Owner says Monessen business temporarily closed because of property damage
MONESSEN – One of the city’s business owners is said a state repaving project on Donner Avenue caused sewage issues at his business, forcing him to temporarily close.
Bernie Fertall said he believes the problems started in August, when workers were digging into the ground in front of the Pasta Shoppe and punctured a pipe underneath the street while inserting mesh and gravel several feet away from the curb. Fertall said this caused an influx of muddy water into the basement of his store.
“I’m closed now and can’t even run my business anymore,” said Fertall. “That’s another business in Monessen that is being lost.”
Fertall told council he has spent $1,500 to have plumbers stop the flooding but mud is now overflowing into the store. He estimates that it will cost about $20,000 to fix the problem.
The work was done as part of a state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) project.
“My wife Sherri and I have tried to contact PennDOT, but no one is getting back to us,” said Fertall.
Valerie Petersen, spokeswoman for PennDOT District 12, said PennDOT is aware of Fertall’s complaint.
“This situation came to our attention and we are conducting research to see if any utilities contributed to this problem,” she said.
Council members empathized with Fertall’s frustration.
“I can’t understand for the life of me, why did PennDOT not contact every business owner along Donner Avenue and ask them to look at their lateral pipe?” asked Councilman Tony Orzechowski, who also serves as acting mayor. “Those terracotta pipes are very old and many need to be replaced.”
City Solicitor Joseph Dalfonso told Fertall that because Donner Avenue is a state-owned street, the city’s insurance will not cover any damage to his property. Orzechowski said he to follow up with PennDOT.
“You deserve answers and we will do our best to give you those answers,” said Orzechowski. “As we gather more information, we will be glad to share those resources with you.”
In other business, council:
n Accepted the resignations of George Shusta from the Mon Valley Sewage Authority Board and Jocelyn Golumb from the Monessen Public Library Board, along with approving a motion to advertise for letters of interest for all open and expiring positions on city boards and commissions.
n Approved motions to advertise for a full-time mechanic and full-time accounts & finance clerk.
n Approved a motion at the request of the family of Ronald and Marcia Chiaravalle to place a gazebo at the Herman Mihalich Boat Launch in their honor. Employees from the city streets crew will assist with assembly of the gazebo.
n Approved a two-year professional service contract with Hoffman’s Boarding Kennels for dog law enforcement services in the amount of $455 per month and for emergency calls in the amount of $95 per call. The contract will be in effect from Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec. 31, 2021.