Municipal News

Last Updated on Saturday, 20 June 2015 22:32

By Jill Brown

At the June 11 Donora Council meeting, residents spoke up about their concerns with the condition of their hometown. They even offered solutions to fix it.

The first woman to speak showed pictures to Council of her neighbor's property and the business across the street. She said, "I take care of my property. The neighbor's place has garbage, and it smells bad. I know [the neighbor'] name. You can send him a citation. There should be a code for outside."

Mayor Donald Pavelko said that a letter has been sent to the business, and Council agreed to check into it.

A resident and veteran said, referring to a comment made about veterans earlier, "I love the veterans. It's time you put three people on a committee, and take back control of Donora. You got to get things moving. Senior centers are dilapidated. I look at the high-rise down there, and it's a shame. Clean up the avenues."

One resident suggested a program for "adopt a planter." Council replied, "Why don't you remind us in January?"

Another resident proposed removing the trees and replacing them with bushes, so as better to see pictures and other things.

Jim McDonough, resident and owner of "Junk and Disorderly," an antiques and collectables business on Main St., said, "I'm proud of Donora, and I love it." He offered to hold a "clean-up day" and have kids help. He also pledged his help in any other way needed for the good of the town.

Council made the following announcements:
• The deadline for paying the garbage and recycling bill for 2015 for Donora residents is June 30, 2015, at 5 p.m. The late charge is $240, and will become delinquent by the Magistrate with added penalties and costs.
• The annual A.P. Delsandro Golf Tournament is set at the Chippewa Golf Course in Bentleyville on Sunday, August 9. For more info, contact Paul Delsandro at 724-379-4567 or Ron at 724-379-4174 or tdelsandro@gmail.com.
• A reminder, the Crisis Center Hotline telephone number is available to save you in need: 724-225-3584.

Mayor Pavelko concluded, "We're getting our road paved after years. We finally got contacted, and Donora is first on the list for truck enforcement (Jake brake or truck compression release engine brakes). Also, downtown has to be cleaned up. The downtown committee is responsible for trimming of trees. I don't see it. I was informed they have no money. We have to do something. I am going to take it upon myself to form a committee."