California resident concerned about safety
CALIFORNIA — Following a shooting Wednesday night and a robbery last week in the borough, resident Creighton Rabs said he doesn’t feel safe in the borough.
Also a California University of Pennsylvania student, Rabs spoke to council and said more priority should be placed on patrolling the immediate areas where off-campus housing is located, including Second and Union streets.
“I get a little nervous, especially more so now,” he said Thursday during the public comments session of the council meeting.
Prior to the public comments session, Mayor Casey Durdines reassured residents, reiterating that the police force feels very confident that it will resolve the shooting incident soon.
“It’s an ongoing investigation, but there are some good solid leads,” he said.
Additionally, councilman Ryan Encapera urged residents to be cautious.
“The police are doing a fine job and are doing the best they can,” he said.
In other matters, council:
n Approved an extension for Jim Sepesky and Scott Sepesky to finalize plans for the Sepesky subdivision and clear up any issues. Tentatively, the continued meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 13, 2014.
n Approved a motion to have Solicitor Keith Melenyzer draft an ordinance known as the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act. The ordinance allows filing of judgments against property owners as well judgments for property owners outside of the state. Council also approved a separate motion to have Melenyzer draft an ordinance known as the Municipal Housing Code Avoidance Act. Under the ordinance, multiple code convictions are a misdemeanor criminal offense and are punishable by fines and jail time.
n Announced the road closures for homecoming Saturday. Police will issue parking tickets for violators by 9 a.m., Durdines said.
Cars will be towed starting at 10 a.m. Road closures will be on a rolling schedule from 10:30-11:30 a.m., which includes Union, Second, Third, Green and Wood streets. All roads will be closed by 11:30 a.m.
n Announced trick-or-treat will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.
n Announced the Halloween parade lineup will start at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30.