Dunbar location will remain a parking lot for now
DUNBAR – The former site of the Bollinger Building will continue to serve as a public parking lot until borough council can determine a permanent use for it. Council on Monday discussed several uses, including leasing, renting or selling the property that was razed in April to an interested resident as well as constructing a building there for sewage purposes.
Councilwoman Laureen Malachin said the property would need to be appraised and the lot measured to get a better idea of how many vehicles it would hold prior to taking any action.
In a separate parking issue, council reminded residents to park with the flow of traffic following several complaints on Connellsville Street.
Mayor Ron Gross asked that residents comply with the guidelines that are part of a borough ordinance as well as the state law.
Gross added that if the problem continues the police would eventually enforce the ordinance to address safety concerns.
Gross said a police study found it feasible for council to make Connellsville Street Extension a one-way street to reduce speeding problems and eliminate vehicles from crossing traffic.
With the new traffic pattern, Gross said the street would run north to south with school buses and emergency vehicles still able to access it properly.
As far as other street matters, Patrick Fitzgerald, council president, reported patching would be conducted on Short, Walnut, Hazel, Fayette, Connellsville, Atlas and York streets, Highland Avenue and Bryson Hill at a cost not to exceed $10,000.
Fitzgerald added the maintenance would be funded from the borough’s PLGIT account and the general fund, if necessary.
Turning to other business, Ron Gross announced the police department increased patrols to 40 hours per week in accordance with the budget.
Under new business, council accepted the resignation of member Robert Opst effective Aug. 2 and agreed to hold a special meeting Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. to fill the vacancy.
Council debated the proper procedure to fill the position, with Fitzgerald pointing out the borough code does not specify how to appoint an interested candidate.
According to Fitzgerald, past procedure from council included nominating someone that provided a letter of interest and voting on the candidate.
Additionally, council agreed to purchase six copies of Robert’s Rules of Order at the request of Fitzgerald with Malachin and John Maddas opposed while Jason Bartholmai was absent.
Council also conducted the following business:
– Heard from MariGrace Butela of Dunbar Township and Michael Long on the effects of Marcellus shale as the gas company continues to move into the area. Butela and Long urged residents to research the Internet and speak with land owners since some have already received letters from the gas company to be compensated for drilling rights.
– Learned from Amy Gross that a light-up night meeting will be held Aug. 19 at 7 p.m.
– Scheduled a five-year planning committee meeting for Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. at the borough building.