Niles names new service director

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

NILES — Neil Buccino, former city auditor, has been appointed service director by Mayor Ralph Infante.

Buccino succeeds longtime director Donald Allen, who died in March.

Buccino, 54, had been a city employee for 30 years, including 15 years as auditor. He attended his first council meeting as service director Wednesday.

Also, Infante announced that the city has received a $370,000 grant for the second phase of the Stevens Park Watershed Project. The phase includes construction of storm sewers on North Rhodes and Bonnie Brae avenues.

Mark Hess, engineering grant and development coordinator, said the project’s total cost is about $500,000. First phase storm sewer construction for Spruce Court and Sophia Court is already under way.

Council gave several items first readings. Among the items were an ordinance authorizing advertising for bids for fitness equipment for the Wellness Center under construction near Waddell Park, and another creating a general fund account for the center, which is expected to be completed this November.