Sewickley Council Plans to Fill Vacant Seat

Sewickley Council is accepting  applications from candidates who are interested in filling the seat left vacant by the death of Councilman Dean S.C. Williams.

Council held another moment of silence Monday night to recognize Williams, who unexpectedly March 15. A moment of silence took place during last week's work session. Several borough police officers attended Monday's tribute at the regular council meeting.

“He’s going to be greatly missed by all of us,” said Council President Robert Hague.

Hague said he didn’t want to discuss Williams’ open seat, but said it was necessary to do so because the borough has only 30 days from Monday to name a successor.

“We are under obligation by law to fill the seat,” Hague said.

Applications are available online and open to Ward 2 residents only. The applications must be turned in by April 11, a day before council begins candidate interviews on April 12. Council plans to appoint a person to the vacant seat at the April 18 meeting.

Hague said the appointment was temporary and would last until the November election, when voters would choose a candidate to serve out the remaining two years of Williams'  term. Williams was re-elected in 2010. The term expires in 2013.

Council’s temporary appointment is free to file a petition to appear on the ballot, Hague said.

Remembering Councilman Williams

Mayor Brian Jeffe said he knew Williams for more than 20 years, and they shared many of the same interests, such as a passion for cars and wine.

“I consider him a good friend,” Jeffe said.

Jeffe, a managing partner at Seubert and Associates, a Pittsburgh-based insurance agency, worked with Williams in the insurance business. Williams was the former chairman of Travelers Insurance. Williams was first elected to council in 2006 and was considered "a standout" on the board, Jeffe said. Williams routinely dropped into Jeffe's office every week during Jeffe’s regular office hours to talk to the mayor.

“Dean had a gift. He could deliver a tough message without being critical,” Jeffe said.

Hague said Williams was a tremendous asset to the board, particularly in financial matters.

“We don’t get to see all the contributions this man was able to make,” Hague said.

“He wanted to know everything about this community and every person in this community. He’s going to be greatly missed by all of us,” Hague said.

In other business, council:

• Approved a request from the Quaker Valley Recreation Authority to use the War Memorial Park baseball field and the Chadwick Street baseball field for 2011.

• Accepted the resignation of Mary Lyn McGinn from the Tree Commission.

• Appointed Erica Zeranski of Sewickley to the Tree Commission.

• Approved PEG-TV ad sponsorships for nonprofits at $75 per month and for businesses at $100 per month.

• Announced Spring Leaf Collection, from April 4 to April 15, weather permitting.

• Approved a developer’s agreement with the Quaker Valley School District for the .