Coal Twp. identifies three priority uses for federal funding
COAL TOWNSHIP - Township commissioners Thursday evening fine-tuned proposed uses for a possible $170,000 in federal funds.
Federal budget allocations for the fiscal year 2010 aren't available yet, but the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) had the township plan a budget based on last year's allocation of $170,000.
The township has proposed the following uses:
- $95,000 to improve Walnut Street.
- $43,500 to demolish vacant and dilapidated buildings.
- $30,000 for administration for the ongoing management and oversight of the program, public information and planning.
Funding changes for the fiscal year 2009 will allow for improvements to Tioga Street from Hess Street to Route 901, known locally as the Rock Cut.
There are also planned improvements to the Venn Access Road using money from other years.
The commissioners also received a letter of support from state Sen. John Gordner, R-27. The senator said he'd be willing to help secure funding for a regional recreation center at the former Ames Department Store building on Route 61.
The commissioners announced their intention to pursue the regional recreation center at their Feb. 18 meeting. There's enough square footage in the structure to house both an indoor basketball court and indoor soccer field, Commissioner Paul Petrovich noted.
To that end, the commissioners appointed township citizens Bo Scandle, George Zarick and Dr. Wayne Miller to a recreation committee.
"This is in its infancy stage," Commissioner Gene Welsh said. "We want to add more people. We'd like to get some regional people involved. (Scandle, Zarick and Miller) are involved in youth sports. That's kind of what we're looking for."
Anyone interested in joining the committee should contact township Manager Robert Slaby Jr. at 644-0395.
The commissioners are also beginning to form a 175th anniversary committee, to be celebrated in 2012.
"This is a big milestone," Commissioner George Zalar said, adding that anyone looking to volunteer for the committee, or suggest ideas for the celebration, should come forward. They can contact the commissioners through Slaby.
The board also approved the use of the Ferndale Field for an Easter egg hunt, slated for 1 p.m. April 3. The event will be open to township children ages 12 and under, to be split into different age groups.
"I just want to thank you," for allowing the Easter egg hunt to happen, Amy Zalar, organizer of the event, said at Thursday's meeting.
Zalar said she recalled attending such events as a child, and lamented the fact that such activities have been absent for a number of years.
"What a great opportunity," Zalar said.
In other business, the commissioners approved the hiring of William Kuzmick as roadmaster at a salary of $20 an hour to oversee the day-to-day duties of the street department for a period of 90 days. After the 90-day period, the board will evaluate the hire.
The board also approved the transfer of Molly Engle from the code office to the police department to serve as the new department clerk full time at a rate of $9.11 per hour beginning Monday.
Engle's two years of part-time service in the code office will be credited as one year of full-time service in her personnel file.
"She's a very conscientious lady," Chairman Albert Santor said. "She did a very good job for (Code Officer Chris Petrovich). I'm sure she'll do a great job for the chief."
The board approved the transfer of a liquor license from Mount Carmel to Coal Township for the 2nd Chance Bar and Grill, to be located at 1101 W. Pine St.
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