Summit Hill Borough Council on Monday took action on two controversial ordinances:

The board repealed a section of the winter parking ordinance which prohibits private contractors from plowing on borough streets.It also amended its ordinance regarding the issuance of handicapped parking signs, waiving the filing of a yearly renewal application if the board deems the circumstances warranting the original issuance of a permit are permanent in nature.Both matters passed unanimously by 5-0 votes.In favor were council President Michael Kokinda, John O'Gurek, Bill O'Gurek, Bill Chapman and Michael Alabovitz. Absent were Jesse Walck and Gregory Kosciolek.On another matter related to winter parking, Chief of Police Joseph Fittos said tickets issued on Saturday to residents who didn't move their cars for plowing will be voided, except for those residents where cars were parked in spots that hadn't already been cleared.Council agreed, and so did many of the approximately 25 borough residents in attendance, that the entire winter parking ordinance needs an overhaul.As a result, Bill O'Gurek suggested that at the next council meeting on March 23, copies of the ordinance be made available to the public, so people can review it and possibly make suggestions for change.Audience member Karen Ruzicka said the present ordinance calls for parking restrictions on the north, south, east or west side of the street, depending on plowing. She said this is confusing to residents and urged the council to consider an ordinance that controls parking following snowstorms on the side of the street based on odd or even house numbers."I agree with you," said Chief of Police Joseph Fittos.Chapman said one problem this year was there were three back-to-back snowstorms with freezing temperatures accompanying them.Fittos agreed and said the problem arose with two storms having less than two inches of snow, which didn't involve parking restrictions, and one with over three inches of snow, kicking in the parking regulations. This might have confused residents."Who determines if we have three inches of snow?" asked retired borough workforce supervisor Joseph Kosalko.Borough Secretary-Treasurer Kira Steber said it's determined between the police and the borough workforce.The council agreed several work sessions will be scheduled to amend the complete winter parking ordinance. Public input will be sought at those meetings.Chapman suggested Kosalko be part of the discussions.Kokinda said, "Unfortunately, we're trying to legislate courtesy and common sense and it doesn't work."Regarding the handicapped parking regulations, to obtain a handicapped parking sign, individuals must make an annual application to the borough, pay an annual fee, and have council review the application each year.Council stressed the change in the ordinance will apply only to individuals deemed to have a permanent disability and will be at the discretion of the council.