Great Bend reports project progress

BY PAT FARNELLI

The Great Bend Borough Council held a brief regular meeting Thursday night, and reported some progress on a few projects.

Only four of the councilmen were present, so the business was concluded fairly quickly, with some discussion on related matters within and without the borough.

The Jan. 6 meeting had a full turn-out, and included an executive session to discuss personnel issues.

A resignation was submitted in January by Sheila Guinan for her Code Enforcement Officer job. The resignation was accepted by the board with regret. Guinan also serves as the borough secretary.

Several homes and yards were discussed during the code enforcement part of the meeting, which included the Knifer, Pearson/Freeman, and Erceg properties. There is now a grant available for blighted and/or abandoned properties, and information can be obtained at the borough office

Two ongoing projects were reported on: the emergency gate for the rest area, and the standing water problem on Washington Street. The cold weather has slowed progress for the time being.

During the unfinished business part of the meeting, the police department is waiting for the car title for the new police car, and a proposed sample police budget has been drafted. Attorney Frances O’Connor has received a copy of Montrose’s Policy and Procedure Manual, and is reviewing the ordinance. The supervisors approved the scheduling of special police meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. until the department is established.

There will be a mobile food bank coming to Great Bend, and volunteers will be needed. More information will be coming.

The municipal building/senior center roof renovation bid was awarded to Joe Kovitch, the low bidder, for $8,800. There were three other bidders: Raub Construction at $11,225; Kevin Shibley at $15,400; and Bill Szili, at $12,450.

Supervisor Bret Jennings said that he will probably have a draft ready for the March meeting of a proposed ordinance for reservoir protection, specifically intended for Comfort’s Pond, the borough’s fresh water source, located in Harmony and Thompson Townships.