Sep 23, 2014 3 min read

Following a brief public hearing before the regular meeting Sept. 22, Peters Township Council adopted an amendment to an existing ordinance that regulates the size of electronic signs in residential areas.

Correcting an “unintentional consequence” in the previous ordinance, Michael Silvestri, township manager, said the amendment now permits the signs to be a maximum of 20 square feet, doubling the previous 10 square feet. The only properties affected are institutional properties along Washington Road and McMurray Road, including the fire department, the high school and St. David’s Episcopal Church, all on East McMurray Road, and Peace Lutheran Church on Washington Road. The high school and St. David’s church already have electronic signs.

Councilmen Robert Lewis and Frank Arcuri voted against the amendment, with Lewis saying he felt no new information was being displayed on the existing signs. Councilwoman Monica Merrell was absent from the meeting.

In other action, Council:

• Approved a site plan revision for Evergreen Village on West McMurray Road that permits the new developer, Tri-River Design and Construction Inc., to retain the size of building 16 with a portion of the building over a hillside that will expose more of the foundation.

• Awarded a bid to Peter Margitai for a design for the former Bower Hill School. The township purchased the building at a tax sale last year. The design bid is for $5,500. The only other bid was for $12,500 from Joel Cluskey. Silvestri said the township would like to keep the structure sound while looking for an organization to take over long-term maintenance and occupancy.

• Approved a request by Sun Chevrolet to hold an event and tent sale with a dunk tank Oct. 8 to raise money for breast cancer research.

• Awarded a bid to Mackin/TCA to update township zoning and subdivision ordinances. The bid is for $106,553, the highest of four bids received. The project is budgeted for $130,000. Council awarded to the highest bidder as members felt Mackin/TCA was the best qualified. Arcuri voted against the award.

• Amended the personnel manual for the past-time position of recreation supervisor. The previous supervisor left for a full-time job with the state.

• Approved the township’s contribution of $737,144 for Minimum Municipal Pension Obligation.

• Approved the township applying for a local share of the state gaming funds. The application is for $250,000 in addition to the regular amount the township receives annually. If awarded, the township plans on using the funds to construct a new amphitheater in Peterswood Park. The construction estimate is $804,000, an amount Councilman David Ball called an outrage. No final decision on construction has been made.