(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

New Brighton borough manager Tom Albanese previewed a “full agenda” at the council’s February 16 meeting, and full it was–including the official ceremony for the council to be full once again.

The meeting began with a presentation by Ron Bogolea of Legacies Alive, who presented the council with an opportunity for the borough to show “storyboards” of fallen soldiers in designated areas, using a fiberglass base for the display. Albanese asked to continue discussions with Bogolea about the proposition following the presentation.

The council then voted unanimously to appoint Julie Martin of North Sixteenth Avenue to fill the Fifth Ward position on Council following the passing of council member Nick Campagna on January 21. Martin was sworn in by Mayor Tom Albanese and officially joined the New Brighton Council.

Coincidentally, the council then hired J. Martin & Associates as borough auditors for the calendar year of 2023 at a cost of $17,900 (the accounting firm was in no relation to the newest council member just sworn in minutes prior).

Much of the agenda focused on police and patrol measures, beginning with the hiring of Alexander Bitts as a full-time patrol officer in accordance with the Civil Service rules and regulations. The council then unanimously voted for a request to the Civil Services Commission to provide an eligibility list for school resource officer and patrol officer following the testing of candidates, along with testing for the positions of Sergeant and Corporal. Officer Keith Smith was reinstated to full Civil Service status following a successful one-year probation.

The 1995 Chevrolet G-30 van that was up for sale after being used by the New Brighton Public Works had its sale to Florida resident Dan Johnson approved by the council at an amount of $3,336. Youngblood Paving in Wampum was awarded a contract for the borough’s paving program this year, at an amount of $228,613.14. Of that total, $67,198.57 will be reimbursed by Pulaski Township for road work in the township.

Oak Hill Field will be the practice field for the New Brighton Little Lions following a unanimous vote by council, as was the closure of segments along 10th Street (from 3rd Avenue to 4th Avenue) and 11th Street (from 3rd to 5th) for a “Wine Walk” event to be held by the New Brighton Public Library on June 30.

The next New Brighton Council meeting is scheduled for March 16 at 7:00 PM.