Peters Township Council voted unanimously Monday night to amend the firefighters' collective bargaining agreement to allow two full-time firefighters on daylight shifts.

“Hiring whomever is not part of the agreement," said township Manager Michael Silvestri. "That’s a separate issue, but we are able to make the selection—and we can go up to three years for any person on that contract, but we’re hoping for more permanency beyond that."

Councilman David Ball then motioned to hire an additional firefighter to supplement the agreement. Council voted 7-0 in favor of the hire, to which Peters Township fire Chief Daniel Coyle said two candidates are available for immediate hire.

Council voted 6-1 to move forward to negotiate with LSL Planning, Inc. for the township’s comprehensive land use plan. Out of an initial 15 consultancies, four were interviewed. The reported budget for the project is $100,000. Vice Chairman Gary Stiegel, Jr. was the lone "no" vote.

“I can say of the four companies, LSL was not a unanimous favorite," said Chairman Robert Lewis. "It’s a significant move for the community, so we need proactive members, interested persons to come forward and give their opinion and insight for this plan."

“I would say the two favorites were LSL, who was over budget at $160,000, and then under budget was Poggemeyer (Group) at $90,000,” Councilman Frank Acuri said.

“I’d say that we ask the companies to really quantify all the work they expect to go into this,” Councilwoman Monica Merrell said.

Council voted unanimously to declare a nuisance situation after getting no response from Verizon, PennDOT and a property owner from falling trees causing downed lines along Valley Brook Road.

“Property owner my foot! Where is Verizon?" Councilman Robert Atkison said. "It’s their line, isn’t it? It’s the pass-the-buck routine, the American way. I want to go down to Verizon and show them how they are not responsible."

Council said they would seek to contact all parties involved one last time before seeking a potential court order for removal or repair.

Council voted unanimously on the following items:

• To deny any relief requests for delinquent tax penalties and interest 2002-2012.
• Permit for South Hills Lincoln Mercury to host a tent sale May 23-June 9.
• Permit for Sun Chevrolet to host its annual car show on Sunday, May 27.
• Allowing Peters Township police access to the CLEAN system database that houses criminal records.

Follow Peters Patch on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for our daily newsletter.