Pronio hired as West Mahanoy code enforcement officer; overhaul of ordinances underway

SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS – Shenandoah’s former code enforcement officer didn’t go far.

West Mahanoy Township Supervisors approved the hiring of Mark Pronio as a part-time code enforcement officer at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Supervisors also approved two ordinance amendments and one new ordinance.

“We’re re-writing some ordinances now that I’ve looked at,” Pronio said.

Pronio said that the township has had a large influx of properties being purchased to be rented out, many by out-of-state owners.

“We’re rewriting the rental registration ordinances, we’re rewriting the inspection ordinances for people who are renting, and we’re rewriting the occupancy permit ordinances,” Pronio said. “My goal is that I’m going to inspect these houses.”

He said that his focus will be on rentals to make sure both “slumlords” are kept in check, as are bad tenants.

“My goal is to protect the neighborhood but also protect tenants and owners,” Pronio said. “It’s also so we know who is living in our township and what they’re doing with the properties.”

He said he will need the community’s support and an email has been set up for complaints at wmtcode@ptd.net.

“Be patient. We’re working on some things,” Pronio said. “I look forward to working with all of you and the door is always going to be open to anybody to help code.”

The township approved changing the occupancy permit fee to $150.

They also approved advertising amendments to the township rental inspection ordinance and dangerous structures ordinance, as well as advertising the adoption of a mechanical amusement device ordinance.

The dangerous structures amendment pertains to penalties. “Any person who shall fail to comply with any notice or order to repair, vacate, or demolish any dangerous building, which notice is served on any person authorized to do so… shall, upon conviction before a district judge, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000,” the ordinance amendment reads. It also allows for the penalty to be imposed daily and for a prison term of not more than 30 days if the fines and costs are not paid.

It also includes a $500 fine for removing a notice posted on the property.

The rental inspection ordinance adds that licenses will be subject to bi-annual renewal and annual inspection. Registration fee of $150 per unit and an initial inspection fee of $150 per unit is added, as is a $75 re-inspection fee.

A fine of up to $1,000 and the revocation of a rental license for violations of the ordinance is also proposed.

In other business, the township approved an agreement with the Altamont Fire Company regarding the purchase and installation of a fence at the Altamont playground.

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