New Milford looks to alleviate flooding

BY STACI WILSON

New Milford Borough Council focused on a potential solution to help keep water from backing up in the flood-prone southerly end of the borough at the Thursday, Oct. 6 meeting.

The borough is requesting PennDOT clean out its 50-foot, right of way on both sides of the bridge that spans Myelert Creek, on Main St., between a motel and the Green Gables.

In addition to that measure, Teri Gulick said a spillway is marked on the borough map on property situation behind the current pipe yard.

However, the land – which Gulick said had always been swampland – has grown up with brush and trees, diverting water flow towardCobb St.

The property owners are attempting to get permits to clean the spillway, Gulick said.

Council is also looking to have two large chunks of concrete removed that have been stuck on stream banks since the June 2006 flood.

Mayor Joe Taylor said an attempt to remove the one piece of concrete was made but the steel-reinforced, 25-foot block was too heavy to be pulled out.

Council members asked why the concrete was not removed when theChurch St.bridges were replaced.

Hine said the engineering company said they did not believe the concrete came from the bridges. Council members all disagreed with that assessment.

The borough will look into the cost of having the concrete slabs removed.

Council accepted the resignation of its president, Jim Carr, with regret, at the Thursday, Oct. 6 meeting.

In his letter of resignation, read at the meeting, Carr said changes in his employment obligations would make it difficult for him to serve on council.

Carr also noted his appreciation for the work performed on behalf of and for the borough by secretary Amy Hine.

Members then nominated and elected Gulick to serve as council president until the borough reorganizes in January.

Tayloralso recommended a load of stone be put in the ditches at the top ofPeck Hill Rd.in an effort to keep the road from washing away.

He said water was undermining the street in that area.

It was agreed to buy stone and have it put in to preserve the road.

Vicki Drake, of the Parks and Recreation committee, updated council about the building and walking track project at theNew MilfordPark.

Paving of the track will have to be put on hold until spring. Council amended the contract deadline for paving to Sept. 30, 2012.

Gulick reported she has been working with Montrose Police Chief Dale Smith on a new contract for the police coverage. The current contract lapses at the end of this year.

Gulick said that with the police coverage, there had not been issues with vandalism at the parks as had happened in other years.

Council voted to advertise for snowplow drivers to work on an as-needed basis in the borough.

It was noted the solicitor was still in talks with Southwest Energy regarding a proposed gas lease for borough-owned property.

Resident Earl ??, told council that a number of abandoned vehicles were in the borough, creating an unsightly appearance aroundNew Milford.

“This is what takes away from the town,” he said.

Members of the Columbia Hose Company,New Milford, asked council to help at the annual Parade of Lights event on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Council members agreed to decorate and work a Haunted House which will be set up in the fire company lot across the street from the fire hall.

The fire company members said they are looking for a large tent that could be used for the haunted house.

Line-up for the parade will start at5:30 p.m.; the parade steps off at6:30 p.m.Activities and refreshments will be happening at the fire hall following the parade.

Council also mentioned that fire company contributions letters had been mailed out to residents.

One audience member offered thanks to the fire company for the work and long hours put in by the volunteers during the recent disasters.

Council agreed and also publicly thanked the fire company members for their efforts.

 

Be the first to comment on "New Milford looks to alleviate flooding"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*