SLIPPERY ROCK — Borough council voted to award a garbage contract to Serafine Hauling, LLC at its meeting Tuesday night.

Solicitor Rebecca Black said that Serafine Hauling offered the lower of the two bids received by council.

Further, the price on Serafine's services was lower than previous contracts.

“They'll decrease what residents are paying per month,” Black said.

The cost for residents will be $3.50 per unit per quarter. According to previous reports, the borough has 3,500 residents who receive trash collection services.

Black further explained that all services involving trash collection will carry over from previous contracts. Trash pick up will remain on Tuesdays, and residents can expect new bins before the first pick up handled by Serafine in 2022.

Council also rejected a bid of $75,000 for the vacant lot near Camelot Restaurant and the Kwik Fill gas station, as it was substantially below what council members were expecting. According to previous reports, the property is appraised for $440,000.

The sale of the property is to be turned over to borough manager Shawn Pugh, who was authorized to engage a realtor to assist in advertising the lot. Councilman Ronald Steele said this could benefit the borough's efforts.

“Give the responsibility to a real estate broker. They have the expertise,” Steel said. “We've had interest in it.”

The motion passed after lengthy discussion of tabling the topic for an executive session.

Council also approved the closing of Cooper Street for Slippery Rock University's Festival of Trees event to take place the first three weekends in December .