CASA director Kelsey Howard presents at Monday’s City Council meeting.

The City Council tackled a mix of major upgrades and community concerns during Monday’s public meeting.

The council awarded a $289,000 contract to Constantine & Co. for renovations to the fire department’s restroom and dormitory facilities. The project will convert existing shared facilities into three individual, ADA-accessible restrooms with showers and will upgrade the dormitory area to provide improved privacy for firefighters.

Approximately $165,000 of the project cost is being covered through two municipal fire department capital grants from the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner, with the remaining funds budgeted through the city’s capital improvement plan. Officials said the upgrades will modernize aging facilities and better accommodate a diverse workforce.

This month’s council guest presenter was the newly appointed executive director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Warren and Forest Counties, Kelsey Howard. She gave the council an overview of the organization’s work advocating for children in dependency court cases.

The organization trains volunteers to represent the best interests of children in the welfare system who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.

CASA currently has 10 volunteers serving 15 children, with several additional children awaiting assignment. Howard encouraged community members to consider volunteering and said the group relies largely on local donations and grants for funding.

Council members commended the organization’s work and offered support.

The owner of Fred’s Pet Shop spoke during public comment, asking council to address what he described as ongoing parking problems along the 200 block of the city.

He said vehicles frequently occupy unmetered spaces for extended periods, limiting turnover for nearby businesses.

He requested the installation of clear signage, such as 10- or 15-minute parking limits in loading zones, and better use of nearby lots for short-term parking.

Council members thanked him for bringing the matter forward and said staff would review the situation.

Council approved two property matters during the meeting:

A minor subdivision request at 406 Market St.

The transfer of property at 1311½ Sill St. to the Redevelopment Authority.

Council approved participation in the state purchasing program for anti-skid material at a cost of $17.43 per ton. This is a ten cent increase from the previous year.

The next city council meeting will be held on March 16.