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Personnel losses, parking overshadow zoning passage at Donegal meeting

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Donegal Township supervisors passed a zoning ordinance for the second time Wednesday night, but the previously divisive issue was overshadowed by two resignations, a furlough and a proposed no-parking zone.

An active but calm crowd of about 35 watched the three commissioners unanimously approve the zoning ordinance and map and agree to send it to the Washington County Planning Commission for review – a process the board approved Aug. 9. Residents asked township officials to re-examine the ordinance, and the planning commission did at a special meeting Oct. 4, passing it again and sending it to the supervisors for Wednesday’s vote.

The ordinance is not in force, its fate possibly to be determined in 12 days. Christopher Furman, attorney for Donegal Freedom Group, a citizens organization, appeared in Washington County Court in early September requesting an injunction to prevent the ordinance from taking effect. Judge Damon Faldowski scheduled a hearing for 1 p.m. Oct. 25.

Donegal lost its solicitor Wednesday night, when Gary Sweat announced he submitted his resignation to the board effective Nov. 11. Sweat, a Washington attorney, said no one from his office would attend the November and December supervisors meetings.

Adam Fichter, one of the township’s three full-time police officers, also resigned. The supervisors accepted that “with regret” at the executive session held near the end of the meeting to discuss personnel matters.

“There was no motion to fill the position,” board member Doug Teagarden said. “Our hope is to try to use part-time personnel.”

One of four full-time members of the road department also was furloughed. Teagarden did not mention a name, but said the reduction will be based on seniority.

He added those moves are related to finances. “Our general fund is going broke. We’ve gone into reserve funds,” Teagarden said. “This zoning ordeal has taken a toll on our township.”

Donegal has never had zoning, and a number of residents are opposed to it. Teagarden said previously Donegal Freedom Group has taken township officials to court three times on zoning and has filed 60 right-to-know requests against the township.

Parking on a section of Main Street, between Liberty Street and Maple Avenue, was something of a flashpoint Wednesday. Supervisors last month proposed a no-parking area, then rescinded the plan.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had a lot of traffic come through West Alexander that usually isn’t there because of the work on the bridges on (Interstate 70),” Teagarden said. “That street is very narrow, and trucks come through.”

Several Main Street residents objected to the no-parking proposal. Angela Gray, accompanied by husband, Scott, said, “If I lose my only parking spot, then you should be ready to purchase my house.”

Kelly Hunt, also a Main Street resident, said if parking restrictions were imposed, “I would consider that lowering my property value.”

Teagarden ultimately recommended that one space at opposite ends of that stretch be eliminated. No action was taken.

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