Latrobe moves forward with surveillance, video upgrades, underpass rehab

Latrobe officials this year are taking steps to move forward with several improvements, including boosting surveillance capabilities downtown and videoconferencing technology in council chambers.

City Manager Michael Gray told council Monday he is set to review agreements with the Latrobe Foundation for sharing costs of new surveillance cameras to be installed at the city municipal building and other key downtown spots.

Assisting city police in investigations, the new cameras will offer increased flexibility in positioning and will be expanded to about 20 locations that haven’t had the devices.

“They’re going to help pick up accidents, hit-and-runs and any crime,” Gray said of the cameras.

The foundation is contributing about $30,000 toward the $58,455 camera project.

Police Chief John Sleasman said he hopes to add yet another electronic tool to help with investigations. He told council he is seeking grants to help place cameras at a few intersections that can read license plates of passing vehicles.

“We’ll mount them where the traffic signals are,” he said. “They’ll be able to read in four directions. There’s a couple of them in the county now.”

Council also authorized Gray to seek proposals to buy equipment to make it easier to allow people to remotely participate in council meetings. The city provided a remote video connection for all council members on an emergency basis, during the height of the pandemic, and wants to continue to offer that option to the public, to encourage citizens to engage with council.

“I think this is really a good move,” said councilman Ralph Jenko, who was named to serve as deputy mayor during the reorganization portion of Monday’s council session. “We’ve gotten by with the equipment we have.”

That existing equipment includes a computer terminal, one view screen and microphones at each council member’s seat.

Gray said he wants to improve the audio quality of the sessions. He also wants to set up multiple screens that will allow council, as well as members of the in-person audience, to see anyone who is making a comment via the virtual link.

Eric Bartels, a councilman who was sworn in as Latrobe’s new mayor, encouraged residents to speak out at meetings. “Let us know your ideas and what you’re thinking on issues,” he said.

Scott Wajdic, the city public works director, was authorized to seek proposals for purchase of a new bucket truck that will replace an aging 2004 utility truck.

Gray said he hopes soon to seek bids for a new trash compactor at the city’s waste transfer station and for rehabilitation of deteriorating pavement at the Courtyard Plaza, next to the city garage.

He told council work is nearing an end on long-awaited improvements to the Ligonier Street railroad underpass. Remaining work includes installation of overhead LED lighting and completion of concrete work, while painting is 90% completed.

“Everything is weather-dependent,” Gray noted.

Applicants sought for council vacancy

Council members hope to discuss candidates for a vacant seat on the panel at their Jan. 24 agenda session and would like to have letters of interest submitted before then.

Bartels’ seat opened when he became mayor, which includes chairing and voting in council meetings. He was sworn in to his new office Monday by local District Judge Tamara Mahady, also newly elected in November.

Mahady also administered oaths of office to new council members Ann Amatucci and Bridget DiVittis, as well as Jim Kelley, who was elected to a new term.

Council appointed Bartels to represent the city on the Greater Latrobe Parks and Recreation Commission and reappointed Ellen Keefe to the Latrobe Municipal Authority board.