State bill could change rules on city authority appointments
A bill that recently passed unanimously in the state House of Representatives and was introduced on behalf of Uniontown officials would allow non-residents of a third-class city that own businesses in the city to serve on its redevelopment authority. If it is approved by the Senate and signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell, the bill would allow Alvin Mundel, a former 20-year member of the Uniontown Redevelopment Authority, to be reappointed if a vacancy occurs.
State Rep. Larry Roberts (D-South Union) said he wrote and introduced the bill at the request of Mayor James Sileo and Mundel. He said they contacted him in the early summer, before Mundel’s term expired.
Mundel was chairman of the authority, but city council did not reappoint him after his term expired July 8 because he moved out of the city into South Union Township two years ago. He was permitted to serve the rest of his five-year term.
Council appointed James Sampson to a five-year term to replace Mundel, but the authority board has not yet elected a chairman. Vice Chairman John Oris has been presiding during board meetings.
The Urban Redevelopment Law of 1945 requires that redevelopment authority board members reside in the city in which the authority operates.
Roberts’ bill would amend the law to allow third-class city councils to appoint to the authority non-residents who own and operate a business in the city where the authority operates.
After it passed 197-0 on Oct. 14, the bill was sent to the Senate, where it is awaiting consideration.
Mundel owns BJ Mundel Furniture Co., Mundel’s Furniture and Appliance Outlet and a warehouse in the city. He also owns a house in town but doesn’t live there.
“That gives me a financial interest in the city,” Mundel said about the stores. “If you have a business and an investment in the city, you should be able to serve on the authority. That’s just my feeling.”
He said the bill “levels the playing field” among all city boards and authorities. Rules governing other authorities allow city or county residents or non-city residents with a business interest to serve on their boards, he said.
“It’s a good piece of legislation. I think it’s something that should have been done a long time ago,” Roberts said. “Here we have a man who owns two major businesses in town. Certainly someone who owns two large furniture stores would have an interest in what happens in Uniontown. Business owners, especially those with significant businesses, should be able to serve. He served for a long time. Reappointing him would not be a bad thing.”
Acting Mayor Bob Cerjanec said if the bill becomes law, Mundel would be considered to fill a future vacancy if he applied.
Barring any resignations from the board, the next term that will expire is Oris’, on July 8, 2004.
Mundel said the proposed legislation is a good idea, regardless of whether he returns to a position on Uniontown Redevelopment Authority.
“It makes all authorities and boards the same. Redevelopment is the only board where you have to be a resident. Different authorities are treated differently. It’s good for the future, even if I don’t get back on. If there’s an opening and the board wants me, I’ll be available,” he said.