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Road's location blocks effort to restrict parking in Robinson

Road's location blocks effort to restrict parking in Robinson

The Robinson commissioners' attempt to prevent Campbell's Run Road from becoming a used-car lot has failed because only one side of the road is in the township.

"I actually called complaining that cars were still parked along the side of the road," Dan Tallon, chairman of the commissioners, said at Monday's meeting. "I was told, 'Oh, that's in Collier; we can't do anything about it.' "

The commissioners last month approved a no-parking ordinance for Campbell's Run Road. A used-car lot across the line in Collier habitually parks overflow cars along the side of the road, and the commissioners were concerned about safety.

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The effort included reaching an agreement with Allegheny County, which owns and maintains the road, for the county to erect no-parking signs.

The Robinson police were to enforce the no-parking rule, and "we sure will," Chief Dale Vietmeier said during a discussion at the commissioners' September meeting.

What the commissioners did not realize at the time was that the road is the boundary with Collier in the area near Keiner's Lane, and the side of the road where the cars usually are parked is in Collier.

Mr. Tallon said he has contacted Collier officials to see whether they are interested in addressing the problem.

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In another matter, Mr. Tallon expressed frustration at the lack of cooperation between Robinson and the Montour School District over what are now being called the "agency funds" -- $191,000 discovered in two bank accounts controlled by former tax collector Frank Murgia a year and a half after Mr. Murgia was voted out of office.

After months of discussion and controversy, the commissioners decided to split the money between the township and the school district, dividing it proportionally according to the two entities' tax rates.

Because no one knows for sure where the money came from, however, the commissioners wanted an agreement with the school district that any successful claims on the money would be paid out proportionally as well.

That agreement has not been forthcoming. Township Manager Rich Charnovich said he had sent a letter and e-mail and had left a phone message for Montour business manager Sam Reichl and had not gotten a response.

"Maybe you and I should go there together," said Mr. Tallon, who is retired from a job as transportation director for the district.

"Been there, done that," said tax collector and treasurer Ed Ritter, who has repeatedly expressed frustration in trying to work with the district on this matter and others. "You won't get in."

"I'll get in," Mr. Tallon said.

Mr. Murgia has said the money came primarily from sheriff's sales, but he could not produce adequate documentation. The money became the source of controversy, in part because some township commissioners and employees knew about it for about six months before telling Mr. Ritter or the rest of the commissioners.

It is now being held in a township account and earning interest.

"It's their money," Mr. Tallon said, referring to the school district. "Or at least most of it is their money. If they don't want to sign an agreement, it can just stay where it is."

First Published: November 6, 2008, 12:15 p.m.

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