Oct 2, 2002 By Patty Shultz 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A property owner has been ordered to halt construction work on a multi-level sign being erected at the intersection of routes 119 and 201. Randy Strickler, the property owner and a member of the city planning commission, was instructed by board chairman Samuel Spotto on Tuesday to end any work being completed until the panel has the opportunity to investigate the matter.

“We’ve had some questions on the (routes) 201/119 sign structure,” said Spotto in a prepared statement prior to conducting the commission meeting. “Research of the records indicate that this application is not a viable completed permit; the application should have been included on the June 2002 (planning commission) agenda to be voted on for final resolution. Because of an oversight, it wasn’t; as such, it will be included in this month’s agenda.”

According to Spotto, Strickler submitted an application for a building permit that did not come before the commission for authorization.

Paperwork filed with the city clerk’s office indicates that Strickler submitted the application on May 20. In addition to noting the new construction, to replace a previous sign on the property, Strickler states the 16-foot by 24-foot building will provide storage and maintenance access.

The application also contains the required signatures of officials from Widmer Engineering Inc. verifying the structure meets city regulations and code officer Rita Bornstein along with a letter of tentative approval from the state transportation department that the plans meet its requirements.

Also included in the information is a signed statement from Spotto and former board chairman Michael Paxinos noting their approval of the application on behalf of the commission on the same day the application was applied for by Strickler.

However, no signature appears on the actual building permit.

Paxinos resigned from the commission in July.

“I don’t think this can be seen as a small oversight,” said board member David Leeder after reviewing the documentation. “Because Randy is a member of this board, I don’t think we should be making a decision about this.”

Over the past several weeks, Strickler has begun work on the structure, which according to his permit application, will be an electronic display sign, with two advertising screens on each side of the building, when completed.

Councilwoman Judy Keller, who attended the meeting, said she has received numerous telephone calls concerning the construction and questioned the board on how the project moved forward without commission approval.

“The present commission has established this is not a viable completed permit,” responded Spotto.

The board moved to turn the matter over to its solicitor, attorney Kirk Sohonage, for review and to hold a special meeting to take action on the application within two weeks.

In an unrelated matter, the board welcomed Kristen Porter to the panel. Council named Porter to the board last month to fill the unexpired term of Paxinos.