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Dunbar board denies parking request

By Jackie Beranek 4 min read

DUNBAR – Council Monday declined by a 4 to 3 vote to allow a handicapped man to have a handicapped parking space in front of his home. James Campbell asked council last month and again this month to “please” create the handicapped spot in front of his home. Council President John Maddas and solicitor Douglas Sepic said they looked at his property Monday and agreed that Campbell needed the parking space in front of his home, not in the back of his home where council suggested it be placed last month.

Sepic said because of liability problems, the handicapped space needed to be placed across the street from the man’s home but several council members disagreed.

They said that the creation of the parking space would be a safety hazard for motorists.

Those voting in favor of the measure were Maddas, William Watson and Kathlene Dynes. Those voting against the measure were James Martin, Ron Gross, Patrick FitzGerald and Harold Hair.

Campbell told council that under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) they are required by law to provide a parking space for him and said that he will contact the proper authorities to find out what to do next.

Maddas said Campbell provided all of the proper paperwork to prove that he qualifies for a handicapped parking space under ADA.

In other matters, several residents complained about vandalism and drugs and drug dealers in the borough. One woman said her father’s refrigerator was broken into Sunday night and two cases of beer were stolen.

Another woman said she saw the vandals break the lock on the man’s refrigerator at about 4 a.m. while yet another woman asked borough officials if there was a curfew in town.

Council said there is a curfew, however, the siren that is supposed to sound the warning of the 9:45 p.m. curfew is broken.

Gross said he would check with the Dunbar Volunteer Fire Company to see if the borough could use theirs. He additionally said that new wiring would have to be bought to alter the system and suggested that council buy a new siren to warn those under 18 years of age that it’s time to go home.

Mayor John Williams called police Chief Mike Garlowich to the meeting to discuss the residents’ complaints with them in hopes of coming up with a plan to curb the vandalism.

In other business, council:

– Learned that Williams would set up a Crime Watch meeting. Williams said he tried to get the community involved in a Crime Watch about a year ago but only two people showed up. The date and time for the meeting will be announced.

– Discussed closing Morrell Road. Council agreed that ATV riders are using the road and discussed vacating it to relieve them of the liability. Council members will look at the situation and make a decision at the Aug. 21 meeting.

– Accepted the resignation of secretary Holly Green. Council agreed to allow Maddas and Dynes to interview secretaries and hire one prior to the next meeting.

– Found out that they received $3,000 in county aid. Martin said the money would be used to pave Bluff and Railroad streets.

– Learned that over $2,000 was spent for extermination at the Veteran’s Housing Project.

– Agreed to put a 1990s Chevy borough truck out for bid.

– Realized that all council members have to pass at least two national Incident Management System’s (NIMS) tests by Sept. 6 in order to be in compliance. Gross offered to sit down with council members and go over the regulations and the test.

– Said Dynes and Watson would meet with the Fayette County Commissioners this week to iron out the borough’s responsibilities for the pavilion and restrooms slated for their portion of the Sheepskin Trail.

– Approved an amended resolution allowing the borough to charge $150 to utility companies coming into the borough and open up roads.

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