Waynesburg councilman wants to address truck traffic in the borough
WAYNESBURG – Problems caused by truck traffic in Waynesburg Borough, addressed several years ago at the height of the natural gas drilling boom, have not gone away and should be revisited, Councilman Brian Tanner told council Monday night.
Tanner spoke of experiences he had with trucks speeding through town, driving recklessly and running red lights. He told council he again plans to pursue a solution to the problem.
“If we don’t do something, somebody in this town is going to get killed,” he said.
Tanner said he believes borough police are doing everything they can to address the issue and he intends to seek help from the county and state.
“I’m confident the mayor and police are working to the best of their abilities,” Tanner said. “But we have to come up with other ideas.”
Mayor Duncan Berryman reported earlier in the meeting that the police department increased traffic stops and speeding enforcement and recently received some help from state police with radar.
The borough, several years ago at the height of the gas boom, reached out to state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, and the state Department of Transportation. Meetings also were held at the time with drilling companies about the need to better control drivers.
“We have sounded this alarm repeatedly,” Councilman Mark Fischer said. Fischer noted one of the problems is the state won’t allow municipal police departments to use radar to enforce speeding laws.
The borough and state officials also had explored the idea of using crosswalk signs on High Street. However, the state Department of Transportation determined the roadway was not wide enough to allow for their use.
“We’ve asked for solutions, but only hit a stone wall,” Fischer said.
Tanner, however, thinks the problem is too important and he intends to pursue the matter again. He plans to schedule meetings to discuss the problem with county and state officials.
Berryman had also reported police were placing a radar display on some roads to inform drivers of their speed and parking in different locations throughout the borough to deter speeding.
He said the department will be bolstering its efforts with the coming start of school and the resumption of classes at Waynesburg University.
Councilman Dar Fitch suggested police also conduct patrols, especially during the morning rush. At times he’s seen police cars parking at the borough building, and not out being used on patrol during those hours.
Police Chief Rob Toth did not attend the meeting and could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Council also voted during the meeting to hire Christopher Simms as the borough’s new solicitor to replace Pat Fitch, who was hired as an assistant district attorney.
Simms is a son of borough manager Mike Simms. He also is a brother of borough police Officer Marcus Simms. Three attorneys had applied for the position.
Councilwoman Lynn Snyder said following the meeting council recognizes that on some issues Christopher Simms may have a conflict and in those cases another attorney will be hired to represent the borough. Simms will be paid $100 an hour, the same as his predecessor.