Few reports received of shutdown violations

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Mon Valley police departments are investigating and documenting complaints against non-life-sustaining businesses that have refused to shut their doors.

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all businesses throughout the state that don’t qualify as life sustaining to close March 19.

Enforcement on the order began at 8 a.m. Monday.

Since then, local police departments have received a small number of complaints against businesses, primarily in the manufacturing and retail sectors.

In Charleroi, only one call has been received so far. Charleroi Regional police Chief Chad Zelinsky said a woman complained about an auto dealer operating in the borough.

“We got a call from a woman today saying (former governor) Tom Ridge said that the business was supposed to be closed,” he said. “We told her the sales department was closed, which it is, and that the maintenance department is working under limited operations.

“But that’s the only call we have gotten.”

In Carroll Township, there have been no complaints involving the order, Chief Paul Brand said.

In neighboring Monongahela, Sgt. Ryan Lenzi said the department has received one call, but no action was taken.

While some departments are not hearing any complaints, Charleroi and Monongahela police say it’s not  clear how the new guidelines should be enforced.

“We have not received any official notifications,” Zelinsky said. “Other than what we see on the news or read in the paper, we have not received information on how these should be handled. I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

Lenzi agreed.

“We have not been told exactly what to do,” Lenzi said. “So right now we are at a standstill on what exactly we are able to enforce and how we enforce it. So right now we are not able to technically enforce anything. We have no reason to, actually.”

In other areas of the Mon Valley that have larger business districts, more guidance has been issued.

Forward Township police Chief Travis Stoffer said his department has received five complaints.

All complaints involved businesses in the manufacturing sector. Four of them are operating and have applied for exemptions and one was closed prior to the complaint.

Stoffer said he has received communication from state police and another document from Allegheny County about handling such calls.

“When I receive a call, I go to the business and check to see if they are open and if they are not permitted to be, ask if they have applied for a waiver,” he said. “I document the call and send the information to the appropriate agency.

“Documentation is as far as our enforcement is going right now. If the state wants to come down here and start citing people, they are more than welcome to; it’s their order.”

While some departments remain unclear on how to handle such businesses, Rostraver Township police Chief Greg Resetar has received strict orders to enforce closures.

Resetar said the township has received five complaints. Four of those businesses had to close until waiver permits to operate are processed, while the other one fell under a category that is permitted to stay open.

Resetar said it’s police business to protect lives, ensure order in the township and to make sure businesses comply with the order.

Private businesses, organizations and other entities not in compliance face possible criminal punishment if they do not follow orders.

Resetar, however, is not looking to throw the book at business owners.

Instead, he is starting with a warning and hoping to educate the community.

“We have to be taking into consideration the health and safety of our community,” Resetar said. “They have to be taking into consideration the health and safety of their employees. The order was given for a good reason.

“Instead of splitting hairs, we are trying to educate businesses instead of prosecute.”

Penalties for not complying with the order would entail summary offenses punishable by fines and other associated costs.

More serious violations could fall under the crimes code for obstructing administration of law or government function.

“We are not looking to cite anyone,” Resetar said. “We are nowhere close to being at that point, but we want people to know that it is what could ultimately happen if they refuse to comply.”

McKeesport police Chief Adam Alfer said there have been no complaints in the city.

Business can find a list of life-sustaining businesses on the Department of Community and Economic Development website or by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

Non-life-sustaining business can complete a waiver form at expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/DCED/Waiver-process-keeping-physical-locations-open.

After a waiver is submitted, professionals from the DCED will review each request and make a decision. Businesses will receive an answer to their request through email.

Businesses must remain closed until waivers are processed.