Monessen council discussed board and authority appointments and an update from Portnoff, the agency the city uses to collect delinquent garbage bills.

Staff reminded council that incumbents continue to serve on boards and authorities until replaced by appointment; the council encouraged citizens who are interested in serving to contact the city. Several residents had previously submitted resumes for boards (example: John McGee) and council asked staff to follow up to confirm receipt and scheduling for appointments at the next formal meeting.

On collections, staff reported that Portnoff has recovered roughly $330,000 for the city over recent years (and about $1.3 million across a longer history). Council discussed options to increase collections, including moving to sheriff’s sales on properties with persistent unpaid balances when appropriate. Staff said the amnesty program produced only a small number of payments and council directed staff and Portnoff to pursue more active collection options where feasible.

Ending: Council asked staff to proceed with filling board vacancies at the next council meeting and to work with Portnoff and the solicitor’s office on stronger collection paths for long‑delinquent accounts, including pursuing property enforcement where legally appropriate.