Content about LOIS THOMSON

11.18.11

Ben Avon proposes 2012 spending plan

By LOIS THOMSON

At their Nov. 15 meeting, members of Ben Avon Council presented a proposed budget of $1,056,015 for 2012. The budget lists total tax revenue income of $836,504, the majority coming from $520,754 in current real estate tax collections.

Other income includes $26,000 from prior year real estate tax; $25,000 real estate transfer tax; $235,000 current earned income tax; $29,000 noncurrent EIT; and $750 occupational privilege tax.

05.20.11

Ben Avon okays emergency notice system

By LOIS THOMSON

"Let's get it up and running," said Ohio Township Police Chief Norbert Micklos. And with that, Ben Avon Council voted unanimously to authorize the chief to enter into an agreement with the One Call Now System on behalf of the borough.

The idea behind the one call service is to keep all residents apprised if an emergency occurs in the community. Participation is voluntary, and council voted to give all participants the option of receiving automatic notification by phone (land lines), text message or e-mail.

05.20.11

Proposed mural hits snag with Ben Avon Council

By LOIS THOMSON

The proposed mural for the side of the Ben Avon fire building may be squelched before it gets off the ground.

At the April meeting, Robin Siddoway, along with Kim Wynnyckyj, approached council with the idea of having a mural approximately 10 feet high and 20 feet wide painted on the side of the building facing Dalzell Avenue. They said the cost would be approximately $1,800.

03.18.11

Ben Avon officials look at fire merger by the numbers

BY LOIS THOMSON

For more than two years, Ben Avon has been discussing a possible consolidation of the Ben Avon and Emsworth fire departments. At Tuesday's council meeting, council member Michael Bett gave a comprehensive presentation, emphasizing that any plan must provide both a good experience and good equipment for the firefighters.

The presentation showed the differences between Ben Avon's situation remaining status quo and continuing to operate as an independent volunteer fire department, as compared with merging with the other communities.

01.22.11

Resident protests fines

BY LOIS THOMSON

"So you're blackmailing us?" asked Ben Avon Council member Judy Konitsney. James Karn assured council that was not his intent; rather, he would just like council to drop the fines that have been assessed against him regarding property at 518 Dickson Ave.

11.20.10

Ben Avon proposes ’11 budget

By LOIS THOMSON

At their Nov. 16 meeting, members of Ben Avon Council presented a proposed budget of $1,050,762 for 2011.

The budget lists tax revenue income of $832,520, the majority coming from $520,754 in current real estate tax collections. Other income includes $22,815 from prior year real estate taxes; $25,000 in real estate transfer tax; $232,577 in current earned income tax; $30,694 in noncurrent EIT; and $680 in occupational privilege tax.

10.22.10

Firefighters urge council to nix consolidation with Emsworth

By LOIS THOMSON

Frustration was evident on both sides as members of Ben Avon Council and members of the Ben Avon Volunteer Fire Department discussed a possible consolidation of the Ben Avon and Emsworth fire departments at Tuesday's council meeting. Ben Avon firefighters told council that they are happy with the status quo, and see no need to consolidate or merge the departments.

05.21.10

Gun ordinance repeal?

By LOIS THOMSON

"I regret voting for it because it's unenforceable, and possibly unconstitutional," said Ben Avon Council member Dan Herchenroether, referring to the gun ordinance council adopted last December that requires residents to report lost or stolen handguns to the police within 72 hours or face a potentially huge fine.

04.23.10

Ben Avon hopes for Park Ave. progress

By LOIS THOMSON

Renovation of a set of row houses on Park Avenue continues to be a thorn in Ben Avon's side. A couple of residents at Tuesday's council meeting expressed their concern and displeasure over the fact that the area has been torn up for a long period of time, but that little actual work has been done.

Victoria Haynes said her main concern is safety.

"I see children playing on the streets and torn up sidewalks and no precautions are taken. I don't know what council can do, but I think the site should be contained and closed."

04.23.10

Stop sign proposed

By LOIS THOMSON

Area drivers may have to watch for a new stop sign in Ben Avon if council approves the installation.

At Tuesday's meeting, members voted to advertise placing a sign at the bottom of Ridge Avenue where it meets Brighton Road.

Council will vote on the action next month. Dan Herchenroether was absent.

11.20.09

Ben Avon lame ducks defend their records

By LOIS THOMSON

A discussion about whether or not to keep the Carnegie Library Book-mobile service led to a heated argument at Tuesday's Ben Avon Council meeting.

Resident George Trent of Brighton Road started by saying to council that "the budget system leaves a lot to be desired" in that "the public has no participation in the budget process."

11.20.09

Ben Avon proposes $1 million 2010 budget

By LOIS THOMSON

At their Nov. 17 meeting, members of Ben Avon council presented a proposed budget of $1,043,785 for 2010.

The budget lists tax revenue income of $841,642, broken down as follows: $520,754 in current real estate tax collections; $22,815 from prior year real estate tax; $27,000 real estate transfer tax; $237,699 current earned income tax; $32,694 noncurrent EIT; and $680 occupational privilege tax.