Susquehanna streets get new lease

BY HELEN B. FOSTER

Correspondent

Susquehanna  borough council members were informed at their August 14 meeting additional sidewalks for Washington Street and East Church Street to Grand Street were given a “new lease on life” when an extension was granted for the Elm Street program funds.

The program closed in June but there were funds still available and Margaret Biegert who had managed the program suggested the borough apply for an extension, which was successful.

A meeting was held with Trehab personnel and it was decided to continue upgrading the sidewalk.

Biegert now serves as borough treasurer.

Council President Roberta Reddon recently met with Tom Yoniski from Sen. Lisa Baker’s office and Engineer Bob Doble to discuss enclosing ditches along Turnpike Street, the area from Barnes Kasson Hospital to Susquehanna Community Schools.

It is anticipated this work will be included in the borough’s 2013 street projects.

Council passed a resolution pertaining to the maintenance agreement for the traffic signal at the Drinker Creek Bridge. The borough owns this traffic signal and is responsible for the maintenance.

It was agreed to use three way stops on Main Street during power outages. Two Stop signs, purchased with liquid fuels funds, will be available for placement in the event of power outages. A recent power failure brought to council’s attention the need for this equipment.

Borough council received a thank you letter and a check for $300 from the Susquehanna Community Development Association for their assistance during Home Town Days. The money will be placed in the police part-time budget.

The $619 realized from the recent Clean-Up Day will be placed in the Codes Department budget. According to a spokesman for the borough, “it was a successful operation.”

With council’s approval, Fissel Construction of Susquehanna will be installing the new doors on the borough building. Council also approved changing the door locks at Prospect Street Park from combination to lock and key.

Borough Solicitor Michael Briechle attended the meeting to discuss with council the need to appoint Zoning Hearing and Planning Commission board members and what Act 13 (gas impact fee) restrictions means to borough’s zoning and planning. Briechle said he is looking to see if an appeal will be filed by the Governor’s office.

Reddon recessed the meeting at 8:02 p.m. for an executive session with the solicitor and reconvened at 9:25 p.m. A motion was passed following the executive session to amend the current handbook removing any reference to comp time.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Secretary Diann Robbins said the new borough code went into effect July 16 and the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs will be conducting seminars to educate borough officials at a time to be announced.

Robbins said the municipalities are waiting for the new code to be available in book form.