Everson council hears vandalism report
EVERSON – The borough’s police department is asking residents to leave their porch lights on in an effort to deter evening vandalism while a loose dog reportedly bit a child over the weekend. Mark Price, police chief, informed borough council Monday of several spray paint incidents in which two people were cited.
Price suggested residents contact the police department to report any suspicious activity and leave a message or call 911.
Council also reminded residents of an ordinance requiring pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash at all times following an incident on Sunday in which a dog had to be put down by state police after it attacked another dog and allegedly a boy that tried to tear both animals apart.
According to Mike Banaszak, council president, the ordinance states that animals are to be controlled by their owners at all times, which includes being on a leash or confined to a fenced in area.
“Residents aware of loose animals need to contact the borough immediately so we can take action,” said Banaszak.
Banaszak added the borough would take necessary action in future incidents in accordance with the ordinance. “The ultimate responsibility rests with the (dog’s) owner,” he said.
In an unrelated matter, Banaszak reported milling to Jones and Painter streets was completed Monday with paving scheduled to begin on Wednesday. Banaszak added the final project should be completed by Friday.
Banaszak also announced that inmates from the Greensburg Correctional Facility would be conducting various projects for the first time in the borough throughout June as part of a Community Work Program. Price added that fines for speeding would double in work areas that are posted.
Turning to other business, council learned from solicitor Mark Rowan that it could cost the borough up to $3,500 to implement its own zoning if it decides to terminate its current agreement with Fayette County, which handles its permit applications and inspections under the Uniform Construction Code.
According to Rowan, information from the county’s planning and zoning office revealed the county issued 25 permits in the borough between 2000 and 2005 averaging roughly four per year.
Rowan said if the borough were to take over the zoning, it would need to establish an ordinance which would be the biggest expense in addition to other start-up costs such as drafting the document, conducting public hearings on the matter and advertising along with developing a zoning hearing board, hiring a zoning officer and a solicitor.
While the borough would recoup the user fees, Rowan said it would take a while to cover the initial costs.
Banaszak noted a cost of $745 as the most costly permit/inspection on the county’s list.
Rowan said the borough’s current contract with the county expires Dec. 31 with the new agreement not set to expire until 2010.
Rowan further suggested the borough include a clause to opt out in the new agreement so they could revisit the contract on an as-needed basis depending on their decision.
Council also conducted the following business:
Learned from Banaszak the Civic Association will hold a turkey dinner on Sunday at the VFW from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with proceeds to benefit a fireworks display later this summer.
Agreed to sponsor one of 18 golf holes for the first Everson Big Bang Golf Outing July 1 at Timber Ridge Golf Club with proceeds from the event used toward a fireworks display during the fireman’s fair. Anyone interested can contact Mayor Tim Shoemaker at 724-887-9839.