Oct 13, 2017 4 min read

Monongahela City Council heard Wednesday from residents concerned about traffic safety issues.

Resident Chad DeSantis addressed council about speeding in certain neighborhoods, especially on Decker Street and Third Avenue. He asked if speed bumps or stop signs could be installed to deter the speeding.

Police Chief Brian Tempest said, “You cannot put in speed bumps and stop signs to slow traffic. A traffic study would have to be done for an additional stop sign.”

An audience member noted East Washington installed speed bumps, and Tempest said he would check into the parameters, but in the meantime, he would address the issue with extra patrols in the area.

“Every neighborhood has these problems with speeding,” said the chief.

Resident Jim Braum addressed council about groups of children on bicycles who have been a topic of discussion at many past meetings. “I was wondering what is being done about these kids that are riding in and out of traffic?” said Braum.

Tempest said his officers are doing all they can, and there is only so much they can do.

“We have confiscated numerous bicycles and told them they have to return with a parent to get them back. We have stopped and warned them,” said Tempest. “They started going to the Aquatorium, where they did damage. Then they went up to the former Monongahela Elementary Center. We thought that it would be OK there, but they broke a window and went inside. There are hazardous materials inside. Unfortunately, when we pick them up at night at 10 or 11 and they are in violation of the curfew, we can’t find their parents.”

Councilman Tom Caudill said the chief and the police department have been putting a lot of work into keeping the youngsters out of trouble and safe. Tempest added his department has concerns about the safety of the kids.

“These are valid concerns about the speeding and kids. This past month we had 109 traffic stops with 70 tickets, in addition to other arrests and investigations. Some months we are stretched a little thin,” said Tempest.

Brad Feld, president of Ringgold Youth Athletic Association, asked for permission to improve the second field at Mounds Memorial Park for youth baseball games.

“We would like to add dirt and a fence. We would do all of the work, maintain it and pay for it. We are looking for permission,” said Feld.

He added his group eventually would like to replace the dugouts and get the fields in condition for tournaments.

Councilman Daryl Miller said he had no problem with any of the work but wanted the solicitor to go over the street department contract so that there was no issue with the union.

In other news:

• Miller said the Hillcrest playground project will begin in the spring, and information has been received from the solicitor about a formation of a recreation board. Miller said council needs to go over the information, and action would be taken at the next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8.

• Councilman Ken Kulak said the walkability study aimed at connecting the river to the business district has been finished by Klavon Design Co. “There are some very interesting ideas, but they are just concepts at this point,” said Kulak. He added a public meeting will be held to discuss the study. No date was set.

• Council approved a fouryear contract with the street department, beginning Jan. 1. The five members of the union will receive a 2.5-percent pay increase.

• Councilman Alan Veliky was reappointed to Monongahela Sewage Authority for a four-year term.

• Monongahela’s Halloween parade is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Chess Park. Trick or treat will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28.

• The countywide Veterans Day parade will be held at noon Saturday, Nov. 11.