5 police officers sworn in at Monroeville Council meeting

Spirits were high as the Monroeville council chambers filled with the family and friends of five police officers who were sworn into service on Nov. 9.

Police Chief Doug Cole presented Brent Greismer, Robert Gowans, Kristofer Dick, Russel Langley and Robert Potts to the council. To begin the ceremony, Cole read a short biography of each officer, two of whom have come from departments in Pittsburgh.

Mayor Nick Gresock then officially swore the officers into service and invited attendees to take photos.

Before the council meeting continued, the traditional moment of silence was dedicated to the late Mike Guido, a first responder who served with Monroeville Fire Department 4. He died Nov. 1 due to complications from a surgery. Councilman Eric Poach presented a short video highlighting Guido’s achievements and offered condolences to his family.

Council discussed the 2023 budget, will be voted on for adoption at the December meeting.

“I know residents always wonder, but there is no tax increase proposed in this budget and we are maintaining all of our services, which is something that I feel strongly about,” Gresock said.

Other business included:

• Council voted to authorized the advertising of an ordinance, under preparation by solicitor Bob Wratcher, pertaining to feeding wildlife in the municipality.

“We’ve been having a wildlife issue with deer and other animals, rodents,” Gresock said. “And probably what’s most concerning for some residents is coyotes, which are in the area, and they’re following the wildlife and following the feed. According to the Game Commission, wildlife feeding is not advised, whatsoever. It’s not good for the animals.”

A vote on the ordinance is planned for December.

• The municipality also is advertising a request for proposals to develop a parks and recreation comprehensive plan. The issue arose during council’s budget meeting on Nov. 3, according to Gresock, who said the current plan was adopted 22 years ago.

“That’s a long time, so I think this will be money well-spent, and we need to do it in order to attract grants and also to really have a long-term plan for our park system,” he said.

• Tanya Bentley was appointed to the Parks and Recreations Advisory Board, and council approved Paul Caliari’s resignation from the Monroeville Municipal Authority. Other vacancies still exist across boards, commissions and authorities. More information regarding available positions can be found on the municipal website, www.monroeville.pa.us.