Feb 28, 2017 2 min read

MONESSEN – Monessen Council seated a new board Monday to operate the city’s underused civic center and activities at its small amphitheater.

Council appointed a seven-member recreation/civic center board and a volunteer executive director to replace a group whose charter expired.

“The goal is to have it open seven days a week,” said Councilman Ed Lea, who brought the matter to the table at a meeting in the Monesssen Municipal Complex.

The Monessen Civic Center ,in a former military armory at 861 Donner Ave., has recently received new lighting and a refinished wooden floor surface under a grant, Lea said.

The new board also is expected to focus on strength and conditioning programs for local students involved in high school sports, he said. It also will schedule performances at the amphitheater in City Park. Council appointed Kevin Iacovangelo as executive director and the following board members: Marlon Wheeler, Cheryl Fleming, Dave Evans, Patsy Altimore, John Swann, Jessica Popovich and Chad Carrotto.

The Salvation Army will continue to hold its summer meals program at the building.

In other business Councilman Ron Chiaravalle announced the city’s street lights are being replaced with energy efficient bulbs.

Westmoreland County Food Bank will be allowed to use the city’s boat launch from 3 to 5 p.m. March 22, May 31 and Nov. 1.

Council authorized the Greater Monessen Historical Society to hold Founders Day Aug. 19 at City Park.

Council also changed its work sessions from the third Monday of the month to the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.