Building bids returned unopened

There will be a delay in the sale of the former Tino's Italian Restaurant building at Emporium's busiest intersection.

Borough Council members at this month's meeting decided to return, unopened, the three sealed bids that had been received for the purchase of the building, formerly the public library, at the corner of Fourth and Broad streets.

Council President Jim Slusarick would say only that the postponement of the sale was the result of "property issues" that the borough must resolve.

In another matter, Council members held their ground in removing Rob Aversa from the borough's emergency management agency coordinator position, despite his protests.

Aversa, who was fired as borough manager earlier this year, told Council he had the qualifications and training to fulfill the job's requirements. Council members responded that they based their decision on other factors. They are advertising the position and will fill it in the coming weeks.

Council also agreed to pay Interim Borough Manager Don Reed $18.33 per hour, while the borough seeks a successor to Aversa. Reed resigned his Borough Council seat when he was chosen for the interim post. Randy Frey was appointed to succeed him.