SHAMOKIN - The citizen comment period of any public meeting is meant to allow citizens to address concerns, and at Monday's council meeting, seven city residents took advantage of the opportunity.
Rose Bridgeford, of 109 W. Montgomery St., fumed over the demolition process used to tear down neighboring 101-103 W. Montgomery St. It was performed by family and friends of the property owner and not a professional contractor, and she feels their methods jeopardized her property.
The destruction of a cement foundation at the property has opened access to her yard, she said, and she fears the future demolition of a garage could lead to debris ending up in her swimming pool or perhaps damaging the pool structure.
Hand tools, brute force and a chain attached to an SUV were used to tear down the double-home in October. She asked why their demolition permit had ever been renewed and criticized Rick Bozza, code officer, for not returning phone calls.
"I think the city needs to get up and do something there. It's about time," Bridgeford said.
Brenda Keller, the property owner, was cited five times in November and December for failing to clear debris from the area. Three citations were filed by Bozza and two by Cpl. Bryan Primerano.
The debris has slowly been removed from the project site.
Bozza said a hearing scheduled for Monday was postponed.
Mayor William D. Milbrand said he would work with Bozza and solicitor Frank Konopka to see what can be done to address Bridgeford's concerns.
Not laughing
Barry Getchey, a city landlord, criticized the Shamokin Housing Authority, asking council members why they deal with the board. He said authority solicitor Frank Garrigan has been unresponsive when asked for information regarding fines he's received related to the authority. He directed his ire toward Ron Miller, the authority's executive director, and Raymond G. Splane, the former authority board president, both of whom he's battled in recent years for varied issues.
"And he's sitting over here with a smile on his face. He thinks it's funny. Well, it ain't funny," Getchey said after turning from a podium and pointing to Miller.
Miller was in the audience to address an unrelated authority matter and later declined to respond to Getchey's comments.
Consider solar
Robert Gilligbauer, a city mechanic and landlord, recommended council look into potentially installing solar panels on the roof on Mill Road Square in order to reduce utility costs and to sell electricity back to the grid, an effort he views as one way to help improve Shamokin's finances. Milbrand said council could look into the idea once more pressing financial matters are addressed.
Drugs, blight
Jim Pastuzak and Robert Wesoloskie, both of South Pearl Street in the city's Fifth Ward, addressed concerns in their neighborhood, namely blighted properties, garbage, drug abuse and unruly neighbors.
Wesoloskie said was formerly a landlord in Connecticut. He suggested the city begin inspecting all rental properties to help make landlords more accountable.
"The only way to hurt them is to hit them in the pocketbook," Wesoloskie said.
Milbrand said city council could vote as early as next month on an ordinance approving rental inspections. He said work continues on an inspection checklist and it's nearly complete.
Bozza has called for the institution of an inspection schedule for rental properties whenever occupancy is turned over. A passing grade would be needed before another tenant were eligible to move in.
A similar ordinance never moved beyond the preliminary stage last year.
Getchey said tenants, not landlords, should be held in greater accountability for violations for the city's garbage ordinances. He suggested they be allowed to pay incrementally when fined.
Gilligbauer said he hopes landlords have some input on the inspection checklist to be sure it's fair.
Truck decals
Alfons Keefer of A&G Towing, Shamokin, reported to council that a Shamokin police officer told him at the scene of a crash Sunday at Market and Lincoln streets that the lettering on his tow truck was too small. He presented council members a copy of state law on the matter, saying he is in compliance. Milbrand said it would be addressed with the police chief.
Snow piles
Gilbert Petraskie, of 20 N. Marshall St., is a snow plow contractor who asked about the ownership of Commerce Street, specifically behind Independence Street in the area of Wendy's Restaurant.
A dispute arose between him and Splane on the latter's property boundaries and where the former could pile up snow.
Milbrand said he believed Splane owned the former railbed area but that the matter would be researched and addressed.
Petraskie added that since the city has addressed the issue of permits for snow plowers, officials should target property owners who fail to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks.
Other business
Councilwoman Barbara Moyer reported she toured the American Legion Building and learned the portion of the roof on the Independence Street side is in good condition but that the opposite side is in need of repair. A work order will be issued for the fix.
Moyer recommended that non-duplicable keys be issued to officers of the Shamokin Youth Basketball League for access to the third-floor gymnasium. A phone line to the gym was recommended by the youth league officers for termination.
City council presented citizen service citations to five people - Chelsie Cossari, Michael Lorenz-Koons, Brennan Bruce, Mason Dumond and Alex Witcoskie - who assisted in the apprehension of an alleged purse snatcher.
A resolution approving the upgrade of railroad crossings on both Water and Independence streets was approved.
Council also nominated Donald VanShura to the Shamokin Housing Authority to fill the unexpired term of Robert Wolfe, and tabled a request from the authority for a letter of support in its pursuit of funding to rehabilitate Madison Court Apartments, Shamokin and Independence streets.