Clairton officials adopted an ordinance at Tuesday night's meeting regulating activity on city streets and right-of-ways for non-motor vehicle usage.
Councilman Terry Julian reluctantly voted to approve the ordinance, stating it wasn't necessary because such restrictions are covered by state motor vehicle code and other state laws.
Councilwoman Kathy Tachoir said a law was required to set boundaries when the city received numerous complaints about activity along Craig Street and Farnsworth Avenue and nearby playgrounds.
“I think it was an ordinance that needed to be written. It needs to be enforced,” Tachoir said. “Kids need to know the perimeters.”
City manager Howard Bednar said he wrote the ordinance designed to help keep the peace.
“If people want to use it then don't abuse it,” Bednar said of city streets. “Patrol yourselves.”
Rules and regulations outlined in the ordinance include:
• No playing before 9 a.m. or after 8:30 p.m., prevailing time.
• No permanent or movable recreational apparatus of any type shall be permitted to be installed or remain on a city street after use. Any apparatus left may be removed by the city, without notice to the owner.
• No foul, abusive or vulgar language shall be permitted at any time.
• No obstructing the street at any time that would prevent a motor vehicle from traveling or using the street in a normal manner.
• No obstructing of any driveway so as to prevent the normal usage of said driveway.
• No intentional relieving of any bodily function, which includes but is not limited to urination, defecation or spitting.
• No loud music.
• No alcoholic beverages.
• No littering or leaving garbage or refuse of any type upon public and/or private property.
• No use of private property without the consent of the owner. This would include but not be limited to basketballs or balls of any type hitting or landing on private property.
A copy of the ordinance is available for review at city hall.
Council approved a $200 donation to the Clairton High School robotics teams for expenses related to their trip to the national robotics tournament in Indianapolis, Ind. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Council tabled a motion authorizing Bednar to send a proposal letter to the Clairton Municipal Authority concerning the waiving of fees and charges of the city and the authority. Councilors said the matter needed further discussion.
Council unanimously approved a resolution adopting the authority's Act 537 sewage facilities plan.
Council voted 3-1-1 authorizing the city solicitor to proceed with legal action to collect on the non-performing loans of the Clairton Reinvestment Corp. There are three outstanding loans.
Councilman Richard Ford abstained. Councilman John Lattanzi, Mayor Rich Lattanzi and Tachoir voted in favor, and Julian dissented.
Michael DiVittorio is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1965, or mdivittorio@tribweb.com.
