Borough of Arona

The council reviewed bills and receipts for the current month. Discussions included the upcoming road assessment and bidding process scheduled for the spring. Additionally, the council addressed the maintenance status of borough culverts and explored options for replacing the old pavilion with a new open span structure, assigning research tasks for project costs.

The council addressed public concerns regarding street snow removal and alley upkeep responsibilities. A new council member was sworn in. Financial matters included the review and acceptance of current bills and receipts. Old business involved scheduling a time change for a future ordinance development meeting and awarding a grass cutting contract to Lawn Sharks for the 2026 season. The council also discussed culvert maintenance within the borough. New business included research on constructing a new 25x40 foot pavilion and a feasibility discussion regarding a potential borough clean-up day.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Under old business, the council unanimously accepted a bid from Josh Lovell for $2980.00 to repair a drain on Maple Street. Under new business, it was noted that Waste Management contacted the Borough regarding an extension to the garbage contract, as they are currently drafting a new proposal for the contract which expires in December 2024. Bills and receipts for the month were also accepted.

Key discussions during the meeting included the review of streets for the 2025 season, with a tentative list expected in April. A new council member was sworn in to serve out a vacated term. Financial matters involved reviewing and approving the current month's bills, with one addition noted. Under new business, the solicitor provided information regarding potential future actions, such as reducing council size via referendum or merging with neighboring municipalities. Operational items included arranging for the park port-a-john setup in early April and accepting the sole bid from Lawn Sharks for grass cutting services for the 2025 season. Research into blight and the Land Bank in Westmoreland County was noted as ongoing. The council also discussed potential fees for the upcoming softball season, including a suggested charge of $600 per team and the need for dirt on the infield.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. The primary discussion centered on new business concerning the borough's garbage contract for the 2025-2027 period, which involves an expected substantial monthly increase in collection costs. The council solicitor advised exploring addition to Hempfield's COSTARS contract, though this was later determined not to be feasible due to contract specifics. The proposed new rates from Waste Management for regular and senior accounts were presented, and the council president will contact Waste Management to explore negotiation possibilities before awarding the contract.