Council addresses complaints of trailers parked on street
Uniontown City Council scheduled a special work session for next Tuesday to address complaints from Ben Lomond Street residents about trailers being parked along their street. Trevor Waligura of 101 Ben Lomond St. told council at its regular meeting Tuesday night that there have been as many as five trailers parked along their narrow street at the same time since September 2002 and two have not been “moved an inch” since Dec. 17.
He said the trailers constrict traffic flow along the road and at its intersections, but the safety of his three children, ages 5, 3 and 1, and the others who live on the street are his main concern. He said he fears that a child will run into the street while playing and get hit by a car because the trailers blocked the driver’s vision.
Waligura, who was joined by his wife, Cherisse, and a few of their neighbors, presented council with a list of about 30 signatures from nearby residents who want the trailers off the road.
City solicitor Dan Webster said the Ben Lomond Street parking situation will be the only issue on the agenda for the work session.
Mayor Jim Sileo said the session will begin at 6 p.m. on March 11 in council chambers.
“Rest assured, this matter will be addressed by the city,” Webster said.
Waligura said he first contacted city officials about the trailers in October, but the trailers have not moved.
He said he obtained a copy of a city ordinance, which states no vehicle can be parked indefinitely on streets or alleys for any reason.
Waligura asked council to enforce the ordinance or amend it if it does not address the problem.
In other business, council accepted Ken Misiak’s retirement as recreation department director, a position he has held for the last 34 years, effective March 1.
Harold Bell, a city firefighter, was hired to take over as head of the recreation department at an annual salary of $11,500.
Misiak said he has worked for six mayors and too many council members to count, and all of them have supported him.
He said employees in other departments also helped him with work at the city’s playgrounds and parks. All city employees are “faithful” in helping the recreation department, he said.
“I hope the city never forgets recreation,” Misiak said. He said he thinks the city should have a recreation center so recreation programs can be offered to kids all year long.
He told council that he met his wife Barbara at the Lincoln View playground, which near the home where he grew up.
Councilman Joe Giachetti noted that Barbara Misiak was the recreation department secretary for 20 years.
Giachetti presented Misiak with a plaque from the city, thanking him for his years of service.
Council also accepted the retirement of 20-year city police officer Sgt. Robert Hall effective March 1.
Turning to another subject, council agreed to exonerate outstanding taxes and sewage and garbage bills due on a boarded up house located at 100 Millview St. to clear the way for it to be donated to Habitat for Humanity.
Councilman Bob Cerjanec said the city boarded up the dilapidated house last year. Smithfield Bank acquired it at a sheriff’s sale and donated it to Habitat for Humanity, he said.
Cerjanec said the group will repair the house so it can be lived in again and returned to the tax rolls.
In unrelated matters, council:
– Adopted an ordinance that allows the city to seek reimbursement for the costs of materials used and services rendered in emergency rescue services.
– Approved advertising for bids to resurface streets.