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Retired interim chief attends Council Meeting
By Jim Caldwell
At a special meeting on Wednesday, September 8, 2010, Martin Reagan offered his resignation as the Chief of Police for Jefferson Hills Borough. Therefore, at the request of the Council, retired Chief Jack Maple returned and filled the seat at the general Council meeting on September 13th.
Applications have been received and the Council will review them to choose a new Chief of Police. Mr. Reagan has opted to stay on the police force in the Borough, but not in the administrative position.
Also notable at the regular meeting, outside of the typed agenda, was an update by Ellen Bredel during the citizen’s remarks concerning the ongoing harassment of residents on Gill Hall Road. She has met with Chief Maple for a full account as well as the latest incidents. There is a suspect but yet no arrest as of the date of this meeting.
Likewise Anita Barkin came before the Council members to express strong environmental, health and welfare concerns with the Marcellus Shale Gas drilling leases being given to residents in the Borough. Council listened intently as there are scheduled public meetings on the matter. The problem, as Ms. Barkin saw it, was not the drilling for newer energy resources or the possible positive effects to the economy of the Borough and its residents, but rather the lack of quality control and regulations to assure the process is safe and secure. Some of the chemicals used in the water to break into the shale with speed and force are carcinogenic and they must be highly monitored and disposed safely so as not to pollute the ground water of the area.
The thirty item regular agenda was uneventful with every motion passing unanimously. A few motions of interest:
- Final Approval for the subdivisions of Stonick Plan of Lots and the Virgin Plan of Lots.
- Payments for work performed such as that for the sewer inspections and repairs.
- The appointment of Tom McDermott, John Kudrna and William Gleason to the UCC Board of Appeals as well as appointing Colleen Kudis to the Recreation Board until January, 2012.
In the general business, there was a discussion led by the Ruthann Omer of Gateway Engineers concerning the letter received from Allegheny County Health Department for a report about raw sewage found in the stretch of Coal Valley Road down towards Clairton. Although the problem has existed and been known since the late 1980’s, it is coming to light. Most residents on that road have septic tanks and the possibility of connecting the sewer system into that area will require studies, monies and a plan. Councilman Tracey Khalil asked if the Borough should consider appropriating monies for the 2011 budget. Ms. Omer remarked that with all the work to be done before there is a project, will take the Borough into 2012. But it will be an ongoing topic and discussion in the near future.
Lastly, although he was not able to attend due to a schedule conflict, Council President Chris King read aloud a commendation honoring Jefferson Hills Police Officer Jeff Beatty (USAR First Sergeant) for his recent service in Iraq and welcoming him home.
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Last Updated on Sunday, 03 October 2010 16:47 |
