Official pushes for sewer pact
BELLE VERNON - Frustration over the lack of an agreement related to an expensive sewage project led to an argument between a councilman and the solicitor.
Councilman Michael Frederick asked Fayette Engineering representative Troy Williams why an agreement has yet to be reached between the borough and North Belle Vernon in relation to two areas connecting to new stormwater and wastewater systems.
"This should have been done before the work even started," Frederick said at a Wednesday council meeting. He also asked who was responsible for failure to reach an agreement.
Solicitor Jack Bergstein took offense to Frederick's stance.
"You're constantly jumping the gun," Bergstein said. "A better way of getting a response is by asking."
Frederick said Bergstein misunderstood him and reiterated his frustration over the agreement.
"We are trying to protect the borough, and we're extending lines we have no agreement for," Frederick said.
North Belle Vernon's system will connect to Belle Vernon's on State Street and Roley and State streets. It will direct wastewater to the Belle Vernon treatment plant and stormwater to the Monongahela River.
Belle Vernon will have to upgrade its system in some places where lines connect and new lines will have to be installed to handle additional flow. The extra load is expected to increase wear and tear on Belle Vernon's lines.
Belle Vernon and North Belle Vernon officials met last year to discuss sharing construction and maintenance costs based on respective usage.
Williams said he has been in contact with North Belle Vernon's engineer, Carl DeiCas, and believes an agreement already has been reached, adding the boroughs' solicitors must sign off on the deal.
"I'm confident we'll have an agreement by next month's meeting," he said.
Williams said the project is "on track" with costs.
The $1.8 million project involves installation of a new system that will serve about 1,200 customers.
It will eliminate sewer overflows that result in raw sewage being released into the Monongahela River. It also will satisfy a state order that requires municipalities to maintain separate stormwater and wastewater systems.
Council is using a $974,300 grant and an $880,450 low-interest loan from PennVEST to pay for the work.
PennVEST is a state agency that provides grants and low-interest loans for municipal and wastewater projects. The borough will repay the 1 percent interest rate loan over 30 years.
Williams said the project is completed in the areas of State and Roley streets and Main Street and Blind Lane. The Seldom Seen area has yet to be completed.
In other matters, council will seek a new solicitor. Bergstein will resign from the post at year's end. Bergstein has been the borough's solicitor for 33 years. The attorney said he plans to reduce his workload, but will remain in private practice.
Mayor James Bitonti and Councilman Rich Saxberg commended Bergstein for his years of service and dedication to the community.
Council discussed complaints about the borough's garbage collection firm, Fayette Waste, for alleged failure to pick up all trash.
Bergstein said he sent a letter to the company expressing council's dismay over the employee's alleged refusal to pick up all garbage.
The solicitor said he received a response Wednesday from the company saying it hadn't heard complaints prior to his letter.
The company indicated it would like a borough liaison to discuss concerns and complaints. Bergstein said the company provided him with a list of more than 30 residents who are delinquent in paying their garbage bills.
Bergstein suggested council direct the police to strictly enforce a borough ordinance that requires property owners or tenants to pay for garbage collection. Saxberg volunteered to serve as the liaison.
