Rostraver hires new animal control provider

A deal was approved with Xpel Wildlife Control Services that will run through the end of 2027.

Rostraver commissioners formally approved a new animal control provider for the township at Monday’s meeting.

The board unanimously authorized police Chief Scott Sokol to sign an agreement with Zach Cain of Xpel Wildlife Control Services that will run through Dec. 31, 2027.

Commissioners had questions regarding the cost of the deal, but they agreed it’s necessary for the township. Xpel Wildlife will receive $750 per month for its services.

“We’re glad we found somebody willing to do it,” said board President Jeffrey Johnson. “In the world we live in, it gets tougher and tougher to find people to provide those services. Just what that job entails. We’re absolutely glad we have someone to provide that service in the township.”

Commissioner Gary Beck agreed and said the animal control services aren’t a “want” but a “need” for the township. Johnson reiterated that the township was having a hard time finding someone.

Township Manager Jeffrey Keffer mentioned that the costs for Xpel Wildlife are an increase over what the township was paying its previous provider, which was $600 per month with no additional fees.

Keffer previously said that animal control calls had become frequent on Turkey Hollow Road due to local residents abandoning pets around that area.

The previous animal control provider resigned after it became difficult for them to travel to Rostraver to respond.

The township recommends anyone requiring help with an animal to contact 911.

Road department collective bargaining agreement

Commissioners also approved a tentative agreement with AFSCME Council 13, AFL-CIO, Local 769-1A (the Rostraver road department union). All board members voted in favor except Commissioner Justin Kosanko, who abstained.

Beck said they couldn’t provide details about the agreement as it’s still tentative and being worked out, but he said discussions had been going well.

“We have a good working relationship with the road department,” Johnson said. “And I think it was a pretty easy contract on both sides. They’re township residents that work there. They’re members of our community, and we’re pretty amicable. I think we have come to an agreement that satisfies both sides rather easy.”

Beck said they’ve had three meetings to discuss the agreement. Johnson said both sides were pretty much in agreement and that they were just working on final details.

The agreement will cover Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2029.