Condolences for Bennett and Smoking Ban in Borough Parks (Aug. 16 Baldwin Borough Meeting Notes)

Condolences for the Bennett Family

Baldwin Borough Council President Michael Stelmasczyk opened a borough meeting on Tuesday night by expressing condolences for the family of Baldwin Mayor Alexander R. Bennett Jr., whose son, Alexander III, was .

Councilman Ferris to Miss Time

Both Bennett and Councilman John Ferris were absent on Tuesday night. Stelmasczyk said that Ferris, due to health issues, will not be able to perform his council duties for the foreseeable future. Councilman Ed Moeller offered to take responsibility for Ferris' reports until his return.

Smoking Banned in Borough Parks

The highlight of the meeting was a motion to approve a new borough ordinance, No. 08-11-07, which would prohibit smoking on or near Baldwin Borough parks and other public areas where children play.

"That will include ball fields, tennis courts and swimming pools," said Stanley B. Lederman, borough solicitor.

Specifically, smoking will be banned at the recreation areas of the , including the , as well as , and the recreation areas near the .

"This was something brought to us by Tobacco Free Allegheny," Moeller said. "They have offered to provide signage at no cost to us. This is something that is very beneficial to our children."

The motion was unanimously approved.

Borough Engineer's Report

Borough Engineer Larry Souleret also brought motions to the meeting regarding projects that he is involved with, including survey work related to sanitary sewer repairs. To each of the amounts requested by Souleret, it was suggested that the motion be revised to “not exceed” the amount being requested.

For the sewer work, Stelmasczyk informed Tuesday's meeting attendants that the total amount will be $2.4 million, plus engineering costs.

Souleret also announced that recent had been completed.

Citizen Request

There was one citizen request at the meeting, made by James Neill of 445 Macassar Drive.

Neill wished to bring to the council's attention that many cars were making illegal turns onto Macassar. In addition to problems with motorists speeding, Neill said that he had witnessed only a small number of cars being pulled over by the .

Stationary police cameras have been installed on Macassar in an effort to stem the tide of crime in that area. However, Stelmasczyk, in , questioned the effectiveness of those cameras.