Dam breach, policies top Susq Boro

BY STACI WILSON

Susquehanna Borough Council moved to adopt policies for police use of naloxone and the downtown cameras, pending receipt of the finished policies from the solicitor.

The borough’s naloxone policy came from the district attorney’s office, Susquehanna Police Chief John Creamer told council.

Naloxone is a medication that can be administered to block the effects of an opioid, especially in an overdose.

The police department has received three kits and all the officers have been trained to administer naloxone, he said.

Council discussed the Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park project underway in the borough as part of the Brownfields to Playfields program in the state.

Once DEP is finished with their portion of the project, the borough will take over to start on remaining park work. A public meeting is planned for April 27, at 6 p.m., to gather input from the community. Representatives from the Steamtown Historical Site will be on hand that day with information on items that could be incorporated into the park.

As park plans progress, reviving the River Bounty Board is of paramount importance, council members noted.

The Oakland dam breach created a dangerous hazard and signage must be installed for those traveling on the river. Councilman Dana Rockwell said the dam has been labeled a level 3 high hazard dam by DEP and poses an injury risk to boaters. He said boaters could easily get entangled by debris near the breach.

Rockwell, who kayaked the entire length of the Susquehanna River last year said the dam is one of the worst obstacles along the entire river.

There are plans for River Bounty to meet this month. Rockwell, and fellow Susquehanna Borough River Bounty rep Roy Williams, are hoping to have the signage and debris removed this year.