Silka Begins Tenure as Robinson Manager

Commissioners in Robinson Township moved to postpone a decision on whether a property owner could erect a billboard on a Steubenville Pike property. 

Earlier this year, the estate of Richard Lang submitted a conditional use application to the township to put up a traditional billboard, without a light-emitting diode display, at a property at 5320 Steubenville Pike. 

If the request is granted, Lamar Advertising, of Green Tree, will be unable to build the electronic-display billboard it has sought to use in the area. Robinson Township's ordinance prohibits billboards from being built within 750 feet of one another. 

Robinson officials have considered amending the community's existing ordinances on billboards to include provisions for electronic-display signage. A vote on an ordinance amendment was tabled in January. 

Lamar has requested that the township revise its existing ordinance before approving the Steubenville Pike billboard 

The board will consider the measure again at its May meeting.

Commissioners also introduced new township manager Jeff Silka and solicitor Bruce Dice. 

Silka, the former Monroeville manager, began work in the township on Monday. He replaces manager Aaron Bibro. Dice, of the firm Dice & Associates, represents communities including Monroeville and Plum. 

Silka was hired at a salary of $83,500. 

"I've been here for 48 hours, started work yesterday, and I'm beginning to learn the ropes of the township," Silka said during the meeting.