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Politics & Government

Verona Council Notebook: Sept. 13 Regular Meeting

Among items discussed were the borough's forthcoming blighted property ordinance, a flood-prone alley, Riverview's homecoming parade and the continued success of the borough's Fall Festival.

Here's a roundup of matters discussed at Verona's regular business meeting on Sept. 13.

Ordinance update and advice

Borough solicitor Craig Alexander updated and advised officials on several ordinances, including the following:

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Blighted Property Ordinance

The borough’s blighted property ordinance is “99 percent done,” according to Alexander.

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Due to the state’s Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act signed into law October 2010, municipalities are able to take owners of blighted properties to court and seek judgments against their assets instead of just liens against the properties themselves.

The ordinance, if passed, would allow Verona to take such action.

Details on the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act can be found at sites like www.pennsylvaniaworks.org and www.pennsylvaniavotes.org/2009-SB-900.

Delinquent Tax Ordinance

Alexander also suggested that the borough consider adopting an ordinance that would require tenants to pay rent directly to the tax collector when their landlord is delinquent.

He said his knowledge of the ordinance came from the recent actions of Turtle Creek borough, which passed a measure to do the same based on a state law from the 1940’s.

Alexander said he contacted Turtle Creek about their adoption of such an ordinance.

“I think it’s an incredible tool,” he said. “Our delinquent tax collection is woeful here. Any time we can do something to help, it makes sense.”

Fire Escrow Ordinance

Alexander advised officials that Verona should adopt a fire escrow ordinance that would require a homeowner, in the event of a house fire, to deposit funds into an account to be held until the homeowner made necessary repairs.

“It should be on the books to make sure (fire-damaged buildings) don’t stay in disrepair,” he said.

Officials plan to enact such an ordinance at council’s Oct. 11 regular meeting.

Scotts Alley Repairs

A two-day project to address flooding on Scotts Alley will begin the week of Sept. 19.

A bowl-shaped section of the alley fills with water during even small storms, officials said.

Councilman Dom Conte, who heads up the streets committee, said the borough will install a new catch basin to correct the problem.

Residents should expect to have little or no access to the alley while the work is being done, according to Conte.

Riverview Homecoming

Riverview’s homecoming parade will begin in Verona at 5:15 p.m. on Oct. 7. Officials said the parade will probably start at South Atlantic Avenue and head toward Oakmont.

The parade will include seven cars along with the Riverview band.

Homecoming king and queen will be crowned at the Riverview football game that same evening.

Fall Festival to Continue

Despite their original plans to end it after 10 years, the organizers of Verona’s Fall Festival Days have decided to keep it going due to the event’s success, according to one of those organizers, Ann Larkin.

The 10th festival was held this year on Sept. 8, 9, and 10 along East Railroad Avenue.

The event raises money to help the community and to provide scholarships to local students.

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