Council considering stop sign at Walnut and Washington
SHENANDOAH – A street corner on Shenandoah’s west end could soon receive a stop sign in an effort to curb speeding and unsafe driving.
The matter was brought to council’s attention via a letter from a neighbor who lives in the area, John Kelly.
“He’s concerned about speeding vehicles in the 600 block of West Washington and Walnut,” said Council President Gordon Slater. “He said he’s witnessed close calls with vehicles and children.”
Slater said Kelly was requesting a stop sign for the corner to try to alleviate the problem.
Council voted to turn the matter over to the mayor, police department, and streets committee to evaluate possible options and what could be done to alleviate the problem.
The corner is partially in West Mahanoy Township, according to the Schuylkill County Parcel Locator.
In other business, Councilman Leo Pietkiewicz raised concerns regarding the use of blue lights by volunteer firefighters.
“There are some issues that residents have brought up concerning volunteer firefighters using the blue lights to respond to calls,” Pietkiewicz, a volunteer with the Polish American, said. “I’m going to ask council that we notify the chief to review guidelines with each (company), that it’s a courtesy for vehicles to move out of their way to respond to fires, that it does not give them the right to break traffic laws.”
“If it continues, I will ask council to request that that privilege be removed from volunteer firefighters,” Pietkiewicz said. “There have been numerous complaints and I’ve observed it myself.”
Slater added on, urging firefighters to be safe while responding to fires.
On the subject of emergency services, Mayor Andrew Szczyglak said that the borough police department is patrolling, including foot patrols of downtown, and following precautionary measures regarding the coronavirus.
“They’re going to be stopping in businesses, making sure that people are wearing their masks and following the rules of our governor,” Szczyglak said.
In other business, council:
- Approved the purchase of security upgrades for borough hall for $20,500 using grant funding
- Approved extending the borough’s COVID-19 disaster declaration
- Approved advertising and holding a special meeting June 8 to take action regarding a sewer authority loan and grants for Girard Park
- Approved the use of Community Development Block Grant funds from 2016-2019 for the Girard Park improvements
- Approved the tax claim sale for 109 West Rock Street
- Authorized Gordon Slater to negotiate with Service Electric Cablevision for franchising fees
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