Jun 22, 2016 2 min read

North Strabane Township supervisors will hold a workshop to iron out two ordinance changes facing the township. A date has not yet been determined to discuss property maintenance violations and the latest update to the proposed oil and gas ordinance.

Several residents attended the supervisors’ May meeting to object to a maintenance ordinance that would coincide with a state statute called the Neighborhood Blight and Revitalization Act. Many said they were worried officials would impose newer codes on older homes. They also said the code was ambiguous.

“There was never an intention to go after existing homes,” said Doug Trbovich of the township’s code enforcement office at Tuesday’s workshop meeting.

The goal of the ordinance, he said, is to streamline the Uniform Construction Code and International Property Maintenance Code, which the township follows. He said it would give the department “the ability to deal with absentee landlords.”

Supervisors will also discuss the latest changes to the township’s oil and gas ordinance.

Engineer Joe Sites said the township reached several agreements with energy companies, coming to compromises on setback distances and minimum lot requirements.

Sites also presented a conceptual plan for a proposed YMCA facility to supervisors. The potential site of the two-story building would be near the municipal park, close to Linden Road. The township has been working with the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh to develop a site.

In related business, Frank Siffrinn, township manager, informed the board 27 applications were received for the new position of recreation facilities manager. Siffrinn will narrow the candidates to five, who will then be interviewed by the board. The township has been without a parks and recreation director since March 2014.

The board of supervisors will hold its legislative meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.