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Connellsville council approves summer street closure, adopts ticketing ordinance and debates fireworks donation
Summary
At its June 16 meeting, Connellsville City Council approved street closures for the summer farmers market, adopted a quality‑of‑life ticketing ordinance and granted park use permits. Council debated a $1,000 donation for fireworks amid objections about funding priorities; police and fire chiefs reported on public‑safety trends including loose dogs and e‑bike enforcement.
Connellsville’s City Council on June 16 approved several routine permits and a new enforcement ordinance while fielding reports about loose dogs and noncompliant e‑bikes and scooters.
The council voted to close North Third Street from West Crawford Avenue to the first alley on Thursdays, 4–8 p.m., through July 23 to accommodate the farmers market after a request from Brooke Deason of the Tunnel Hill Chamber. The closure was approved on a roll call vote, with the city clerk recording affirmative votes from Councilman Flynn, Councilman Adis, Councilwoman Tiberia, Councilman McGinty and Mayor Lingan.
The meeting’s main policy action was adoption of Ordinance 1590, a streamlined “quality of life” ticket process for property‑maintenance and related violations. Staff described the ordinance as consolidating multiple violation categories, shortening the warning period and preserving an appeal path. "Tickets are issued, you have warnings. If you can't do it within 10 days, you contact Tom or Cindy, and we will probably, most likely, give you an extension if it's a reasonable request," staff said in explanation of the enforcement timeline. Council approved the ordinance by roll call.
Council also granted the Connersville Recreation Board use of East Park for a croquet tournament in August and extended a public‑works logo contest deadline to July 14.
A contentious portion of the meeting centered on a proposed $1,000 donation from the recreation fund to the Connersville Festival Association to help pay for fireworks. Council members disagreed over whether funds raised or held by volunteer boards should be directed toward one‑time festival expenses or left for parks maintenance and programs. Speakers noted the fireworks cost this year was reported at roughly $14,000–$18,000 and urged greater community fundraising; several members disclosed conflicts of interest or abstained because they serve on the festival committee. Council ultimately approved the donation amid mixed votes and abstentions.
Public‑safety reports drew extended discussion. The Police Chief reported $7,011.46 in fines remitted to the city treasury for May and told council the department answered 419 complaints, made 23 arrests and issued 79 traffic citations that month. The chief and members described repeated complaints about pit bulls running loose near the hospital and said cases had been referred to Hoffman's Kennels for follow‑up; officers have issued tickets in some instances. On scooters and e‑bikes, staff reported the department has begun seizing devices that are being operated illegally on roadways and has made at least one arrest when a rider refused to comply with officers.
The Solicitor briefed the council on a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that reclassified some cash‑payout "skill games" as gaming devices governed by state law. He said the decision places licensing and regulation with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and, after a 120‑day stay, would affect local registration fees and tax treatment for those devices. "The impact is not so much on the city as on the owners of those skill games," the Solicitor said, noting licensed devices would likely no longer be subject to the city's amusement‑device registration fee.
The Fire Chief reported 40 calls in May — including five structure fires, multiple motor vehicle incidents (some requiring hydraulic extrication) and one traumatic injury involving an e‑bike — and asked that event organizers provide at least 60 days’ written notice when they expect fire/EMS coverage so staffing and training can be scheduled.
The meeting closed after routine business and announcements of upcoming community events, including the July 3 Red, White & Boom fireworks and a countywide aim for some youth programs. Council adjourned with plans to follow up on contract negotiations with South Connellsville and to continue monitoring enforcement and event logistics.
Votes at a glance: the council approved the North Third Street closure for farmers markets; accepted the May 19 minutes; waived the four‑day rule for late resolutions; extended the public‑works logo contest; granted East Park for a croquet tournament; and adopted Ordinance 1590 (quality‑of‑life ticketing). The council approved a $1,000 donation to the Connersville Festival Association amid several no votes and abstentions.
