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Bruce Patton, a borough police officer who was killed on duty more than 100 years ago, is getting national and local recognition.
Patton, who was shot in 1905 as he attempted to arrest a man on charges of disorderly conduct, will be added May 13 to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
A plaque honoring the officer also will be placed in the municipal building, police Chief Alan De Russo said.
Councilman Calvin Jackson suggested that a memorial also be erected in the borough.
• David Marchetti of VFW Post 402 accepted a check for $700 from council to use in upgrading the post. Councilman Dan LaRocco presented the check at the meeting last Thursday.
Mr. Marchetti said the VFW Post recently upgraded the electrical system with donations from All Phase Electric and Duquesne Light. Behr Co. donated $5,000 worth of paint, and volunteers on behalf of Dick's Sporting Goods did the painting.
He also asked for volunteers who can help with a new roof for the VFW Post and with making the downstairs handicapped accessible. To assist: VFW Post, 412-264-3335.
Supervisors on April 11 approved a four-year contract extension for police Chief Jesse J. Lesko Jr.
The contract, which runs through May 12, 2016, maintains the same terms as his original contract in 2008. The chief's annual salary is $105,652, and his future pay raises will be the same percentages as other police officers under their collective bargaining agreement.
• Supervisors agreed April 11 to allow hotels and motels in the Imperial and Clinton village districts and at several interchanges along the Parkway West, or Interstate 376, near Pittsburgh International Airport.
The township revised its zoning ordinance to allow hotels and motels as a conditional use in the mixed use, village and business park districts, including the Clinton, Flaugherty Run Road and McClaren Road interchanges of the Parkway West.
Also, supervisors approved a new requirement that all street lighting in subdivisions and land developments must be equipped with light-emitting diode, or LED, fixtures.
Councilman Al Kosol announced Tuesday receipt of a $24,199 community development block grant to help pay for the fourth and final phase of the reconstruction of Ellsworth Avenue. Mr. Kosol, who is chairman of the road committee, said the total cost will be $49,000, and the project will reconstruct Ellsworth between Second and First streets.
• Mayor Kenneth LaSota has written a letter of commendation for police officer Adam Nida, whose quick response in blocking a suspect's vehicle from escaping led to the arrest of two suspects in a shooting Saturday in the Carnegie Towers parking lot.
Would you like to ice skate at Scott Park, even in the summer?
Commissioner Eileen Meyers, parks and recreation committee chair, suggested a way April 10 that an ice skating rink could happen.
At the annual Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show in March, she saw a display by Bare Bones Inc. that can be used year-round. The "ice" consists of plastic polymer panels that connect to form a skating surface. It is available in different sizes and can be installed outdoors or indoors because it doesn't melt.
A likely place for such a rink in Scott would be in the flat area near the park entrance.
"I think it would be nice to use our park year-round," Mrs. Meyers said.
But board President Tom Castello said the issue is moot until a cost estimate is received. He also pointed out that a rink would have to be monitored.
Commissioner Bill Wells wondered whether an ice rink would result in traffic problems on nearby residential Lindsay Road. He also worried about lighting for a rink.
"If we have lights up there, people will be there 24/7," he said.
Township manager Denise Fitzgerald suggested Scott could apply for a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant for the rink, although that would require a match from the municipality.
"I would rather pave Swallow Hill Road first," Mr. Wells commented.
• Commissioners honored 13 volunteers from the Scott Township Library with a proclamation.
"The library couldn't exist without these 13 people," Commissioner Bill Wells said. "I don't think there are enough ways to say thank you."
Playground equipment has arrived and the final stages of preparation work are being completed at Norwood Park.
Volunteers are needed at 8 a.m. May 5 to install the slide, swings, play gym and exercise stations at the park off McCoy Road. A half-court basketball surface will be installed three days later by General Recreation Inc.
The park is being renovated with a $44,000 grant received through the office of U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest Hills, and a $10,000 donation from resident Jack DeFillip, who won the money in Procter & Gamble's Take it to the House NFL Play 60 promotion.
The campaign is designed to tackle childhood obesity by getting kids active.
A grand-opening celebration will be held May 20.
• Aaron Stubna is planning a cleanup weekend for the old Parkway Theater site, 644 Broadway. Volunteers are needed from 1 to 4 p.m. May 5 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 6.
A small dump truck is needed to haul bricks from the site. Other expenses for the clean-up project are being paid for through a grant fromk the Sprout Fund. Work supplies and food will be provided during the event.
Information or to volunteer: 412-766-1668.
First Published April 19, 2012 5:07 am
