Rostraver gets K-9 officer
Duvall, a 14-month-old originally from the Netherlands, is most comfortable with commands in Dutch, and he’s the newest member of Rostraver Police Department. Duvall was sworn in Wednesday night at the township commissioners meeting with his handler, Joseph Spinola, a township officer since 2008.
Police Chief Greg Resetar said the department has been without a K-9 officer since about 2008. He added that the startup costs for a K-9 officer are very expensive. Resetar was approached about getting a new police dog by resident Allison Tucker, and he took the proposal to the township board for approval.
Resetar said the new officer would not have been possible without the help of residents and businesses that donated money. “It is great to see the community come together for one common goal,” he said.
Donations included a grant from the Charles P. and Allison C. Tucker Family Fund of Pittsburgh Foundation, in the amount of $13,750. The grant was used to purchase the dual purpose narcotics/patrol K-9 and pay for a six-week handler course from Shallow Creek Kennels Inc. of Sharpsville. C. Harper donated a SUV that is being outfitted for the K-9 team. Also:
• Township commissioners approved the 2017 tentative budget, with the millage rate staying at 15 mills. The $5.7 million budget has a 4 percent spending increase from last year, and a surplus of $363. The budget will be on display for resident review at the township building for 30 days. Commissioners will adopt the budget at a special meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29.
• Commissioners received three bids for municipal grass cutting for 2017 and 2018. Bids were received from Freedom Lawn Care of Belle Vernon in the amount of $16,800 for both years; Stash of Dunbar, $39,995; and Titan Floral (Fowler Lawn Care Service) of Belle Vernon, $34,875. The bids will be reviewed and a contract awarded at the January monthly meeting.
• Council approved a conditional use for an electronic variable message sign at 4588 Route 51 for Tom Clark Motors.
• Resident Joanne Brenner addressed the supervisors about recycling. She said she lived in Milton, where the town had a comprehensive recycling program. “This morning I watched the regular garbage truck pick up my trash and recyclables in the same truck. That isn’t right,” she said.