Officials tackle dangerous-dog issue
CUMBERLAND TWP. – Supervisors told residents at Monday’s meeting that there has been some progress made in dealing with dangerous dogs, an issue raised at the board’s last meeting. Township police chief Bill Lewis reported that the state dog warden had been to the homes where the threatening dogs were located and fines and citations were handed out. Supervisor Leroy Baker noted that some of the charges filed against the owners could involve jail time if the situation isn’t rectified.
However, Lewis noted that the state dog officer said that nothing further could be done because the situation doesn’t perfectly match the definitions of dangerous dogs under the voluminous state dog laws.
In that regard, township solicitor Dennis Makel noted that his office is currently finishing changes to the township dog ordinances to help fill those holes.
In the mean time, resident Glen Knight noted that he and his wife are still concerned over the lack of adequate restraints for the large dogs. The Knights explained that after contacting the property owner, an attempt was made to install a fence on the property.
The couple described it as “too flimsy” for the size dogs and noted there was a gap in the fence at least five feet wide.
Supervisors noted that if the problem with the fencing wasn’t resolved in a week that they would have Makel contact the property owner.
In other business, supervisors:
– Told resident Jim Holmes there was nothing they could do to assist with private road issues on Center Street. The board welcomed Ann Bargerstock the head of Greene County Planning who agreed to help mediate an agreement between the parties involved.
– Heard concerns from resident Shirley Begovich regarding the amount of officers on duty. Begovich asked the board to consider adding another part-time officer so officers will have adequate in house back up on potentially dangerous calls. Township grant officer Marcia Sonneborn noted that she was asked to locate funding for building and departmental needs, but Makel added that the Cops Fast grants may not be renewed this year allowing for more officers.
– Agreed to consider options on cleaning up litter and junk in the communities. Baker said he would call the county to see about getting a garbage bin for use in a cleanup effort. Bargerstock noted that the county is currently working with PA Cleanways to institute collections with the goal of having monthly collections if all goes well with the state Department of Environmental Protection.
– Announced that the Crucible Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting their annual street fair on May 25 and 26. To assist the department the board voted to close East First Street from the fire hall to Carmichaels-Crucible Road and Carmichaels Street for that weekend.
– Voted to amend the standing rehabilitation guidelines for the Community Development Block Grant system to require homeowners to keep proper insurance and to also name the township CDBG program as a lien holder in case of fire in the homes.
– Adopted an ordinance to vacate 160 feet of Locust Street.
– Awarded the bid for a new asphalt roller to Walsh Equipment for $24,841. Walsh was the lone bidder.