May 22, 2007 By Jackie Beranek 4 min read

DUNBAR – Resident Kim Zebley told council Monday that she isn’t happy with how fast traffic moves on Connellsville Street in the morning and late afternoon when school buses are loading and unloading students. Zebley asked council to have the borough police slow the traffic and suggested that council also look into promoting a community center where students could go to get homework help after school.

“There isn’t much for kids to do in this town except hang out on a corner,” Zebley said. “I have received many e-mails from kids who want to learn and I think a community center would provide a great environment for them.”

Councilwoman Kathy Dynes said that council is in the process of looking into purchasing the old hotel on Connellsville Street and using it as a community center. She also said that it would take time to get something up and running.

In the meantime Zebley suggested that council enlist volunteers to take the kids down to the creek and teach them to fish or teach them some Dunbar history. She said in her e-mails with children they said that an after school homework center would be of value.

“The kids want us to get the ball rolling,” Zebley said. “They are looking for educational activities and it is our responsibility to give it to them.”

Council President John Maddas said the local sportsmen’s organization has sponsored a fishing derby for children every year over the past five years.

“We celebrate a Kids Day on Dunbar Creek every year,’ Maddas said. “We spend over $1,000 every year to benefit the kids. We stock trout and give them hot dogs and pop just to have a day when they can all fish.”

Maddas also said that the firemen are also in the process of developing a fishing area for the kids where they can have a fun, safe time. He said that area would also be stocked with fish.

In the meantime Maddas said Mayor John Williams and Dynes would sit down with Zebley to see what other program they can come up with for the children. Williams said one big program needed in the borough is a neighborhood crime watch. He suggested that Zebley attend a crime watch meeting in Monarch tonight.

In other unrelated matters Laureen Bruno Malachin asked why the “No Parking” signs and yellow lines have not been removed from Connellsville Street. Council agreed last month to rescind an ordinance eliminating parking on Connellsville Street that caused a hardship for residents.

Solicitor Doug Sepic said until council officially passes an ordinance returning parking to Connellsville Street, no action will be taken. Council passed that ordinance Monday.

Resident Frank Zadell asked if the borough has a discharging firearms ordinance and was informed that they do. Sepic also said that there is a state ordinance in place.

Zadell said someone was firing a gun in the borough over the weekend. The police will be informed. In other business:

? Williams reported that the police department purchased a new computer, software, a printer, a laptop for the police vehicle and a taser with a $15,000 grant from U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown.

? Work on the Veteran’s Project sidewalk at a cost of $2,850 will begin soon.

? Gave Councilman William Watson $1,500 to purchase flowers for the Veteran’s Memorial for Memorial Day.

? Learned that the Memorial Day parade would begin at 10 a.m. at the old borough school on Connellsville Street and proceed to the Honor Roll. Watson said hot dogs and pop would be available for Connellsville Area Junior High School band students participating in the parade.