Remaining Notes from Sept. 20 Baldwin Borough Meeting

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A Moment of Silence to Honor a Neighbor

Baldwin Borough Council Vice President John Conley opened Tuesday night’s regular council meeting with a moment of silence and prayer for Janice Boyko, a Brentwood Borough councilwoman, who died on Aug. 29.

Boyko was an active member of the Brentwood Borough community, having served on numerous civic and social committees and benefited several charities.

Councilman Ferris Returns

After , Baldwin Borough Councilman John Ferris is back in action.

Fellow councilman Ed Moeller welcomed Ferris’ return and commended him for his investment in Baldwin Borough.

Moeller explained to those present at the meeting that Ferris had injured his leg and hip this summer while doing volunteer work in a local park. Both Ferris’ volunteer work and swift return to council duty demonstrate his exceptional commitment to serving the community, Moeller said.

Borough Bans Butts (Officially)

The council made official borough ordinance No. 839, which, according to borough solicitor Stanley B. Lederman, prohibits smoking or use of tobacco-based products in parks or outdoor areas designated for recreational use in Baldwin Borough.

As part of the Tobacco Free Allegheny Young Lungs at Play Program, the ordinance is effective immediately. Signs provided by the program will be posted in applicable areas.

Lederman said that those who violate the ordinance will be issued a summary offense citation and, upon a hearing before a magistrate, will be fined between $50-300 for the offense.

In response to Ferris’ inquiry as to who can enforce the ordinance, Lederman said that anyone who has the authority to issue summary offenses can do so, including police officers and municipal code officials.

Councilman Larry Brown asked how the ordinance would pertain to the . Lederman explained that the ordinance would prohibit tobacco use in the complex’s recreational areas, such as the park, pool and sports fields/courts, but would not eliminate the designated smoking areas around the municipal building itself.

A representative from the Young Lungs at Play Program was in attendance at Tuesday night’s council meeting and gave to council a number of no-tobacco signs to be posted in the parks and recreational areas.

Roadwork, Repairs and Maintenance

Larry Souleret, borough engineer, motioned for the approval of partial payment to El Grande Industries for . The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Souleret also said that milling has been finished on a similar Willett Road project and that binder is expected to be put down on Willett this week.

Souleret also motioned to advertise a contract for a repair project. The motion passed with council President Michael Stelmasczyk’s suggestion that the borough’s Public Works Committee be considered for involvement in the project rather than bidding it out exclusively to contractors.

Souleret said that he will take Stelmasczyk’s suggestion under advisement prior to closing on bids. Souleret said that he will meet with residents to be affected by the work to garner their opinions, as well.

In other repairs news, Borough Manager John M. Barrett reported that roadwork on Joseph Street is progressing. Barrett said that concrete work will begin in the first week of October, with paving slated to occur shortly thereafter and reaching completion by late November of this year.

Work on Waltman Road, however, will be delayed, since Stelmasczyk said that Pennsylvania American Water Company needs to make 29 service connections there, which will not be accomplished until next year. Any holes or sinking will be taken care of by the water company, to which residents should direct any complaints, Stelmasczyk said.

Moeller asked about work on Glass Run Road, to which Barrett said that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has 2012 restructuring plans that will begin in 2013. Until then, Barrett said, temporary solutions will be used to deal with damages to the road.

Pertaining to winter road maintenance, the council approved a five-year extension to the borough’s Winter Maintenance Agreement with PennDOT, whereby the borough agrees to plow and salt state routes and roads in the borough in exchange for compensation and reimbursement from the state.

Council Books Members for Library Board Service

Three people were by the borough council’s unanimous vote.

Julie Ray will serve a term expiring in December 2012, and Kevin Moder and Jesse Posset will both serve until December 2013.

Upcoming Events

Stelmasczyk distributed fliers to members of the press advertising 's 5th Annual Senior Fair Expo, which will provide refreshments, flu shots and information on various state agencies to senior citizens on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Homeville Vounteer Fire Company in nearby West Mifflin Borough. For more information on the event, call “Jennifer” or “Sherry” at 412-466-1940.

Moeller announced that Mercy Behavioral Health will be using the Leland Center (near the ) on Saturday, Oct. 22, for a fall dance for individuals with mental challenges. The fee for using the space was waived by the borough council, he said, as it has been done for this social event in the past.