Borough approves new police vehicle

BY STACI WILSON

The Montrose Borough Police are looking to have a new vehicle on the road before the snow flies.

At the Aug. 5 meeting, the council approved the purchase of a 2015 Ford Explorer at a cost of $36,267.

The price, Chief Dale Smith said, includes all of the necessary equipment for the vehicle, except for a camera. The police department has the camera from the old Explorer and will have that installed in the new one.

Smith said that it generally takes about two months to set up from the time of ordering until its ready to be put into service.

With over $70,000 remaining in Act 13 funds from last year – and another $93,000 added to the borough coffers this year, council opted to utilize the Impact Fee money to purchase the police vehicle.

Even with the approved police expenditure, the borough still has a substantial amount of Act 13 funds in a capital reserve account.

Councilman Craig Reimel said the borough would be using some of the impact funds to pay for the construction of new restroom facilities at Memorial Park.

Council approved the home occupation permit submitted by Bill Lewis. The planning commission had already issued its approval.

Lewis was not present at the meeting, but council members noted concerns and reservations about utilizing the Church Street property for a home business.

“It’s long since past the point of being a zero-impact home business,” Council President Tom LaMont said. “It has an impact on the neighborhood. And not a positive impact.”

LaMont, along with Councilman Tony Pickett voted no on the approval; but yes nods by Todd Chamberlain, Julanne Skinner and Reimel carried the split vote.

With the home occupation permit, the property still needs to gain zoning approval.

Reimel said, “The mechanics of what happens next is spelled out in the code.” He also said that this has been a “learning experience” for the borough with its updated zoning ordinance. “Things on our side were disjointed.”

LaMont said that the sign in front of the business was larger than allowable by the ordinance. To keep the sign that size, the matter would have to go before the zoning hearing board.

LaMont said that before a zoning permit is granted, an issue with the sidewalk also needs to be addressed.
The borough zoning officer will need to conduct an inspection before a final permit can be approved, LaMont said.

Several Church Street residents attended the meeting in order to get information about natural gas service to their street.

“It will eventually get to you,” LaMont said but, he added, the gas lines won’t be brought to Church Street until the road construction project is finished.

LaMont said that he believed Leatherstocking would be concentrating its efforts on hooking up Lathrop Street Elementary and the Susquehanna County Courthouse in the next few months.

“I hesitate to tell anybody to rely on gas heat this winter,” LaMont said. He said Leatherstocking’s build plan was delayed while waiting for a highway permit package from the state.

Council expressed concern regarding its auditors after just receiving the 2012 audit report, with several members noting the two-year turnaround was “not acceptable.”

The borough is requesting the auditor product the 2013 report by the end of this year.

LaMont said the report was needed in a timely manner in order to address any recommendations.

Bill Freund’s resignation from the Montrose Planning Commission was accepted by council, with regret.

Council will hold its next meeting on Monday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m.