HAWTHORN, Pa. (RVO) by John Gerow – Emergency drain repairs and spring planning highlighted a productive Hawthorn Borough Council meeting on Tuesday evening, March 6.

Hawthorn Borough Office (Photo courtesy of TechReady Professionals)

Councilman Terry Beamer gave a detailed report on the emergency drain repair that the Borough did at the Bish residence in February.  After several flood events, Mr. Beamer said that they dug up the drain line and discovered that a previous repair had been improperly done, leading to the drain line becoming blocked. The blocked drain was allowing water to back up into the basement of the Bish residence.  Beamer reported that a ‘good repair’ had been completed, which should be adequate until the new storm drains are installed later this year. The Borough will consider seeking redress from the contractor who did the inadequate repairs. A motion was passed to pay for repairs to the Bish’s lawn and driveway.  With the recent extremely wet weather, an issue may be developing in the Borough, as residents are discharging their basement sump pumps onto Borough streets.

Council President Melinda Little reported that the grant for the storm drain rebuild will be submitted to PennVest on May 2.  Assuming acceptance of the application, there will need to be a public hearing and a formal call for bids and a contractor hired before work can begin.  President Little hopes work can begin in July or August.

Hawthorn Main Street (Photo courtesy of TechReady Professionals)

Spring Cleanup will be March 5.  Borough residents are encouraged to get their properties “redd up” for the coming outdoor seasons.

Councilman Terry Beamer reported that he had to replace the bed chain in the yellow salt spreader and has done some minor repairs on the other spreader.  He also said that he has been doing some general maintenance on both of the Borough’s truck. Looking ahead, Beamer said that the backhoe tractor will need some work in the spring.

Hawthorn Fire Company (Photo courtesy of TechReady Professionals)

Following a short discussion Council voted to donate $200 to the Hawthorn Fire Co. for all of their assistance this winter with flushing drain lines.  Council members Bryan Walkins and Adele Smith abstained from this vote.

Addressing new business, Melinda Little pointed out that Council needs to build some sort of walkway to the back door of the Borough office.  Several suggestions were offered, including using paving stones, building a concrete walk, or perhaps a boardwalk. Council person Jen Beamer offered to research grants for improvements to municipal buildings and facilities.

Terry Beamer made a motion to authorize payment of the interest on the Commonwealth Bank loan each month until the project is completed.  Adele Smith seconded the motion which was unanimously adopted.

Borough Council voted to renew the lawn mowing agreement with Terry Beamer rather than go to the expense of advertising and going through the bid process.

Council plans on developing a newsletter for email distribution to Hawthorn residents.  Information on the newsletter will be mailed with tax notices this week. Melinda Little said that she hopes the newsletter will make it easier for residents to know what is happening and to take part in community events.

Hawthorn PA Community (Photo courtesy of TechReady Professionals)

ABOUT:
Established in 1916, Hawthorn PA is small, rural community in Western Pennsylvania. Their location, south of I-80 in Clarion County, between New Bethlehem and Brookville, allows Hawthorn to evoke a quiet and comfortable charm and a rural quality of life while still being able to access quality entertainment, business, and industry.

MEETINGS:
Hawthorn Borough Council meets the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7pm @ Borough Building on 3784 Main Street. Mailing Address: P.0. Box 52 Hawthorn PA 16230

CONTACT:
For more information about Hawthorn Borough, please call (814) 365-2494 or visit: RedbankValley.org/pg/biz/hawthorn-borough