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Irvona Borough discusses new truck, community night
Friday, August 03, 2012
By Terry Whetstone Staff Writer
IRVONA - Irvona Borough Council members had an opportunity to look over a brand new truck last night, just prior to the start of the monthly meeting, a new truck they would like to buy, if the financing is available.
The truck is a 2012 Ford 550 4x4 with a stainless steel bed, snow plow package, six-speed transmission and state Department of Transportation lighting. The truck is from Walsh Equipment Co. of Butler, which has an office in Ebensburg. The cost of the vehicle is $73,893.52.
Council member Dan Smith said the stainless steel bed is ideal, as it would last a number of years longer than any aluminum bed.
Council will try to find the financing for the new vehicle, and Mayor John "PJ" Patterson said something to consider is the borough will begin receiving money from the Marcellus shale gas well drilling that could be used toward the payments.
Council also heard from Kay Stiver, representing the Irvona Recreation Authority. Stiver told council the baseball season is coming to a close with the teener league teams finishing up. She said several teams did very well, with winning and placing third in tournaments this season.
Stiver said there will be an adult tournament Aug. 11. So far, there are six teams and two more may be signing up. The cost is $10 per player and there will be a crazy auction, 50/50 drawing, and T-shirts will also be sale. The proceeds go to a local family in need, and this year that family is Mindy and Rich Strong, who need assistance covering funeral expenses.
She also noted that Aug. 18 is the date for the community night at the park. There will be a reunion baseball game between the Yellow Jackets and Stingers. All former players of those teams are invited to return to participate. T-shirts are being ordered very soon at a cost of $10 for sizes up to and including X-Large, and $12 for XXL and XXXL. All of this year's players will be recognized, and once nightfall arrives there will be a movie shown on a big screen. Stiver said the movie selected is "The Three Stooges." Everyone is invited and it's free. Stiver said there will be fireworks at the end of the night.
• At 5 p.m., recognition of Irvona ball teams, thank you to sponsors and dedication.
• At 6 p.m., alumni game - Irvona Yellow Jackets vs. Irvona Stingers
• At 8:30 p.m., movie in the park, "The Three Stooges," bring a lawn chair or blanket. There will be fireworks after the movie. The concession stand will be open.
The lights at the teener league field are up and the IRA thanks Sajaks Tree Service and Mico and Tommy Jasper for helping install the lights.
Council president Margaret McCoy said she is very appreciative the group that is now the IRA approached council with permission to form the group. She said the improvements at the park are great.
Stiver also noted the basketball court is nearly finished, but it is paved and the hoops are up. She said the cost for the work is $12,000, and Walmart Distribution Center No. 6027 donated $6,000. She said Patrick Hamilton also assisted with the work. The lines need painted on the court yearly and it needs fenced in. It is a regulation-size court.
Donna Morrison was also in attendance and noted that she would like to see the war memorial monument fixed up. The names need to be expanded as well, and she said she knows of at least 60 names omitted. Morrison said anyone who lives in Irvona and has served in the military, but is not listed on the memorial, should contact her. Stiver said perhaps the IRA can work with Morrison in trying to find funding to get the job done.
Resident Terry Lender was also present asking council about the burning ordinance, as he has neighbors who burn constantly. Council noted once again that no toxic materials can be burned and burning is only permitted between the hours of 6-10 p.m. Council asked Secretary/Treasurer Joanne McGarvey to send the violators a letter.
Patterson said he again thanks everyone who participated in helping make the Mary Ellen Tiesi 9-11 Memorial Bridge dedication such a success.
Patterson is also upset with the Irvona Fire Co. not taking action on the park kitchen. Council sent the fire company a letter asking if the company would sign the kitchen over to the borough, with the stipulation the company can have access to it any time or get the roof repaired before it caves in. Patterson said neither he nor council have heard from the fire company on either matter. He'd like council to hold one of the payments to the company and use it to repair the roof.
Patterson also told council it has received a grant for $2,885 from the PA Wilds for welcome signs. He said the order has been placed with Al Figula of Glen Hope to start the work on them. Patterson noted Glen Hope Borough has also been granted money for signs.
Last month, council member Michelle Whetstone broached the subject of a large hole, resembling an old spring house. Council sent a letter to the property owner, Stephanie Elynich, who lives in New Jersey. The borough employees looked at the site as well and Patterson also agrees something needs done to protect people who are in that area; the property in question is near Woods Street. Whetstone said she spoke to Candace Whetstone prior to the meeting and she and her husband, Tim, who are neighbors to the property, have also been in contact with Elynich and they will take care of the problem for them.
Council accepted this plan, and will let them handle the problem.
In other business, council:
• heard the sub-division went through the Clearfield County Planning Commission and council should be getting a letter of approval soon.
• will replace the pipe near the Bob Oshall property on Emma Street to try and alleviate flooding in that area of the borough. The cost is estimated between $500-$1,000.
• heard that Mike Mulhollen is doing the code enforcement work in Bigler Township at $12/hour, and council would like to talk to him to see what it would cost them to hire him.
• voted to donate $300 to Experience Works and $50 to the IRA to help with the fireworks Aug. 18.
• heard no one has applied for the auditors position and the vacant Irvona Municpal Authority seat.
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