DONORA – Borough council decided to consider changes to the animal control ordinance after fielding numerous complaints.

“We have complaints about chickens, we have complaints about cats,” Councilwoman Marie Trozzo said. “We have to update the whole ordinance. We have to do something.”

Last month, council heard complaints about a resident who had as many as 20 cats living on her property.

“What we need to have included in an ordinance is the definition of what is a domestic animal,” Council-man Thomas Kostolansky said.

Chickens – reportedly roam-ing free in some sections of town – apparently have become a problem.

“One gentleman who was supposed to come here tonight and speak said that he can’t even sit on his front porch because of the stench of the chickens,” resident Terry Perrotta told council. “I’ve had the problems where I live, but this is in another section of town.

“I don’t think a chicken is a domestic animal, and they shouldn’t be in our town.”

Council President Dr. Karen Polkabla directed Solicitor Jason Walsh to study the matter.

“We need to research what we have and see what it is that we have a need for,” Polkabla said.

Borough Administrator Dennis Fisher said that any changes to the ordinance probably wouldn’t be official until near the end of summer.

“We’re going to work on it so we have a complete ordinance in the borough,” Trozzo said. “There is a need for it.”

In a related matter, council approved an animal control officer agreement with Patsy Vince at the rate of $200 per month from Jan. 1, 2012, through Dec. 31, 2012, and an additional fee of $225 per month for the period of April 1 through Sept. 30, for a total of $3,750 per year.

The deal includes any additional expense approved by council.

In other business, council tabled a motion to pay Norfolk Southern Railway Co. $1,687.41 for materials and labor necessary to repair railroad property resulting from a derailment Jan. 1, 2010.

Council Vice-President Jason Menendez questioned why the borough would have to pay for something that happened on Norfolk Southern property and recommended council meet with representatives of the company.

Keep recycling

Councilman Don Pavelko urged residents to continue recycling in an effort to reduce trash-hauling rates.

During public comment, Perrotta said she and her neighbors put recyclables out last week that were not collected.

“I will be in contact with Fayette Waste to make sure we can get everyone, the borough and the hauler, on the same page,” Pavelko said. “Please pass the word on that we need to continue putting our recyclables out there for pick up.”

Park help

Council approved a motion by Kostolansky to advertise for bids for grass-cutting at Palmer Park.

Because of an increase in demolition projects and jobs associated with the Donora Place Plan Sewage Extension project, public works employees have been too busy to handle mowing in a timely fashion.

The recreation committee will draft job specifications.

Thanks

Mayor John Lignelli and council thanked those who helped prepare for the “Stan the Man” Musial Bridge ceremony.

Copyright ©2026— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)