Sep 10, 2010 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE TWP. – Supervisors began Thursday to update antiquated ordinances and adopt new regulations to better meet the needs of the community. A new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) ordinance and a revised burning ordinance were introduced by the officials and will be advertised and made available to the public over the next month for review before final adoption next month.

Supervisor Tom Cesario said that the ATV regulations will allow township code enforcement officer Joe Adams to cite riders crossing over property without the owner’s permission or driving the vehicle on the roadway.

“There are certain areas in the township where this has become a problem,” he said, following the meeting. “We’ve had numerous complaints and the new ordinance will allow the township to help out those residents that are having problems.”

Cesario said those cited by Adams would have to appear before Magisterial District Judge Ronald Haggerty Jr., who would determine guilt or innocence and assess a fine.

The burning ordinance, meanwhile, restricts the burning of refuse or grass clippings with any burning of tree limbs or similar items be done at a minimum of 25 feet from the nearest building or 10 feet from any property line.

The revised ordinance restricts open burning from March through November and only on Wednesday and Saturdays from sunrise to sunset. All fires must be monitored, according to the proposed ordinance.

Fines for violating the regulations range from $100 to $300.

Supervisor Chairman Rick Adobato said that the ordinances will be posted on the township website at www.connellsvilletownship.com.

Turning to other matters, township secretary/treasurer Leah Brothers urged residents to recycle glass, plastic and allowable items as the state Department of Environmental Protection has noted that the township annual tonnage has been reduced and will impact the reimbursement it receives from the agency.

According to Brothers, the township refuse hauler collects recyclables the first and third Friday of every month.

Containers are available and will be delivered to residents requesting the bins.

Supervisor Bob Carson said that in the past, the municipality has been able to purchase a leaf vacuum and a truck through the recycling reimbursement.

“If you can help (by recycling) please do,” said Carson.

Brothers added that should the hauler not pick up the recyclables on the designated days, residents should contact the township office.

In related business, Brothers announced that a Hard-To-Recycle event will be held Sept. 18 at the Wharton Township Municipal Building from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents are permitted to drop off used motor oil, tires, computers and large appliances. However, televisions or paint cans will not be accepted.

In other action, the supervisors conducted the following business:

n Tabled awarding a contract for the purchase of anti-skid material until the October meeting.

n Agreed to pay the insurance bond in the amount of $2,970 for Dennis Fleecher Contracting for the general construction work of the township building.

n Discussed an ongoing sewerage and water problem along Buttermore Avenue and East Georgia Avenue. Carson is to meet with residents in the area to determine what action needs to be taken to repair damage allegedly caused during the installation of sewerage lines several years ago.

n Agreed to purchase an aluminum truck bed from J&L Dump Bodies and Fabrication at a cost of $2,075.