Boro Council Previews Veterans Memorial

NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) by John Gerow – The New Bethlehem Borough Council was treated to a model of the proposed Redbank Valley Veterans Memorial at Tuesday evening’s regular monthly council meeting. Project organizer, Ray Ishman brought a mock-up of the Memorial to share with the council members.

Model of the proposed Veteren’s Memorial

The Memorial, as planned, will be centered with a pentagonal flower bed with three flag poles; the American Flag, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Flag, and the POW/MIA Flag. Encircling this pentagon flower bed and flags will be five pedestals of black granite, topped with the emblem of each branch of the military represented. The outermost ring of the Memorial will be 7, four-foot by eight-foot black granite standing stones, representing the major conflicts in our American history. The wars represented will be the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War.

Mr. Ishman reported that the parcel of land at the corner of Wood and Spruce Streets – the site of the old New Bethlehem Hotel and Cherry Chip Lounge – had been purchased. The Veteran’s groups are planning on selling Memorial paving stones as a portion of their fundraising for the Memorial. These gray granite pavers will have the name of the veteran, branch of the military, the conflict involved, or years served. Mr. Ishman said that the details of the cost of pavers and how they can be purchased will be available soon. Mr. Ishman said that he hopes work will begin on the Memorial Park in the spring.

Following Mr. Ishman’s presentation, the Board began working on business for the upcoming year. The first item of business was the adoption of Ordinance # 930. This Ordinance authorizes the New Bethlehem Borough Council to enter into agreements with the Boroughs of East Brady, Hawthorn, Rimersburg, and South Bethlehem and with the Townships of Mahoning and Redbank (Armstrong Co.), and Redbank (Clarion Co.) to provide police service to these municipalities. The Borough of Sligo has opted out of the police coverage agreement beginning in 2019.

Police Chief Robert Malnofsky reported to Council that he is settling in and that the Department is moving forward. He said that he is working on a new, easier to understand activity report that will give Council members a better idea of police activity and revenues. The Chief also reported that the Department’s Ford pickup truck is one of the models involved in a recall for door handle freezing problems. The Council approved the Chief’s request to hire a “part-time”, stand-by secretary to ensure adequate desk coverage during normal working hours. Councilmen also approved a motion to have the Police and Safety Committee to accept bids for a cruiser to replace the Ford Explorer. The Committee is to look for the best value under $40,000 delivered.

Roger Hilyard reported that the open weather has allowed his crew to continue working outdoors doing late season maintenance. He also reported that Borough will dispose of Christmas trees. Residents are asked to leave them curbside after the holidays.

The Council ended the year with some required “housekeeping”, putting things in place for 2019.

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MEETINGS:
New Bethlehem Borough meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm at the Alltel/Windstream Building on Lafayette Street. Folks may contact the Borough’s office to be placed on the meeting agenda.

MISSION:
New Bethlehem Borough Council fosters business, community, and personal growth within the borough while maintaining the small town appeal and family friendly environment that makes New Bethlehem such a great place to work, live and raise a family.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To learn more about Council’s Goals & Objectives, please visit: NewBethlehemBoro.com/about and click the ‘Mission’ tab.

CONTACT:
To contact any member of Council or the Borough’s office, please visit: NewBethlehemBoro.com/about and click the ‘Council’ tab. You may also ‘like/follow’ New Bethlehem Borough on Facebook for the latest news/announcements: Facebook.com/NewBethlehem

For more info, please visit New Bethlehem Borough’s website: NewBethlehemBoro.com