Verona Borough Council Notebook: Aug. 30 Work Session

Here’s a look at some items discussed at Verona’s Aug. 30 work session.

Blighted Property Ordinance

Borough officials might pass a blighted property ordinance as early as its regular meeting tomorrow, Sept. 13.

At its most recent work session, council authorized the borough’s solicitor to write an ordinance addressing blight in the borough.

The ordinance would give Verona the right to act in accordance with the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act of 2010, a state law which allows municipalities to take legal action against owners of blighted property.   

Recycling Grant

Officials plan to apply for a state grant to support recycling efforts in the borough.  

The Recycling Program Performance would come from Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection.

According to council president Sandy Drabicki-Bell, Verona would receive $10 per ton of materials recycled.

In 2009, 10 Allegheny County cities and boroughs received the award, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Oakmont was among those recipients.

Riverbank Park Dock

Councilwoman Rhoda Gemellas-Worf is seeking grant opportunities for construction of a small dock for kayaks at the borough’s Riverfront Park.

Gemellas-Worf said she had some leads but nothing definite yet.

Business District Signage

The borough will have a public hearing at 6 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 13, regarding a sign ordinance for Verona’s business district.

The ordinance, according to officials, is part of Verona’s revitalization efforts.

The hearing will take place in the Borough Building at 736 East Railroad Ave.

Sale of Borough Property

Borough officials also will open bids received for a piece of property which was donated to Verona by the Guardian Angel Ambulance.

The property is located at 535 East Railroad Ave.