BELLE VERNON - Shortly after borough council adjourned its meeting Monday night, Belle Vernon Midget Football League President Jesse Cramer showed up to question why council would consider dipping into a state grant set aside for equipment, maintenance and other league costs.
The league used most of a $5,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development to purchase a riding lawnmower and to make repairs at the league's home, Brewer Stadium.
At a special meeting earlier in the month, council decided to ask the state if it could use about $600 of the money to pay a police officer to work at the stadium during the league's nine Saturday night games.
The lack of parking space has been a problem at the stadium for years, and council intended to have the police officer there to handle traffic flow and provide security.
But Cramer said council should find another way to pay for the officer because the league has limited financial resources.
"It doesn't cost the borough anything for that recreational facility. That's all done by volunteers and volunteered money. We pay the insurance. We do everything," Cramer said.
"I personally, not as president of the organization but as a taxpayer, don't think it's too much for the borough to spend $600 up there because you don't spend anything else on recreation.
"I don't know what they need the security for ... as far as the parking problem, that's been a problem for the 25 years I've been up there."
Council President Verne Horan said council would consider giving money to the athletic program when it drafts its 2006 budget.
During the council meeting earlier, Councilman Rich Saxberg said the borough's volunteer fire department could receive up to $197,000 in grant money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Saxberg said he was recently notified that the borough could qualify for the grant if it provides a local share of $9,400.
He said the money could be used for equipment purchases.
Secretary Donna Bitonti told council that insurance costs will increase considerably next year.
She said workers' compensation costs will increase from $844 to $1,181 per month.
Council named a new health insurance provider for borough employees.
The current plan, provided by Health Assurance, of Philadelphia, was expected to increase from $274 to $407 per month.
Bitonti said the state Association of Boroughs provided council with quotes and that Aetna Health offered a plan for $329 per month. Council voted unanimously to switch to Aetna.
Council members Keith Kroeschel and Ray Frederick Jr. were absent.
Council appointed Carol Rhodes to the borough's recreation board.
Resident John Zunic said vehicles parking on the sidewalk on Johnston Avenue had become a safety issue because they are obstructing the view of motorists.
"It's a safety factor especially now during school when the kids are waiting for buses," he said.
Solicitor Jack Bergstein said a borough ordinance prohibits vehicles from parking on sidewalks.
Mayor Jim Bitonti said police would contact the vehicle owners and warn them about the violations.
Last month, all four members of the recreation board resigned for personal reasons.
