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CHESTER -- The City of Chester has agreed to join a class action lawsuit with law firm Morgan and Morgan, of Pittsburgh, resulting from the East Palestine train derailment.
Chester Council made the decision during its meeting Monday.
Their stance cites possible environmental contamination to neighboring communities due to Norfolk Southern's inability to satisfactorily control the chemical release into the air and water with their "controlled burn."
According to the law firm's dedicated website to disaster victims, www.forthepeople.com, they allege that the railroad giant was concerned about the cheapest option instead of the safest.
While "Norfolk Southern created a $2 million fund to help with evacuation costs (and another) $1,000 (in) individual payments to affected residents of East Palestine," they insist the amount doesn't even come "close enough to pay for the losses that many residents have already experienced or will experience," the website reads.
In March, the city of New Cumberland signed on to the class action lawsuit, after their city solicitor suggested it as his firm is partnering with Morgan and Morgan on the case.
New Cumberland City Solicitor Kevin Pearl explained at that time that the potential action was similar to the opioid crisis litigation, which could result in funds if a settlement or court ruling is reached in the case; however, he was unable to guarantee when or if that would happen.
In other action, council:
≤ Passed legislation to bid out work for installation of a catch basin on Lycia Avenue before it be paved.
≤ Agreed to a conditional hire of Jonathan Creese, pending passage of medical screening, polygraph and psychological evaluation as well as acceptance for the schooling to get certification in the June West Virginia police training. He was one of the four remaining candidates who passed the written exam, also qualifying through the physical fitness test portion, explained Police Chief Chuck Stanley.
≤ Approved police enforcement of a formal loading/unloading area near Westminster Apartments and Chester City Park, after hearing from Dave Smith.
≤ Accepted receipts totaling $68,520.20 into the general and building funds and paid $79,517,96 in bills for the funds as well.
≤ Conditionally approved payment of the Biztec bill for access control to the municipal building after verification by the police department and building manager verify all the requested corrections have been made.
Municipal Judge Curvis Parkins was on hand to swear in the city's latest full-time police hire, David Polgar. The former Hancock County sheriff's deputy was administered his oath amid some other police-related activity before he was scheduled to hit the road later in the evening. Stanley explained to members that he was the highest performer in the recently administered written civil service exam as well as performing well in the other areas. He already is certified in West Virginia, making him road ready.
Council next is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m., May 1, in regular session in their chambers within the Chester Municipal Building.