'No Hunting' Signs Won't Be Posted

A request from a Sewickley Hills councilwoman to purchase and post “No Hunting” signs in the borough park turned into a discussion about hunting for sport but did not result in a vote on the signs.

Councilwoman Cindy Phillips said hunting has been prohibited in the borough park for a long time, but signs are not posted to warn hunters.

She said the borough's forester offered to post signs, which would cost about $1.25 each, if Sewickley Hills provided them. Phillips said firearms also are not permitted in the park.

Councilman Noah Fardo asked if archery was permitted. He said he believed people should have the right to hunt on borough property for recreational purposes.

“There’s a significant amount of hunters in Western Pennsylvania,” said Fardo, who said he was a bow hunter.

Phillips said people have been shooting guns from the parking lot, which she said  endangers people in the nearby borough building as well as children playing in the field.

“Whether it’s bullets or arrows, it’s not safe for our kids,” she said. “They were standing in the parking lot and shooting.”

Fardo said he’s a sportsman and an advocate for sportsmen. He said there was a reason state games laws were in place -- to protect the public.

“I also have a hunting license, but I don’t think the borough park is a place to hunt,” Phillips said.

“Then it also shouldn’t be a place to ride a horse ...” Fardo said.

Rather than ban hunting altogether, some council members suggested designating a time for hunting in the park during the hunting seasons to help thin the deer herd. Officials said similar hunts have takenplace in Sewickley Heights and North Park. Councilwoman Kim Holzer said her husband and son have participated in such hunts.

Phillips' motion to purchase 20 'No Hunting' signs died after no one offered to second her motion.

 “I’m not a hunter but I have deer coming onto my property eating my shrubs, so I wouldn’t mind thinning them out,” said Councilman Klaus Gross.

In other business, council:

• Reviewed financial statements and balance sheets with treasurer Tom O'Neill to ensure that  current and future records are clear and consistent.

• Approved a motion that prohibits borough representatives from issuing handwritten checks unless the majority of council approves prior payment.
  

• Approved spending $300 from the building fund for a "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny" event on April 9.

•  Agreed to hire Elizabeth Connelly, a tax attorney in Ben Avon, for no more than one hour of consultation services. Council is seeking a neutral third-party opinion on whether the borough should send revised 1099s to its vendors for the past three years.