Masontown reacts to possible school closing
MASONTOWN — Borough council announced Tuesday that a letter will be sent to Bishop Lawrence Brandt regarding the possible closing of All Saint’s Elementary School.
The letter to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg said closing the school would have a devastating effect on the community.
“Would the diocese make the decision to close All Saint’s, we feel it would have a devastating effect, both emotionally and economically on our small, close-knit community,” the letter said. “The presence of local, convenient and excellent schools is an important key to making Masontown a thriving community that attracts young families with children, as an alternative to large, suburban school districts.”
In other matters, council did not make a decision as to whether to allow Cougar Land Services of Jefferson Hills to do seismic testing in the area, but will reconsider it at a later date. Testing sends sound waves into the ground so as to map out the natural gas potential. Meter readers monitor the vibrations to ensure there is no damage to utilities and structures.
In other matters, council approved $275 toward improvements and maintenance at Masontown-German Park. In recent weeks, the park has been a topic of conversation among council members who are upset about the sad state of affairs at the park, a borough fixture for many years. Fayette County owns the park.
In other news, Councilwoman Kim Essig said she had received four complaints about police cruisers parking on the sidewalk of Back Alley, outside the police department’s entrance door. She said the cruisers are obstructing public access to the U.S. Post Office mailbox and borough drop-box, that are located in the alleyway.
Essig said police vehicles have ample parking space available in the lot adjacent to the police department and should not park on the sidewalk.
Councilman Mike Washko said during the day, vehicles are parked on the right side of the alley for postal customers and with the police cars parked on the sidewalk, it makes it hard to navigate the alleyway.
Mayor Toni Petrus said that it’s illegal to park on the right side of the alleyway, as it is posted with no parking signs, and the police need access to the police entrance when they have prisoners. She said all police matters be directed to her.
Councilwoman Kay Rendina questioned why the police weren’t utilizing a garage entrance that was constructed specifically for prisoner transport.
In other business, council:
n McClure and Wolf CPA of Uniontown released a preliminary draft audit of the borough’s finances.
n The borough approved paying $57,139 to A.J. Folino Construction Company of Oakmont for paving.
n Council is evaluating whether to purchase public address system for council chambers for about $3,242.
n The borough is accepting letters of interest for persons interested in serving on the Recreation Board.
n Announced that anyone who has not paid their water bill to the borough will have their water shut off July 3.