Any Scott Township youth who enjoys basketball has the opportunity to join a recreational program being offered at Scott Park.

The summer basketball program, which is being directed by commissioner Tom Castello, was approved last week.

Castello had spoken last month about ideas for the program, which is open to both boys and girls.

Commissioner Jim Walther and former commissioners Dave Henderson and Herb Ohliger are also working to launch the program.

The basketball program will cater to kids in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, and in high school and possibly even college.

A $10 fee is for program admission, shirts and basketballs.

Games will be played in Scott Park from the first week of June through the third week of July.

A Monday-through- Thursday schedule would be set, with games to be played at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Some games will also be scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Call the municipal building at 412-276-5300 for more information.

Public safety

Board members hired Jacob Stephenson and Paul Abel Jr. as police officers.

The officers will be officially sworn in at the May 13 meeting, and they will start work on May 18.

The resignation of officer William Scott was effective April 29.

Company mural

Officials approved a request from TEDCO Construction to have a mural painted on the company's corner structure on Tedco Drive.

The board gave the OK on the condition that TEDCO obtain a variance from the zoning hearing board.

The mural qualifies as a sign under the township's zoning ordinance. The township code it specifies that a sign is defined as something painted that advertises, announces or displays.

Construction

Commissioners granted preliminary and final approval to Jeremiah and Paul Fitzgerald for the construction of four townhouses on property at Old Greentree and Kerr roads.

The planning commission made a favorable recommendation for approval.

Road improvement

Bids open on May 21 for the township's 2008 Roadway Improvement Program.

Township engineer Larry Lennon will prepare bids for commissioners to approve on May 27.

Public works

Robert Penn, Bryan Crabb, Mark Bernardo and Timothy Mulvihill were hired for the Summer Work Program at $8 per hour for 35 hours per week.

Public relations

Commissioners approved a request by American Legion Post No. 290 to use the same route as last year for the Memorial Day parade on May 26.

A $200 donation will defray the cost to the township.

Parks and recreation

Commissioners approved a long list of recreational employees to staff the pool as well as lifeguards and swimming instructors.

Among those hired was head staff member Ron Ellis who was hired as swimming pool manager at a salary of $7,100. Ellis will also serve as aquatics director at a salary of $1,300 and consultant for the recreation program for $500.

• Officials granted a request by Karla Lynn Swoger-Gearhart to conduct summer art week classes at Scott Park from June 23 to June 27. Gearhart is renting Locust Grove at the regular cost, and she is subject to special park permit, with 5 percent of receipts paid to the township.

• The Mansfield Five will perform at the Fourth of July celebration for $750.

• The name for the new park shelter has been chosen -- "Butternut."