Council fills commission vacancies
-CRAFTON-
By Abbey Sullivan
Crafton council has filled four commission vacancies, following ongoing efforts to raise interest in the borough’s many volunteer positions. Eighteen vacancies still remain in the town of approximately 6,000 residents.
During their April 14 meeting, council members appointed Carrie Woodard to the library board, Craig Lehocky to the recreation board, Christin Scuilli to the Shade Tree Commission and Matthew Greiner to the planning commission. Woodard will serve a three-year term; Lehocky, Scuilli and Greiner will serve four-year terms.
Councilmember Erin Bollenbacher encouraged residents to become engaged with the Crafton community through these positions, and said he feels impressed with all applicants so far.
“The applications we have gotten so far have been very impressive. They show that they are bringing knowledge to the table,” she said.
Positions remain open and the deadline for application has been extended. Information about applications and open positions can be found on the borough website.
Sewage grants
Council is eyeing up federal funding options to move forward on existing plans to separate sewage systems that currently combine rain and wastewater. Members resolved April 14 to apply for the Community Project Funding Grant, announced by Rep. Conor Lamb’s office on March 31.
The Broadhead project calls for new drainage and stormwater management systems across several Crafton roads, including Broadhead, Crafton, and Lynwood avenues, Warren Street and others. Improvements will also include new sidewalks and curbs, new stormwater catch basins and repairs to the existing roads.
Councilor Phillip Levasseur spoke about the grant and its competitive nature. Representative Lamb may only award grant funds to selected applicants, he said, so it is not guaranteed that Crafton will receive the money.
“As we move through to the interior of the borough, the cost to construct gets more challenging,” he said. “This is our first Congressional grant opportunity in a long time. So happy hunting, and we’ll wait and see.”
Council will soon receive the invitation to apply for the grant. The final submission is due in May.
In other borough news:
• Clearview Construction – Traffic disruptions will affect Clearview Extension through mid-May due to ongoing borough construction projects.
• Rep. Dan Deasy – Council also announced that State Rep. Dan Deasy will hold a mobile event in Council Chambers on April 28 to meet with constituents. This will take place before the borough’s regular monthly meeting from 5 – 7 p.m.
• Crafton Clean-Up – Crafton will hold a community clean-up day on April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents may bring items like building materials, household clutter, small appliances and house clutter to Crafton Park for dumpster disposal.