Verona Borough Council Notebook: August Voting Meeting

Here's a roundup of issues discussed at the Verona council meeting.

Building Inspector Fired, Code Enforcement Officer Hired

Council fired building inspector Mike Snyder.

Council president Sandy Drabicki-Bell cited reasons including not following protocol, not completing a database as promised, and inconclusive time sheets.

The borough had repeatedly attempted to contact Snyder regarding the matters, then more recently, tried to get in touch with him request his resignation, but to no avail.

Officials hired George Lender as a code enforcement officer at a rate of $20 per hour.

Lender will work no more than 20 hours a month. The current code enforcement officer, Mark Stanton, also will work no more than 20 hours.

Officials decided that if either needed to work more, approval from council would be needed.

Stanton told officials he wouldn’t mind having someone to help him with code enforcement in the borough. He described himself as “overwhelmed”.

Councilwoman Rhoda Gemellas-Worf said the additional code enforcement officer was needed so the borough could keep up with its established ordinances.

“We’re moving in such a positive direction,” she said. “The people of Verona deserve it.”

Lender essentially will replace Snyder.

Upcoming Road Closings for Events

A small section of Heron Avenue near the Verona United Methodist Church will be closed off between 4 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for its Vacation Bible School beginning today, Aug. 15, to Aug. 19.

Public Dock Concern

The borough is looking for ways to accommodate the needs of both Steel City Rowing Club and local residents.

The rowing club owns 150 feet of frontage along the river but uses a dock, which officials say is public.

Its members run into problems when incoming rowers approach the dock and there are people fishing from it.

Councilman Tony Futules suggested the borough ask the rowing club about making a fishing area or another dock that could be used by the public.

Others, like councilwoman Peggy Suchevich, suggested that creation of such a location could be a project for an Eagle Scout.

Council also discussed the problem of some on the dock—mostly kids—who aren’t fishing, but causing trouble.

In response to those concerns, officials are considering posting signs that say the docks are closed at dusk and that no one under 18 is permitted on the dock without a parent or guardian.

Tenth Annual Fall Festival

Verona’s fall festival will be held Sept. 8, 9, and 10 in the park near the municipal building on East Railroad Avenue.

This will be the tenth anniversary of the event, which will wrap up on September 10 with a fireworks display.

While the display currently is expected to run for about 25 minutes, councilwoman Peggy Suchevich said the festival committee is still taking donations for the event and the money will go to additional fireworks.

Borough to Sell East Railroad Avenue Property

Officials are hoping to sell property at 535 East Railroad Street.

Council decided to go ahead with advertising for bids on the property. Officials are asking that bids begin at $10,000.

The Guardian Angels ambulance service had owned the property and gave it to the borough, according to Gemellas-Worf.