New Milford random cop coverage working

BY STACI WILSON

A recent traffic study conducted by PennDOT on Main St., New Milford, revealed no need to lower the speed limit on that portion of Route 11 that runs through the town.

But one Main St. resident told borough council at the May 2 meeting that she would like to see more police enforcement of speed limits during the high traffic morning hours.

Council President Teri Gulick, who also serves as the borough’s liaison with the Montrose Borough Police Dept., said that more early morning hours are now being scheduled.

The audience member also said she was told the police only worked in the borough two days each week.
Gulick disputed the fact, saying the police schedule was random and varied to include different days and times of coverage each week. “It’s worked for the past four years,” she said.

Councilman Ken Carey also said the police presence in the borough has worked to deter vandalism in the borough parks.

Gulick also said that the borough had budgeted $24,500 for police coverage for the current calendar year.

New Milford contracts with Montrose to provide part-time police coverage in the borough.

With a problem with a leaking sewer pipe at a borough residence taken care of, Councilman Rick Ainey said he was still trying to ascertain who handles sewer enforcement in the borough – the municipal authority or the Council of Governments (COG) SEO.

Ainey said he is waiting to hear from the Dept. of Environmental Protection for the answer.

Gulick said the borough has received the latest census figures that the borough’s planning commission will use to prepare an update to the comprehensive plan. Gulick asked that economic development committee members also work in conjunction with the planning to develop the comprehensive plan.

Carey reported that the Parks & Recreation Committee had received a bid from 21st Century Pools of $9,776.44 for the lift and repairs to the town pool.

Council approved the bid and will move forward with the lift installation and pool repairs. It is an Americans with Disabilities Act requirement that the lift be installed or the pool would not be able to open this year, Ainey said.

Shawn Carey was hired as the pool manager for the 2013 season.

The Blue Ridge Fine Arts Department will hold an Arts in the Park, May 22, at Midtown Park on Main St. All four school bands will perform and art students will be showcasing their work.

Because of parking concerns around Midtown Park, Carey said he suggested that concert attendees park their vehicles at the school and have bus shuttle people to the event.

A temporary stage will be installed in borough parking spaces along the street and will be set up 9 a.m.-9 p.m. the day of the concert.

The parking spaces are often used by patrons at the Parkview Hotel. Gulick said the business should be notified about the plans for that day.