With its multi-year cable contract already expired, the municipality of Penn Hills continues to negotiate with its cable television operator, AT&T Broadband, which has bought out TCI in recent years. At a public hearing held Wednesday night by Penn Hills council, only one resident spoke, commenting on customer-related services.
And at this point AT&T Broadband remains the only cable provider that has expressed interest in the contract. But Municipal Manager John Brennan said the entire contract with the municipality's 16,000 cable subscribers is being renegotiated, with Penn Hills being represented by the law firm of Dickie, McCamey and Chilcote. Municipal Solicitor August Damian leases space to the cable company in one of the office buildings he owns.
Churchill
Churchill Council announced this week that there will be a public hearing at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11, during which council members will review their proposed 2002 budget.
Wilkinsburg
Late last month, representatives from the Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority announced plans to install cameras around some of their reservoirs as an added protective measure.
According to Water Authority Director Anthony Russo, the measure is aimed at bolstering the facility's already tight security.
At that time, Russo would not comment on any other measures the authority might have been considering.
This week, however, water authority officials reported that they are now considering hiring a security firm to alert them about any gaps that might exist in their current security measures.
The recent concerns about security come on the heels of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the numerous anthrax scares across the nation.
McKeesport
McKeesport City Council has approved the purchase of a new fire truck for $483,396.
The 75-foot ladder pumper from the Kaza Fire Equipment Co. will replace an antiquated truck that has raised concerns from city Fire Chief Fred Bray, who has cited the abundance of senior citizen high-rises in town.
Laurel Capital Corp. will finance the deal and charge the city 3.72 percent interest for seven years. Beginning in 2003, the city's community development department will pay $79,000 per year for the truck.
Plum
The Plum Borough Community Library is conducting the annual Angel Tree to benefit the Plum Food Pantry.
From Dec. 1-14, patrons can pick out a Christmas ornament with a child's name on it and bring in a new gift for that child. Patrons can keep the ornaments.
All donations benefit children who use the Plum Food Pantry. Gifts are needed for children up to 16 years of age. Suggested items for teens are gift certificates, compact discs, watches and jewelry.
Monroeville
Community College of Allegheny County Boyce Campus Adult Re-Entry and Women's Center will host a workshop entitled "Energize Your Life: Feng Shui," from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Nov. 29 in the Center Room, S453 Level 4.
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese science of arrangement, space, and flow which has been touted to increase personal happiness and prosperity.
The seminar is free and open to the public. For registration and more information call the center at (724) 325-6825 or (412) 371-8651 ext. 6825.
Plum
The first session of the Plum Borough Community Library teen book club will be conducted from 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 24 at the library on Unity Center Road.
For the first session, participants will choose a book to read and discuss it for the next session.
Each session will include book discussion and the selection of a book for the next month. The next session will be Dec. 22. To participate in the club, contact the library at (412) 798-7323.
