South Connellsville tackles loose-dog issue
SOUTH CONNELLSVILLE – Council Monday tried to decide what to do about stray and/or vicious animals roaming the streets of the borough. Councilman Guy Napolillo reminded council that the borough had a contract with the Fayette County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and since the SPCA is no longer in business it has left the borough to deal with the problem of stray and/or vicious animals.
“Now, we’ve got a problem,” said Napolillo. “The police are not in the animal-control business, so what do we do with the strays and dangerous animals?”
Mayor Pete Casini suggested that the borough buy a cage; however, council scoffed at the idea because someone would have to take care of the animals. Borough secretary Sandy Barr said she received a telephone phone call from Hoffman Animal Control of Delmont, stating that it may be interested in taking care of the problem for the borough.
Council instructed Barr to get a quote or proposal from Hoffman. Barr said Hoffman is a Westmoreland County company whose officers are only interested in taking care of the borough’s animal control needs if surrounding Fayette County townships and boroughs are also interested in its services.
In other matters, council:
Agreed to check into a drainage problem on Sullevan Alley. Council agreed to spend $2,500 on the initial project and asked Casini to see about diverting grant money from other projects to the Sullevan Alley project. Council President Mark Ward said resident living along the alley have experienced severe-flooding problems.
Awarded a paving contract to Maloy Paving of Dunbar in the amount of $5,300. Councilman Fred Bates said Maloy would remove and rebuild the basketball and tennis courts at the playground. The company will also take down a fence. The project is to begin as soon as possible and be completed by the end of July.
Asked the water company check a sunken hole on East Gibson Avenue.
Announced that the borough received a $20,000 state Department of Environmental Protection grant.
Fire Chief John Sage announced that a firemen’s carnival will be held in the borough May 24-27. Sage said a parade is scheduled for May 25 at 6: 30 p.m. and a fireworks display will be held May 27 at dusk.