Zelienople Council unanimously approved to a two-year contract with St. Paul Lutheran Church, located at 215 North Main Street that would allow use of the church’s parking lot during nonservice hours. The vote took place during Zelienople’s council meeting on Monday March 26, 2024. Image from Google Maps

ZELIENOPLE — For the next two years, finding a place to park downtown will continue to be “heavenly,” thanks to a renewed agreement between the borough and a local church.

On Monday, March 25, Zelienople council members voted unanimously to renew their contract with St. Paul Lutheran Church, located at 215 North Main Street, that would allow residents to use the church’s parking lot when it’s not in use by the church.

“They’re happy to support the community by providing parking when they can,” said Borough Manager Andrew Spencer.

The contract, which offers a right-to-renew for the church, will be for two years and allow access to the parking lot in exchange for the borough being responsible for plowing and maintenance of the parking lot.

“It’s a real win-win,” Spencer said.

Officials at the Western Butler County Authority’s new administrative building, located at 607 Market St. in the borough, have requested the borough remove several power lines near the new facility.

“(WBCA) is requiring the borough, since we own the electrical facilities, that some of the lines to be moved to another location,” Spencer said. “The borough had to bid the jobs out because it’s more than we can handle in-house.”

Council unanimously voted to award the job to Slater Electric, of Prospect, for $88,456.

The borough is responsible for setting up the work but will ultimately be reimbursed by the WBCA.

“Since this considered a relocation under electric rules and regulations service ordinance, the cost will be borne by WBCA,” Spencer said.

Spencer said that, for accounting purposes, the borough will pay the cost initially and then bill WBCA for the entire cost.