Mar 9, 2015 4 min read

WAYNESBURG – Waynesburg Borough Council voted Monday to approve the scope of work presented by Mackin Engineering for the revision of the borough’s comprehensive plan.

The borough last year received a $45,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development to revise the plan, which has remained unchanged since the mid-1960s.

The revision of the plan will be conducted by the borough in partnership with the county and Waynesburg University. Mackin was earlier hired as a consultant for the project.

Councilman Mark Fischer, who has been working on the comprehensive plan committee, said he believes the scope of work provides a “good path forward” for the plan’s revision and included work that is “achievable.”

Work on revising the plan is expected to begin immediately. The borough has 16 months to spend the grant money, borough manager Mike Simms said.

The scope of work presented Monday calls for conducting background studies and a needs analysis and for reviewing issues regarding housing, recreation, parking, transportation and downtown land use.

It also calls for conducting a market analysis of what businesses could possibly succeed in the downtown area and for a review of the borough’s zoning ordinance. Public input into the proposed plan will be completed through a steering committee as well as by two open house type meetings.

In other business, council voted to appoint Kayla Balint deputy tax collector on the recommendation of borough tax collector Mary Jane McClure.

A law enacted last year allows tax collectors to appoint a deputy who can assist the tax collector in collecting taxes and work should the tax collector become incapacitated.

The appointment of the deputy tax collector also must be approved by the school district and the county treasurer.

Balint, who addressed council, said county Treasurer Cory Grandel has already approved her appointment.

Balint has a bachelor’s degree in business from West Virginia University. She said she also has completed the course work to become a certified tax collector and only must take the certification examination.

In addition, Balint said, she is closing her used car business and will be able to offer extended hours for residents who want to pay their taxes. Her house is wheelchair-accessible, she said.

Linda Corfont, a certified public accountant who ran for borough tax collector last election, also expressed interest in the position.

Council discussed the position and whether the deputy would continue to serve should the tax collector resign before her term expires. Borough solicitor Pat Fitch said he would review the matter.

Council discussed whether it would be possible to reopen Cherry Alley, which has been closed between Morgan and Church streets since August.

The borough closed the street because of the potential hazard created by loose bricks on the former Waynesburg Borough council chamber building.

The building was to be sold to settle the estate of one of its owners. The person handling the estate has talked about having an engineer inspect the building because someone is interested in purchasing it for storage, Fitch said.

Council discussed whether something could be done to move the process along so the street can be reopened. Councilman Miles Davin suggested the alley be opened to only one lane and barricades placed in the area where bricks might fall.

Council voted to hire three new part-time police officers. Police Chief Rob Toth said the officers are needed.

Last year, the department had 33 felony or misdemeanor arrests, Toth said. So far this year, it already has had 43 felony or misdemeanor arrests.

Fitch also reported he is working with the school district on an agreement under which a borough officer will he employed as a school resource officer. The school district will cover the officer’s wages for the time worked and cover the costs of benefits.