Vernon Landslide Costs Borough $462K

When it’s all said and done, Baldwin Borough will pay Plavchak Construction, of Jefferson Hills Borough, $462,000 to repair a landslide that occurred on Vernon Avenue in the spring of 2011, according to Baldwin's engineer Larry Souleret.

Due to difficulty handling utility lines in the area, workers have had to push back their completion date on Vernon to the end of September 2012.

"We're finally wrapping it up," Souleret said during Tuesday night's Baldwin Council meeting.

New Labor Contract

A switch in health care providers from Highmark to UPMC for Baldwin Borough's construction, general labor and material handlers workers should save Baldwin "six figures," according to borough Manager John Barrett.

The Baldwin Council unanimously approved a new collective bargaining agreement on Tuesday with the workers from Local Union No. 1058 of the AFL-CIO that will last through 2017. 

"We have agreed in principle to everything," Barrett said in an interview after the meeting, "but need to have the contract drawn up and signed. It could take a few weeks to get language acceptable to both sides, but we have all agreed to the general principles."

New Guardrail Along Joseph Street

The guardrail along Joseph Street in front of the Shop 'n Save there will be repaired and replaced by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Barrett said on Tuesday.

Sewage Bills Reminder

Barrett reminded people that Jordan Tax Service will start collecting sewage fees from Baldwin Borough property owners this October.

Property owners can expect cheaper water bills from the Pennsylvania American Water Company starting then, but a separate sewage bill from Jordan Tax will make up the difference in typical costs.

Owners who had set up automatic payments with PA American Water for both water and sewage will have to set up automatic payments with Jordan, as well, should they want that to continue.

In other words, automatic sewage payment is available with Jordan, but it won't carry over from PA American Water.

Lifespan of Two Properties Coming to an End

During a special meeting before Tuesday night's regular council meeting, Barrett gave borough solicitor Stanley B. Lederman his official testimony that the Baldwin properties of 831 Somerset St. and 833-835 Becks Run Rd. should be demolished.

Barrett said that both properties are in violation of borough property maintenance code and have unsafe conditions.

No one but Barrett expressed a desire to testify at the special meeting regarding the properties.

Library Fundraiser

Baldwin Councilman Larry Brown promoted a fundraiser on Tuesday for the Baldwin Borough Public Library.

The event—"Bowling for BBPL"—will run from noon to 2 p.m. at Legacy Lanes along Curry Road on Saturday, Oct. 6, and costs $15 per child (younger than 12 years old) and $20 per adult (over 12 years of age).

Teams will consist of 2-5 bowlers. Each team will receive two hours of bowling, shoes rental, a pizza and a pitcher of soda pop. Additional refreshments, including adult beverages, are available for purchase at each team's expense.

Team applications—available here—must be completed and returned to the library with payment no later than Friday, Sept. 28.

Teams should arrive at Legacy Lanes no later than 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 6.

Baldwin Library Board Resignation

The Baldwin Council unanimously accepted the resignation of Julie Ray from the Baldwin Library Board. Ray's term was to expire at the end of December.

New Absentee Ballots

State Rep. William C. Kortz II, a Democrat from Pennsylvania's 38th House District, which includes south Baldwin, spoke during Tuesday night's Baldwin Council meeting to alert voters that Pennsylvania elections officials have issued new absentee ballots this year.

Voters can contact Kortz's office and/or click here for more information regarding the new ballots.

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