Perry Township to ban smoking at parks
PERRY TWP. – Township supervisors voted Tuesday to snuff out smoking at all local parks. Supervisors A.J. Boni and Janet Galla approved a resolution banning smoking in the township’s three parks, located in Wickhaven, Whitsett and Star Junction.
Supervisor Dwayne Rose was not present for the meeting.
The resolution was inspired by a “Young Lungs at Play” initiative set forth by Steps to a Healthier PA.
The national organization, which has branches across the country, is committed to improving children’s health by preventing smoking, addressing childhood obesity and encouraging healthy eating habits.
Boni said his decision to vote for the tobacco ban was not based on being politically correct.
“No decision we make is based on whether or not something is politically correct,” he said. “This is for the kids.”
“I think we lead by example,” Galla said.
No residents spoke out against the resolution at Tuesday’s meeting.
In other matters, Boni announced the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission will host a “Project Region” Web conference from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Swimmer Hall in the Williams Building at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.
Boni said 11 locations in southwestern Pennsylvania will be linked via the Internet, and he encouraged all residents to attend.
Residents will be asked to give their opinion about the future of their hometown and pros and cons of possible growth plans will be discussed, Boni said.
As for other business, Boni announced residents who had a Waste Management sticker posted on their door demanding payment, but are not Waste Management customers need to call the garbage collection department directly.
Residents are permitted to use either Fayette West or Waste Management, Boni said, noting that Waste Management has recently posted stickers on the doors of Fayette Waste customers.
In an unrelated matter, Boni read the 2006 report from the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department.
The report states the fire department responded to 119 incidents in the township, 43 incidents in Perryopolis Borough, and were called out to assist other fire departments 50 times.
The next township meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 6.