Council to find out whether it or fire department owns land
DUNBAR – Council should know next month if it owns the property surrounding the town’s playground and ball fields or if the Dunbar Volunteer Fire Company owns the property. Council agreed to have the property surveyed last June, however, surveyor Gene Herrald has yet to sit down with council to discuss his final report.
Councilwoman Kathlene Dynes said Herrald has the information but wants to discuss the boundaries with the entire council at one time.
Dynes also said if the borough owns the property council will apply for a $20,000 Department of Recreation and Resources (DRR) grant for upgrades at the playground.
Council also learned Monday that the borough and the fire department are both paying insurance premiums on the property. Fire Chief Mark Trenker said the fire department has been paying an insurance premium on the property off and on since 1980.
The Lions Club, according to Trenker, formerly owned the land. Council President John Maddas said he’s pretty sure that the borough owns the ground.
In other related matters, Councilman Ben Beal reported that a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) representative recently inspected the playground and suggested that the borough make several updates to the property.
Beal said the playground isn’t handicapped accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Dynes additionally said the grant money the borough will apply for would be used to make handicapped corrections to the property in addition to lighting, dugouts and the announcer’s booth at the ball field.
Council will be required to apply for the grant no later than Oct. 24.
In other unrelated matters, council:
– Said it would check into having the lines painted on the basketball court at the playground. Patrick Fitzgerald said he recently replaced one of the hoops but said when the sewerage project was completed in town last year and the basketball court was repaved the workers didn’t paint the new lines.
– Agreed to consider paving a road for resident Jim Albright.
– Considered a request by the Dunbar Library for a donation but did not act on the matter.
– Said it would hold a public meeting July 14 at 7 p.m. at the fire station to get residents ideas on upgrades for the playground.
– Passed a resolution pertaining to the Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP). Dynes was named committee chairman and council members William Watson, Beal and Frank Zadell were named to the committee.
Dynes said the resolution would allow the borough to apply for a Land Use Planning and Assistance Grant (LUPTAP). The RCP deals with transportation, the environment, population, a housing analysis and an economic study.
– Agreed to update the security system at the borough shed on Woodvale Street at a cost of $500.
– Said it would begin a Bicycle Safety Program and apply for a $5,000 grant that would provide education and bicycle safety helmets for children of the community.
Dynes announced that a Bicycle Safety Program inspection would be held on July 11 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the fire company for children from three years of age to 12 years of age.
Dynes said the children would receive safety tips and treats in addition to having their bicycles inspected.