At today’s staff meeting, talk focused on preparing for spring.
Tom Kelley, director of public works, said a rain barrel has been installed near the restrooms in Mt. Lebanon park, thanks to the work of Nine Mile Run in cooperation with the Environmental Sustainability Board. Plans are in the works for a rain garden in that spot.
Pat Cannon of the recreation department said indoor baseball clinics start tomorrow. The program is so popular there is a waiting list. Recreation facilities manager Bob Hlebinsky said registration is underway for spring hockey and learn to skate programs.
Earned income tax collection for February is 4 percent over last year’s collection rate.
Tennis pro Hank Hughes said the stands/bleachers are almost complete at the tennis center. (Incidentally, Hank got to meet Billie Jean King at a tennis convention in Philly last weekend.)
The fire department will have its final accreditation hearing in Nevada next week.
Commercial districts manager Eric Milliron reported that Winterfest last Saturday was a success with a sellout of all 250 tickets. The event netted $2,500 for Relay for Life. Commercial chili winners were Bistro 19 and Rania’s in a near tie and the fire department won the hotly contested (sorry, couldn’t resist) chili cookoff with the police department. The event will return next year.
Golf course manager Dave Boal said the course is open. The warm winter weather meant it never had to close for more than a few days at a time. Normally, it may shutter for 6 to 8 weeks at a time.
And lastly, the way you receive your sewage bill will change this summer. Currently, Pa. American bills for the sewer fees along with the water (since the rates are based on water usage.) The water company will no longer be doing the billing and the municipality does not have the ability to bill for a utility. Consequently, the municipality will likely outsource the billing for sewers to an outside collections firm. This is not an additional fee; rather a change in the biller.