Early probation end?

Bellevue Council could decide whether to end an employee's probationary period early so that he will be eligible for borough-paid health insurance.

Council member David Gillingham Jr. said at the Sept. 30 pre-council meeting that if council releases recent public works hire George Bauer from probation a month early, he would be eligible to receive insurance benefits through the borough.

Director of administrative services Connie Flasher said that if Bauer serves a full six-month probation, he will miss the Highmark open enrollment period and be forced to pay $4,000 for one month's insurance under COBRA. Council member Linda Woshner disputed that statement, saying that she did not believe that group plans such as Bellevue’s are subject to specific enrollment periods.

Council member Jane Braunlich said that the probationary period and benefits schedule are mandated by the borough's contract with the public works union. She said that the contract states that the borough does not pay for benefits until the six-month probationary period ends, and makes no allowances for early termination of probation. She said, however, that nothing in the contract prohibits an employee from joining the borough's group insurance plan and paying the premium himself.

Flasher and public works supervisor Tony Barbarino said that the borough has made allowances for employees in the past. Specifically, Barbarino said, he was permitted to reach his full pay scale in a year and a half rather than the three years stated in the contract.

The matter is expected to be decided at the regular council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Farmer's market moving

Bellevue Borough Council is expected to vote at its regular meeting next week to move the farmer's market from the municipal parking lot to Hawley Avenue.

According to organizer Michelle Smith, the market is down to only six vendors because so few people are visiting the Wednesday event. Smith said, at the pre-council meeting on Sept. 30, that the market is not as visible as it was when it was on Hawley last year.

Smith asked council members if the market could be moved to Hawley Avenue, or to the municipal lot beside West View Savings Bank.

Council members said that they will vote on moving the market at Tuesday's regular meeting, but said that Smith should expect the market to be moved.

Contingency fund

With only some $8,000 spent on change orders out of Bellevue's $159,000 contingency fund for the renovation of the borough building, officials have a good idea of how to spend the rest of the money.

Council members plan to spend some $32,000 to repave the parking lot on the side of the borough building.

Borough engineer John Rusnak told officials at their pre-council meeting on Wednesday that the project will not take long, but noted that the borough must move quickly if it wants work completed before the asphalting season ends.

He also told officials that the project will cost about $5,000-$8,000 more than expected because of a concrete handicapped parking spot that will require additional excavation.

The borough will also spend $57,393.31 for new furniture.

The building will have new office furniture and new furniture for the council chambers, which will include some 30 chairs for the public, according to director of administrative services Connie Flasher.

Flasher said that the borough will get the equipment through a state contract with Bauman Office Equipment, Inc. in Beaver Falls.

The furniture is expected to arrive at the building in three weeks, Flasher said.

Flasher said that council's November meeting should be able to be held in the new council chambers at the borough building. She said that the elevator would be inspected Oct. 13.

Glaser Avenue update

Bellevue officials were told, at their pre-council meeting on Wednesday, that the borough is waiting on a letter from the Northgate School District before it proceeds with the Glaser Avenue project.

Director of administrative services Connie Flasher said that she has notified the school district that borough officials want a letter expressing the district's intent to go through with the project, and stating how much money the district plans to spend on the project.

Flasher said that she hopes to have the letter from the district by next week.

Council plans to vote next Tuesday on whether to authorize the borough's engineering firm, HRG, to continue with the project.

Engineer John Rusnak told officials that if his company gets the go-ahead now, construction could get underway next July or August.

Bellevue has obtained a $120,000 grant that will pay part of the cost of building sidewalks along the reconstructed roadway used by students to reach Northgate Middle/Senior High School.

Emergency coordinator

Bellevue officials disagree over who should be the emergency management coordinator for the borough.

Council’s safety committee has recommended that former police chief Mike Bookser continue as the coordinator.

Council member Jane Braunlich said that either the chief of police or the fire chief should be the coordinator, in keeping with past practice.

Mayor George Doscher said in emergencies, both chiefs are busy performing operations, so an independent individual should fill the role.

Council member Linda Woshner noted that, although Bookser is no longer employed by the borough now, he was the police chief when he first was coordinator. She said that she preferred the position be filled by current borough employee.

Bellevue Fire Chief Glenn Pritchard said that someone outside the fire or police department should be the emergency coordinator. Doscher said that he had a conversation with Police Chief Matt Sentner, who also felt that the job was not appropriate for the chiefs.

Director of administrative services Connie Flasher said that she had to take a one-day course to be a certified as an emergency management coordinator, in case Bookser is not available.