Hop Bottom OKs budget

BY PAT FARNELLI

Hop Bottom Borough Council approved the 2012 budget of around $73,000 at its meeting Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Secretary Deb Norton said there was no tax increase.

In other business, council discussed a proposed water withdrawal site

The site is located on a zoned commercial/industrial business property on the Martin’s Creek, and was approved by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission for a water withdrawal permit months ago.

According to council members, the reason no withdrawals have been made is because the creek is normally very shallow, and until the Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee events, was too low to use as a water supply.

One resident who attended the meeting said, “I’m concerned about the noise, the trucks, the traffic.”

The property is located up on the hill across Route 11, they said.

In other business, it was announced that the town park’s signs are completed, and one that will go on the gate was displayed at the meeting. The attractive sign was made by Molenko’s, and featured a shaded background from pale yellow to orange.

The wording noted: “Park Open Dawn to Dusk. Please keep this gate latched for the safety of the children and pets.”

The metal sign was clear coated, and should last 50 years.

It was announced that the borough building roof is finished, and everyone is satisfied with its appearance and quality.
The park fence will be installed soon, and the council has acquired the materials with the exception of the metal pipe to be used for posts. The installer will bring the pipe.

The Durbin/Miles property has a growing pile of carpet, mattresses and wood, and will need anotherCOGinspection. The current owner needs to be established.

Culvert repairs will be completed when there are a few days without rain. Rocky Estabrook estimated costs for removal of gravel at $1,700, and the board approved hiring  Estabrook for the cleanup.

It was also noted that a sediment basin on the Webster property was damaged during the recent floods, and the council is looking into getting funding to make repairs.

The council plans to install electricity for the borough garage on South Center St. Penelec is the contracted electrical provider.

Council noted that Bethany Klees of Mountain View is organizing a festival/fundraiser to be held during the 2012 Hop Bottom Yard Sale Day. She plans to have a parade as part of the event, and will donate funds raised to the Hop Bottom Hose Company.

A bonfire with hotdogs and marshmallows will be held sometime in January on the old trail, and details will be announced.

Council voted to ratify the decision to purchase Christmas presents.

Hop Bottom Borough Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the borough hall on Forrest Street.

The annual reorganization meeting for the borough will be held on Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m.