Great Bend Boro still waiting for police

BY PAT FARNELLI

Great Bend Borough Council is still waiting for the necessary policy and procedure manual and ORI number before it can start up a municipal police department.

Several manuals from nearby municipalities, including Montrose Borough, have been reviewed, and Attorney Francis O’Connor is waiting for approval from Attorney Marion O’Malley to use Montrose’s police manual.

A sample ordinance is in the hands of the solicitor for review, as well.

The office has been readied for occupancy, and the borough is checking to see if any changes have to be made to the building, for example additional restrooms, to accommodate the police department.  The police car is ready to go.

Special meetings will be advertised for the third Thursday of each month until the department is established.

Bret Jennings reported on his idea in the works of drafting an ordinance of protection for the borough’s water supply, Comforts Pond, which is located in Harmony and Thompson Townships. He said that a borough can make an ordinance of this type, which is something the townships do not have the power to do.

Jennings referred to Pennsylvania House Bill 2608, which addresses the distance a gas or oil company can operate from a house, water well, stream, or community water source.

He noted that the water company does not have the authority to protect its water supply, nor does the townships.

Jennings plans to meet with the townships in the coming months. He said the borough could draft and pass an ordinance at this time, and change it later, if need be.