Susquehanna council names new solicitor

BY HELEN B. FOSTER

Correspondent

Susquehanna Borough council named Attorney Michael Briechle of Montrose solicitor following an executive session at its Jan. 24 meeting. There was no reason given for the appointment to replace Attorney Myron Dewitt who had been the borough’s solicitor for a number of years.

This meeting at the end of the month is when council hears reports from committee chairmen and heads of departments.

Codes Enforcement Officer Mary Weaver reported she had issued 24 warnings for failure to have trash removed, snow removal on sidewalks and the failure to place the new 911 addresses on properties.

Weaver said it is necessary for home owners/occupants to remove the old numbers and to follow the guidelines for placing the new numbers; size and location of house numbers are important to be in compliance, she said. The CEO also issued tickets for non-compliance of the 2011 Rental Ordinance, failure to remove snow and ice on sidewalks,and the posting of new house numbers.

Weaver said there is a $25 fine for failure to comply with the new addressing.

Weaver was praised by Councilwoman Sue Crawford for all she does to stop the deterioration of neighborhoods.

Weaver gave council a list of of issues and the ordinances pertaining to these issues to be addressed: blighted house, parking, illegal soring of household items and trash; accessory structures in disrepair; issues with vacant homes and lots.

Parks and Recreations Chairman John Sholtiss asked for a council member to sit in on their meetings held the third Tuesday of the month. He also had questions on utility bills when everything is turned off.

Sholtiss would also like events at the park to be posted as this becomes an issue when so many events are being scheduled at the same time. The organizations (teams) using Reddon Park will be notified that insurance must be in place before the season starts

Street Commissioner Steve Glover spoke to council regarding the bays of traffic signals now in place waiting for the Drinker Street bridge work to begin on Main Street. There is a problem with the emergency flashing signals and Penn DOT will be notified.

Glover was asked for an inventory of all equipment so new council members can get an overview of the department.

Chief of Police Bob Sweet also had questions on ownership of traffic lights as there was a problem following a power outage.

Sweet asked for a dipository for a more convenient payment of traffic tickets when the borough building is not open. There was a question pertaining to cars parked at the side of the borough building near the Library appearing to be using the Library’s internet service. Library employees said that was not possible as the service was turned off when the Library is closed.

During public comment a resident said he felt nothing was done following a break-in at his residence. He was informed there was no record of the incident at the police department. The resident making the complaint left the meeting and accompanied the officers to the police station to work on a solution to this problem.