Nov 28, 2002 By Patty Shultz 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A negative public response has prompted the withdrawal of an ordinance slated to regulate yard sales within the city. “Being a teacher of American government, I believe in representative democracy and I believe in representing the wishes of the people and obviously there were people who thought (the regulation) was unfair,” said Councilwoman Judy Keller, who initially presented the proposed ordinance and asked that it be withdrawn at council’s latest meeting.

While some supported the initiative, Keller said a survey conducted by a local newspaper after she revealed the specifics of the regulation, more residents believed the statute to be unfair.

The ordinance restricted the annual number of garage and yard sales to three for each family and required that the city be informed of each sale.

The regulation was prompted, said Keller, after several residents raised concerns over extended sales being conducted in certain neighborhoods.

“We had people who were holding a yard sale nearly every day of the week, and that can be considered a consignment business,” said Keller. “That’s not fair; I think that is an issue that needs to be revisited, I’m just not sure how to go about it right now.”

While the sales can continue without any monitoring, Keller said she requests that those putting up signs to advertise the sales also remove them when the event has concluded.

“I would ask that those holding a sale don’t allow the signs to blow all over the streets,” she said.

In other business, council also:

– Approved a municipal lease/purchase agreement for a 2002 Chevrolet Impala police vehicle at a cost of $19,365. The amount will be defrayed through a grant received through the Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission.

– Agreed to sponsor the annual Family Night Winter Swim Program at the Connellsville High School swimming pool. The program will be held from Jan. 8 to March 26. The cost will be $2 per person per session.

– Approved the placing of a tree in the Highland Avenue park in memory of James “Pete” Hartz. The cost of the tree, its location and planting will be at the discretion of the family.