East Washington Council appoints new councilman
A new official was appointed to East Washington Council, and the borough is still working on plans to bring a police chief on board.
Matt Boice, a music teacher and director of the Washington Festival Chorale, was sworn in during Monday’s meeting. He filled a vacancy left by the resignation of Councilman Robert Dickson last month.
Council President Guy Tucci said the borough is still interviewing candidates for the vacant police chief position. The borough has not had a police chief since former Chief Robert Caldwell resigned in December, just two months after he was promoted within the department. Officer Ronald Miles has been serving as officer-in-charge during the interim period.
Also during the meeting, Mayor Michael Gomber presented awards to residents and professionals who worked to better the East Washington community.
Dr. Lisa Cibik, an ophthalmologist, was named the community professional of the year.
Cibik is “one of the best physicians in town,” Gomber said, adding she sits on several boards in the city.
Dr. E. Ronald Salvitti and the late Constance Salvitti received the community benevolence in health care award for their charitable work with the Washington Hospital emergency room.
Reca Panian was recognized for her efforts to beautify the community, and Glenn and Juli King were given a community historic renovation award. Gomber said the Kings restored their home on the 500 block of East Chestnut Street to its “old ways.”
“Everything from the past, they brought it back to the way it was,” he said.
David and Marilynn Posner received the community couple service award for serving on various boards in East Washington.
In other business, council approved a $500 donation to First Transit, which was $2,300 less than what the authority requested in matching funds.
Councilwoman Tamara Chacko said 10 to 12 East Washington residents use the transit route that comes through the borough. She suggested that council “knock back” the donation to a lower amount. The vote for a $500 donation was unanimous.