Penn Hills council remembers DeLuca, recognizes Anti-litter Group

The beginning of the Oct. 17 Penn Hills council meeting was somber, as Mayor Pauline Calabrese offered her condolences to the DeLuca family on behalf of council. Pennsylvania State Rep. Tony DeLuca died on Oct. 9. He served as State Representative for 39 years.

“Representative DeLuca was deeply passionate about his constituents in Penn Hills, Blawnox, Plum and Verona,” Calabrese said. “If the streets of heaven are paved in gold, I’m sure he is in the process of getting a grant to line it with diamonds. Rest in peace dear friend.”

At the meeting, members of the Penn Hills Anti-litter Group were presented with lapel pins to commemorate their efforts in the 2022 Garbage Olympics. Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey sent the pins as a thank you for the group competing.

“I call many of these people up here my friends,” said group leader Faith Milazzo. “We care a lot about Penn Hills. It’s our community and I’m proud to be standing here with everyone. Thank you.”

In other business, Al Odachowski’s appointment to the municipality’s police personnel board was approved. Four vacant properties were also approved for acquisition and subsequent disposition.

Council granted conditional use to the Allegheny Land Trust for a public recreation facility at the former Churchill Country Club property. Multiple residents made public comments regarding this resolution — majority speaking of their excitement for the project.

The condemnation of property for the Gascola Stream Restoration Project was also approved.

Lutterman Excavating was awarded a contract of $48,500 to carry out the demolition of six single family structures through the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program.

“This is necessary demolition,” Calabrese said. “Please know that we are going through each and every area of Penn Hills and moving forward not only with beautification, but safety as well. We’re moving forward in a really exciting, positive way.”

Cowden Associates Inc. will be providing pension actuary services. Council also approved a three-year contract with the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Oakmont for wastewater billing services. There will be no increase to their service fees.

The Woodlawn Stream Restoration Project contract was awarded to Ecological Restoration, Inc. for $46,550.

At the end of the meeting, councilwoman Joanne Fascio announced that the Penn Hills police department has joined in a venture looking to expand emergency services to include a mental health component. Preparations are being made for future implementation of the new program.