HUBBARD Council rethinks junk-car storage

Young people on bicycles are being warned of driving violations, and their parents are notified.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- City council is tightening the law governing storage of junk vehicles.
The amended junk-vehicle legislation introduced by Councilman John LaCivita, D-4th, comes in the wake of citizen complaints of inoperable cars and trucks parked in yards and along the street.
Robert Paterniti, city safety director, said the legislation will make police officers' jobs easier. The ordinance was advanced Monday to a second of three readings.
If the measure passes, owners will no longer be able to simply cover their vehicles outside.
Unlicensed or inoperative vehicles must be stored in garages or enclosed buildings. The law will not apply to individuals who are licensed dealers and if the property is zoned properly.
First-time offenders can be fined $250 and jailed for 30 days and second-time offenders face $500 in fines and 60 days in jail. Subsequent violations can be fined a maximum $1,000 fine and 180 days in jail.
Bike rules: During his report, Paterniti said juvenile bicyclists who violate driving laws are being issued warnings, and their parents are being called to alert them of the violations.
Paterniti said driving through a stop sign is the primary violation.
Councilman William Williams, D-at-large, said he would like legislation that required juveniles to wear helmets when cycling.
Paterniti also reported the fire department has received its new $284,000 pumper that will go into operation in about a week after items such as hoses are added. The truck was ordered by the city about seven months ago.
Also, the safety director told council the city has started inspection of private swimming pools. Private pools must be 10 feet from the property line and have a five-foot-high fence around them.
Mayor George Praznik reported that 30 water and electric customers had their utilities shut off last week for non-payment of bills.
"We're not going to put up with people who don't pay their bills. They don't realize we have to pay our bills," the mayor said, noting non-payment isn't fair to those customers who do pay their utility bills.
yovich@vindy.com