Montrose to replace police car

BY PAT FARNELLI

Montrose Borough Council approved the purchase of a used police cruiser to replace one totaled in a New Year’s incident.

Police Chief Dale Smith  told the council that the garage said that the vehicle was totaled, and would have to be replaced. The car is covered by municipal insurance, and Smith said he was assured that the insurance would give fair market value.

The driver of the other vehicle who was arrested by state police for suspicion of drunk driving could be assessed restitution if found guilty. As of press time, charges had not been filed against the driver.

Council members considered bids for three used vehicles as well as the price on a new Charger. There is a possibility of obtaining a new Charger from a state program, as well.

“Are we going to move on this? We’re down to a car and a half right now,” said councilman Craig Reimel.

He noted that the borough police patrol two municipalities, Montrose and New Milford Borough.

After some discussion, the council approved the purchase of a black, 2010 Ford Explorer at $17,999, upon passing a mechanic’s inspection. The vehicle was the lowest priced of the three used SUV’s considered.

Cheif Smith said the Explorer will eventaully replace the department’s existing 2004 Explorer but until a new car is purchased, both SUV’s will be utilized by police.

Chief Smith also requested that the board approve the purchase of a bullet proof vest for new hire Levi Tiffany.

He also said that a revision was made in the contract for police coverage of New Milford Borough. The contract did not specify that Montrose’s insurance covers police officers when they are in that area. The contract sets the rate for Montrose Police patrols ofNew Milfordat $27 per hour.

In other business, the council adopted an amended ordinance for the compensation of councilmen, with an increase of $675 a year, with new wages set at $1,875 a year. The mayor’s compensation was fixed at $1,875 by the adoption of another amended ordinance.

Weight limits on borough roads were set at 10 tons, with the exception ofProspect Streetat two tons. The state Department of Transportation set a 10-ton limit on the state roads in the borough last year after an engineering study.

A zoning ordinance was discussed, and Councilman Sean Granahan said that after a review by consultant Carson Helfrich it would be advertised and available for review.

The ordinance should be on the agenda for the Monday, Feb. 6 meeting. Members will be appointed to the zoning hearing board at the same meeting.

Ken DiPhillips requested fuel oil for the garage, and the council approved a fill up at what they considered a very good price that was quoted. $3.299.

BridgewaterTownshiprequested the use of Fire Police for the groundbreaking of the new Endless Mountains Health Systems buildings on Friday, Jan. 20.

A rental property on Drinker and Lincoln streets was discussed. The tenants have been throwing trash from the windows and onto a porch, and photos of the refuse blowing into the street were shown. There are also issues of too many tenants and vehicles, with tire ruts on the lawn. The township’s nuisance procedure may have to be implemented. A notice to clean up the property within 10 days was not effective.

The garage needs a new roof, but the council discussed its potential cost, and whether it might be more cost effective to tear it down and erect aButleror Morton style metal building, set back from the road, on the same pad and with the same plumbing.

The building could be downsized to 40 by 60 feet, and could be less expensive than a new roof. TheBethlehemsteel beams could be sold, and the cinder blocks crushed.