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Resident urges action on speeding after fence hit; supervisors discuss nuisance enforcement and hiring plans
Summary
A resident whose fence was destroyed urged speed mitigation; the Board discussed possible speed‑management options and the limits of the current nuisance ordinance while approving advertising to fill a Building Code Official vacancy and approving the hire of a full‑time road crew member and a truck for emergency management.
During public comment at the Feb. 18 meeting, resident Don Bosley described a vehicle striking and destroying his fence and urged the township to install speed bumps or consider a cul‑de‑sac to slow traffic. Bosley said a stop sign placed nearby had not reduced speeds and that debris from the crash landed 70 feet away on a sidewalk, creating a serious safety hazard.
Supervisor Kerry Jobe proposed deploying the township's radar "Your Speed Is" sign kept in the garage as an immediate measure; Solicitor Muscante said he would check whether physical speed bumps are permitted on municipal roads and noted other municipalities have installed traffic‑calming devices. Code Enforcement Officer Fred Cecchini said four properties have reached the maximum enforcement under the current nuisance and junk ordinance and the Board discussed possible ordinance amendments to allow abatement through the courts in cases involving abandoned or burned properties; the Board previously decided not to adopt an escrow requirement for insurance proceeds after public opposition.
Personnel and equipment actions: the Board approved hiring Blaise Defrances as a full‑time road crew employee and authorized a letter of intent to purchase a 2000 Ford truck for $17,000 from the Borough of Homestead for the Emergency Management and Code Enforcement Officer. The Board also authorized advertising to fill the Building Code Official vacancy left by the resignation of Dave Jobe and said a special meeting will be needed to appoint a replacement quickly because several items depend on the position.
Why it matters: the public comment highlighted immediate traffic‑safety concerns at a neighborhood location; supervisors discussed short‑term and legal constraints on traffic calming and longer‑term changes to enforcement tools for derelict properties.
Next steps: Solicitor Muscante will confirm the legality of speed bumps on municipal roads; staff will consider deploying the radar speed sign and move forward with hiring and equipment procurement as approved by the Board.
