Thursday, July 21, 2005
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Union Township residents may face legal action if they don't keep their dogs on a leash.
At their meeting Tuesday, township Secretary-Treasurer Cathy Schmidt announced the state dog control law will be enforced to combat increasing problems with dogs annoying residents.
After the meeting, Supervisor Steve Galizia said that the dog warden can take a dog that is the subject of a complaint and that residents can face fines of up to $400.
Police Chief Joe Lombardo said state law requires a dog to always be on a leash. He said that invisible fences, which are electrical systems to keep dogs in a certain area, also are acceptable.
Residents with problems should call the municipal building at (724) 658-7921 or the state dog warden at (724) 654-6381.
Park improvements
Also, supervisors approved a change order to increase a contract with D.J. Hannon, New Castle, by $6,245 to install door openers on new bathrooms at Scotland Meadows Park so that the facilities will be accessible by pushing a button to those in a wheelchair.
Galizia said the improvements, which will be paid from grants, are the latest changes in the park.
Other improvements this summer include 380 feet of a 20-foot paved road, stone around the pond, lawn work and landscaping.
In addition, he said, work will start soon on the first of four pavilions dating back to the 1960s, which will be rebuilt.
The new pavilions will be 4 feet wider and 8 feet longer than the existing ones, will be handicapped-accessible, will be constructed of block pillars with concrete decks and will have running water, a stone barbecue pit and tin roofing.
Supervisors also approved Taylor Engineering of New Castle to start engineering for a paving project for Phase I of the Medure development on Winter Road.
The roads in that development are 5 years old and need some repairs, Galizia said. State liquid fuels funds will be used for the work.
The development's second phase needs to be brought up to standard before its roads will be accepted by the township, he said.