To fill term of the late Bill Watson
Gross sworn in as newest member of Dunbar council DUNBAR – Mayor John Williams swore resident Amy Gross into office Monday as the newest council member to fill the existing term of Bill Watson who died in May. Gross is the husband of councilman Ron Gross and was one of three candidates that submitted a letter of interest for the position selected by the borough’s vacancy board with the term to expire next year.
In an unrelated matter, Williams announced he is working to get the police department up and running following council’s decision in May to reinstate it’s two-man force after laying them off last September.
As part of the initiative, Williams said he is in the process of entering a three-year contract with Fayette County 911 as required along with repairing radios, cleaning up the station and reviewing inventory.
With both cars in operation, Williams said police have been patrolling the streets and have since issued one citation for riding an all terrain vehicle, responded to various dog complaints and issued a number of warnings.
Most recently, Williams said the police department is working on traffic control, especially along Connellsville Street and conducting foot patrols at the playground.
Turning to other business, council discussed charging a minimum fee of $300 for residents that violate the borough’s grass cutting ordinance in addition to putting a lien on their property.
Patrick Fitzgerald, council president, said he contacted neighboring municipalities to compare costs while the borough’s property maintenance code lists a maximum fee of $1,000.
Council also noted a $10,000 grant that has been secured with State Rep. Deberah Kula, D-North Union Township, will be used to replace sections of sidewalk along Connellsville Street with specs being prepared by Widmer Engineering.
Council also learned the Dunbar Community Fest will be held September 26 with committee members to meet today at 7 p.m. at the Franklin Methodist Church social hall to review food items to be sold during the event.