Events

The McDonald Trail Station, a non profit community organization, has items of local interest now available for sale at Lincoln Avenue Arts at 106 W. Lincoln Avenue. The Trail Station is closed during the winter months and appreciates Lincoln Avenue Arts in helping with their sales. Items available are T-shirts, calendars, The McDonald Memories Books,I II and III ,by local writer Alice Thomassy, and Christmas ornaments of local historical buildings and persons. Hours open are 11:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. every Thursday ,Friday and Saturday. For more information, please call 724-926-4617.

The Borough will be providing leaf collection for its residents beginning the week of October 27th. The collection schedule is as follows: MONDAY; All bagged leaves, TUESDAY; Sixth to Third Sts., WEDNESDAY; Third to North Sts., THURSDAY; N. McDonald to Miller Sts, FRIDAY; Laurel Hill, Johns Ave., Railroad, Johnston & Roosevelt. Residents are asked to rake leaves onto the roadway along the curb. This will enable Borough employees to operate the leaf vacuum in a safe manner. Please do not mix other materials or debris with any leaves. The leaf vacuum can collect LEAVES ONLY. FINAL DAY OF COLLECTION OF LEAVES WILL BE DECEMBER 5, 2008.

The McDonald Trail Station will be having a free Christmas party for McDonald area children at the Trail Station on Dec 6th from 2:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. As ususal there will be holiday music, a decorated hall, wagon rides on the trail, treats, gifts and above all Santa will arrive by fire truck. Also, each child with receive a free photo with Santa.

Anyone interested in joining MARA [McDonald Area Redevelopment Assoc] may do so by attending a meeting the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. MARA is a non-profit organization involved in attracting business development, community beautification, sponsoring local holiday event celebrations and much more. Business and private individuals are welcome. MARA is located at the McDonald Trail Station at 161 S.McDonald Street.

Next regular monthly Borough Council Meeting - January 5, 2009 7:30 p.m.

News

Steven Matta Jr. was sworn in on October 6th as the newest member to Borough Council. A resident for over 30 years, Steven will replace Mark Sember who resigned in August.

Congratulations to Police Officer Dennis Ahlborn, who has been promoted to Sergeant. Sergeant Ahlborn was a part-time Officer in McDonald for six years prior to being hired as a full-time Officer last September.

The McDonald VFD is reaching out to the community for new members. This recruitment drive is not only for firefighters but administrative staff as well. If you are a business professional who can give a few hours a week or you are interested in fire, rescue, or EMS Service, Please contact the McDonald VFD at (724-926-9190) or mcdfd@comcast.net, or stop by the station. The Junior Firefighter program will accept young men and women at age 14. Members over the age of 18 are considered regular members. Active firefighters must be 18 years or older.

Residents are reminded that the Borough no longer collects the Fort Cherry School District portion of your Earned Income Tax. In previous years 1% was paid directly to the Borough of which .5% was turned over to the school district. At the direction of the Fort Cherry School District, that .5% is now collected by Keystone Municipal Collections, 118 Wendel Road, Irwin, PA 15642. Residents should have received notification and tax forms from Keystone Municipal Collections. Should you need to contact them by phone their number is (724) 978-0300. Any questions regarding the .5% that is to be paid to the Borough may contact the Tax Office at (724) 926-8711. The Tax Office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Effective January 1, 2008, per the Pennsylvania UCC Building Code, all Building and Occupancy permits will be issued from the Borough’s Building Inspection Agency, HMT and Associates, Inc. in Canonsburg. Residents requiring permits should first pay their permit fee at the Borough Office, at which time a receipt will be given. The next step is to call HMT and arrange a time to meet with them regarding the Permit. HMT and Associates are located at 130 Cecil Street, Canonsburg. Residents may contact Ms. Toni Sessa at 724-916-2245 with any questions or to set up an appointment to visit their office.

The Property Tax in the Borough for 2008 is 39.25 mills. This reflects a modest increase of a half mill added to the Fire Service Tax. The 39.25 millage consists of 29 mills = General Services, 5.5 mills = Debt Service, 2.0 mills = Fire Service, .75 mills = Library and 2.0 mills = Street Lighting. Should you have any questions regarding the payment of the Property Tax you may call the Borough Tax Collector, John Bracall at (724) 926-8284.

The McDonald Police department employee, Diana Daniels, is a Certified Technician in Child Restraint Safety and residents may schedule an appointment to have their child car seats inspected, which also includes teaching parents proper installation. The inspection takes approximately 1/2 hour. To schedule an appointment, please call the Police Department (724) 926-2105 or Diana is available by e-mail, ddaniels@mcdonaldboro.com.