Connellsville cracking down on garbage in city
As the city prepares to welcome a new garbage contractor on Nov. 1, city officials announced Tuesday that it will begin a campaign to enforce a long-time ordinance that requires all garbage be placed in a container with a lid.
The city’s new garbage contract is with County Hauling and Mayor Greg Lincoln said it’s the perfect time to remind city residents of the law. In the next month, residents will receive a “friendly notification” when they are not in compliance, but if the situation isn’t corrected, the city will begin issuing citations.
“It isn’t just because it looks awful, it’s actually a health concern. Refuse attracts any number of rodents and other animals that carry disease,” said Lincoln.
Dan Wiltrout, who lives on Johnston Avenue, spoke out during the public comment section of the council meeting Tuesday about an ongoing skunk issue in his neighborhood. According to Wiltrout, between him and two neighbors, 24 skunks have been spotted in the city in a one-block area. The culprit, according to Wiltrout, is the large amount of garbage being left in alleys, which is attracting them.
“They’re all over our city,” said Wiltrout. “It’s all about the food source. Remove the food, and I’m sure they will leave.”
Lincoln agreed, saying residents need to adhere to the container ordinance.
Residents will be receiving a letter from County Hauling that will include information on garbage pickup in the city, including a calendar, information on commercial dumpster costs, and other information. Lincoln urged residents to make sure they read the letter.
According to Lincoln, all residential garbage will be collected in the city on the same day, Tuesday, which will make enforcing the garbage container law much easier.
In other business, council unanimously approved the introduction of two resolutions. The first is for the approval of the transfer of a restaurant liquor license from Dunbar Township to the city for Zia Maria’s (Pechin’s). Council held a public meeting on the request last month. According to Lincoln, the business plans on offering beer and wine for sale in much the same way as Sheetz does.
“I’m happy for them,” said Lincoln.
The second resolution is for the vacating of a portion of South Sixth Street at the request of West Penn Power. In return, West Penn has proposed taking over the rental cost for a fire hydrant ($80 per month) and funding the paving of a portion of South Seventh Street.
Next month, council will vote on whether to approve the resolutions.
In addition, council also voted unanimously to approve and execute the leasehold mortgage and landlord’s agreement with Trailside Lodging, LP, which includes the lease agreement on the city’s parking lot. The new owner of the hotel will assume the lease on the parking lot of 54 spaces, which will give the city the opportunity to develop the rest of the land.
According to Lincoln, the hotel has plans to build a structure to house bicycles, along with several other improvements, such as adding an awning to the front of the building, and removing the current patio off the back of the property and replacing it with a much larger deck to accommodate more guests.
In other business, council approved the following items of note:
n An agreement with McClure & Wolf LLP to conduct an annual audit for years 2019, 2020, and 2021, at rates of $9,200, $9,550, and $9,900, respectively;
n An agreement with Laurel Mountain Leasing, for the purchase of a 2019 Ford F550 dump truck;
n Increase the cost of pavilion rental from $75 to $100 for Friday, Saturday, Sundays and holidays.