New City Manager Named in Duquesne

By Tom Leturgey
The Tube City Almanac
June 27, 2023
Posted in: Duquesne News

Correction: Samuel Sulkosky’s name was misspelled in earlier versions of this story. We apologize for the error. -JT

Duquesne has another new city manager. Samuel Sulkosky has been hired by the city, but was not officially appointed at the June 6 general meeting.

A vote to appoint him was tabled, because other members of the newly-configured city administration were unable to attend the monthly meeting. The official designation will take place at July’s general meeting.

Council did, however, vote to give Sulkosky signator powers on city checking accounts.

Former City Manager Kelly Robertson left the city for another job late last year. George Newsome, who had worked under Robertson, was tapped interim city manager until January, when Scott Crawford was hired.

Crawford’s tenure ended by March, and Mary Lou Bittner served as interim until Sulkosky was tapped. Bittner remains with the city, but was not at the meeting.

In other business

During the public works report, Councilwoman Elaine Washington said the job listing for the city’s new public works director has been posted. Mike Kurta is still listed on the city’s website as the public works director, however, both Washington and Mayor Adams reported that Kurta has accepted another job.  

Washington gave a quick update on the Allegheny County Whole Home Repair Program. She said the first stage of the program was to let homeowners know that the program was available.

Representatives from the county and Steel Rivers Council of Governments are assisting residents and collect applications for the program. Council Aaron Adams noted that he hopes to have representatives from all utility providers there too to help residents and homeowners who have questions. Washington also urged those interested to visit actionhousing.org to apply.

City officials talked about residents using Pest-B-Gone for pesky rodents and animals in the city. Leaders agreed to work with the animal-trapping outfit. Residents who need to get rid of a groundhog, raccoon or other unwanted visitor, will pay a $50 deposit for each trap. When the trap is retrieved–whether it captures anything or not–the resident will be refunded their deposit. Mayor Adams reiterated that the homeowner is to provide the deposit money.

Duquesne Council unanimously approved the city’s Boys and Girls Club, youth football and cheer clubs to use the facilities at Polish Hill Park throughout the summer. Officials with the organization were also told that utilities would be turned on, including bathroom facilities, very soon.

Originally published June 27, 2023.

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