Oakmont agrees to 1-year contract extension for street, sewage plant workers

Oakmont officials approved a one-year extension to a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 249 for the borough street department and waste water treatment plant workers.

The CBA was set to expire at the end of the month. The deal affects six people, three at the treatment plant and three with the borough.

“With everything going on with the (covid-19) pandemic and how that’s affected the economy, we did not want to have either party committed to three to five years that was not fruitful to anybody,” borough manager Scot Fodi said. “It was their proposal (to extend the agreement). We agreed to it. We want to see what the economy’s going to do and see how a global pandemic affects us regionally both from an employment standpoint and revenue standpoint.

“One thing we did not need right now is to be negotiating a contract in the middle of that. This gives us a year to do research and get information.”

Councilwoman and public works chair Carrie DelRosso said the extension was a good move for both parties.

“Our public works department has continued to work through the pandemic as they‘re considered essential workers,” she said. “Now, we have some time to plan going forward with the 2021 budget.”

All motions made Monday night passed unanimously via 6-0 vote. Council Vice President Leah Powers was absent.

A majority of borough officials met in council chambers while practicing social distancing. A couple participated virtually.

Resident Wendy Hudak was appointed to the library board through the end of 2024.

Police Chief Michael Ford announced parking enforcement has resumed. He said there were two weeks of warnings, and tickets will be issued for violations.

Borough officials held a moment of silence for longtime public servant and businessman Fred Favo. He served on council from 1964 to 2003, including 34 years as council president. Favo was the borough treasurer from 2004 to 2019.

He also was an Oakmont Lions Club member for 60 years and a track coach for Riverview School District for about 11 years.

Favo died June 8 at age 87. His services were last week.

Council members offered condolences to the family, and called Favo an inspirational person, gentleman and role model.