Oct 6, 2002 By Josh Krysak 3 min read

MENALLEN TWP. – Last month, residents concerned about noise violations and other problems within the township told the supervisors that they wanted solutions and answers On Thursday, Lt. Harvey Cole Jr., commander of the state police station at Uniontown, and Fayette County District Attorney Nancy Vernon met with the township supervisors and residents to address those concerns.

According to Cole, state police will issue warnings and handle each situation with due diligence.

“There is no actual violation for a noise complaint itself,” Cole said. “Each situation would dictate how an officer would respond to a situation like that.”

Cole told the supervisors that while half the station’s calls come from North Union and South Union townships, Menallen Township is fairly busy, with 600 calls so far this year, about two per day.

According to Vernon, if loud noise becomes a constant problem, harassment charges can be filed.

“If it becomes a constant, chronic problem that is bothersome, then there are definitely criminal sanctions that can be imposed to stop it,” she said.

Cole also addressed complaints that the state police did not respond to a recent call for a noise violation. He said officers respond to almost every call, even if the response isn’t right away. He added that the police must prioritize their calls, but that every call should be handled.

“What the citizens have to do is call us, and we will respond,” he said. “If you have a problem with how a call is handled, you can ask for a supervisor.”

Supervisor Joe Petrucci said that sometimes just a police response is enough to deter an offender.

“I think sometimes that just the fact that the officer showed up, sometimes settles the whole issue,” he said.

“Our mission as the state police is to make our communities safer and make our roadways safer,” Cole said.

In related business, Vernon announced that her office has taken over the Fayette County Drug Task Force.

The group, which will operate in conjunction with the police departments of 13 municipalities throughout the county, is a separate force that will run drug surveillance and seizures and will have assistance from a state trooper that will be assigned to the unit.

Vernon said Assistant District Attorney Mark Brooks will head up the task force, and anyone with information can call toll-free at 800-906-5339.

The supervisors also conducted the following business:

– Announced that the burning ordinance will now allow residents to burn Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until 5 p.m.

– Informed area residents that Oct. 21-25 will be township cleanup week. Anything that is not toxic can be picked up with the garbage service that week. The supervisors said that elderly residents could contact the township if they need assistance.

– Designated that this year’s trick-or-treat night will run from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 31, and residents are asked to stay within their individual neighborhoods. Anyone who wishes to participate is asked to turn on a porch light.

– Warned area residents that nearly the entire length of Old Route 51 will be paved, beginning the week of Oct. 7.