Montrose council passes on proposals

BY STACI WILSON

Montrose Borough Council opted to not sign a couple of proposed agreements that came before them from other agencies at the Jan. 3 meeting.

United Fire Company requested the borough sign an emergency services agreement.

The fire companies proposed agreement set forth a request the volunteer agency would be paid at a rate equal to 1.35 mills.

Council declined to sign the agreement with the fire company.

Councilman Randy Schuster said the borough allocated $30,000 in the 2011 budget for the fire company, up from $28,500 in 2010. Schuster said the amount was “more than fair.”

The borough carries its portion of fire company funding as a line item in the budget and does not assess a determined millage for public safety.

PennDOT requested the borough sign a sidewalk maintenance agreement which council also opted not to do.

According to a letter from PennDOT dent to county, a new sidewalk and curb will be installed on Church St., as part of the Route 706 roadway project.

The proposed agreement asks the borough to assume the responsibility for the year-round maintenance of the sidewalk, including snow and ice removal and the application of anti-skid or de-icing materials.

Several council members pointed out borough property owners were responsible for maintaining the sidewalks, including snow removal, in front of their buildings.

Codes enforcement officer Dave Darrow offered the reminder that sidewalk shoveling is to be completed within 24 hours after a storm.

Council also passed on sending letters of support for projects that are actually located in Bridgewater Twp.

The U.S. Dept of Ag, Rural Development was seeking a letter of support in regards to Trehab’s proposed purchase of the building on Rt. 29, Bridgewater Twp., the agency currently uses to house its weatherization, transportation and food bank services.

The letter mistakenly identified the building as being located in Montrose.

A support letter for a federal funding request for the new Endless Mountains Health Systems facility also mistakenly identified the project’s location as Montrose.

The proposed site is located on Rt. 706, west of the borough, in Bridgewater Twp.

The Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture Bureau of Standard Weights and Measures performed a routine check on the parking meters in December with all of the meters passing the inspection.

Council approved the expenditure of $480 for preventative maintenance on the traffic light at the Rt. 706 & 29 intersection.

Mayor John Wilson said he did not believe there was enough light in front of the Holy Name of Mary Church on South Main St.

Last month, a couple was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the street.

Councilman Craig Reimel said he did not believe the light across from the church was a borough light.

Police Chief Dale Smith was asked to look into the matter and is expected to report his findings to council at the Jan 17 meeting.