NORTH CHARLEROI - North Charleroi Borough Council declined Monday to help pay the insurance deductible for an accident Lock Four Fire Co. had a few months ago.
At Monday night's meeting, fire company President Jim Yelanich asked council to help pay the deductible.
He said the accident took place "five or six months ago."
However, Council President Joe Villella said he didn't think council could grant the re-quest.
"At this time, I know we can't afford to help with that cost," Villella said.
Councilman Lee Hall agreed, saying council does not have the money to help the fire department.
Councilman Sandy Santini added an historical perspective.
"I don't think we've ever done that in the past," he said. "I can't see us doing it now."
Villella said the borough - in the form as a gift - already pays the insurance premium for the fire company.
"If you come back to us next month, maybe things will be different," Villella said.
Council also agreed to fix a problem sewer at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Thirteenth Street in 2003, with a little help from the state highway department.
Council announced at Monday's meeting that the sewer, located partly on property maintained by PennDOT, is slated to be fixed sometime next year.
Councilman Lee Hall said that during a recent storm, the sewer backed up and had to be cleared.
"Between us and Charleroi, it cost $8,000 to get that sewer unclogged," said Hall. "It's an ongoing problem."
Hall said the sewer, which is located near the Mid-Mon Valley Transit Authority, is underground and beneath Lincoln Avenue.
Council will send a letter to PennDOT asking for financial help with the repair. Hall said getting money from PennDOT for the project should not be a problem.
"Being that part of the property belongs to PennDOT, we're just asking them to put it in their budget for 2003," Hall said.
