Forest Lake, Montrose close on coverage

BY STACI WILSON

The April 1 target date of getting Montrose police coverage in Forest Lake Twp. has passed; but plans to provide the service moved forward Monday night.

Montrose Borough Council accepted the proposed agreement and voted to advertise for the ordinance that would extend the police department’s coverage area into the nearby township.

Borough solicitor Marion O’Malley said Forest Lake Supervisor Frank J. Pinkowski had picked up the agreement from her office late Monday afternoon to take to the township meeting.

Pinkowski said that he and fellow supervisors, Marvin Small and Art Donato, did not have an opportunity to review the agreement prior to the Monday night township meeting.

The three Forest Lake supervisors decided that they would hold a special, public meeting in the next few weeks in order to give each of them time to review the document.

For its part, Montrose gave the go-ahead to enter into a two-year contract with the township, effective April 1 through March 31, 2015.

Following an executive session called for by Mayor John Wilson, some changes were made to the borough’s police force.

Council voted to promote Mike Hornak to sergeant; and Nathaniel Williams to corporal. Both promotions come with a 90-day probationary period; and no increase to their salaries was made Monday.

Council also approved a request for police presence at the annual Chocolate & Wine Festival.

Chief Dale Smith said this is the third year the request has been made. An additional two officers are added to the scheduled during the festival. The borough is reimbursed for the extra coverage.

A portable restroom will be placed on the Jackson St. end of Memorial Park for use during the Little League season.

Council also agreed to look at the possibility of constructing a new bathroom facility at the park. A building designer will be contacted to determine the feasibility of the project within the borough budget.

Councilman Craig Reimel said the project had not been budgeted for this year but that he would be willing to move ahead with it if possible.

A borough culvert on the end of Coleman Rd. needs to be replaced and a waterways engineering and wetlands permit is required to do the work.

Council President Tom LaMont said he would contact Joe Hunt Engineering about the pipe replacement project.

LaMont also mentioned a piece of piping that is collapsed near Mill and High streets. He suggested curbing be installed at the corner after the pipe is replaced. No other council member in attendance seemed to share LaMont’s enthusiasm for curbing.

A request to use the borough building April 11 for Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) municipal training was granted.

The VFW was granted permission to hold its annual Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 27.