Officials are considering better enforcement of their sign ordinance because of safety issues involving the use of freestanding, A-frame signs on sidewalks in front of a number of businesses.

The signs, used by proprietors or business owners to promote specials or services, are restricted by an ordinance that has typically lacked enforcement.

Some residents have complained that such signs impede pedestrian walking clearance. There also are concerns about possible damage or injury resulting from such signs when they are knocked over or moved by weather conditions.

• Council has awarded Michael Facchiano Contracting of Pittsburgh a $54,212 contract to pave a 250-foot section of Marion Street damaged by heavy rains in June.

• Council approved design specifications prepared by HDR Engineering, Inc. on repairs for Black's Bridge, which carries Crafton Boulevard over the Port Authority's West Busway. The borough is expected to advertise the project for bid in January with construction possibly to begin in April.

• Officials have requested the Civil Service Commission void its police candidate eligibility list and prepare a new one before they proceed with the hiring of an officer to fill the vacancy in the nine-member department left by the recent firing of Officer Donnie Breeden.

The current list consisting of four candidates expires early next year, and the commission said it should be used to avoid the $5,000 cost of preparing a new one. But borough officials said a new list would be more beneficial in addressing the expected personnel needs of the department over the next few years.

• A recently completed traffic study has indicated that a traffic flow change is warranted on South Emily Street. Residents in May asked council to impose a one-way traffic pattern in a southerly direction between Crafton Boulevard and Ewing Road to reduce speeding and traffic.

Council approved the hiring Tuesday of Geraldine Dixon, Beth Drew, Janet Muhr, and Dennis O'Donnell as crossing guards. Also hired were Brian Stile and Michael Reilly as temporary street department workers.

Manager Jeanne M. Creese was appointed Sept. 2 by Supervisors as a delegate to Allegheny County's tax collection committee. Lisa Lapaglia was appointed as the alternate.

• Supervisors accepted an apparent low bid of $52.75 per ton for rock salt bulk delivery from Cargill Inc. of North Olmstead, Ohio as submitted to the South Hills Area Council of Governments purchasing Alliance. They have entered into a one-year agreement with options.

Last year, the township paid $42.49 per ton of salt for 4.500 tons. Roadmaster Jim Hinkelmeyer said that the salt bin is almost full right now.

• Moon Cable Access Channel is accepting submissions until Sept. 25 for its second annual Film Festival sponsored by Michael Baker. The prizes are $1,000 for first, $500 for second and $300 for third. Films will be shown October 10 and 11.

For information or entry forms, visit www.mca-tv.comom.

• The township's former engineer, Remington, Vernick & Beach Engineers of Pittsburgh, will receive $15,576.01 for completed work.

The payment was approved by a 3-2 vote with Supervisors Frank Sinatra and Tim McLaughlin voting no.

A proposed change in the fee schedule for security alarms already has set off some residents and officials.

The ordinance would require those with alarm systems to pay an annual $35 fee, as well as provide yearly updated contact information. Currently, security system owners pay a fee only when their alarms are activated.

Teddi Xidas of Robinwood Drive told Scott officials Tuesday that it wouldn't be prudent to charge an annual fee, too.

"The whole purpose of a security alarm system is to deter robbers," she said, adding that such mechanisms aid police in crime-fighting efforts.

Commissioner David Jason replied that the proposal also would require alarm system owners to update their information when they paid their annual fees, but Ms. Xidas indicated it wasn't worth it.

When he then suggested that the proposed legislation could be written so that residents who don't renew their information yearly could be charged a fee, she still wasn't impressed.

"It's a hidden tax," she said, noting that her security system, which cost $1,000, requires a $40 monthly payment to be functional. She went on to say that an additional $35 a year expense could be tough on retirees and those on fixed incomes.

Commissioner Jean O'Toole quickly agreed.

"That's nickel-and-diming the residents," she declared, stating she would not support anything more than a one-time fee.

Commissioner Dave Calabria, who was absent from Tuesday's meeting, sent in a letter saying that he, too, does not favor an annual charge.

Police Chief Jim Secreet pointed out that, while security systems can be helpful in deterring crime, they sometimes result in extra police work when they are triggered falsely.

• Commissioner David Jason believes that the seventh day should be a day of rest and quiet.

After noticing construction workers in his ward at 6 a.m. followed by landscapers a short time later on Sundays, he decided to proposed an ordinance that would ban noise levels down until well after the sun rises.

Commissioner Betty Ann Connors was quick to suggest Mr. Jason's situation was an anomaly. When she moved into her house on Elmbrook Lane, she remembers being told that outdoor noise should be kept down until at least 9 a.m. and preferably 10 a.m.

According to a township ordinance, workers are not allowed to start anywhere in Scott before 7 a.m., Manager Denise Fitzgerald said.

Mr. Jason proposed that no noisy outdoor activities begin before 8:30 or 9 a.m. on Sundays,.

Commissioner Tom Castello ended the discussion.

"There's only so much government can do. Government can't control everything," adding that neighbors have to learn to live together.