Monessen considering change to ordinance for keeping of dogs
Residents of Monessen may soon be allowed to own more than two dogs.
During the city’s monthly council meeting, Councilman David Feehan said he is working with the solicitor to draft an amendment to the city’s dog ordinance for keeping of dogs. Currently, Monessen limits two dogs per household.
“I’m a dog lover myself, and I don’t think two dogs is enough,” he said. “I think it’s reasonable to increase the limit to four dogs for each residence. We want to check Pittsburgh’s laws to get some ideas for our amended ordinance.”
Feehan will present another reading of the revised dog ordinance at the next council meeting. The city will then advertise the ordinance before the council takes final action. Feehan added that the council is considering making some changes to rules for cleaning up after dogs.
Also during the meeting, Mayor Matthew Shorraw read proclamations in honor of John Mandarino, former Monessen police chief; Frances McDormand, an Academy, Emmy and Tony award-winning actress and former resident of Monessen; and Jamie Sethman, first female captain in the history of the City of Monessen’s fire departments and Monessen Hilltop Station 81-2.
In addition, representatives from U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster and state Rep. Justin Walsh recognized Mandarino for his service to the community.
In other business, the council:
n Commended Lt. David Yuhasz, Officer Brian Mickens and Officer Robert Cunningham for exemplary work while responding to a structure fire.
n Approved the settlement of a tax appeal for Krishnan Suthanthiran, president of Best Medical Group, who purchased the former Monessen Municipal Complex and approved settlement of a tax appeal for On Site Rep. LLC, which owns the Eastgate 11 building.
n Approved placement of a recycling container at City Hall for plastic bags, newspaper sleeves and dry cleaning bags.
n Promoted Michael Keleman from lieutenant to captain in the Monessen Police Department.
n Appointed John Nestor to the Mon Valley Refuse Authority to serve the remainder of the unexpired term of Charles Urbanowicz.
n Established rules and regulations for public participation at Monessen meetings.
n Approved repair of a heaved concrete roadway at Locust/Division Street. This will involve a larger area repair to the sub-base, by placing an asphalt binder course and wearing course.