Cheswick goes back to in-person council meetings

Cheswick Council passed a resolution Wednesday to hold its public meetings in person at the spacious Cheswick Volunteer Fire Co. hall.

Council met at the fire hall Wednesday night, with borough officials and two members of the public attending. The vote retroactively authorized that meeting and future ones to be held there in person.

Covid-19 pandemic restrictions have prevented many in-person public meetings for Cheswick and other government bodies since March 17.

Council used the online videoconferencing platform Zoom to conduct their meetings virtually in March and April.

The fire hall on Spruce Street provides ample space for the seven council members, other borough officials and up to 14 members of the public to gather while adhering to social distancing guidelines, said Lorraine Zebrine, borough secretary.

Covid-19 restrictions imposed by Gov. Tom Wolf were relaxed in Allegheny County on May 15 as it moved into the yellow phase of the governor’s three-tiered reopening plan, allowing up to 25 people to assemble as long as they are at least 6 feet apart.

Council’s next meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 10 and June 16 at the fire hall.