Oakmont code enforcement job to be open, garbage hauler vows to address complaints

Oakmont officials will soon need a new code enforcement officer and building inspector.

Both services have been handled the past few years by Code Enforcement Agency, a private municipal inspection company out of Jefferson Hills.

Borough Manager Scot Fodi informed council at Monday night’s workshop meeting that CEA has decided to stop providing that work as of the end of this month.

Council plans to accept CEA’s resignation and authorize a request for proposals for those servicesMonday, Feb. 15.

“They were a professional firm,” Fodi said about CEA. “Very happy to work with them.”

The borough budgeted about $20,000 for code enforcement and $50,000 for building permits this year.

Fodi said bi-weekly office meetings will be a requirement for the next company or individual in that position.

Councilman sworn in

Mayor Christopher Whaley virtually swore in recently appointed Councilman John Arnold.

Arnold was selected to replace Carrie Lewis DelRosso, who left her elected seat at the end of December to take another one last month as state representative of the 33rd District .

Arnold, 76, is a retired engineer and advocate for stricter oil and gas well regulations.

The virtual swearing in was something new for Whaley, who is used to administering the oath to people face to face.

“It was different, but expect the unexpected,” he said. “You just go with it and do the best you can. It was different than it has ever been, but it worked.”

Garbage collection complaints

Residents with concerns and complaints about the borough’s garbage collector, County Hauling, should know their voices are being heard.

Phyllis Anderson, assistant to the borough manager, said she has fielded calls about missed pickups, trash cans in the streets, long customer service hold times and other related matters since November.

County Hauling officials pledged to address those issues and will have bi-weekly meetings with the borough to ensure efforts are in good standing, according to Anderson.

“They promised that they would do better,” she said. “The phone calls did decrease, but not to a satisfactory level.”

Garbage collection was delayed a day this week due to snow, Fodi said.