Lansford Borough council members talked about putting up “no dogs allowed” signs in one of its parks, even while the borough sends out mixed messages about dogs at another park.

During committee meetings, councilwoman Michele Bartek asked about getting “no dogs allowed” signs for Kennedy Park, but pointed out that dogs aren’t allowed in Ashton Park, or the pool park, either, she said.

Under the borough ordinance, people aren’t allowed to let their dogs do their business anywhere in the borough, except their own yard, she said.

“You cannot take your dog to pee and poop all over Lansford,” Bartek said.

She has suggested that people be fined for violating the ordinance, but resident Chris Ondrus pointed out that enforcement is difficult unless an officer sees it.

In 18 years as a part-time officer, Ondrus only once witnessed a dog doing its business on public property, he said. Even if a person sees a dog going on their property, they still have to go to court as a victim and testify, he said.

“It’s not a simple solution,” Ondrus said.

Back in April, council Vice President Jay Doyle complained about dog waste littering the business district, and council talked about putting in dog waste stations.

On Tuesday, Doyle pointed out that there are dog waste stations at Ashton Park, and Bartek said that it should be removed - because dogs aren’t allowed in the park.

“There’s a sign up there that says “no dogs allowed,” but there is a garbage can to throw dog poopy in,” Bartek said. “I mean, it’s crazy.”

Councilman Joseph Butrie pointed out that everyone has cellphones with cameras, and they should stand up and take photos when they see someone letting their dog do its business on the street.

“Now you got evidence to go against them,” he said.

Resident Denise Leibensperger agreed. She said that the police don’t have time to look for these violations, but believed that the police chief could do something with a photo.

Chief Kyle Woodward said that if a person witnessed this type of violation that they would have to go court to testify, and they may have to take off time from work and lose money to do that.

“There’s a fine line in this,” he said.

The people taking a photograph of these violations would also have to go to court, Woodward said.

Bartek wanted the “no dogs allowed” signs to have the borough ordinance listing fines on them.

Basketball

Council members also discussed putting up backboards for basketball on the court near the Sports Zoo, and also installing poles and backboards for basketball at the former ice skating rink at Ashton Park.

Councilwoman Gwyneth Collevechio said that two backboards have come in, and they need to be installed. Doyle said that he would look into the getting poles for the backboards.