Mar 11, 2016 3 min read

With an upcoming audit and talk of fiscal responsibility at nearly every council meeting, Donora council voted Thursday to give 3 percent raises to borough employees, retroactive to January.

“This isn’t going to break the borough,” Councilman Gilbert Szakal Jr. said. Sometimes, you have to do what is right. It is only costing the borough $6,000.”

Raises are as follows: Police superintendent, $62,212, an increase of $1,812; street department supervisor/code enforcement officer, $59,261, up $1,726; borough administrator/treasurer, secretary, $54,471, a $1,586 increase; buildings and properties supervisor, $42,106, up $1,260; and fire chief, $1,854, an increase of $54.

Also, council authorized the borough’s solicitors to draft an amendment to the zoning ordinance for the establishment of detoxification and maintenance clinics for chemically addicted individuals. The motion passed 5-1, with Councilman Jimmie Coulter voting no.

Solicitor Justin Walsh said the amendment is being drafted should a business approach the borough later. He added that if the use was not amended in the current zoning ordinance, a business could create legal problems for the borough.

Council approved a motion for the sealed-bid sale of the property at 228 Castner Ave. The property, which includes a garage, has been appraised at $3,500. Bids will be opened at the April 14 council meeting.

Council also approved Chester Engineering of Pittsburgh to conduct a boundary survey of borough-owned lots at the intersection of McKean Avenue and Second Street for the construction of a community garden. The garden will be established though the Penn State Master Gardeners program and the Mon Valley NAACP.

Resident John Collins complained that a trucking company is creating a mess and health hazard for many borough residents. The company moves coal among sites on Eighth Street, 15th Street and Meldon Avenue. Collins said the dust is covering residents’ houses, cars, streets, sidewalks and pools. He said even family pets have blackened feet.

“It is a health hazard to us, and it is cruelty to our animals. I’ve seen eight trucks at a time, and the street cleaner doesn’t help much. Isn’t there anything we can do about this situation,” he asked.

Mayor Donald Pavelko said he is aware of the situation and has been in touch with PennDOT and DEP.

“The company has put in a wash plant at the facility, which will help with the dust,” Pavelko said. He added that the borough is working to solve the issues and looking at some options, including a possible truck route change.