Neshannock officials reach agreement with road workers

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A contract agreement has been reached between the Neshannock Township supervisors and township road department and clerical workers.
The employees, members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union, will receive a 3-percent pay increase under terms of a new four-year contract, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2003. Pay for the 11 covered employees ranges from $10.70 to $16.44 a hour in the first year of the contract.
Along with the raise, the employees gained another paid holiday, bringing to seven the number paid holidays they receive each.
The contract will be in effect through Dec. 31, 2006.
In other business, the township is applying for a Keystone Grant to help fund improvements at Hess Ice Rink.
According to township Park and Recreation Director Richard Pearsall, plans for the rink include a 25-foot expansion at the north end of the building and an additional 20 feet to the entry way.
Pearsall said if the grant is accepted, the improvements will add additional locker rooms, restrooms, more lobby area and an increase in seating.
The grant provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will provide matching funds.
The township received a similar grant when improvements were made to the tennis courts at Pearson Park.