinner is at 7:00 P.M. Cost is $60 per person.

Month of November, 2004 Minutes have been submitted.

Motion made by D'Angelo second by Skerkoski to approve minutes.

Tax Anticipation Loan proposals have been received by First Commonwealth Bank in the amount of $415,000.00 with an interest rate of 2.89% for the rate as of this date. Also a proposal submitted by National City in the amount not to exceed $450,000.00 at a tax free interest rate of 3.63% with the main depository relationship a tax free fixed interest rate of 3.30%. Repayment is interest monthly and principal due at maturity.

A special meeting will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. in the Glassport Borough Council Chambers where the 2005 Borough Budget, 2005 Sewage Budget and Tax Levy Ordinances will be passed along with the EMS tax replacing the Occupational Privilege Tax in the amount from $10 to $52 per person making in excess of $12,000 in wages.

Motion made by Uziel second by Skerkoski to approve communications.

Motion made by Ksiazek second by D'Angelo to approve the 2005 Minimum Municipal Obligation as prepared by Mockenhaupt Benefits Group.

Motion made by Skerkoski second by D'Angelo to adjourn.

Submitted by: Andrea Foster

McKeesport Daily News December 22, 2004

Glassport budget has tax increase

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrnbaker@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport residents likely will see a 2-mill increase in taxes next year.

Council is considering hiking millage from 4.85 to 6.85 mils. Each mill generates approximately $96,000 to $120,000 for the borough, depending on the rate of collection.

Council did not raise taxes last year.

The 2005 borough budget is currently estimated at $1,532,760. Council formally will adopt the budget at a special meeting Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. at council chambers.

In other business at last night's meeting, council decided to change its Occupational Privilege Tax to the Emergency and Municipal Service Tax, as now allowed by state law per House Bill 197. The rate per borough worker will go from $10 to $52 per year. Those who make less than $12,000 are exempt. The money can be used for police, fire, EMS, road work, and the reduction of property taxes under the state legislation. Many local municipalities are adopting similar increases.

Council President Terry DiMarco said this increase helped the borough stave off additional millage hikes. DiMarco said he thanked council and the borough secretaries for help in preparing the 2005 budget. "We worked all year," DiMarco said. He added that council has formulated a two-year plan to help the borough get out of its financial woes. This year, the borough laid off some employees to adjust to a budget deficit. DiMarco said the tax hike will help even things out again. Some budget items still being worked out for next year include the police and street department contracts and whether the borough will have enough money to open the swimming pool.

The borough will not enter into Act 47 bankruptcy, however, despite its financial struggles. DiMarco said he hopes the new plan will prevent any future budget deficits. Also last night, council lowered the minimum municipal obligation for its police force from 5 to 2.5 percent. The obligation is the amount of salary officers are required to put into their pension funds annually.

McKeesport Daily News December 22, 2004

Glassport

Disorderly conduct cited

Sharon Ann Sisk and Anthony McCallister, both 47, and of Glassport, were cited for disorderly conduct and public intoxication last night along Ohio Avenue, police said.

SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2004 7:00 PM - BUDGET MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS

THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE GLASSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY TERRY DIMARCO, PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL.

ROLL CALL VOTE: D'ANGELO, PRESENT; DESUE, PRESENT; KSIAZEK, PRESENT; MIHOCES, PRESENT; SKERKOSKI, PRESENT; UZIEL, PRESENT; DIMARCO, PRESENT; MAYOR URBANSKI, PRESENT.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

MOTION: UZIEL SECONDED BY SKERKOSKI TO HEAR COMPLAINTS AND REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT.

MOTION CARRIED. MOTION: UZIEL SECONDED BY SKERKOSKI TO RESUME TO THE REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS.

MOTION CARRIED.

ORDINANCE NO. 1066 - 2005 BOROUGH BUDGET - PASSAGE MOTION: KSIAZEK SECONDED BY UZIEL

TO APPROVE THE 2005 BOROUGH BUDGET OF THE BOROUGH OF GLASSPORT.

MOTION CARRIED.

ROLL CALL VOTE: D'ANGELO, NO; DESUE, YES; KSIAZEK, YES; MIHOCES, YES; SKERKOSKI, YES; UZIEL, YES; DIMARCO, YES

ORDINANCE NO. 1067 - TAX LEVY FOR 2005 (6.85 MILLS)

MOTION: UZIEL SECONDED BY SKERKOSKI

APPROVE TAX LEVY ORDINANCE NO. 1067 AT THE MILLAGE RAGE OF 6.85 MILLS.

MOTION CARRIED.

ROLL CALL VOTE: D'ANGELO, NO; DESUE, YES; KSIAZEK, YES; MIHOCES, NO; SKERKOSKI, YES; UZIEL, YES; DIMARCO, YES

ORDINANCE NO. 1068 - EMS TAX FOR 2005 TAKE ACTION AT THE JANUARY 2005 REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING. ADVERTISE THE EMS TAX ONCE MORE. THIS WILL BE ADVERTISED ON JANUARY 12,2005.

COUNCILMAN JOHN DESUE PROPOSED A MONTHLY INCREASE OF $1.00 WHICH IS INCLUDED IN MY 2005 SEWAGE BUDGET. IT IS GOING TO GO TO $14.00 A MONTH. A MONTHLY MINIMUM OF $14.00 INSTEAD OF $13.00.

MAYOR URBANSKI COMMENTED THAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS.

EUGENE SKERKOSKI ASKED HOW MUCH WILL THAT REALIZE US?

DESUE COMMENTED $24,000 A YEAR. JOHN D'ANGELO ASKED DO WE HAVE TO PASS THIS BUDGET TONIGHT?

SOLICITOR GARY MATTA REMARKED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A BUDGET IN PLACE THIS EVENING.

JOHN D'ANGELO SAID I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE SOME DISCUSSION ON THIS BEFORE WE PASS THIS.

MAYOR URBANSKI SAID IF WE GIVE TWO READINGS TONIGHT AND NEXT REGULAR MEETING GIVE THE THIRD READING WOULD THIS BE ALRIGHT?

SOLICITOR GARY MATTA STATED THAT WE CAN GIVE FINAL PASSAGE IN JANUARY, 2005.

JOHN D'ANGELO SAID I WOULD LIKE TO COMPARE LAST YEAR TO THIS YEAR. I THINK THAT IT IS PRUDENT TO DO THIS.

JOHN DESUE SAID MAYBE A LITTLE COMPARISON FROM LAST YEAR WOULD BE GOOD BEING THAT THERE IS A NEW CHAIRMAN IN SEWAGE.

ORDINANCE NO. 1069 - 2005 SEWAGE BUDGET MOTION: D'ANGELO SECONDED BY SKERKOSKI

TO APPROVE THE FIRST AND SECOND READINGS OF THE SEWAGE BUDGET FOR 2005 - ORDINANCE NO. 1069.

MOTION CARRIED.

TAX ANTICIPATION LOAN #1 (12/30/04) SPECIAL MEETING 2005 - FIRST COMMONWEALTH BANK - $415,000.00 - 2.89% INTEREST

MOTION: DESUE SECONDED BY UZIEL

TO PASS THE RESOLUTION AS READ AND MAKE A PART OF BOROUGH RECORDS THAT THE FIRST COMMONWEALTH BANK BE APPROVED FOR THE TAX ANTICIPATION LOAN FOR 2005 IN THE AMOUNT OF $415,000.00 WITH AN INTEREST RATE OF 2.89%.

MOTION CARRIED.

QUESTION: MAYOR URBANSKI ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY BIDS OPENED OR DELIVERED?

TERRY DIMARCO STATED THAT HE DIDN'T OPEN ANY.

SOLICITOR GARY MATTA COMMENTED THAT DCED AND MYSELF HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THAT FOR THREE MONTHS. THE OTHER BANKS INTEREST RATE WAS EVEN HIGHER THAN FIRST COMMONWEALTH BANK.

JOHN D'ANGELO COMMENTED THAT I WAS CONCERNED THAT WE WOULD EVEN GET A TAX ANTICIPATION LOAN.

SOLICITOR COMMENTED THAT SUZANNE PARKS WITH FIRST COMMONWEALTH WAS VERY INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING US TO GET THIS LOAN. THESE FUNDS WILL BE TRANSFERRED ON THE 4™ OF JANUARY, 2005.

MAYOR URBANSKI SAID LAST YEAR WE PAID 1.9% AND IT COST US AROUND $6,000 AND IT LIKE LIKE IT DOUBLED FOR THIS YEAR.

TERRY DIMARCO SAID THAT SKY BANK DID NOT WANT TO OFFER US ANYTHING AND THAT IS WHY WE DIDN'T GO THERE.

EUGENE SKERKOSKI SAID I GAVE YOU A COPY OF THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL IN REGARDS TO THE TRANSPORTING OF PRISONERS FOR THE POLICE OFFICERS TO USE COME THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. FOR THE POLICY AND PROCEDURE WOULD LIKE TO AMEND THE TWO NEW SECTIONS.

MOTION: SKERKOSKI SECONDED BY D'ANGELO

TO APPROVE THE FIRST READING OF THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION: UZIEL SECONDED BY SKERKOSKI

TO MOVE ON TO OTHER BOROUGH BUSINESS. MOTION CARRIED.

REMARKS:

JAMES UZIEL, STREET DEPARTMENT - ANYONE WHO RIDES THROUGH TOWN WOULD SEE THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN VERY MUCH WORK DONE ON THE BOROUGH ROADS. DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS FOR 2005 ALL MEMBERS OF COUNCIL WERE AWARE THAT NOT MUCH STREET DEPARTMENT REPAIR WAS DONE. SOME FUNDING WAS SET ASIDE FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION SUCH AS WALL AND MINNESOTA AVENUE. BADLY IN NEED OF REPAIR. WE DID DO SOME SPOT PATCHING BUT WE DID NOT PATCH THE AREAS THE WAY WE WANT TO. WE ARE DOING THE BEST WITH THE FUNDING THAT IS AVAILABLE. WE ARE GOING TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE DUMP TRUCK. DIFFICULT TO KEEP VEHICLES IN WORKING ORDER. THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT THEY ARE ABOUT TO KEEP THE EQUIPMENT IN RUNNING ORDER.

MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS - JAMES UZIEL, CHAIRMAN - COUNCIL TO TAKE A VERY HARD LOOK AT THE PRESENT BUILDING. WE SHOULD MAYBE LOOK TO A NEW SITE.

MAYOR URBANSKI SAID CAN I TAKE YOU UP TO PORT VUE AND COMPARE TO WHAT WE HAVE HERE? PORT VUE GOT SOME GRANTS AND PURCHASED SOME EQUIPMENT.

MR. DIMARCO PURCHASED SOME NEW EQUIPMENT THROUGH GRANTS.

MAYOR URBANSKI SAID THAT MR. LOGAN GOT US GRANT MONIES FOR A NEW POLICE CAR. THE BIG TRUCK WE HAVE FIXED BEEN INSPECTED FOR TWO YEARS.

JIM UZIEL SAID IN RELATION TO OUR LOCAL LEGISLATOR AND STATE SENATOR THEY REALLY LOOK OUT FOR GLASSPORT. THEY DO A LOT FOR GLASSPORT.

PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL ASKED FOR ANY COMMENTS FROM BOROUGH OFFICIALS:

JOHN D'ANGELO - HAPPY NEW YEAR

MIHOCES-NOTHING

SKERKOSKI - NOTHING

MIKE KSIAZEK - HARRISON STREET PARK DEADLINE IS SATURDAY OR WE LOSE THE GRANT.

MAYOR URBANSKI SAID THAT THEY GIVE A FIVE DAY DEADLINE. WE WILL BE READY FOR NEXT WEEK.

JAMES UZIEL SAID WE ARE JUST WORKING WITH A STREET CREW. THE LAST WEEK AND THE CHRISTMAS WEEK IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET ALL THE WORK DONE. IF WE DON'T GET MAJOR SNOW FALLS WE WILL GET ALL THE WORK DONE.

KSIAZEK SAID RIGHT UP FINAL INSPECTION FOR THE PLANT. ENGINEER TO BE NOTIFIED.

TERRY DIMARCO SAID THANKED COUNCIL AND MAYOR FOR ALL THEIR HELP. FOR THE THREE YEARS ON COUNCIL I GOT GRANTS FROM BOTH SENATOR LOGAN AND REPRESENTATIVE KEN RUFFING. I WOULD LIKE TO READ THE GRANTS THAT WERE GIVEN TO US FROM REPRESENTATIVE RUFFING. WE SAVED THREE MILLS BECAUSE OF THESE GRANTS. THANK SENATOR LOGAN AND REPRESENTATIVE RUFFING.

COUNCILMAN UZIEL SAID I HAVE BEEN ON COUNCIL FOR A LONG TIME, MAYBE TOO LONG. WE PASS RESOLUTIONS FOR THE WELL BEING OF THE RESIDENTS OF GLASSPORT. 99.9% ARE PASSED BY COUNCIL. THERE IS ONE ORDINANCE THAT WE HAVE WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WHICH IS THE SIGN ORDINANCE. WE DO NOT WANT TO HAVE OVERHANGING SIGNS. WE WANT THEM SMACK UP AGAINST THE BUILDING. IF A BUSINESS INVESTS A LOT OF MONEY FOR A SIGN IT WILL GO UNNOTICED. IT INHIBITS THE SIGNS. EVERY SIGN I SAW ON LYSLE BOULEVARD WAS OVERHANGING. EVERY SIGN WAS PERPENDICULAR. I THINK THAT THIS IS A DUMB ORDINANCE THAT SHOULD BE REPEALED AND CHANGED. WE ARE TRYING TO ENCOURAGE NEW DEVELOPMENT AND IT IS A REGRESSIVE POLICY.

MIKE KSIAZEK SAID I AGREE WITH YOU.

SKERKOSKI SAID ISSUING A CITATION TO A PARTICULAR BUSINESS OWNER IS WHAT HAS JUST HAPPENED.

D'ANGELO ASKED WHAT DO YOU TELL THE PEOPLE THAT COMPLIED WITH THE ORDINANCE.

MIHOCES SAID THAT WAS THE OLD COUNCIL.

D'ANGELO SAID ACCORDING TO OUR ORDINANCE THERE IS NO GRANDFATHER CLAUSE.

SKERKOSKI SAID IF YOU HAVE A FIFTY FOOT FRONTAGE BASE IT ON THAT AND REOPEN THE ORDINANCE. WE MAY HAVE TO LOOK INTO A FIFTY OR TWENTY FIVE FOOT FRONT.

MAYOR URBANSKI SAID WE ARE IN A CATCH 22 SITUATION. WHEN WE GOT THE GRANTS FOR THE SIDEWALKS AND STREETS THAT IS WHEN IT ALL CHANGED.

DIMARCO SAID I THINK OTHER TOWNS CHANGED THE SIGNS BECAUSE OF SAFETY. OTHER TOWNS HAVE INSPECTIONS TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS SAFE. TREES ON THE MAIN STREET BLOCK THE SIGNS.

MOTION: UZIEL SECONDED BY DESUE

MEETING ADJOURNED TO THE CALL OF THE CHAIR.

MOTION CARRIED.

SUBMITTED BY: BOROUGH OF GLASSPORT

AUTHORIZED BY: BOROUGH OF GLASSPORT

NANCY M. PIAZZA-WHABY BOROUGH SECRETARY

TERRY DIMARCO PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL

McKeesport Daily News December 31, 2004

2-mill tax hike approved for Glassport residents

By JENNIFER R. VERTULLO Daily News Staff Writer jvertullo@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport residents are faced with a 2-mill real estate tax increase in 2005.

During last night's budget meeting, property takes were increased from 4.85 to 6.85 mills in a 5-2 vote with councilmen John D'Angelo and Edward Mihoces dissenting.

Theoretically, 1 mill should generate approximately $100,000 for the borough, but when abandoned properties are considered, the amount is closer to $90,000, Borough Secretary Nancy PiazzaWhaby said.

The increase will be used to balance a $1,532,760 spending plan, Council President Terry DiMarco said.

The budget was approved, 6-1, with Councilman John D'Angelo dissenting. Despite DiMarco's statement that the tax increase will cover previously unaffordable expenditures, D'Angelo said the budget is not balanced. "There's $80,000 in unpaid bills from 2004, and a $100,000 deficit," D'Angelo said. "The entire deficit should be on paper. Everyone who reads that budget believes we have a balanced budget, but we don't."

DiMarco and other officials maintain D'Angelo's assessment is incorrect. They said a $52 emergency municipal service tax, which will be applied like an occupational privilege tax to those who make $12,000 or more by working in the borough, also will help make up for depleted funds.

Officials also said next year's effort to retrieve delinquent garbage collection and tax bills will be stronger than past attempts.

Councilman John DeSue said an additional $24,000 will be generated by a $1 increase in minimum sewage fees. The fee will be $14 rather than its current $13. DeSue said the fee once was $14 and was reduced to $13 halfway through last year.

While the sewage budget was not accepted officially last night, first and second readings were approved. It is expected to gain final approval next month.

Councilors extended a thank-you to state Rep. Ken Ruffing, D-West Mifflin, and state Sen. Sean Logan, D Monroeville, for acquiring funds for expected improvements in 2005. Councilman Jim Uziel said Ruffing secured preliminary funds for the purchase of a one-ton four-wheel-drive dump truck with a salt spread er and plow.

DiMarco said Logan facilitated a $20,000 grant for a new police car. Uziel said he's happy grant money can be used for vehicle purchases because the borough can spend what little money it has on road repairs that have been needed for some time. "We were under very strict budget restraints, and if you drive through town, you'll see there was not much done this past year," he said. "Incorporated in the 2-mill tax increase was some money set aside for road repair and road construction."

Uziel said repairs are expected to be made in the borough's southern end.

In the 2005 budget, expenditures are divided into the following categories: Administration, $169,421.28; tax collector, $15,300; municipal buildings; $28,000; police protection, $399,050; fire protection, $72,500; zoning and planning, $200; health and sanitation, $1,000; highways and streets, $417,500; recreation and parks, $9,800; swimming pool, $43,000; employee payroll, taxes and benefits, $102,000; debt service, $8,000; insurance, $136,000; and miscellaneous contingency, $130,988.72.

McKeesport Daily News January 13, 2005

Glassport police discover grisly animal abuse case

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubakerC@dailynewsemail.com

A woman running after her dog made a grisly discovery in Glassport. Five or six dead cats were found inside the borough's public pool Wednesday, the apparent victims of severe animal abuse.

Police Chief Howard Kifer said the cats appeared to have had their limbs cut off. Some animals may have been burned. Kifer said humane society agents from Fallen Timber Animal Shelter in Elizabeth Twp. are examining the animals to find a more precise cause of death. He said, however, that animal abuse is most certainly the manner of death.

Police and humane society agents are searching for the person or persons behind the slayings. That person faces a up to a $5,000 fine, three years in prison, or both.

The Humane Society of the United States says residents should report any incident of animal abuse, or suspected animal abuse, to the local humane agency. If none is available, contact local police.

The HSUS defines animal cruelty as "a range of behaviors harmful to animals, from neglect to malicious killing."

The HSUS also cites studies which link animal abuse to a progression towards violent crimes against humans.

Kifer asked anyone with information about the case to call 412-672-4514. All callers may remain anonymous. He added that informants also may send a letter or drop by the station, located along Monongahela Avenue.

For more information about reporting animal abuse, visit www.hsus.org or www.wpahumane.com.

McKeesport Daily News January 13, 2005

Glassport homes in danger

By CELANIE POLANICK Daily News Staff Writer cpolanick@dailynewsemail.com

A landslide is in the process of enveloping several houses in Glassport.

Juniata Avenue, at the top of the hill, is affected by mine drainage, and Oregon Avenue's road is collapsing onto Pacific Avenue, leaving residents on all three streets wondering what to do next.

Instead of a backyard at her Pacific Avenue home, Gertrude Joseph has a crumbling landslide. Trees that were once rooted in the ground splay out in every direction.

She said she's lived in the house for 40 years with no problem - until now.

Homeowner's insurance won't cover the slide, said Joseph's daughter Peggy Borkowski, and she doesn't know what to tell her mine insurance company.

There are mines under some of the houses on the street and Borkowski said the problem took on a life of its own when the borough got the U.S. Department of Interior's Office of Surface Mining involved about eight months ago. The project was stopped on Monday, the last day the trucks were allowed to drive onto the hill.

"You'd have to see it to believe it," Borkowski said, pointing up the hillside. "It's like the Yough dam or the Hoover Dam up there."

"(The Office of Surface Mining) did all the work up there, but they don't want to take responsibility for what's going on down here," added Duane Diehl, Joseph's son-in-law. The road above them, Oregon Avenue, was closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles Wednesday, Council President Terry DiMarco said.

DiMarco said the hillside was shored up and drainage mechanisms installed at the end of summer. Construction and relief efforts, which continued until early this week, may have made the problem worse, said resident Chester Sypniewski. "On Friday, they told me the integrity of the road was failing," he said. "On Monday, there were still trucks coming in.

Steve Rathbun, project manager from the Office of Surface Mining, said the project almost is complete. The first phase dealt with the drainage that affected Juniata, he said, and the road collapse on Oregon is a different issue. "The road up there, at least in our opinion, was improperly constructed using a material that doesn't have much cohesiveness," Rathbun said.

His office remains in discussions with the borough to put together a plan of action. "We fully intend to work with (Glassport) on this and help out as much as we possibly can," Rathbun said.

The borough is seeking grant money through the offices of state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville; state Rep. Ken Ruffing, D-West Mifflin; and U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, DSwissvale.

Staff Writer Brandy Brubaker contributed to this article.

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF GLASSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL JANUARY 18, 2005

The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Glassport Borough Council was called to order.

Roll Call:

D'Angelo, present; DeSue, present; Ksiazek, present; Mihoces, present; Skerkoski, present; Uziel, absent; DiMarco, present; Mayor Urbanski, absent;

Motion made by Skerkoski, second by Ksiazek to hear citizen requests and complaints.

Al Rusnock - 931 Indiana Avenue -I am here about the property located at 933 Indiana Avenue. There has been a problem going on with them for two years now. They are doing construction and the water is coming onto my property. The building inspector keeps telling me he is going to take care of this and nothing has been done. She is disabled and that presents a problem. The building inspector said he is going to take them to the magistrate. Who do I go to now?

DiMarco -I will contact the building inspector tomorrow and we will see where we stand.

Rusnock - He put two cement pads in the back and they are slanted toward my house. When it rains all of the water comes into my house.

DiMarco -I will take look into this.

Philip Shushnar - When are the assessment refunds going to be mailed out for 524 Ohio Avenue and 519 Allegheny Avenue? I have received refunds from the county and the school district already. I sent in a request on October 21, 2004 and I still have not heard anything.

DiMarco - Stop into the office and we will take care of it.

Ernie Kantorczyk - Why aren't the monthly meetings posted? I have seen other communities in the paper, but not ours. Also, is the caucus meeting opened to the public?

DiMarco - Our meeting notices are sent to the newspaper every month and the caucus meetings are opened to the public.

Kantorczyk - Why are there increases in the garbage and sewage bills?

Ksiazek - When we turned the garbage collection over to County Hauling, we agreed to a raise in the bills over the next three years. The increases, however, are minimal.

DeSue - Last year there was no increase in the sewage for the first six months. When we switched to water consumption, there was actually a decrease in the rates from $14.00 per month to $13.00 per month. This year we are raising it back up to $14.00 per month which is where we were before. There are repairs that need to be done at the plant, and we need to generate the revenue to do it.

Kantorczyk - Wasn't the money we got for a grant for the sewage project supposed to be used for land acquisition? I have been looking into it and I thought the money was to be used for that and nothing else.

D'Angelo - We were given a grant, but it was not ear marked specifically for land acquisition. Costs ran over in other areas, and the money had to be used for it there.

Kantoryck - Well, I am going to continue to look into this matter because I think this was handled wrong.

Mary Jane Stanzak - The mayor and the engineer were supposed to go to the pump station to check out the problem with the odor.

Scott - We are looking more into what the school is doing. We need to make sure they are not holding it improperly and it is turning septic before it reaches our pump station.

Stanzak - There is still also the problem with the dirt bikes up there. If they go around the pump station there is a portion of land that is mine and I don't want to be responsible if someone falls onto my property and gets hurt.

Matta - As long as you have done nothing to cause the mishap, you cannot be held responsible for anything.

Motion made by Uziel second by Skerkoski to hear committee reports.

Motion made by D'Angelo second by Skerkoski to approve the minutes of December 21, 2004.

DiMarco - We will not approve the minutes from December 30, 2004 because we just received them.

FINANCE - Terry DiMarco Monthly finance report given.

Motion made by Uziel second by Skerkoski to accept the financial report and to pay all bills for the moth of December, 2004.

SANITATION, PARKS AND RECREATION - Mike Ksiazek

The first quarter of 2005 garbage bills have been sent out by County Hauling. There is a slight increase in the amount of the garbage bill to $26.55 per quarter beginning January, 2005. Last year the amount was $26.19 per quarter. If you have not received a garbage bill, please contact County Hauling.

The Harrison Street Recreation Project deadline was December 31,2004, with a four or five day extension. Everything seems to be in order for this project.

We will be starting the Third Street Project with the gazebo in the spring.

SEWAGE-John DeSue

Monthly sewage report given.

STREET, LIGHT & BUILDING - Jim Uziel

Monthly Street Department report given.

POLICE & ORDINANCES - Eugene Skerkoski

Monthly meter report given.

Motion made by Skerkoski second by D'Angelo to approve the updates for the Policy and Procedure Manual for the police department and distribute it to the officers.

The P.N.A. is donating $500.00 for a lap top computer to have available at the council meetings in the event an ordinance needs to be reviewed.

Motion made by Uziel second by D'Angelo to send a thank you letter to the P.N.A. for the donation.

FIRE, WATER, AMBULANCE, TRCOG - John D'Angelo

Monthly Ambulance report given.

I received a letter from Wayne Lewis, Fire Chief, in reference to the property located at 510 Monongahela Avenue. The back porch is falling off and someone is going to get hurt. Richard Harris contacted GLS who is the owner of the property, and they indicated that they will be out to address the problem.

CHC #1 also indicated that they are looking at some major repairs this year. They are looking at $27,000 for a new roof on their building and $35,000 to replace the boilers in the building.

There is no TRCOG report since the monthly meeting will not be held until next week.

I got a list of foundations that might be willing to give money to the borough to open the swimming pool this year. We have to supply numbers in order to get this money. I need the final numbers from the last year the pool was opened.

SWIMMING POOL, SENIOR CITIZENS - Edward Mihoces

Everything is fine at the pool except for the cat incident.

The Senior Citizen Center is running will. I stop down there every day.

MAYOR'S REPORTS - Eugene Skerkoski in the absence of Mayor Urbanski

Monthly Police Report given. Monthly Adult Arrest Report given.

Monthly Juvenile Report given.

SOLICITOR - Gary Matta

Reading of Resolution #1 (1-18-05) the PEMA Disaster Relief-Emergency Act (as amended by public law 100-707).

Motion made by Skerkoski second by Ksiazek to accept Resolution #1 (1-18-05).

Ordinance No. 1068, the EMS Tax (Occupational Privilege) tax will have the third reading. This was advertised 3 consecutive weeks in the paper.

Motion made by Ksiazek second by Uziel to accept the third reading of Ordinance No. 1068.

Ordinance No. 1069, the 2005 Sewage Budget, will have the third reading.

Motion made by Skerkoski second by Ksiazek to accept the third reading of Ordinance No. 1069. ENGINEER - Scott Hilty

I have been to the Oregon Avenue area to look at the problem. I recommend that the borough proceed with soil investigations to determine the extent of the slide. It appears that the base of the hill has not moved, just the top portion has. The soil samples will give us a better idea of what is going on up there. Once we get those back, we can come up with a plan on how to remedy the situation.

Motion made by Skerkoski second by DeSue to accept reports of standing committees.

NEW BUSINESS

A subdivision plan was submitted by Bob Gall for the property located at 601 Sixth Street. The Engineer needs to review this plan and place his certification seal on it. Once this is done, the Planning Commission will have to meet and approve and then turn it over to council for their approval.

Skerkoski -I would like to comment about the new web site that has been created about the borough. I find some things on there to be untrue. I would like to have permission from council to contact the person running this site and invite him to a meeting to talk to him. I have no problem with the site as long as the articles being published are accurate.

Motion made by D'Angelo second by Skerkoski to adjourn.

Submitted by:

Andrea Foster Assistant Borough Secretary

McKeesport Daily News January 20, 2005

Glassport fishing for private grants

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubakerC@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport council is looking for grants to help complete projects.

Councilman John D'Angelo said he is applying to private grant foundations for money to open the borough pool this summer. "There's no guarantee we'll get anything, but if you don't have your name in the hat, you aren't going to get picked," D'Angelo said. "We are trying to get our name in as many hats as possible."

The pool is a constant spring and summer subject in the borough as council debates strategies to open it. Although the pool is not a moneymaker, it is something residents thoroughly enjoy, council members said.

The borough recently received a $500 grant from the Polish National Alliance in Glassport to be used for the purchase of a laptop computer for council chambers. With that resource, councilors can access borough ordinances and other files quickly when fielding questions from the public during meetings.

Citizens Hose Fire Co. No. 1 might be looking for funds to replace aged boilers and the station's roof. A fire alarm, which also serves as an air raid and emergency weather siren, also is in need of repairs.

In other business this week, council discussed the possibility of coordinating police efforts during a fire. Police officers often are the first to arrive on the scene of a fire and often risk their safety assisting in the evacuation of residents. Council not only wants to establish a protocol for fire incidents, but also acquire a gas mask and possibly a fire-deterring suit for first-on-scene officers.

Also, council announced that County Hauling has sent out its first-quarter bills. The price for quarterly service in the borough has gone from $26.19 to $26.55 this year.

McKeesport Daily News January 28, 2005

Glassport Banquet honors chiefs

Glassport American Legion Post 443, with the help of the people of Glassport, is showing appreciation for four former borough police chiefs and one officer.

A banquet in honor of retired chiefs Larry Oley, Edward Mihoces, Eugene Skerkoski, and Bernard Dworek, and retired officer Val Uziel is scheduled for Feb. 12, with awards from the state, county, borough and the Legion.

Open bar will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a sit-down dinner, catered by La Romana, beginning at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $25 per person.

Tickets can be obtained by calling the post at 412-678-6621. Tickets are limited.

State Trooper Tim Cross will be the main speaker. The Belaires will provide entertainment.

Anyone selling tickets is asked to return money and stubs by Feb. 5.

Committee members for the banquet are John Vavrek, Bo Cross, Joseph Steffan, Patty Kemp, Tom Urbanski, and Betty, Anthony and William Ferguson.

McKeesport Daily News January 29, 2005

For Paul Bradley

Ordination plans in place for next auxiliary bishop

By PATRICK CLOONAN Daily News Staff Writer pcloonan@dailynewsemail.com

The Very Rev. Paul Bradley, a Glassport native, will be ordained as auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh during ceremonies at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland.

The principal bishop of Pittsburgh, the Most Rev. Donald Wuerl, will preside over the ordination Mass Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Church officials said ordination as a bishop completes the Holy Orders that began for 59-year-old Bradley with his consecration as a priest May 1, 1971, by the late Bishop Vincent Leonard.

Bradley, son of the late John and Cecelia Bradley of Glassport, attended St. Cecelia's Church (now part of Queen of the Rosary parish) and old St. Cecelia's Grade School in Glassport before going on to St. Meinrad Seminary in southern Indiana.

Bradley's elevation has been welcomed as an occasion of community pride in Glassport. Borough officials said they're considering ways to honor the new bishop, including a certificate and an invitation to visit his hometown.

Bradley personally invited Queen of the Rosary parishioners to attend the ordination. "This is a great honor for the people of Glassport," the parish bulletin said Sunday. "Bishop Bradley is looking forward to seeing as many (parishioners) as possible." Queen of the Rosary chartered a bus to take parishioners to the ordination. On Thursday organizers said it was full.

Bradley also has a tie to the Mon-Yough region as a member of the board of trustees of Pauline Auberle Foundation. Auberle facilities in McKeesport and other communities are a legacy of the late Pauline Auberle, who willed money and Auberle's main location along Hartman Street to the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Bradley served in several area parishes before becoming the director of the diocese's Office for Family Life in 1983 and secretary for human services in 1988.

In 1994 he was appointed pastor of St. Sebastian parish in Pittsburgh's North Hills. In January 2001, he was named to succeed the Rev. Leo Vanyo, a Munhall native, on his retirement as pastor of St. Paul Cathedral parish. In November 2003, Wuerl named Bradley general secretary and vicar for the six-county diocese. In that role, Bradley is responsible for the overall direction of operations, programs and activities of the central administration of the diocese, as well as supervision of ecclesial institutions, organizations and programs directed by or associated with the diocese.

In addition to his role on the Auberle board, Bradley serves on boards of Chimbote Foundation and Duquesne University, as well as the St. Anthony School Programs Board. He also is on the executive committee of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.

Joining Wuerl in consecrating Bradley will be two bishops with Pittsburgh roots, Coadjutor Archbishop Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and Green Bay Bishop David Zubik. DiNardo was elevated to his new rank Dec. 29, 2004, when Galveston-Houston became the newest Catholic archdiocese.

Pope John Paul II created a new ecclesiastical province for the church in Texas, covering six of 13 suffragan dioceses there. DiNardo, former assistant chancellor and assistant secretary for education in Pittsburgh, was named a year ago as coadjutor bishop of Galveston-Houston. That means he would succeed 74-year-old Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza upon his retirement, which could occur next year.

Zubik, a former vicar general in Pittsburgh, recently began his second year as bishop of Green Bay.

Also scheduled to attend is the primate of the Catholic Church's Pennsylvania province, Philadelphia Archbishop Justin Cardinal Rigali.

Pittsburgh, Greensburg and five other dioceses are regarded as suffragan sees under Philadelphia.

Bradley will serve as an auxiliary in Pittsburgh with the Most Rev. William Winter and the retired Most Rev. John McDowell.

Staff Writer Brandy Brubaker contributed to this story.

McKeesport Daily News February 3, 2005

Glassport's Bradley ordained

By PATRICK CLOONAN, Daily News Staff Writer February 03, 2005

The faithful kneel as dozens of bishops and priests concelebrate the Mass for Glassport native Paul Bradley's elevation to auxiliary bishop. (Cindy Shegan Keeley) It was a day for a Catholic family with Mon-Yough roots to celebrate. "We were all born and raised in Glassport," said Michele Bradley, who came from Florida for Wednesday's ordination of her brother, the Most Rev. Paul Bradley, as an auxiliary bishop. "He's going to do a wonderful job for the Diocese of Pittsburgh."

"I'm excited for him," Duquesne University sophomore Kristina Strutt of Elizabeth said about her uncle. "He deserves it." "He's done a very good job with his other churches," said her sister Katie Strutt, a student at Elizabeth Forward High School. "It's very exciting." It was a day for district residents to celebrate. More than 60 came from Queen of the Rosary Church, successor to St. Cecelia's where Bradley was baptized and went to grade school, and guests invited for front pews in St. Paul Cathedral included Glassport Mayor Thomas Urbanski.

"It's a wonderful day for Father Bradley and for his family and for the church," said Ray Niedenberger, executive director of the Pauline Auberle Foundation.

Bradley held a long list of posts over the years since his 1971 ordination as a priest by the late Bishop Vincent Leonard.

His parish assignments included a stint in the early 1990s at Swissvale's Madonna del Castello Church, not far from the Rankin Bridge and the former millsite across the Monongahela now known as the Waterfront.

"We're delighted because he was on the Auberle board for a number of years," said Niedenberger, who oversees the legacy left by another Mon-Yough resident to the Diocese of Pittsburgh. "He was on the board when he was director of pastoral concerns for the diocese."

Bradley will assist the Most Rev. Donald Wuerl, principal bishop of Pittsburgh, with confirmations and other duties, as well as continue in his current role as general secretary and vicar for the diocese covering Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties.

In addition, because each bishop is supposed to have a see of his own, Pope John Paul II has designated Bradley as titular bishop - that is, the nominal chief shepherd - for a defunct North African diocese, Afufenia.

"I have not yet begun to grasp the immensity of what has taken place," Bradley told well-wishers toward the end of the 21?2-hour ordination Mass. "It will take time ... though the confirmation schedule does not begin for a couple weeks."

Wuerl was joined in consecrating Bradley by two former Pittsburgh priests, Coadjutor Archbishop Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and Bishop David Zubik of Green Bay.

"Greetings and apostolic blessings," the pope wrote in a letter read by diocesan chancellor Dr. Arlene McGannon. "We gladly grant the petition of the venerable brother Donald W. Wuerl, who requested an auxiliary bishop, so he might pastor in a more fitting manner, the beloved flock of Pittsburgh entrusted to his care."

The pope's ailing health, which forced Vatican officials to move the 84-year-old bishop of Rome to a hospital Monday night, was touched upon in remarks by both Wuerl and Bradley. As the new bishop told the audience, "We pray for his health in a special way today."

However, for the most part, the new bishop's message was light-hearted.

"Today as we know, Feb. 2, is a great feast ... beside the fact that it is Groundhog Day," Bradley said. "We all know by now that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, and there will be six more weeks of winter."

But Feb. 2 also is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which Bradley said "celebrates the completion of the Christmas message, that our God loves us so much that He would send his only begotten son to be God with us, Emmanuel, to be the light of the world."

A score of bishops and dozens of priests concelebrated the Mass, including the other auxiliary bishops in Pittsburgh, the Most Rev. William Winter and retired Most Rev. John McDowell, and Philadelphia Archbishop Justin Cardinal Rigali, leading prelate in the Roman Catholic province of Pennsylvania.

Others at the ceremonyincluded Archbishop Basil Schott of Pittsburgh's Ruthenian-rite Byzantine Archeparchy, based at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, and Greensburg's recently consecrated Roman-rite bishop, the Most Rev. Lawrence Brandt.

The diocesan music director, the Rev. James Chepponis, composed a hymn for Wednesday's Mass, "Waiting In Joyful Hope," utilizing Bradley's motto.

"We are waiting in joyful hope for the coming of the Lord," Chepponis wrote. "For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever more."

Nine priests acted as "assistant masters of ceremonies," including the Rev. Donald Valentine, pastor of Holy Spirit Church in West Mifflin and dean of the diocese's Steel Valley deanery.

Also attending the Mass were civil authorities, including Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, and ecumenical leaders from Christian Associates of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Jewish and Muslim communities.

McKeesport Daily News February 3, 2005

Glassport residents clean up from mud

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubake@dailynewsemail.com

Residents along Oregon Avenue in Glassport are cleaning out from the mud.

The borough street suffered a landslide last month which pummeled the roadway with muck and debris. The slide also left nearby homes in a muddy messy.

Council President Terry DiMarco said contractors from the U.S. Department of Interior's Office of Surface Mining are starting to dig out the mud around one resident's home, reportedly the worst affected with uprooted trees and a variety of debris. They also plan to compact dirt behind the woman's house back into a yard and check her storm drains for clogs. Water will be directed to catch basins farther down the street.

Oregon Avenue is open to local traffic only as contractors shore up the slipping hillside. DiMarco said the contractors told him they plan to lay down new asphalt on the cracked roadway as soon as the weather gets nicer.

They estimated the problem would be resolved within two months. The roadway gave way Jan. 12. Residents blamed work that construction and repair efforts by the Office of Surface Mining had been doing in the area for a few months before. A mining project manager, however, guessed the problem was the result of a poorly constructed road, but agreed to work with the borough. The repair work also is hoped to resolve a drainage problem on Juniata Avenue in the borough. Homeowners in the area said they've never had a problem like this in the area before.

McKeesport Daily News February 3, 2005

Taxpayers advised

Taxpayers of Glassport are advised the borough began paying back tax reassessments as soon as it got the tax anticipation loan for 2005. Everyone should be repaid by mid-February.

McKeesport Daily News February 7, 2005

Glassport

Disorderly conduct cited

Two Ohio Avenue men were cited early today after a disturbance at their apartment.

Police said Darren Whittaker, 19, and James Wright, 18, were cited for disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF GLASSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL FEBRUARY 8, 2005

The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Glassport Borough Council was called to order.

Roll Call: D'Angelo, present; DeSue, present; Ksiazek, present; Mihoces, absent; Skerkoski, present; Uziel, absent; DiMarco, present; Mayor Urbanski, absent; Motion made by Skerkoski, second by D'Angelo to hear citizen requests and complaints.

Sherry Marini - Mr. DiMarco there was a statement from you a while back in the Daily News that the you said we had a little problem with the budget. In the minutes of June, 2003, the mayor said that there was $150,000 in an account that was CSX money and that when he went to that account the money was gone. $50,000 was spent on boat docks that never passed a council meeting and were only used for a year. Paying $14,000 a year to the water company to do the billing that Mrs. Foster did, she is still employed, and we are paying $14,000 additional money to do the job that she did. Some past and present council members used loans, grants, and taxpayers money as they felt fit. I consider this more than a little problem. Is this your problem with the web site that we are exposing all of this? And a question for Mr. DeSue. I had many people coming up to me asking me why there were officials from the water company down at the sewage plant.

DeSue - The water company is interested in purchasing the sewage plant from the borough. As a council we felt that it would be a good idea to let them look and make us an offer. We do not know what this will do to rates or anything or if they will even make us an offer. It will be up to this council to either accept or reject this offer.

Gary Matta - Pennsylvania American Water Company is looking at every sewage plant throughout the Commonwealth that they feel may be advantageous to purchase. When the time comes for an offer to be made, we will have many items to negotiate. They made it pretty clear that they are definitely a for profit company. If they feel the rates are not adequate, they will propose what rates they want to charge for the coming years. We are just in the infancy stage where they are doing a study to see if it would be fiscally sound for them to purchase.

DiMarco -I was not president of council at the time the CSX money was spent. I had no involvement with that. As far as the grants and such. Everything is accountable. Grants are used only for the purpose they are gotten. We are audited for these. We can't use the money for anything else. The COPS Fast grant was done in 1997 and I wasn't even on council at that time.

Skerkoski - The COPS Fast grant was initiated in 1994. There was a problem with what was called surplanting which actually transpired between 1995 and 1999. At that time four of the current councilmen were not sitting on council then. Yes, there was a problem and when the borough became aware of it, they began working to correct it. I feel that the current council is taking action to eliminate the debt. We hired one police officer and his entire salary and his benefits are being used to reduce the debt.

Matta - When our firm took over as solicitor, we were instructed by council to negotiate with the federal government to correct this problem. At that time the amount was $279,000 and it has not changed since that time. Rather than pay back cash in one lump sum, we were able to hire another police officer to repay the debt. The original grant was so that police forces all over the country could increase the amount of men they put out on to the streets. This is why the federal government is willing to accept putting additional men on rather that just paying back the money. Initially the federal government wanted us to hire two officers, but due to the financial condition of the borough we were able to negotiate it down to one and will hire the second one when we are on more solid ground. It will just take a longer period of time to pay it back.

DiMarco - When I discovered that there was a problem with this, I called Congressman Doyle's office and spoke to Jamie two or three times and we received no help from them. I spoke to Mr. Paul D'Allesandro and still received no help. Finally our solicitor negotiated this for us.

DiMarco - As far as the boat docks, once again I was not president of council at that time, but I do not believe that $50,000 was spent on them. I know they received a grant for $10,000 of it through TRCOG.

Skerkoski - When the initial postings on the web site came out, I came to council and asked permission to invite the owner of the site to come to a meeting so as to make sure that the articles that area being posted on the site are accurate. I sent a certified letter to the owner and waited approximately a week and then I called the man's residence and left several messages and he never returned my calls. Mr. D'Angelo came to the caucus meeting and said that the individual did not want to meet with us because he is hard of hearing and does not want to come to an open meeting. I do not want to email the individual because he can edit it to what he wants it to be. I would rather sit down and discuss it. I am upset with this because some of the articles on this site pertain to me. Even though my name was not directly mentioned, the position that I hold was. It is not hard to come down and see who is the police chairman. I do not feel that DANET should be on the web site. These officers are working under cover. If they have informants, and the informant sees this information about DANET on the web site, do you think he is going to give me any further information? This may have impaired the progress we have been making. I asked for this meeting because I would just like to know where this information came from.

Marini - Why did you have to send him a letter, why can't you just bring it up at a meeting?

Skerkoski -I did bring it up at a public meeting. It is in the minutes. I agree that people should be held accountable, but I also feel that if you are going to post something, you better make sure it is correct. There are other issues on the web page that are only about half of what actually transpired. Either someone is giving the owner false information or only half of the information. We wanted to have an open meeting to provide the documents to show the truth.

Marini - What about the sewage billing.

DeSue - We have a new billing procedure in place and it is working just fine. Our delinquents are more under control than they have ever been.

Ksiazek - It is not the full amount that you are stating. If you look at what it used to cost us to send out the bills you would have to deduct that. Maybe sending out once a year increased our delinquents. I feel it is much more efficient billing and paying once a month rather than sending once a year and hoping that people remembered.

D'Angelo -I was bound to the ordinance and could not bill for delinquents until they were behind for a year. You said we had $140,000 in delinquents and are making it sound like I was not doing my job. I did my job to the fullest I could within the ordinance.

DeSue -I am not going to dispute you, but you had a bad ordinance in place for years, why was that.

Marini - My question is why are you paying the water company when you had someone here that was already doing the job.

DeSue - This system has only been in place for six months, and as this progresses, this will free her up to help the other secretary to make this borough run more efficient than what it is today. We have many things in place right now that are going to make this community better.

Uziel - The major issue with the past collection of sewage and garbage was the method of which we collected the payments. Four coupons were mailed once a year, and many people paid the first quarter and threw the coupon in a drawer and before they knew it, they were delinquent. When you are billing on a monthly basis, the cash flow is much better.

Mickey Stetor - All the businesses in town have to pay the $100 Business Privilege Tax. If you own an apartment building, you don't pay this tax. How do you decide what is and isn't a business. If I own apartments and I collect $50,000 a year to put in my pocket, is that or isn't that a business? The point I am trying to make is that here I am just a little operation in the borough, but you have someone who owns an apartment building or ten or twenty houses, and he isn't paying the business privilege tax. I don't know where you draw the line, but you have little businesses paying the tax and then you have people collecting thousands and thousands of dollars and not paying. If I am providing a living for my family by doing this, obviously it is a business. And another thing, you made a statement about emailing, I emailed this site countless times, and I have never gotten a response. The home page of this web site states that it is not the intention of this web site to edit any comments made by taxpayers. I emailed many times and I never got anything. I don't know what this web site is all about, but if you are going to print something, print everything.

Skerkoski - That is why I will comment for the third and final time, that is why we invited the owner of the site to a meeting so that we can provide documentation. Maybe we could be enlightened to something. This is why the invitation was extended.

Marini - As far as any questions I have posed tonight, all I have heard is I wasn't there. Why aren't these people held accountable for their actions?

D'Angelo - Not all of council sat by; when that money was spent in that river down there, I brought it up, and they turned the tables on me and started to nail me and nit pick me about stupid things at the sewage plant. That was brought up that night.

DiMarco - John you put a letter on there, and fortunately you signed it. I would like to comment on a few things you said. You said that an advisor was brought into the borough by the DCED and we only invited her to one budget session. I contacted her, and unfortunately her sister in California was sick and she died. She had to take care of all of her things. She knows to come. She was here yesterday. You also have on here that you can't see how any bank would consider giving us a loan. TRCOG directed us where to go for a loan, and you were president.

D'Angelo - TRGOG did not negotiate that loan for the borough. We just contacted the bank and told them there was a community looking for a loan. We did not get you the loan, we just directed them. I still can't see how they considered giving the borough the loan due to our financial condition.

Skerkoski - What was your remedy to get the borough out of this financial status? It was revealed to us after we took seat in January of 2004 in February or March it was revealed to us that we had a problem with unpaid bills. It was then that we brought the state in and they made recommendations to the borough. There is a whole book and some of the recommendations were that we cut expenses, services, and raise taxes. As one councilman, I voted to raise taxes 2 mills, not 3 mills or 5 mills or 6 mills like some councilman wanted. Also, some councilman recommended to raise the sewage which I opposed. We have many older residents in the borough who cannot stand that burden. I would rather raise it 2 mills and put forth an aggressive collection of delinquents. If we don't make it all up, we can go into the second year to try to make it up. Not try to raise the taxes that high and burden that taxpayers more than they were burdened.

Uziel - John, you were here for most of the budget sessions. For you to vote yes on the budget, what would be your minimum Millage increase for the budget to be balanced? I thought I heard you say 4 or 5 mills.

D'Angelo -I would have voted for 2 mills this year and then show me the rest of the two year plan.

Skerkoski - You told me you would not vote for the budget because we only wanted to propose a 2 mill increase.

Di Marco - You also said services were cut, policemen were laid off and the fire budget was not paid. I never laid a police officer off, I don't know where people are getting this. In fact, we hired an extra one. How many times has a part time officer been called, and they won't come in?

Comment: In 2003 from 2001 there were 35 scheduled shifts in the Police Department. In 2004 to current there are 26 scheduled shifts. Where are the nine missing shifts per week? Layoffs. Five split shifts and four weekend shifts were eliminated. Crime rate has risen. The Truth is not always popular but it is always the Truth.

Kifer -I call many times, and a lot of times I have to come and work myself because no one will come in.

Skerkoski -I looked up if they were working or not, and there were five or six of they that were eligible for their clothing allowance because they maxed their hours. The part timers worked 2,015 last year. We cut costs but we didn't lay any officers off. A part-timer is used to supplement your work force. They are not a steady employee.

DiMarco - In 2004 failure to submit the proper paperwork to TRCOG on time resulted in thousands of dollars being lost for demolition of vacant or derelict properties. I called TRCOG, and first of all they only had $30,000 for demolition that year and the paperwork had to be done in 2003 for 2004. Mr. LoPresti was our solicitor at that time, and why he didn't submit the proper paperwork, I don't know why. Bob was in charge at that time, and it doesn't matter, it was the legal work that was not turned in. $30,000 was only awarded that year and it had had to be split between all of the communities.

Skerkoski -I looked up the hours for last year, and it was 2,036.

DeSue - And the new full time officer took up some of the hours also.

D'Angelo - And you have to hire another one in May.

Malta - The hiring of a second full time officer was a proposal by the union as part of the negotiations.

D'Angelo - Wasn't that part of the deal with the COPS Fast.

Matta - We told them we could not afford to put two full time officers on until we were in a better financial situation, and they agreed with only one.

James Rocco - Didn't CSX give money for all of the houses on Allegheny Avenue? When are we going to get this money?

DiMarco - That money was not to be given to home owners, that was for the borough to use for noise abatement.

Skerkoski -I was the Chief of Police then, and I went along with the CSX officials and the mayor. None of the houses on Allegheny Ave. were eligible according to the CSX officials. They set a foot amount and measured each individual house. There were nine houses eligible, and they all were down starting at Harrison and North Monongahela Avenue. I don't remember what the footage was, but they were the ones who set them.

Rocco - So then once again, where did the money go? Isn't someone accountable for the money?

DeSue - Once again it went into the general fund to pay bills. Over a period of time it went to pay general expenses of this community. I don't know if there is a specific breakdown since it was over a period of time. I can't change the past, but from the point I took office, I can work real hard with the rest of the people here to try to make things better. I can say that the money didn't go home in anybody's pocket. It went to pay bills. I think this council has worked better together than any council has in the past.

Skerkoski -I am sure you will find out where the money went by looking at an audit.

Motion made by D'Angelo second by Skerkoski to approve minutes of December 30, 2004.

Motion made by D'Angelo second by Skerkoski to approve January minutes.

Motion made by Uziel second by Skerkoski to hear committee reports.

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION - Terry DiMarco, Chairman Monthly Finance Report given. We are in the process of mailing the property assessment rebate checks and should have them done by the end of the week. I met with some people from Harrisburg to try to get the swimming pool opened again. These people are consultants and they are going to work up an analysis and come back and give us a price of what it would cost for them to open the pool for us. They think that for the first year it would not cost us a whole lot of money to open the pool, but the second year is when the expense would come in. I am going to set up a meeting with all of council for them to come in and give a presentation. It is the first step in trying to open the pool. Motion made by Skerkoski second by DeSue to accept the financial report. PARKS & RECREATION - Mike Ksiazek We submitted the report to the TRCOG regarding the hours that our street department put in to install the equipment at the Riverfront Park project. Now the equipment can be paid for. The fire company is still collecting our recyclables. Generally it is on the second Saturday of the month. They will put it in the newspaper the week before. S

EWAGE - John DeSue Monthly Sewage Report given.

STREET, LIGHT, BUILDING, PROPERTY - Jim Uziel Monthly Street Report given. I was on council at the time the boat docks were installed along with John, and I was in favor of them. At the time I think that council felt that with the number of boats owned by people in this borough, it would spark an interest. For whatever reason it seemed to not take off the first year, and the second year they were not put in. I think that we should discuss this over the next few months, and council should look into possibly putting them back in this year. Allegheny County has the second largest number of boat registrations, second only to Bade County Florida. Whether you consider it good money spent or bad money spent, it still could produce some revenue for the borough. We have talked about the traffic speeding down Fifth Street, and we are going to put in place an ordinance to erect a stop sign at Fifth and Erie to slow traffic down.

POLICE, ORDINANCE, MAYOR'S REPORTS - Eugene Skerkoski Monthly Meter Report given. The Policy and Procedure Manual has been completed and is currently being passed out. Monthly Police Report given. Monthly Juvenile Report given.

FIRE, WATER, AMBULANCE, TRCOG - John D'Angelo Monthly Fire Department Report given. Monthly Ambulance Report given. I applied through the TRCOG through Senator Logan's office and Congressman Doyle's office for a sewage funding matches for $90,000 for the UV System grant from CD Block Grants we received this year. We also applied for the engineering. I don't think we should not turn down a grant if we can get it all paid for through two grants. At least we have to try. There is no charge for the application for Doyle's office. I am trying to get a grant for operating costs for the swimming pool. I have two big books that I am sorting through to find someone that may help us. I will get through the books eventually. I also spoke to Sean Logan, but he said that grants for operating costs are hard to come by. He said that he would try, though. Monthly TRCOG Report given. We had a discussion about the Universal Fire Code, and it was discussed that the person doing our fire inspections must be certified. Skerkoski - Is Mr. Harris certified? D'Angelo -I don't believe he is.

SOLICITOR - Gary Matta Resolution No. 1 (2-08-05) Borough of Glassport is desirous of obtaining grant funds in the amount of $128,000 from PA DCED for the Sewage Treatment Plant UV Disinfection system. Motion made by Skerkoski second by D'Angelo to accept the reading of Resolution No. 1 to obtain funds from DCED for the Sewage Plant UV Disinfection System.

ENGINEER - Scott Hilty Motion made by Uziel, second by D'Angelo to move onto new business.

NEW BUSINESS

Received a letter from TRCOG regarding a meeting on Wednesday, February 23,2005 at noon at the Elizabeth Township Municipal Building; some of the topics will include Gallagher Asphalt proposal, COG General Assembly Meeting on March 31, Annual golf outing, CDBT, Uniform construction code updates, and general discussions.

Received a letter from Steel Valley Authority that the borough has three vacant seats on our board of directors. These vacant slots are set to expire on December 31, 2006. A recommendation was made that Jamie Colecchi and William Kiser be appointed to fill two of these vacancies. Motion made by D'Angelo second by Ksiazek to appoint Jamie Colecchi and William Kiser to the Steel Valley Authority.

County of Allegheny, Department of Administrative Services, Office of Property Assessments assesses the borough at $111,849,040.

The 32nd Annual Conference for the Allegheny League of Municipalities will be held at Seven Springs beginning on Thursday, April 7, 2005 through Sunday, April 10, 2005.

President of Council Terry DiMarco is sponsoring a session with Tom Fuller to apply for mine subsidence insurance. Tom Fuller is councilor from the DEP and will have the necessary forms needed to apply for the insurance. The session will take place on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. a the Senior Citizen Hall. Any person wanting to apply for this insurance needs to be in attendance.

Councilman Ed Mihoces is in Jefferson Hospital.

Received a letter from Chief Howard Kifer that he would like council to have a meeting with him for the 2005-2006 negotiations.

Motion made by D'Angelo second by Ksiazek to adjourn.

Submitted by, Andrea Foster Assistant Borough Secretary

McKeesport Daily News February 9, 2005

Three SA middle school students face punishment, but will not be expelled

By CELANIE POLANICK Daily News Staff Writer cpolanick@dailynewsemail.com

Three South Allegheny Middle School students, two male and one female, will not be expelled, but will face punitive actions.

At Tuesday night's school board meeting, Director Doris Bailley was absent, but the board approved corrective measures recommended by Charles Lalley, who was then acting superintendent. Lalley presented the measures at the students' expulsion hearing on Jan. 20, where Bailley abstained from voting on the measures for the female student. All other present members chose to define the students' punishment rather than expel them.

At Tuesday's meeting, Superintendent Dr. Elaine Brown could not reveal the nature of the students' transgressions, but did say that their treatment after the fact had something to do with the students' individual educational needs. "They violated policy, but there were extenuating circumstances," she said.

Also discussed at Tuesday's meeting:

• The board mourned the passing of former South Allegheny faculty member George Gorun of Glassport, who died Jan. 25 at the age of 89 at Southwestern Nursing Center in Pleasant Hills. He had taught in Glassport and South Allegheny schools for 36 years, and brought Glassport High School's basketball team to glory. At the request of Velma Saire, a former student of his, a scholarship fund has been set up for a high school senior who excels at both math and basketball. Scholarship donations already total $1,125, said Dr. Janet Sardon, the principal of South Allegheny High School. To donate, call the high school office.

• Christopher Gretz, middle school principal, presented Student of the Month Awards to Casey Naylor and Jordan Bills in seventh grade, and Alexi Swank and Wesley Weston in eighth grade.

• High school students were awarded Steel Center Vo-Tech Extra Effort Awards, including Alyssa Diehl for cosmetology, Laura Hanko for computer programming, Derek Fasiska for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, Christopher Poston for auto mechanics, and Jordan Stull for electronics. "We always have a large number of students that receive extra effort awards," Sardon said.

• School Director Luke Riley was commended by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit for his work as a member of the unit's board of directors.

• An informational meeting was conducted Friday by Public Financial Management, the district's Act 72 consultants, to acquaint school directors with the consequences of potentially participating in Act 72, which would redirect state gambling revenues to the school district's coffers. The board will meet again for a data analysis review on April 1, and on April 27, at 6 p.m., the public will be invited to a presentation on the particulars of the law. "This is probably one of the most important decisions that any school board in the state of Pennsylvania is going to have to deal with," said Sharon Miller, the school district's secretary and business manager.

• The entire school district underwent a special education monitoring on Jan. 25 and 26. The district was found to be in compliance with state regulations, and received four commendations for exemplary programming, Brown said after the meeting. "I'm pleased to announce this evening that everything was in order," Director Dino DiFelice said.

• The board approved the hire of Richard Abbott, a new Spanish teacher for the high school. Abbott already is certified as a social studies teacher, but will take the appropriate courses and tests to prepare for his new role, Brown said. "Itwas a longjourneyto locate a Spanish teacher," Director Falco Muscante said. "I'm sure the whole board would agree with me."

• The board unanimously approved Solicitor Al Zangrilli to file a claim against Gurtner & Sons, LLC, to recover the costs of replacing and repairing the defective concrete work at the elementary school. "As I've said many times, litigation, like war, is a last resort," Zangrilli said. "He has not been as responsive as we would like him to be... This is the last step." The company still will get a final warning before the claim is filed, he said.

• The board agreed to notify former Superintendent Patrick Risha's attorney the district no longer will provide health and life insurance benefits to him, effective March 31.

McKeesport Daily News February 10, 2005

Glassport meeting to give info on mine subsidence

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Glassport residents concerned about old mines on their property can attend an upcoming session on the subject.

Most homeowners' insurance policies do not include coverage for mine subsidence.

In Pennsylvania, studies show that more than 1 million residents own homes built above abandoned mines.

In 1961, Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection initiated a nonprofit agency that helps residents obtain inexpensive mine subsidence insurance. Many policies are available for less than $100 per year, DEP says.

Glassport Council President Terry DiMarco said DEP Representative Tom Fuller will present information about the insurance at a public meeting Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Glassport Senior Citizens Center. Residents can ask questions and acquire the necessary paperwork to apply for coverage.

More information also is available online at www.paMSI.org.

DEP says homeowners' insurance agents can tell residents if their homes are at risk for mine subsidence. Often, the agent can get coverage for residents who request it. Premiums are available for less than 90 cents for every $1,000 of coverage. For example, $150,000 of coverage would cost $130 per year. Coverage of up to $250,000 is available, which is not to exceed the replacement cost of the structure. A 10 percent discount is available for senior citizens.

An MSI policy covers only losses to the insured structure that occur during the policy period and caused by the movement of the ground surface as a result of the collapse of underground coal or clay mine workings, according to the DEP Web site. Questions can be directed to DEP at 800-9221678.

DiMarco encouraged concerned residents to attend Tuesday's event, especially in the wake of a recent mine problem in the borough. Residents of Oregon Avenue suffered a landslide last month that pummeled the roadway and nearby homes with muck and debris. Some residents feared for the safety of their homes. The roadway gave way Jan. 12.

Residents blamed construction and repair work that the Office of Surface Mining had been doing in the area for a few months before the slide. A mining project manager, however, guessed the problem was the result of a poorly constructed road, but agreed to work with the borough.

McKeesport Daily News February 18, 2005

Glassport

No injuries reported

No injuries were reported in a two-vehicle crash on Washington Boulevard.

Police said the two vehicles, one driven by Louise Jacobs, the other by Jennifer Steudlar, collided Thursday near Edmondson St.

McKeesport Daily News March 4, 2005

Glassport irked over unofficial Web site

By BRANDY BRUBAKER Daily News Staff Writer bbrubaker@dailynewsemail.com

Some Glassport officials are irked over a resident-run Web site they say publishes inaccurate information about the borough.

Council President Terry DiMarco said the borough has received numerous calls about the site, www.glassportboro.com. DiMarco stressed this site is not sponsored by the borough in any way and is not run with any tax dollars.

The Web site was established by "Taxpayers for Truth Group," and states all posted information is "true, accurate and documented." Web site operator Dennis Marini, a life-long borough resident, said all the information he published is correct. He said he gets the information, mostly about borough decisions and finances, from meeting minutes and other documents.

He doesn't make any claims though, about information presented by residents. He publishes that information, as long as it's not slanderous, without editing. "These people have a right to know where their money is going," Marini said. "Raising taxes, no one has a problem with that. What they have a problem with is spending money frivolously and not bringing it through council."

Councilman John D'Angelo announced his run for mayor on the site. He said the information is accurate. "Mr. Marini is very intelligent and very good at research," D'Angelo said. "I like (the site) because it gets the truth out and everything is documented."

DiMarco and Councilman John DeSue don't agree. They said much of the information, including the whereabouts of some borough money, information about the borough's dealings with District Attorney's Narcotics Enforcement Team, is not true. They said they would gladly prove it. "The information is not true, we have the documentation to prove it," DiMarco said. "A lot of the things are halftruths. We challenge them to come meet with us and we'll explain it."

DeSue said the site is all political - Marini's wife Sherry is running for council on the ticket with D'Angelo. "There's too much politics going on to suit me," DeSue said. "We need to work together." DeSue asked residents to take the information with a grain of salt.

Marini said he plans to keep publishing information he feels the residents need to know - no matter what. "I said to them `When you shut down the porn sites and terrorists, then you can shut me down,"' Marini said.

Page last updated April 24, 2005