Boro council looks at proposed water project

BY PAT FARNELLI

Montrose Borough Council discussed the proposed Dimock water pipeline extension of the Pennsylvania American Water Company’s water supply during its October meeting Monday night.

Council member Randy Schuster said that he has received a number of calls from borough residents who are “not happy with ‘our water plant’ running water to there.”

“I have reservations. I wouldn’t be opposed to slapping out a letter saying we are opposed to it. I can’t see risking the water quality and quantity for 1600 people at the expense of 14 families.”

Since the water company draws from Lake Montrose, which is located outside the borough in Bridgewater Township, and since the Pennsylvania American Water Company owns and operates the water treatment facility, some council members questioned whether the borough council would have any input in the decision-making process.

The water company is planning to install 12.5 miles of pipeline to provide public water service to 14 plus households in Dimock Township.

The borough council agreed to have Schuster draft letters to be sent to Cabot Oil and Gas, Pennsylvania American Water Co., and Secretary John Hanger of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources stating the council’s objections to the pipeline.

At the start of the meeting, Tom LaMont was sworn in as a new borough council member by Mayor John Wilson.

The resignation of council member Justin Sprout was accepted with regret, leaving an open seat on the borough council.

The borough received three quotes for paving for the skating rink. After some discussion, the item was tabled until the Oct. 18 recess meeting at 7:30 p.m.

The borough building and grounds are nearing completion, according to reports. The concrete has been installed around the building, and windows are underway, with three more to do on the other side.

Since the municipal building’s curbs did not meet PennDOT standards, the council decided to instead install 10 inch by two foot raised flower beds instead, to be planted with shrubs and  mums.

The council is looking to purchase a flagpole and American and Pennsylvania state flags, which will be further discussed at the recess meeting. Also, The Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center’s graphics department is designing and manufacturing a sign for outside the borough hall.

The building on Cherry Street will have an Open House for the public Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.

Correspondence has been received regarding the skateboard park from professional skateboarder Guy Hawk, who is interested in helping fund skate parks in small towns. It was shared that Cabot Oil & Gas had also offered to match funding for the skate park.

Residents complained about the high traffic on state roads through Montrose 24 hours a day, and said that added police presence would help slow the trucks down.

Council approved the request for the Annual Halloween Parade on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 12:30 p.m.

Holy Name of Mary Church requested the use of the borough playground and ball field for its Harvest Moon Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9-10, and it was approved.