Parking issue seems resolved in Summit Hill

A Summit Hill pastor has extended an olive branch to a neighbor in an effort to resolve a parking dispute.

The parking issue was in an alley to the rear of the First Presbyterian Church where Khalid Chohan said he resides with his family, including a handicapped daughter.

A parking space on the church’s parking lot exists across from Chohan’s residence. The alley is too narrow for a handicapped parking space. Chohan admits he never applied for such a parking space.

Last month he attended a meeting of the council complaining that the church did a curb cut and put handicapped parking spaces on its property, which would make it more difficult to get his handicapped daughter to a vehicle. Church members countered that there isn’t room for the parking Chohan wanted, anyway.

The Rev. Ruthann Christopher told Chohan he could park on the church parking lot any time except on Sundays between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Chohan said he would agree to this only if it was put in writing.

The residency of Chohan was questioned. He said he has been living at the house in question.

“My understanding is he hasn’t lived there for years,” said attorney Robert Yurchak, representing the church.

When asked where his children attend school, he said they would be starting in the Panther Valley School District on Sept. 24.

He didn’t respond where they have been attending classes.

It was also said that Chohan is operating an Airbnb out of the home. He replied that this is only periodically.

The council said he will need zoning approval if he is continuing the Airbnb.

In other business

• Mayor Paul McArdle said trick-or-treat night will be from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31 with the rain date being Nov. 1.

• Fall cleanup dates will be Sept. 28 and Oct. 5.

On Sept. 28, the cleanup will be on the east side of town, Knepper’s Court, and East and West White Bear Drive.

On Oct. 5, it will be the west side of town, Laurel Drive and East and West Mountaintop Road.

No electronics will be picked up such as TVs, computers, keyboards and monitors.

• Elizabeth Phillips said she is opening a day care at 100 E. Ludlow St. She said she would like to have a school bus stop placed in front of her business. She was directed to contact the Panther Valley School District. The council said none would likely be added this year because bus routes are already established.

• The council accepted the resignation of part-time patrolman Richard Compton.

McArdle urged the council to consider a pay raise for part-time police as an incentive to have them keep working in the borough.

• The council agreed to hire Daniel Wong as a part-time police officer.

• It was agreed to purchase security cameras for the borough garage at a cost of $320.

• St. Gabriel’s Club, a nonprofit organization, was granted permission to hold a fundraiser at the Hilltop Community Center on April 25. The council agreed to waive rental fees and cleaning fees for the club. In addition, the club was told it could use the hall for 12 hours.

• The borough council agreed to renew its liability insurance policy from the Kilmer Group at a cost of $46,485. This is an increase of $2,028 more than last year, mostly because of playground improvements which meant insuring new equipment. The insurance policy is with EMC Insurance Company. The policy will be renewed on Oct. 1.

• The council also agreed to renew its workers’ compensation insurance from the Kilmer group at a cost of $52,063. The policy is with Wesco Insurance Company and also has an Oct. 1 renewal date.

Kira Steber, secretary-treasurer of the borough, said this is a $2,703 increase from a year ago due to multiple claims over the past year.