Shenandoah considering the 'SWEEP' program

SHENANDOAH - In the future, borough properties with trash on porches, high grass or other ordinance violations may receive a citation similar to a parking or speeding ticket.

During Monday's meeting of Shenandoah Borough Council, Borough manager Joseph L. Palubinsky spoke on the possibility of implementing a "Clean Sweep" program in the borough, similar to the City of Allentown's Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program. Palubinsky became aware of Allentown's program during a recent blight summit held by state Sen. David Argall, R-29.

"There were a number of good things that we heard and were recommended," Palubinsky said with one recommendation being SWEEP.

"Basically, this is a program whereby employees within the borough would be authorized to issue tickets for various ordinance violations, such as littering, high grass, nuisance problems, trash on porches and similar ordinance violations," Palubinsky said. "I think the general sentiment among the members of the council and the mayor is that the fact we want to proceed with this or try to implement this and see what we can do about some of these problem areas."

Councilman Robert Kulpowicz explained, "It's basically going to be like a parking ticket with various offenses on it. There will be fines and penalties. We don't know what the costs will be at this time. People have been getting away with things for too long and it's time to put a stop to it."

"This is a proactive response rather than reactive," council President Leo Pietkiewicz said.

Tickets/citations in this program could be issued by any borough employee so designated and would not be restricted to the code enforcement officer. Tickets would be paid at borough hall, or if not paid or challenged, the matter would go to Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.

Mayor Michael Whitecavage suggested that borough officials meet with Kilker about the plan.

"What we need to do first of all is to check our ordinances that we have in place and see what we can adapt," Palubinsky replied. "If some ordinances need to be amended, we'll have to do that, or pass new ordinances."

Palubinsky said warnings can be issued in some cases.

"I really think we can use this to the borough's advantage," Palubinsky said.

No action was taken by the council on the matter. Ordinances will be reviewed by Palubinsky and the council for future establishing of the program.

In other business, the borough council approved a resolution that allows an inter-municipal alcoholic beverage license transfer from Pine Grove to Shenandoah. Isabel Nunez, 2 S. Jardin St., applied for the transfer through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. A public hearing was held on Oct. 17 to receive positive or negative input on the proposed transfer.

"At that public hearing, there was no evidence that (the transfer) would adversely effect the health, welfare and morals of the borough," O'Pake said. "There was a lot of speculation at that time, but nothing concrete was found and there was no evidence presented in that regard."

The vote was 5-0 with two abstentions, council Vice President Brian Conroy and Kulpowicz.

The council approved the following event requests:

- The Polish American Fire Company No. 4 to hold its annual block party from July 6 to 8, which includes closing North West Street from Center to Lloyd streets. There will be no parking from 3 to 10 p.m. July 6 along the 100 and 200 blocks of West Center Street, the unit block of South West Street, and the unit and 100 blocks of South Chestnut Street to park the emergency vehicles participating in the annual truck parade.

- Downtown Shenandoah Inc. to hold the fifth annual Kielbasi Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 19, on the first and 100 blocks of North Main Street.

See original here:
Shenandoah considering the 'SWEEP' program