Business questions why sign permit was revoked
The office manager of Joey’s Auto Repair in Dunbar Township on Thursday questioned the Fayette County commissioners about why the business was granted a permit for a temporary promotion sign that was later revoked. Tanya Cellurale, speaking at the commissioners’ business meeting, said there were no problems with the application process with the Fayette County Office of Planning, Zoning and Community Development, and the permit was issued, but days later a letter stating the sign wasn’t in compliance was received and a cease-and-desist sign was placed where the promotion sign had been.
Cellurale also asked why assistant county solicitor John Cupp and Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink became involved in the issue.
“There was no specified reason it was revoked,” Cellurale said.
Cellurale said she was told by zoning chief Dave Bukovan that he couldn’t help her and she would have to talk with Cupp.
“We were given the permit and then they take it away,” Cellurale said.
Cellurale said she didn’t understand why Simon John was sent an e-mail, either. John is the attorney for Terry and Diane Kriss, who own the neighboring historic Isaac Meason House.
The Cellurales and Krisses have had legal disputes about zoning issues for years.
Bukovan, who said he issued the permit in error and apologized for doing so, provided information to explain why the permit was revoked. He said the signature on the application was that of Joey Cellurale Jr., but Doris and Joe Cellurale Sr. own the property.
Also, the sign was not placed on the property where the business is located, which is not permitted, Bukovan said.
Commissioner Chairman Vincent Zapotosky said he didn’t think the county should be sending letters to people who weren’t directly involved.
Cellurale then said she didn’t understand why as a taxpayer she couldn’t get answers from Bukovan.
Bukovan said he explained to Joey and Tanya Cellurale that he made a mistake, adding that he never has been directed by the county commissioners to take action on permits. He said he didn’t answer questions because Tanya Cellurale put her attorney on the phone while in the office.
“I don’t have to be badgered and belittled in doing my job,” Bukovan said.
Zapotosky said he would urge every county department to look at the administrative side of dealing with issues before legal counsel becomes involved.
“The county commissioners will discuss this with the planning office,” Zapotosky said.
In another matter, the commissioners tabled taking action to have the county general fund pay for transportation for the pilgrimage at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown over Labor Day weekend.
Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites had suggested that the county pay the estimated $960 for a Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation subcontractor to provide the transportation, but Zimmerlink expressed concerns about handling the matter that way.
County manager Warren Hughes said last year former commissioner Joseph A. Hardy paid the transportation costs and the year before county solicitor Joseph E. Ferens footed the bill.
Hughes said a third-party provider, which has been White Line Taxi, must provide the service.
When Vicites said Mount St. Macrina would be willing to pay, Zimmerlink said it shouldn’t be on the agenda.
Zapotosky then made a motion to table the action, adding that in the interim he would seek contributions, adding that he would contribute as well. Ferens said they won’t let the people walk, and Vicites said he would also contribute.
The commissioners tabled action on providing liquid fuels funding to Redstone Township to replace Braznell Bridge on Linn Road. The supervisors requested $20,000.
Although Zimmerlink said she was ready to take action, saying she visited the bridge and it clearly needs to be replaced, Vicites said he hadn’t yet visited the site.
Vicites said he could visit it, and the commissioners could approve an agreement for funding and then ratify it at next month’s meeting.
Zimmerlink said she would prefer taking action at a public meeting instead of ratifying it after the fact.