UNION TOWNSHIP, PA. Supervisors earmark uses for federal grant

A heavily traveled township intersection will get better lighting soon.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Union Township will receive $140,672 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds in the 2001-2002 fiscal year which begins July 1.
Supervisors said at their meeting this week that the money is designated for construction of new storm sewers along West Washington Street, continuation of the housing rehabilitation program for low- and moderate- income residents, and $10,000 will go, as supervisors promised several months ago, toward the purchase of a new truck for the township fire department.
Rebates: In other business, supervisors said checks were to be sent out Friday for rebates on tax assessments which residents paid for streetlights on McCracken Drive.
Supervisor Kevin Guinaugh said since the lights have not been installed by Penn Power the assessed funds must be returned. Checks will be sent either to the homeowner or the bank, depending on whether there is a mortgage.
Supervisors also approved payment of a $3-per-month increase in the cost of prescription medicine coverage for police officers. The action affects three officers and brings total monthly coverage to $56.68 per employee or $155.87 per family.
Supervisors approved paying $350 to Lawrence County Musicians' Union for two annual concerts in Scotland Meadows Park during this year's Balloon Fest. The concerts will be from 2:30 to 4 p.m. July 20-21. Supervisors have sponsored music for the event for several years.
Streetlight: They also announced that a streetlight will be installed within the next few weeks to better illuminate the heavily traveled Winter Road and West Washington Street intersection.
Resident Rich Pauline asked supervisors whether criminal background checks are run on new township hires. Guinaugh said supervisors generally know the people they hire, so they do not need to run criminal checks.
Supervisor Ralph Nuzzo reported that bids will be opened June 7 for Miller Avenue Bridge replacement. Supervisor Steve Galizia did not attend the meeting.