NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) by John Gerow – New Bethlehem Borough may be “up the creek without a paddle” when it comes to clearing the flood debris from the Redbank Creek. Council President Sandy Mateer expressed frustration with the inability of the borough to find any assistance for dredging the creek following the flood of July 19. She told the Council meeting that both the US Army Corp of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection have declined to offer the Borough assistance with the dredging. Mrs. Mateer said that initial estimates range as high as $200,000 to dredge the sand and gravel that stretches nearly 3/4 of the way across the creek, just down stream from where Leisure Run enters the Redbank. The sand and gravel that washed into the Redbank may cause problems when the ice goes out next spring. The flood debris has altered the water flow in the creek and has created a large shallow area that will catch and hold blocks of ice when the river breaks up in the spring. The presence of these new shallows may change how the ice jams and how the creek floods. Redbank Creek is a navigable waterway, which means that the Commonwealth “owns” the riverbed, which logically, means the Commonwealth should bear the cost of removing the flood debris.

Sand and gravel bar from Leisure Run in Redbank Creek, behind Redbank Chevrolet.

Several residents address the council at the start of the meeting. Ted Wells, speaking on behalf of the Moose Family Fraternity, asked the Council if they would consider adopting a noise ordinance for the Borough. Without an actual “noise” ordinance in the Borough, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (LCB) regulates nuisance noise levels for bars and clubs. Mr. Wells explained that the LCB’s monitoring and regulation is erratic and inconsistent. The Moose, and other bars, have no way of knowing if they are violating the LCB noise regulations. With a club’s liquor license at risk in the event of violations, Mr. Wells said that well defined, local ordinances would be beneficial. He explained that the LCB always defers to local noise and nuisance ordinances. Mrs. Mateer said that Council would consider the request but that it was unlikely that the Borough would want to purchase the noise monitoring equipment. Mr. Wells replied that the Moose would help defray a “reasonable” cost of equipment.

New Bethlehem property owner Mike Moore addressed the Council seeking guidance on the proper way to handle the roof runoff from his buildings on Wood Street.  He asked if the Borough would allow him to run drain lines from his roof gutter downspouts into the storm drain.  Council advised that as long as the runoff did not enter the sanitary sewer system he would be within guidelines.  Mr. Moore also asked if Council would send Roger Hillyard to look at his property and help him plan future drainage to comply with ordinances.

At the end of the meeting, Mr. Moore continued his address to the Council explaining the during the rains of July 19^th, his property sustained significant damage from water runoff.  Mr. Moore contends that the Borough has failed maintain old drains that have led to the damage to his property.  Mr. Moore told the Council that he hopes that the Borough will negotiate damage compensation with him.  Mrs. Mateer told him that Council would take his concern to their solicitor and proceed from there.

In other business, Council approved a motion to move the stop line on Broad Street south of the Wood Street intersection back 20 feet.  This should give big trucks more room to make the turn from Wood Street to 28 South.  Borough will pay $400 for removing and repainting the stop line.

Council members agreed to 2 budget planning meetings.  The Budget Committee will meet on Monday September 30 and Monday, October 14.

Council also set “Trick or Treat” for Thursday evening, October 31 6 – 8pm.

Another view of the Leisure Run sand and gravel bar in the Redbank Creek

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MEETINGS:
New Bethlehem Borough meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm 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