Sep 15, 2016 2 min read

MONONGAHELA – After requests at previous Monongahela council meetings from resident Tim Caudill for the city to make sidewalks more accessible for those using wheelchairs and scooters, city officials are moving forward on the project.

Council passed a resolution to allocate $10,000 from Washington County Community Development Block Grant money and $3,000 in donated services from Kulak Design Associates to improving sidewalks. The city has also submitted an application to the county for $65,000 in local share funds from casino revenue.

Councilman Ken Kulak said that after investigating the issue with Caudill, who uses a wheelchair, he found that not only are some of the sidewalks not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, but there are many streets that are very difficult to cross.

“We have to look at the possibility of additional street lights. It is very hard to cross the street in the town,” Kulak said.

Councilman Tom Caudill, who is Tim Caudill’s father, said commended Kulak for taking the initiative to tackle this project. “I think Monongahela is going to be a model for other towns concerning this issue,” he said.

“We are looking at the needs of the individuals, where they need to go, such as the grocery store or the pharmacy,” he added. “I think this is a great thing we are doing.”

In other news, Sampson Street resident Kevin Necciai said he had an issue with clear odor-filled water coming out of his drains and basement toilet. Kulak said he had the same problem this week.

Councilman Alan Veliky said the sewage department is currently mapping the city’s sewage system and an air pocket forms that will cause water to spray out of a drain or toilet. Council passed a resolution to apply for a local share grant in conjunction with Monongahela Sewage Authority for $250,000 for two upcoming sewage projects, phase 2 of the mapping and repair of storm sewer runoff at Sixth Street and North Alexander Street.

Council accepted the municipal police service agreement with Union Township contingent on the solicitor’s review and approval. Monongahela police are expected to begin providing police coverage in Union on Jan. 1.

Mayor Bob Kepics declined to provide details of the contract until it is reviewed by the solicitor.

Kulak said he is thrilled the city is working with other municipalities. “I think this is great,” he said.