[Ord. 6-2006, 10/18/2006]
This Part is enacted under authority of § 6109(a-22) of the Vehicle Code and gives authority to the Borough to remove and impound those vehicles which are parked in a towaway zone and in violation of parking regulations of this Chapter. Vehicles which have been abandoned (as defined by the Vehicle Code) or which are parked in such a manner as to interfere with traffic or pose a hazard to others may be towed under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.
[Ord. 6-2006, 10/18/2006]
The Borough shall have authority to remove and impound, or to order the removal and impounding, of any vehicle parked overtime or otherwise illegally, provided that the circumstances of its parking were within the conditions stated in § 15-801 of this Part. Provided, no such vehicle shall be removed or impounded except in strict adherence to the provisions of this Part, or the provisions of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.
[Ord. 6-2006, 10/18/2006; as amended by Ord. 9-2008, 12/17/2008; and by Ord. 12-2009, 11/18/2009, § 2]
The following designated streets and/or parking lots are hereby established as tow-away zones. Signs shall be posted to prohibit parking and to place the public on notice that their vehicles may be towed for violation of the Borough parking regulations:
Name of Street
Side
Location
East Elm Street
[Added by Ord. No. 02-2023, 10/4/2023]
Both
500 and 600 blocks where "Municipal Vehicles Only" and "Tow Away" signs are posted
East 2nd Avenue on Fayette Street (Tony and Joe's)
Both
Between Harry Street and Fayette Street
East 6th Avenue
[Added by Ord. No. 02-2023, 10/4/2023]
South
From the intersection with Harry Street east to "no parking" signage
1st Avenue and Wood Street
Both
Cul-de-sac
Pleasant Valley Drive
Both
Cul-de-sac
West 4th Avenue
[Added by Ord. No. 02-2023, 10/4/2023]
North
Intersection of West 4th Avenue and Fayette Street (3 spaces marked "Police Department Only" parking)
[Ord. 6-2006, 10/18/2006]
1. 
Authorization of Contracts.
A. 
The Borough Council shall authorize by contract all services for the removal of vehicles which are disabled, damaged, snowbound and/or otherwise which create a safety hazard within the confines of the Borough. Council shall by public solicitation, from time to time, define the scope of work to be performed, list equipment and licensing specifications, review contractor qualifications, require appropriate insurance, establish safe storage areas and obtain performance guarantees.
B. 
Only a contractor selected by Council pursuant hereto shall be granted the right to operate as a towing service on behalf of the Borough and any of its departments.
2. 
Establishment of Fees. A contractor authorized by the Borough under any towing agreement by and between the Borough and contractor shall pay an administrative fee for each vehicle as the Borough Council shall from time to time authorize by resolution.
3. 
Establishment of Procedures for Towing Service. The Borough Manager shall, from time to time, promulgate rules and regulations governing the use of towing contractors authorized to perform towing services under contract with the Borough. Such rules and regulations shall specify the rotation (if any) of calls among towing contractors, any Borough-required minimum operational procedures to be fulfilled, the instances in which Borough police are authorized to call a towing contractor, and any other such administrative or operational regulations as the Borough Manager may deem necessary. All Borough employees and Borough towing contractors shall be bound to follow the rules and regulations promulgated under this Part.
[Added by Ord. 2016-04, 8/17/2016]
[Ord. 6-2006, 10/18/2006]
The payment of towing and storage charges shall not relieve the owner or driver of any vehicle from liability for any fine or penalty for the violation of the provision of this Part for which the vehicle was removed or impounded.
[Ord. 6-2006, 10/18/2006]
In order to reclaim his vehicle, the owner shall pay towing and storage costs, plus a $25 fee of which $10 shall be transferred to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation by the garage to which the vehicle was taken.
[Ord. 6-2006, 10/18/2006]
The Borough shall cause a record to be kept of all vehicles impounded under this Part and shall be able at all reasonable times to furnish the owners or the agents of the owners of those vehicles with information as to the place of storage of the vehicle.
[Ord. 6-2006, 10/18/2006]
No vehicle shall be removed under the authority of this Part or the Vehicle Code if, at the time of the intended removal, the owner or the person for the time being in charge of the vehicle is present and expresses a willingness and intention to remove the vehicle immediately.
[Ord. 6-2006, 10/18/2006]
Any person who shall violate any provision of this Part shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine of $50, together with all costs of disposing of the vehicle under provisions of the Vehicle Code, 75 P.S. § 7301 et seq. (1977), as hereafter amended, supplemented, modified or reenacted by the General Assembly of Pennsylvania.
[Ord. 6-2006, 10/18/2006]
If after a period of 15 days the vehicle in storage remains unclaimed, a report shall be filed with PennDOT in accordance with § 7311 of the Vehicle Code by the person having legal custody of the vehicle. If the vehicle has not been claimed after 30 days, the vehicle may be transferred to a licensed salvor who will then be responsible for filing the proper reports and disposing of the vehicle in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 73 of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code (75 Pa C.S.A. § 101 et seq., as amended).