California officials view methods to keep magistrate’s office
CALIFORNIA – California council members plan to do all they can to keep District Justice William Pelkey’s office in California. Pelkey is now temporarily operating out of the offices of District Justice Larry Hopkins in Charleroi while he waits for his Wood Street office to be repaired.
That office has been plagued with a number of problems in recent months, including a utility shut-off, a flooded basement and a roof leak.
At a planning meeting Wednesday, councilman Jon Bittner asked Mayor Galvie Gardner if the borough was doing all it can to make sure Pelkey remains in California.
“I think it is an asset to have the district justice’s office in the borough,” Bittner said.
President Arthur Harris said he believe the district office has operated out of California since 1936.
Pelkey initially moved to the California borough building after a leaky roof and falling ceiling became safety hazards, but could not continue there because he didn’t have access to the state computer system. Gardner said there has been some “competition” from local municipalities for district justice Pelkey’s office, noting that Centerville has made an offer to provide space for his operations.
But Gardner said he has contacted Washington County Commissioner John Bevec on the issue, and is fighting to keep Pelkey in California.
“That office has been here a long time, and I’m fighting like crazy to keep him here, but the final decision is (President Judge David Gilmore’s),” Gardner said.
Bruce Large, the borough’s code-enforcement officer, said he has cited the owner of Pelkey’s Wood Street office, Mark Muryn, but has not had a response.
“The ball’s in the owner’s court. I’ve cited him, I’ve done everything I can do – and he hasn’t responded,” Large said.
When asked by a resident why the borough let the problem at Pelkey’s office get to this point, Large said the code-enforcement officer does not inspect commercial buildings.