Niver resigns from Big Run Borough Council; Rick Rinehart appointed as replacement

June 18, 2012

The Big Run War Memorial

BIG RUN — Big Run Borough Council accepted the resignation of Councilman John Niver and appointed a former council member to take his place at Monday's meeting.

Former council member Rick Rinehart was appointed in a motion by council to replace Niver on borough council and as a member of the Big Run Area Municipal Authority (BRAMA).

Nick Lantz, council president, said Niver submitted his resignation from both boards for personal reasons.

Lantz and council members John Smeal, Stan Derise and Larry Lambert approved a motion accepting Niver's resignation from both boards and replacing him with Rinehart.

Lantz said Rinehart will finish out Niver's BRAMA term, which expires Dec. 31 of this year.

Rinehart will also finish out Niver's council term, which will expire Dec. 31, 2013.

John Niver, when contacted by The Spirit after the meeting, regarding his resignation from council and BRAMA, said he had no comment.

In other meeting business:
Tony Adamczyk, a member of BRAMA, said during the public comment section that the Big Run Area Sewage Treatment Plant was found to be in violation by DEP due to some missing grates that were allegedly sold.

Adamczyk said DEP found the plant to allegedly be in bad condition, and that BRAMA was going to hire a new plant operator.

Mayor Joe Buterbaugh said he was aware the plant wasn't being treated properly due to the smell.

Buterbaugh said council wanted to thank George Bedell, BRAMA chairman, for his hard work and other members for getting the sewage treatment plant on track with DEP.