Donora council discussed sanitation and maintenance concerns that are plaguing the borough, while also mulling over a potential financial audit at Thursday’s work session.

Council examined a $60 garbage refund that the borough issued to a Donora resident last month. Councilman Gib Szakal mentioned that the refund was not discussed among council, nor was it approved.

“I didn’t know we gave refunds,” Councilman Joe Greco said.

Szakal reminded Greco that Donora does not issue refunds for garbage collection, adding that he plans to bring the issue up at next week’s council meeting.

“So I am going to make a motion to look at this, because it’s a misappropriation of funds,” Szakal said. “You can’t write a check for $60 without council’s approval.” Councilwoman Cindy Brice, who was not present for Thursday’s work session, told Borough Administrator Mike Thornton that the borough should have an audit conducted on its funds. After Thornton relayed her message to council, Szakal almost instantaneously gave his support for the idea.

“We have prior accounts that I’d love to take a look at,” Szakal said. “That’s something that I think would be a great idea. But I’m telling you — it’s going to open a can of worms that some people don’t want open.”

Councilman Tom Thompson expressed his support of the possible audit as well.

Donora council will vote on the proposed financial audit at next week’s meeting.

While conferring with council about demolishing buildings throughout Donora,

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Solicitor Steven Toprani said they must create an action plan.

“I think it would be good if we actually convened a little meeting to discuss these blighted properties,” Toprani said, “and come up with a priority plan to attack them. That way we can give specific direction to code on who they need to cite, so we’re not just playing Whac-A-Mole. We can actually articulate a plan.”

An abandoned building located at the intersection of Fifth Street and Thompson Avenue, which was once known as First United Methodist Church, was brought up by council as an example of a structure that should be demolished. Council also addressed an ongoing rat infestation in the borough, although Thompson said he has not seen any.

Street Foreman Dean Fronzaglio said he has spotted many rats rummaging through garbage on Eighth Street. He also said he’s found them in sewers.

Council members decided to further weigh rodent control options at next week’s meeting.

Thompson told his fellow council members that he’d like to see the borough foot the bill for sewage repairs from the main line to the curb, while Szakal disagreed with him.

“Do you have any idea what this would cost the borough,” Szakal asked. Thompson also said residents on Meade Street have asked him what the borough plans to do about the cockroaches that have run amok in their area.

“These people, I’m going down the road and they’re pulling me over,” Thompson said. “I don’t know what to tell them.”

The source of the cockroaches is allegedly a home on Meade Street. Thompson said the residents of the street claim five houses are now infested with cockroaches.

“I’m like you, Tom — I’m tired of telling them, ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,'” council Vice President Frederick Berestecky said. “It’s about time we step forward and do something. I’ve been up there in the evenings; it’s disgusting. Let’s get the ball rolling; let’s put a stop to this.”

Council will discuss the cockroach problem further at next Thursday’s meeting.