Steel Valley school board discusses parking tax, unruly students
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Financial issues and reports of unruly students dominated discussion during Tuesday evening's lively Steel Valley school board meeting.
However, two measures that were expected to be voted on by the board were tabled until next month. A motion to implement a $30 per space parking tax for all businesses in Munhall, Homestead and West Homestead and the first reading of a new student discipline policy will not be voted on until the May 25 meeting.
The measure to table the discipline policy was unanimous, while the motion to table the parking tax vote was approved 6-3. Board President Beth Cannon, Vice President Kim Kubancsek, Susan Ballas, Thomas Olson, Joseph Ducar and Colette Youngblood voted yes while Mike Terrick, Vince Natale and Don Bajus dissented.
"This is something that needs to get onto the books," Mr. Terrick said. "We need to make some alternative revenue streams that will not put additional burdens on our taxpayers."
Several residents opposed the measure. Munhall resident Larry Rettger said placing this burden on businesses throughout the district could drive them out of the area or make them disappear altogether.
Andy Buttari, manager of Fuddruckers restaurant in the Waterfront, added the tax, if implemented, would be a death blow to the area.
"I'm paying about $80,000 per year in taxes right now," he said. "If this goes through, you may be looking at a ghost town over across the (railroad) tracks from you."
Mr. Terrick responded by stating he did not want the residential areas of Munhall, West Homestead and Homestead to become deserted due to the struggling economy.
"Robinson Township has a similar tax on the books and it looks like Robinson Town Centre is doing just fine," he added.
Ms. Ballas said it would be prudent for the board to take some more time to research the matter before taking a vote.
First Published April 28, 2010 12:00 am
