Montrose focusing on event safety

With a focus on safety, Montrose Council is looking to form a committee to address traffic and pedestrian safety during large events held in the borough.

Councilman Sean Granahan said, “It’s going to be a serious issue at some point.”

Mayor Tom LaMont offered to investigate the possibility of having professional flaggers handle the traffic flow – especially at the borough’s traffic light, where routes 29 and 706 split.

Council President Judy Kelly said, “At this point, we need a plan.”

Councilman Tom Follert said that most of the large events can afford to pay for traffic control. “If we don’t do it, we’ll pay… a lot more if someone gets hurt,” he said.

Hunter Lewis, a Christmas in Montrose organizer, and Ed Dewitt, of the Montrose Kiwanis Club, were in the audience and offered information about their experiences with traffic during events.

Lewis was presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the borough for her work on the Christmas in Montrose event. She also accepted a certificate on behalf of fellow organizer, Seneca Lewis Savage.

Council also heard two insurance coverage proposals but made no decision at Monday night’s meeting. They will give their approval to one of the proposals at the Feb. 21 meeting.

Jeremy Ardnt and Danielle Lewis were sworn in to serve as Alternate Civil Service Commission posts.

The borough is also looking at constructing a new garage to house street department equipment and offices.

Council highlighted upcoming events in the borough, including a Feb. 19 winter skating event at Memorial Park, hosted by CommUNITY, as well as the return of the Chocolate & Wine and Blueberry Festivals.