City receiving more cash for sewage system sale

The City of McKeesport, which signed an agreement last year to sell its municipal authority sewage system assets, will be getting $6 million more for the deal than waspreviously negotiated.

Council approved a revised sales agreement with Pennsylvania American Water in the amount of $162 million at its Wednesday meeting.

“Things are going tremendously well,” said Mayor Michael Cherepko. “We were able to negotiate a higher selling price,” due to appraisals of the authority coming in higher.

Mr. Cherepko said that the city was also given an additional 180 days to close the deal. The original agreement would have expired at the end of this year.

He said the goal is to close the deal by the end of the year but it will probably be done in early 2018.

“Ireally don’t see any problems whatsoever with this deal,”Mr.Cherepkosaid.

The city signed the original agreement in September and is selling the authority structures in the city. The to Pennsylvania ordinance adds language American Water to help address for LED signs. financial problems. Fees for LED signs will

“These authorities are a range from $200 to $400. All liability,” because of old other sign permits will service lines, Mr. Cherepko have a $40 flat fee plus $3 said. He added it is not in per square foot. the city’s best interest to be Additionally, council in the utility business. voted on application fees

Currently, the municipal for residents or commercial authority servesentities to appear before the McKeesport, Dravosburg, city’s zoning hearing Duquesne, East McKeesport, board. Resident applications Elizabeth Township, Glassport, will be $500 and commercial Liberty, Lincoln, North applications $1,000. Versailles, Port Vue, Versailles Councilalso approved anand White Oak. agreement with Lutterman

In other business, council Excavating of Greensburg voted to add tobacco-free in the amount of $163,800 zones in city-owned facilities, for the demolition of about specifically parks. At 22 properties in the city. city-sponsored events such The funds are coming from as concerts, smoking in the a federal Community main areas will be prohibited. Development Block Grant. Designated smoking Lutterman Excavating locations will be posted or was also awarded a contract announced prior to the to reconstruct the fishing events. pier at Gergely Park for

Mr. Cherepko said that $173,200. Funds for this the city’s playgrounds have project are also coming been smoke-free for a few from a Community Development years and that this just Block Grant. takes that a step further.

Council also voted at the meeting to amend fees for permits for signs and other