Towns

Pleasant Hills

Council Monday amended an ordinance regulating door-to-door solicitation to exempt nonprofit, charitable and political organizations from existing permit and registration requirements necessary for all other solicitors.

The action was taken in response to a letter received last month from the American Civil Liberties Union, which questioned the legality of the present ordinance. However, the amended ordinance also requires all individuals or organizations who want to solicit in the borough to obtain and adhere to a list of residents who do not want anyone to knock at their doors.

The borough solicitor said that the courts have upheld the legality of such lists. Residents can obtain the no-solicitation forms at the borough office and will be given stickers to place on their doors.

• Council also approved an amended ordinance that permits the use of outdoor fireplaces or fire pits provided they are used according to recommended procedures, don't create excessive smoke, are placed a minimum distance of 15 feet from a structure and have an approved method of extinguishing nearby.

The use of such devices is permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. and midnight.

• The borough's 15^th annual National Night Out program will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. The community event, which focuses on crime and drug prevention, features a large motorized parade of various police and emergency vehicles.

The event falls on the eve of a regular garbage collection day, and Councilman Bob Karcher asked residents not to place garbage curbside until the event is over.

• Council approved the promotions of Sgt. Richard Kelly and Patrolman Sean Greene to lieutenant. Council also welcomed new police officer Gary Barr and the new K-9 team of Officer Ronald Porupsky and his dog, Scrappy.

• Council urged residents to visit www.pleasanthillspa.com and join an e-mail list that will serve as a community alert system.

Whitehall

The borough has adopted an amended zoning ordinance that establishes new regulations for the location and use of wireless communications facilities. A public hearing last week preceded the adoption.

The action was taken to accommodate the expanding needs of the telecommunications industry while ensuring the health, safety and welfare of borough residents. Towers, antennas and other communications facilities now are permitted a minimum distance of 100 feet from a residential area and at least 25 feet from a property lot line.

Fencing, screening and landscaping criteria have been adopted. Towers cannot exceed a height of 150 feet.

Exceptions are in place for locations on top of approved buildings. Maintenance requirements also have been set. Specifics are available at the borough office.

• Council approved revised community pool regulations and has designated a children's play area in a grassy section facing the municipal complex.

The use of soft sponge balls will be permitted in the play area and also in the pool, at the discretion of the pool manager.

A number of residents sought the updated and revised pool rules earlier this month. The new rules also permit the use of plastic glasses or face masks in the pool.

Smoking has been prohibited in the pool patio area, but is permitted in two other areas. Open beverages remain prohibited in the grassy areas of the pool.

• Borough engineer Ruthann Omer assured a West Barlind Drive resident that a storm sewer inlet near his house will be inspected to determine what repairs need to be made.

Resident Bernard O'Keefe complained that the borough had failed to include the storm sewer in an ongoing reconstruction project. He said he is concerned about possible water damage to his property.

• Following a recent tire-slashing incident, Councilman Glenn Nagy urged residents to turn on their outside or porch lights.

"Lights do prevent crime,'' he said during last week's meeting.

• Tomorrow is the deadline to register in advance for the 18th annual 5K race and 1 mile walk to be held on Community Day, Aug. 23. The $10 registration, payable by mail or at the borough office, includes a borough 60th anniversary long-sleeved T-shirt.

Registration on race day is $12.

• Applicants are being sought for two vacancies on the borough's recreation board.

For more information, call 412-884-0505.