Aug 14, 2018 5 min read

At its May 14 meeting, Canonsburg Council approved a five-year agreement with its police department. No details of the agreement were announced at the meeting.

Council also:

• Approved a change order for $1,700 for the removal of shingles at the senior center. The total cost for the new roof was $74,400.

• Approved advertising to solicit bids for electrical upgrades at the senior center.

• Approved an application of Fukui Architects, PC, for the renovation of 135 Meadow Lane, subject to a final presentation of plans and contingent upon the completion of the road.

• Approved the purchase of a new 2018 Ford Interceptor for $37,075.

• Approved a resource officer agreement between the borough and Canon-McMillan School District from August 2018 through June 2023, contingent upon Canon-McMillan School District passing the same agreement.

• Approved a stop sign being placed at Fourth Street and Weaver Avenue.

Veronica Bennett, of KLH Engineering, noted that the sidewalk at the College Street culvert collapsed due to deterioration from water damage. The construction cost estimate to replace the sidewalk is $80,000 with additional engineering costs of $9,500. Options discussed included not replacing a full sidewalk and using a guide rail for safety reasons.

New slide planned at pool

Rich Russo, president of the park board, informed council of plans for a new slide to be installed on the other side of the current slide, where the drop would be closer to the water. The park board would cover the cost of the slide. Russo also asked for a letter of support from the borough for grant requests.

Council heard from Steve Pitzarella, 522 Chartiers Ave., regarding one-side parking on his street. He said a petition requesting more parking was signed by all but three people residing on the street.

Pitzarella said he does not want to ruin his back yard by parking there, but that he was willing to pay to have the seven-foot sidewalk at the front of his property cut back to five feet to permit on-street parking.

George Sylvester, 511 Chartiers Ave., added that council did not prepare residents for the 90-day trial parking change, and that landlords should have been notified to have tenants park in the back of their property.

Councilman John Severine said there are 11 rental units on the street and a plan needs to be devised for renters to park on the rental lots.

Mayor Rhome said parking is permitted on the other side of the street for holidays and parties, provided that police are notified.

Noise complaint

Council also heard from Robert Humble, 345 W. Pike St., about the noise level at The Last Call Bar and Grill across from his home.

Humble said he has received conflicting information about the noise ordinance; he was told that there was nothing he could do about the noise, that the noise was decibel-based and that there is no time limit on the noise ordinance. He also asked that one door at The Last Call be kept closed.

Mayor Rhome told council he had told Humble his next step was to call 911, and he could also go to the magistrate about the issue. Council president R.T. Bell suggested Humble call code enforcement in regards to the borough’s noise ordinance.

Devin Orsi, owner of The Last Call, who said his business is currently 70 percent food sales, said the noise complaint is ridiculous. He also stated the door is closed at 10 p.m. for Humble, and that he has a non-nuisance establishment in a business area where cars and motorcycles are louder than his establishment.

Mayor Rhome agreed to meet with Orsi and Humble.

Mayor Rhome and Police Chief Alex Coghill recognized Canonsburg police officers Sgt. Donald Cross, Officer Thomas O’Rourke and Officer Anthony Casilla for saving the life of a 65-year old entrapped in a fully-engulfed house fire in April.

The mayor reported that the April drug take back netted 450 pounds, which was disposed of properly. Also during April, more than 1,200 children heard the 2018 drug summit at Canon-McMillan High School.

Council discusses College Street issues

At its June 11 meeting, Canonsburg Borough Council adopted the Municipal Police Intra State Mutual Aid Compact Agreement for the DUI Task Force for 2018.

The motion passed 5-0, with councilmen R.T. Bell and Joe McGarry absent.

Council also approved the application of Sean Maloney of 2310 Shamrock Lane to subdivide the existing lot 10 feet and convey 2,566 square feet to lot 10-R1-R per the planning commission.

Council also discussed applying for a Local Share grant to repair the College Street bridge. KLH engineer Veronica Bennett estimated the repair costs at $80,000. It was noted that if the grant application is approved, funding would not be available until June 2019. Bennett said she would research funding and grants for an emergency project.

Regarding a complaint about noise at Town Park basketball courts, councilman Tina Bails noted there are new signs regarding the noise throughout the park. She also said a tree line was placed near the basketball court to reduce noise and the park board voted to purchase a soundproof curtain at the court for $2,000.

Mayor David Rhome said the one-side parking on Chartiers Avenue will continue for another 90 days while borough representatives meet with landlords with property on the street. It is also being determined whether single family residences that were turned into duplexes can be required to add parking.

Also, it was noted that a “Community Conversation” would be held July 12 at the Frank Sarris Public Library with the theme, “Getting to know your local government.”