Officials last week gave tentative approval to a change in residential garbage collections that, starting in January, will mean a five-day pick-up schedule instead of the present one-day, Monday-only pickup.

The request came from officials of Waste Management, of North Huntingdon, Westmoreland County, which was the successful low bidder on a new five-year contract.

Council will formally approve the contract Tuesday.

Allied Waste Services, of Scottdale, Westmoreland County, has the present contract with the borough.

Representatives of Waste Management said the five-day collection will be more efficient.

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, Pleasant Hills Public Library will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday and reopen to regular hours at 10 a.m. Saturday.

• Council Monday approved a five-year garbage contract with Waste Management Inc. of North Huntingdon, Westmoreland County, at an annual cost of $420,000. Councilman Bob Karcher said the contract, effective Jan. 1, was $60,000 less per year than the bid submitted by the borough's present company, Allied Waste of Scottdale, also Westmoreland County.

"It's the most cost-effective for the borough," Mr. Karcher said.

The contract represents a 28 percent increase over last year's price and will raise the quarterly fee paid by residents from $28.25 to $36.06. The contract provides for an expanded recycling program and will maintain the weekly Wednesday collection day.

• Council said this week will be the last scheduled seasonal leaf pickup collection in the borough.

• Mayor Warren Bourgeois paid tribute to former councilman Fred J. Mooney, 74, who passed away Nov. 10. Mr. Mooney, who served on council for 15 years, was a leading advocate for the construction of the fire station on Route 51.

• Council approved the transfer of a liquor license from a Ross location for use at a new establishment, the Last Stop Bar and Grill, to be located in the Curry Hollow Shopping Center at the former site of the Dollar store.

• The borough engineer reported no new sewer tap-ins for construction projects will be permitted as of Jan. 1. According to a Department of Environmental Protection directive, the Pleasant Hills Sewer Authority must correct overflow problems in its service lines.

Members of the high school varsity boys' cross country team were mentioned in an edition of the U.S. Congressional Record.

The team won first place in their division in the McDonald's Invitational Track Meet held last month in Richmond, Va.

The proclamation, read at last week's board meeting, notes that the team is among the elite in the country.

Team members are Michael Cain, Matthew Cecala, George Crompton, Paul DeGregorio, T.J. Hobart, Dennis Logan and David Wainwright.

Richard Wright and Bonita Schmidt are coaches.

• Superintendent Lawrence Korchnak recognized University of Pittsburgh professors Dr. Fred Fowler and Dr. Mary Margaret Kerr and ten graduate education students who completed a study to help the district improve its service and commitment to local refugee students.

The research has benefited the direction of the new welcome center established this year at Paynter Elementary School, which provides transition and support for the youngsters.

Dr. Korchnak said the state's Department of Education was so impressed with the center that the district has been given a verbal invitation to give a presentation at the National Education Conference to be held in Washington, D.C., in June.

• Directors approved a request from athletic director Vince Sortino to purchase furniture and equipment for the high school's athletic training rooms at a cost not to exceed $20,000.

The purchases will be made from state-approved vendors, Medco Sports Medicine and the School Health Corp.

• The first of a series of "Coffee Talks" with Superintendent Korchnak will be held 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday in the school board meeting room at the administration office.

The informal gatherings will provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions and make suggestions. Evening sessions also will be scheduled.

Board members voted to adopt new policies on drug and alcohol testing for drivers and on classroom visitation. Copies of the two new policies are available for public review in district offices and at the Brentwood public library.

• Director Donna Werner announced that Brentwood Park Initiative is circulating a petition requesting the borough dedicate funds to park and stadium renovations.