Monongahela OKs account for donations

By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Due to a recent trend of local businesses wanting to donate money to the City of Monongahela, officials approved the creation of a city trust account.
At council’s business meeting Wednesday night, Solicitor Todd Pappasergi said numerous businesses have shown interest in helping fund city projects, such as landscaping, with donations to that department landing in the Parks and Recreation bank account.
Pappasergi said the new account will help alleviate trying to figure out how — and where — those donations are divided.
“That’s where all donations should go,” Pappasergi said. “It’s generally for public purposes. Anyone can leave money for any specific purpose.”
In other business, officials announced the city is receiving nearly $329,000 from Washington County’s Community Development Block Grant program for the funding of eligible activities.
The grant is for the fiscal year 2021.
The grant will include $75,000 for homes, $80,000 for fire department, $60,000 for parks and $120,000 for streets.
The county’s CDBG program, now in its 47th year, includes federal funds awarded to cities and urban counties for housing and community development projects.
The program has financed housing rehabilitation, community and senior centers, special housing for people with disabilities, extensive neighborhood improvements and social services.
Officials also announced the Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Santa Shopping is Shopping in Town celebration 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20.
The event will include an appearance by Santa Claus, who will light the community Christmas tree, shopping and a Let’s Light up the Night lighted lantern group release at the Monongahela Aquatorium at 8 p.m.
Anyone interested in purchasing a personalized lantern for $5 at the front desk of the Mon Valley YMCA. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the YMCA.