Oakmont Borough Council Notebook: July Voting Meeting

In addition to approving the contract for the Riverside Park court and playground resurfacing project, Oakmont Borough Council discussed the following topics.

Vote on 30-day Trial Period for Changes in Business District Parking Regulations Postponed Again

According to Council President Tim Favo, the trial period to change parking regulations in the business district could not occur at this month’s meeting because the borough still did not have the proper signs needed.

Council continued to talk about the tiered penalty system and how tickets would be administered. Some options are to have the police assign tickets, hire a meter maid or use a crossing guard in the afternoon. An electronic ticketing system versus hand-written tickets also wasdiscussed.

Favo said he would schedule a demonstration for the August work session by a representative of a company that sells handheld electronic ticketing devices.

Resident Seeks More from Parking Situation in Morris Estates

Resident Matt Provenza spoke of his concerns about the trial period to improve parking and traffic patterns in Morris Estates again to council. He said signs were posted but not in all the locations residents were told would have signage.

“In some spots, cars are still parked on both sides of the street or at an angle making it hard to drive around and a safety concern,” he said.

Borough Manager Bruce Jamison said police Chief David DiSanti went with a road manager to discuss and post signs. Provenza said his and other residents’ concerns were still not addressed.

Favo said the issue would be discussed with DiSanti.

Knox Boxes Discussion Still Unresolved

Council discussed the possibility of requiring the installation of Knox Boxes on new structures so firefighters can access buildings easily with the building keys contained in these boxes and a fine system for businesses with reoccurring false alarms.

Solicitor Robert Shoop provided council with an ordinance that, according to Councilwoman Kitty Vagley, needs more detail.

“We need to tighten this up,” she said. “A lot is not addressed.”

Favo and Councilman Tim Milberger said they were not in favor of any ordinance requiring businesses to have Knox Boxes unless it was an option within the fine system. For example, a business would have the option of paying a fine or installing a Knox Box after so many false alarms.

Favo recommended the addition of rules or exemptions for businesses, such as pharmacies, that might be more likely to be burglarized if someone gained access to the building with the key in a Knox Box.

Shoop said he would investigate the matter further and deliver another ordinance for council’s review.

Borough to Have Tax Collector Position on Next Ballot

The position of tax collector will be on the next ballot, according to Shoop. It is a two-year term and those interested should contact their party’s chairman.

Shoop was not sure how an independent candidate would run or what steps need to be taken in order to file on Aug. 1. He said he would look into it.

Curb Repair by Riverview High School to Begin Thursday

Jamison said the current crew was set to start the repair of curbs by the high school on Thursday. The work should last a month and a half, according to Jamison.

Borough Does Have Money to Purchase Police Car

According to Jamison, the borough has enough money to purchase a lease on a new police vehicle, which was requested by Oakmont Mayor Robert Fescemyer.

Favo requested—and Fescemyer agreed—that the purchase occur later in the year to spread out the payments on the new vehicle and the one purchased earlier in the year.

PennDOT Visits Hulton Bridge

A representative from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation presented the latest drawings for the Hulton bridge project to Jamison last week.

Jamison said PennDOT will start land acquisition and locating utilities while moving toward the construction of a retaining wall for a future parking lot that will be built by the bridge.

Police Department Receives Grant for Video Cameras

The police department was awarded a $5,000 grant that was used to purchase an in-car video camera and a small camera to be worn by an officer.

According to DiSanti’s report, which was read by Fescemyer, these cameras will assist the department in serving the community better by recording interactions with the public.

Fescemyer said the department should be able to get more grants for more cameras.

Cancelled Meetings

The following public meetings are cancelled:

• Recreation Board Meeting, July 21.
• Planning Commission Meeting, Aug. 10.