Monongahela extends state of emergency indefinitely

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Monongahela council unanimously agreed to extend the city’s state of emergency indefinitely as a result of COVID-19.

Mayor Greg Garry declared the state of emergency Wednesday.

The declaration was good for five days before expiring, unless council voted to extend it.

The declaration follows several Mon Valley communities that have taken similar measures in past weeks.

According to the declaration, pursuant to Gov. Tom Wolf’s order all residents must stay home unless it is necessary to leave for life-sustaining measures.

Parks throughout the city, along with the Aquatorium, will remain closed until further notice.

City hall, the fire department, police department and city garage are also closed, except to essential city personnel.

Purchases by the head of city departments that are necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the city can be made and will be approved by the director of finance.

The regular council meeting scheduled for April 8 in canceled and will be rescheduled for the week of April 27.

It is unclear if that meeting will be held in person or virtually.

Residents who violate the declaration could face a summary offense.

Solicitor Todd Pappasergi reminded residents to obey posted rules and barricades after council discussed barricades being moved or ignored.

“A violation of provisions of the declaration of emergency from the city, county, or state level does subject that violator to a summary offense,” Pappasergi said. “There are consequences to moving barriers or being where you are not permitted to be.”