Duquesne Seeks New Tax Agency, Reports Demolition Progress

By Cami DiBattista
The Tube City Almanac
November 12, 2017
Posted in: Duquesne News

Duquesne officials will seek a new collector for delinquent taxes as Mayor Phil Krivacek said the city and the existing agency were finding it difficult to work together.

At last week's meeting, city council voted 4-0 to terminate an agreement with Keystone Collections Group. Krivacek recommended that council find a new agency to perform the service.

In other business: Duquesne resident Steve Vasy was hired into the public works department on a 4-0 vote. Councilman John Gyure said there are presently two vacant positions after one public works employee retired and another is out on workers compensation with an injury.

Two vacant properties were secured and four street signs in the city were replaced by the Street Department, Gyure reported.

Police and Public Safety: Duquesne police Chief R. Scott Adams reported 307 calls for service during the month of October.

There were 73 offences committed in the city resulting in 43 arrests, Adams said, 40 of which were adults and three of which were juveniles. Police investigated 11 motor vehicle accidents, issued 51 traffic citations and answered 27 false alarms, Adams said.

Krivacek gave the Fire Department report on behalf of Chief Andrew Fedor. The department answered 102 calls in the month of October. Calls included 18 structure fires, one auto fire, seven miscellaneous service calls and seven mutual aid responses.

“Those guys do such a great job,” Krivacek said. “I don’t know what we’d do without them. They’re very capable and they’re always here when we need them.”

Property and Recreation: Councilman Timothy Caldwell reported that the Public Works Department winterized the Polish Hill concession stand.

Water Department: Councilwoman June Wilson reported that 138 calls were answered by the Water Department, including 21 terminations, 19 MACM terminations, 4 dig ups, and 12 PA One calls. The department also performed mandatory testing throughout the City and no issues were discovered.

City Controller Beth Kracinosky thanked everyone who participated in Duquesne's Halloween celebration, which drew more than 500 participants.

“It was a delightful day,” Kracinosky said. “The costumes were cute and the kids had a blast. It was an all-around great day.”

She also announced the "‘Tis the Season" holiday community celebration slated for Nov. 26.

City Engineer David Gilliland reported completion of the demolition of properties at 1104 Barbara and 1027 Kennedy and said demolition is nearing completion on 943 Chestnut St., 621 Duquesne Blvd. and 828 W. Grant St.

Additionally, specifications were submitted to Steel Rivers Council of Governments for the demolition of: 135, 201, 205 and 209 S. First St, and 206 Cedar St.

Gilliland also reported having applied for a community development grant to utilize leftover funds from the Auriles Street waterline project. The city hopes to use the funds to do water valve replacements at 6th and Viola and fire hydrant replacements at Seventh Street and Line Alley.

Citizen Reports: Duquesne resident Andy Vamos thanked the council, the street department and all involved for the great job being done to demolish homes in disrepair. Vamos also thanked the council for recognizing local veterans for Veteran’s Day.

Originally published November 12, 2017.

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