Monessen eyed for potential skatepark
MONESSEN — A company from the state of California is expressing interest in developing a skateboard park in Monessen.
Jeff Stern of Spohn Ranch Skateparks sent a proposal to the city, saying he has reviewed potential sites by viewing the city on Google Earth.
“I’m forwarding the site information onto our design team to get a feel for what they believe will fit the space appropriately,” Stern wrote to city Councilman Ed Lea in a Dec. 12 letter.
Stern included pictures of numerous skate parks designed by the company for sites from 1,000 square feet to more than 15,000 square feet.
“I’ve been talking to some teenagers and it seems it’s still very popular and very much alive, but they have no place to enjoy this sport,” said Councilman Ron Chiaravalle.
Chiaravalle and Lea both said Shawnee park in Monessen is one potential site for a skate park. Lea said the former deck hockey site or tennis court area at City Park could also be utilized.
“A lot of times when we think of recreation, we think of what we would like and not what is out there for young people,” Chiaravalle said.
Council also discussed low collections for the annual licensing fees for entertainment devices at businesses in the community. The fee had been expected to generate $30,000 in 2016, but Councilman John Scott Nestor said the amount was considerably lower. Nestor said city records show $4,600 collected, although Chiaravalle said more than that was collected since bills were sent out recently.
“We’re going to be more aggressive about collecting that,” Chiaravalle said.
Solicitor Gary Matta said businesses that don’t pay the fee could be cited at the magistrate’s office, or state police could be called upon to investigate to make sure all legalities are being followed with the devices.
Council also debated policies regarding the use of the Monessen Amphitheater. Councilwoman Patty Bukowski noted that the Amphitheater Committee has paid $1,800 to use the facility for various dates in 2017, at which time Chiaravalle and Lea stated that no rentals should be made prior to the start of the new year. They also questioned whether the amphitheater committee should first present its plans to city council for approval.
“As director of parks, I’m saying these dates are not approved until it comes before council,” Lea said.
Bukowski said that past approvals were only needed when a group was asking for the rental fee to be waived or reduced.
“Groups outside the city cannot make decisions for city property without the approval of the city,” Matta said. “I’m not saying you have to approve all rentals. I’m saying there has to be a process.”
Bukowski said the amphitheater committee had thought it had followed the process, going to the city treasurer with the dates it wanted to rent the facility and paying the rental fee.
Chiaravalle and Lea said the council also needs to look into its policy of offering city facilities such as the amphitheater free or at a reduced rate to nonprofit groups and churches. Chiaravalle said the city has expenses that need to be met regardless of who is using a facility.
In other matters, Matta said he would be meeting with members of the Civic Center board of directors to clarify some issues involving spending.
“There are some legal issues that could come up,” Matta said regarding the private meeting. “There are some funds that may have been expended.”
Matta said he wants to get clarification of what has occurred and to prevent any potential legal issues.
There will be a public hearing prior to the Dec. 28 city council meeting regarding changing the use of about $17,000 of Community Development Block Grant funding from code enforcement to street improvements. The hearing will start at 6 p.m.