AVOCA — Winter Storm Stella may seem like a distant memory now that spring weather has arrived, but that didn’t stop he borough council from taking time Thursday to recognize its street department.
Council President John Boone and Mayor Robert Mullen presented Street Department Commissioner Keith Patterson and borough employee Michael Volch each with a plaque to thank them for their work during Stella.
The storm dropped closed to 30 inches on the borough and Boone said he experienced first-hand the hard work of Patterson and Volch.
“They’re the unsung heroes of this scenario,” said Boone. “Myself and (Councilman Mike) Fuller spent some time with them also, and experienced the magnitude of the storm and trying to keep up with it and stay ahead of it. I wish I could’ve done more for them than just a certificate, but it was the least we could do for them tonight to recognize them.”
Patterson said the street department put in 37 hours of overtime during the storm for four days spent clearing snow.
Volch and Patterson were both caught off guard when receiving their certificates but were thankful, nonetheless.
“I was shocked,” said Patterson. “I’m speechless and I don’t know what to say. It’s an honor. We put a lot of hours in.”
“I wasn’t expecting a plaque,” added Volch.
In other business Thursday, the council members approved:
• A liquor-license transfer from an establishment in Larksville to Avoca Convenience Store on Main Street.
• A donation of $100 to the Avoca/Dupont Little League bingo fundraiser that will be held Saturday, June 10.
• A proposal from Biros Utilities for a portable-toilet rental of $80 per month for the baseball season. The rental fee includes a portable unit, hand sanitizer and damage waiver. Council members will also rent two portable toilets for the borough’s Farmers Market events this summer.
