NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) by John Gerow – October’s New Bethlehem Borough Council meeting was noteworthy in that there was no new business before the Council. The Council spent most of the meeting reviewing various committee reports. Council President Sandy Mateer reported that the Council is still looking for assistance in dredging the Leisure Run gravel out of the Redbank Creek. She said that there are several grant possibilities and that Mayor Tim Murray is working on them now. These grants each have certain “cost share” contribution requirements. Mrs. Mateer said that the Borough might have to borrow money or use some reserves in order to obtain a grant. On a motion by Gordon Barrows and Lisa Kerle, the council unanimously approved a motion authorizing spending filing fees for grants.

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

Following last month’s request by the Moose Lodge to institute a Noise Ordinance, Mrs. Mateer told the Council that she is not sure what the best course would be for the Borough to take. She said that she is researching whether a simple noise ordinance or an addition to the Nuisance Ordinance would be the best approach to take.

Street Commissioner Roger Hilliard reported that his crew has been working on storm drains on Center Street and Wood Streets. He told the assembly that the tree roots in the storm sewer had complicated the work. The Street Commissioner told the Council that he estimated about $2,000 in new drain line would be needed to address the draining issue on Wood Street. Mr. Hiliard said that he thought the new drain would segregate the Borough’s water (and liability) from private property owners. Council President Mateer asked Mr. Hiliard to meet with the Engineer later this week to seek his advice. Mr. Hiliard also reported that the Borough’s garbage truck had a new clutch installed last week. In a final note, Mr. Hiliard said that his crew had begun working on the fall leaves.

NB Boro Council listens to Street Commissioner Roger Hiliard at Oct 15 meeting.

Police Chief Robert Malnofsky reported on his department’s activity over the past month. He told the Council that one of his officers had damaged the SUV. Chief Malnofsky said that the officer backed into a driveway and hit a sign with the roof of the vehicle. The estimate for repairs at Nolf’s Dodge Chrysler was $1,400.00. The chief said that the dent is not visible and should not cause the tailgate to leak. Consensus among the Council members was to leave the car as is, unless there is leaking around the tailgate. The Chief also told Council that he was trying to dress up the entrance/waiting room at the Police Station. He told Council that Gordon Barrows had taken some photographs of vehicles and officers and donated some photographs of New Bethlehem.

Councilman Gordon Barrows reported that the Finance Committee had met earlier in the week and that initial budget progress was good. He asked Council to schedule the next meeting. The Finance Committee will next meet on Nov. 11 at 7pm at the Alltel Building.

Police and Safety Committee will meet on Oct. 30 at 7 pm at the Alltel Building.

Council recessed into an Executive Session.

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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