Jeannette may move property maintenance officer to full time

Jeannette Council is considering bumping its part-time property maintenance officer up to full-time status.

The group discussed the move during an executive session this week and might vote on the matter at a session Thursday.

Council in September hired Vincent Pascarella of New Stanton, resurrecting the job that fell in recent years to Fire Chief Bill Frye and code enforcement officer Bill Whetzel, neither of whom had time to focus on the issue in addition to their other duties.

Mayor Curtis Antoniak appeared to be in favor of the potential promotion.

“I strongly would like to have Vincent Pascarella full-time property maintenance officer, which I feel is a need,” he said.

Pascarella was hired at a rate of $17.50 per hour for 20 to 25 hours weekly.

The property maintenance officer examines quality of life issues, such as high grass, broken windows and garbage strewn about the city. Whetzel said Pascarella has been following up with property maintenance violations and complaints, as well as addressing collections letters that those who haven’t paid their quality of life tickets are receiving.

“I think he’s doing a great job with that,” Whetzel said. “We’re out daily looking at these things so it’s coming along. I think it’s getting better.”

He and Pascarella often find themselves joining forces to respond to properties that have code enforcement-related issues as well.

“Sometimes it’s good to have two people out,” Whetzel said.

Council could pay Pascarella mileage for use of his personal vehicle during times that he is not traveling with Whetzel, Antoniak said.