[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6537851,"mediaKeyId","3425834-86745eedb35c06918d4e79d9f2f8962d","parentId",3425834,"title","Connellsville residents propose mural; recreation staff outline summer programs and splash pad opening","audioSeconds",4655,"startMs",655000,"endMs",5310000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3425834-86745eedb35c06918d4e79d9f2f8962d&start=655&end=5310","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3425834-86745eedb35c06918d4e79d9f2f8962d/thumbnail_655000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6537851/Connellsville/Fayette-County/Pennsylvania/Connellsville-residents-propose-mural-recreation-staff-outline-summer-programs-and-splash-pad-opening","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537851-3912bebfd619b9b9d5e5209e89d88a1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218465&Signature=iMT~bV6SLrIA4f-4caC6m6Pk0U6N7JEM~buueg7cj5YSeqGLRRKFZ1SfbPlFCwuhAR6DhGBb6Bo2ScZwKZ~TiAFYNsuBz8oDWnJ8BaW0Zdm-6uQJCa2CLwVTpsg2FfKvjLRDefy8ebLGSj3dsRwt7sHP0ISL1Kc21NFJcn1BxXStWmVp5jrAxVZ9c-zyO3P29--oTQpS974098FXscDYErFm0yk74pEKwfScTEFbTT76UY-m-m5Q28nDPUnjKzdBE2Ct-fc8IAE0e~RxPRednAACfCGNunAXSGOrRkgsYGVRCTGGVYj2-9RDyLdVga-1K0SfIslL2I2NVsHL3ysVYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Connellsville, PA","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","During public comment at the May 20 Connellsville City Council meeting, residents presented two community-led projects and the parks and recreation report contained multiple summer program updates.

Mural proposal for South Pittsburgh Street: Michael Kaminski presented a proposal, sponsored by the Connellsville Lions Club, to paint a 67-foot-long, approximately 6-foot-high mural on a concrete retaining wall behind the Odd Fellows building on South Pittsburgh Street. The design, developed with muralist Randy Stewart, would depict the Great Allegheny Passage and include an illustration representing Connellsville. Kaminski said the Lions Club would accept donations and that the artist could paint in June or August depending on timing; he sought council permission to remove several parking meters along that wall so the artist could work.

Council response: Council members said they supported the idea in principle but could not remove parking meters that night because the mural request was not on the agenda. Officials asked Kaminski to email the design as a PDF for review; the council directed staff to place the item on the June 17 agenda so the meters could be removed if the council approves the mural then.

Recreation programs and properties: Recreation staff and public commenters described several summer efforts:

- Playground and staffing: The council approved hiring summer playground instructors (Gabby Woods and Kylie Cole). Staff said the recreation board plans six weeks of activities across five parks and will post schedules at the parks and on social media. Organizers asked whether equipment boxes could be stored at the fire hall; staff said they would coordinate policies and key access through the public works foreman and fire department.

- Facilities repairs: A roof repair for restrooms and a garage behind Dease Park was discussed; the Recreation Board received a quoted bid of $7,900 from Harris Construction Company and planned to vote on it at its next Rec Board meeting.

- Sports leagues: James Moore outlined proposals to launch 3-on-3 basketball, flag football (including a potential girls' high-school flag team), adult kickball and a ball-deck hockey program; staff advised him to coordinate scheduling around other park programming and to confirm insurance requirements with staff liaison Rita.

- Splash pad and accessibility: Council members and staff announced the Twelfth Street splash pad will open June 1, with hours and rules to be posted. Public works has installed signage and is finishing connectivity for cameras/internet at the park and expects bathrooms to be opened the same weekend. Separately, the boat-ramp extension project approved by council includes an ADA-accessible floating dock as part of the larger grant-funded plan; staff noted the dock may need removal if river levels rise.

Why it mattered: The mural and recreation plans are community-driven efforts that use donated labor and sponsorship. Council and staff emphasized the need for insurance, a formal application and departmental coordination before the city can remove meters, close streets or provide public property for projects.

Ending: Residents who brought forward proposals were told to submit designs and insurance to the city clerk and to appear on the June 17 agenda for formal consideration; recreation staff said they will continue coordinating schedules, insurance and volunteer clearances with the parks and public works departments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 20, 2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Public comment at Tuesday's council meeting included a mural proposal for a retaining wall behind the Odd Fellows building and multiple recreation proposals. Council members and staff said the mural would be considered at the June meeting, and confirmed the Twelfth Street splash pad will open June 1.","taxTitle","Connellsville, Fayette County, Pennsylvania","taxId",76399,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6537855,"Connellsville council approves event closures, equipment purchase and hires; several routine resolutions passed",1489,1495000,2984000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3425834-86745eedb35c06918d4e79d9f2f8962d&start=1495&end=2984","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3425834-86745eedb35c06918d4e79d9f2f8962d/thumbnail_1495000.jpg","/articles/6537855/Connellsville/Fayette-County/Pennsylvania/Connellsville-council-approves-event-closures-equipment-purchase-and-hires-several-routine-resolutions-passed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537855-c35e3bd819f690e24a58ceaa0084dc46/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218465&Signature=Go8DwZdcyOUFmudva10U6AxanCpNgIA0FUmLXhXrgCCLRnzy7tfju8gbjbKM092RbaR8Kng9IMibg7GUhT4d7UAMIfSMdy3tUcSLj4YxoKUSXqpfE-VZehqpYJrcfxCm2u5xSGNLr91qAhoe9YZtWVDgaWne8AtpYxhld6XK7dGSytqjoUQy00htYOQywo-7QEJuJWiRh5AadOimLsbiGSE~gJ-4gCCNh1-wXpqMRNHnYVTJ7tD8eUAxwzEYrohlf2B6MmYdPrXo3AIeV3aDEq6wltrdUuWQzDFwvhYyxpDZRo8BDTW0iZdoXZD91m9D0K9fQPPmMa36UVu3JzHa-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Connellsville City Council on May 20 approved a package of routine motions that included street closures for major community events, two summer hires for playground programs, authorization to advertise bids for a boat-ramp extension and the purchase of a new police SUV.

Key approvals

- John Woodruff 5K (July 9): Council approved a temporary closure of the route for the John Woodruff Run/Walk 5K, pending police, public works and fire chief review. During roll call Councilman Topper and other members recorded affirmative votes and the motion passed.

- Polish Club alley use (Aug. 31): The council granted the Connellsville Polish Club permission to use the side alley between the Polish Club and the public works garage for its annual picnic on Aug. 31, pending required approvals from police, public works and the fire chief. The resolution passed on roll call.

- Somerset Trust car cruise (June 24): Council authorized the temporary closure of South Seventh Street from Crawford Avenue to Graham Avenue for Somerset Trust's car cruise and approved auxiliary police use for traffic control. The motion passed unanimously on roll call.

- Boat ramp extension: Council authorized advertising for sealed bids for the City of Connellsville boat ramp extension project, with bid submissions due by 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The resolution passed on roll call.

- Police vehicle and equipment funding: Council rescinded an earlier resolution concerning the 2022 Dodge Durango and approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford Explorer for the police department at $47,643.08. The city will apply a $19,000 trade-in credit for the Durango and use $28,006.43 from the special investigations account to cover the remainder. Council voted to approve the purchase by roll call.

- New hires and seasonal staff: Council voted to hire Barry Prince as a patrolman for the police department effective June 1; it also authorized summer playground instructors Gabby Woods and Kylie Cole, to be paid from the recreation account. Roll-call votes for these hires were recorded and motions carried.

- Lease and annual agreements: Council extended the lease with the Connellsville Senior Tigers for three years (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2028) and approved the annual Autodesk Task Force agreement for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. Both were approved on voice/roll-call votes.

Other routine items: The council accepted the minutes from the April 15 meeting, waived the city's four-day resolution rule for late submissions (items marked with an asterisk), and tabled one permit resolution for later consideration (ARI Holdings building permit) while staff completed a technical review.

Votes at a glance (selected motions)

- John Woodruff 5K street closure (07/09/2025): approved (roll call recorded; motion carried).
- Polish Club alley use (08/31/2025): approved (roll call recorded; motion carried).
- Somerset Trust car cruise (06/24/2025): approved (roll call recorded; motion carried).
- Boat ramp bid advertisement (advertise until 06/17/2025): approved (roll call recorded; motion carried).
- Purchase 2025 Ford Explorer for police, $47,643.08: approved (roll call recorded; motion carried). Funding: $19,000 trade-in; remainder from special investigations account.
- Hire patrolman Barry Prince (start 06/01/2025): approved (roll call recorded; motion carried).
- Hire playground instructors Gabby Woods and Kylie Cole (summer season): approved (roll call recorded; motion carried).
- Lease extension with Connellsville Senior Tigers (07/01/2025–06/30/2028): approved.

Why it mattered: The package includes capital and operational items (boat ramp advertisement, vehicle purchase), seasonal staffing for recreation, and permits/closures that enable the city's summer events calendar. Several approvals include conditions: event closures are contingent on police, fire and public works sign-offs; the vehicle purchase uses a mix of trade-in proceeds and a restricted special-investigations account, not the general fund.

What remains: The council tabled a building/permit resolution for ARI Holdings while staff complete technical reviews. The applicant will return once revised drawings and sprinkler/occupancy details are approved by the UCC officer.

Ending: Council agreed to revisit the tabled building permit and to continue coordinating with event organizers and public safety over the busy summer schedule.","At its May 20 meeting the council approved multiple routine resolutions including street closures for community events, hiring seasonal staff, authorizing a boat-ramp bid advertisement and purchasing a new police vehicle. Minutes and several routine annual agreements also passed by roll call.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6537860,"Connellsville council rejects separate July 5 street market and fireworks proposal over safety and funding concerns",420,1650000,2070000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3425834-86745eedb35c06918d4e79d9f2f8962d&start=1650&end=2070","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3425834-86745eedb35c06918d4e79d9f2f8962d/thumbnail_1650000.jpg","/articles/6537860/Connellsville/Fayette-County/Pennsylvania/Connellsville-council-rejects-separate-July-5-street-market-and-fireworks-proposal-over-safety-and-funding-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537860-6a84ec18547352923547af323310b11c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218465&Signature=Om0SgX~02zCB8LbNaSkl6WTZx8zB9mNM95iwIMweL9K1Kgrmyrgoc2T-eQpVpiCk0RshF7WBhT78SqoSn-0akOk~t19S1rkYliubNJQqrDoV1C635rDSv~jUEZnMN1tsAr~Q2ab45DCOPVvWweQu9eQPXxwhGsfpbUc2t~zmVLtjBL6NXldLBzPY7Ri90vXZk1ZjkX2wUslXAJF7VlUXIAkihs9N948GYJbcxarL~ag8VWLKN9Inei43T72M42dIhMi-S-wq~tIQuzgAAyppBaJDl51aNJAxND1pKgjDYk1Rxlzgeh4pnzNt~DT8rh6djNQ9pdMuR0XAD5vdayDJwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Connellsville City Council on Tuesday rejected a request to temporarily close a short stretch of North Second Street for a July 5 “fireworks and finds [fine] market,” a privately organized event that would have run alongside the city’s established Red, White and Boom programming.

The proposal, brought by a resident who said the event would include vendors and a private family gathering, prompted extended discussion about public-safety coverage, parking and the possibility that vendor fees could draw money away from the long-established festival association that organizes the city’s main fireworks display.

The council did not approve the closure. During roll call, Councilwoman Tiberio recorded “No,” Councilman Kiti recorded “No” and Mayor Greg Lincoln recorded “No.” The motion failed and council members told the applicant he could reapply with a narrower request — for example, a private lane closure for a family gathering — at the June 17 meeting.

Why it mattered: Council members, the police chief and representatives of the city’s festival association told the meeting that staging another vendor market and fireworks-style program on the opposite side of the river on the same evening would split police, fire and auxiliary resources and could diminish funding for the main fireworks, which the festival association said cost $12,500 this year and has raised only about $3,800 to date.

Festival association concerns: An association representative, speaking during the discussion, said the main River Rally and fireworks program already draw thousands of people and that competing vendor fees and advertising could confuse vendors and reduce sponsorship and vendor revenue that the association uses to pay for the fireworks. “The fireworks cost this year $12,500. To date we have $3,800 raised,” the speaker said during the meeting.

Public-safety concerns: Police and fire officials told council members they were concerned about stretching limited staffing across two large events. The police chief told the council that auxiliary and on‑duty staffing would be strained if two draws ran simultaneously in different parts of the city; the fire chief said coverage for the fireworks requires security on the bridge and close management of crowd locations. Both officials said they could not confidently guarantee the level of public-safety coverage that would be needed if another large vendor event ran at the same time.

Council direction: Council members and staff encouraged the applicant to refile a narrower request for a private lane closure tied strictly to the family event; several members said they would consider a limited closure for the applicant’s private gathering if the applicant returned with a plan that did not open the event to outside vendors or when the city’s festival association and emergency services could sign off.

What wasn’t decided: Council did not vote on any alternate closure at the meeting and did not approve vendor fees or the vendor-market plan. Councilmembers repeatedly noted that the event as proposed would not qualify for approval that night because it had not been coordinated with the festival association or fully vetted by public safety.

Ending: City staff told the applicant the June 17 council meeting remains available for a new application and advised the applicant to provide proof of insurance, a vendor plan, and a clear accounting plan for any vendor fees if he re-submits.","A private proposal to hold a vendor market and fireworks on North Second Street on July 5 was rejected by Connellsville City Council after residents, festival organizers and public safety officials raised concerns about traffic, overlapping events and who would receive vendor proceeds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Connellsville residents propose mural; recreation staff outline summer programs and splash pad opening

Connellsville council approves event closures, equipment purchase and hires; several routine resolutions passed

Connellsville council rejects separate July 5 street market and fireworks proposal over safety and funding concerns