Police Effectiveness Challenged
Resident Jim Fandray, of 822 Rolling Rock Road, provided heated debates in an otherwise brief Baldwin Township Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday night.
The issues causing the most discussion centered around the . Fandray questioned the consistency of township police in employing part-time officers, indicating that there was excessive turnover in the department.
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“(Part-time officers) are aware of what we have to offer,” board member Bob Downey said. “They just use the job as a stepping stone.”
“Or,” police Chief Terrence P. O’Brien said, “they find another department that can offer them more hours.”
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Fandray also questioned the police department’s effectiveness in dealing with speeding violations.
“Larch Lane is a racetrack,” Fandray said, demanding that the police “start enforcing the (township’s) basic traffic laws.”
“Our officers do one hell of a job,” board Vice President Darrell Bichler said. “I don’t get calls about officers not doing their job; I’m getting calls about aggressive officers.”
Fandray asked if the police could use VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer And Recorder), a form of speed detection.
“I’m not going to tell the chief how to do his job,” Downey said.
April Showers Bring Public Works Headaches
Board member Nick Pellegrino said that “sewer work is being done, (as is) dye-testing, in residential and township lines.”
Pellegrino also shared that work was being done on tree removal throughout the township.
“In the park,” he said, “(weather caused) damage to the gazebo.”
Good News for MRTSA
In his Medical Rescue Team South Authority report, Downey said that there were “structural issues at the (MRTSA) building. We’re going to have to look at replacing (its) HVAC unit.”
Downey also reported that “our receipts are coming in at a higher rate than anticipated. Our (MRTSA) subscriptions are up, which is good.”
Fire Department Fundraisers
Board member John Paravati announced that the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department, which services , will be holding its fifth annual Ladies Auxiliary Flea Market on Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the fire department on Route 88. The event will feature free parking and will be held rain or shine. Interested sellers should call 412-884-7913 for more information.
Paravati also said that the CSVFD will hold its 79th annual carnival this year from July 25-30. Tickets are available for residents to sell. Call 412-884-7913 or email csvfdcarnival@verizon.net.
It’s in the Mail
“The tax bills are in the mail,” Baldwin Township Manager Mary McGinley said.
McGinley also said that there will soon be a change to her office hours. Board President Eileen Frisoli said that she would post those updated hours on the township’s website as soon as possible.
