Jul 14, 2009 2 min read

FRANKLIN TWP. – Franklin Township supervisors Monday addressed residents’ complaints regarding code enforcement on a neighboring residence. Helena and Mike Dulaney of Waynesburg voiced their concerns regarding an ongoing battle between a homeowner, the township code enforcer, Steve Coss, and the legal system. Mike Dulaney and his wife are attempting to have the tenant who lives next door, in a house that according to the Dulaneys, would not meet code, evicted. The couple fears that the house, located on Smithcreek Road, could potentially catch fire. They said that they saw the tenant carrying gas tanks into the home.

Coss said the township solicitor filed a letter to inspect the home, but the homeowner refused.

A hearing was scheduled for July but was postponed. An argument is scheduled for Aug. 14, and a rescheduled hearing is set for Aug. 20.

Reed Kiger, chairman of the board of supervisors, apologized to the couple for the continued delay.

“I feel like we’re letting you down,” he said, “but we have to work through the legal system.”

Kiger added that he would not support any actions that could potentially lead to a lawsuit against the township.

Coss also discussed adopting the International Property Maintenance Code. The supervisors unanimously approved the new code, which would replace the previous BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators) code.

Coss said the new code will help the township in enforcing property maintenance issues.

It is only a maintenance code, not a building code, and addresses issues such as grass height, exterior and interior of homes and property maintenance.

Supervisors also approved the transfer of the Sugar Run sewage extension from the township to the Franklin Township Sewer Authority. The project will be bid Aug. 10.