Questions Asked About Role of Sewage Authority Consultant

Questions arose Monday night at the Council meeting into what role Diane Altland, former engineer for the Canonsburg-Houston Joint Sewer Authority, is currently serving at her former employer.

According to Richard Zollinger, sewer plant engineer, Altland has been serving as a consultant since she left her role as authority engineer several months ago. Zollinger expressed a need for Altland to serve in this role temporarily during the transition of her replacement.

Members of the council, though, felt a clearer picture needs to be painted of what Altland’s specific role is and how long she will be kept on as a consultant.

“Diane quit. She should no longer be employed by the authority, particularly as a consultant. Perhaps we need to have the authority come and explain why now we have two consultants when we should only have one,” said Councilman Rich Russo.

Other questions arose regarding office expenses for the authority as well as why members of Canonsburg Council have not been permitted to attend executive session meetings of the authority.

Board President John Bevec asked Canonsburg Manager Terry Hazlett to invite Michael Alterio, Chairman of CHJA, to attend next Monday’s meeting to answer questions regarding these issues.