Plum Borough Council, PBAA Try to Work Things Out

Council and Plum Borough Athletic Association officials are in the process of negotiating terms for a new lease, but residents are split as to how it should be done.

At Monday's borough council meeting, about 75 people were in the audience. Many of them attended in support of the PBAA, and others were against the organization's current board members.

Last month, the borough sent a letter to the PBAA stating that to eight ballfields along Ross Hollow Road. The letter cited several permit violations. The athletic association has leased the fields for $1 a year.

Last week, however, borough officials agreed to withdraw the termination notice in an effort to sit down with PBAA board members to discuss the matter at hand.

"At this point, the borough and the PBAA are attempting to work out an agreement to afford the PBAA (the opportunity) to address operational issues, which the borough has identified," said Council President Mike Doyle. "It has been, and will remain, the goal of Plum Borough to help establish and support a fair and accountable parents' association."

Doyle said borough officials hope the organization provides a fair opportunity for all who are involved to participate, has proper financial control and county practices in place, and cooperates with the borough and community.

He said the borough doesn't want to take over the organization, but as a last resort, it might temporarily take some measures to make sure children don't miss out on sport opportunities while the borough and PBAA are working things out.

Councilman Mike Dell said the whole issue came about because of years of concerns and problems reported to officials by parents.

"We felt it was part of our duty to take these issues and to address them," he said.

Councilman Steve Taylor said he's happy both entities have started working together to come to a conclusion.

"I'm very excited about the positive movement we've had in regards to our baseball association across the road," he said. "I want to say 'kudos' to all the players involved who were willing to sit down to talk about it."

Bob Schmidt, a PBAA member who was involved in the talks with borough officials, agreed. He said the PBAA and borough officials now have a better understanding about the needs of each entity.

"I think we had quality discussion and open-minded discussion that I believe brought forth some answers and, quite frankly, some solutions so that we can work with this government body to move this organization forward to continue to provide a service for the children in this borough," Schmidt said. "I know we're going to do that if we work together."

However, four residents spoke out against the PBAA and said they think a solution only can come if the PBAA's current board steps down.

Plum resident Bernie Campbell said coming up with a lease agreement with the current association board would be "wreckless."

Mike Norcutt, who has had children play for PBAA, said it's time for a change.

The association currently is being investigated by the Allegheny County District Attorney's office for the misuse of funds, and that's not right, Norcutt said.

"It's putting a black eye on the organization," he said. "We all know that.

"I'm just hoping there is change coming for the better. The bottom line is it's for the kids. We just want baseball to happen."