PEN ARGYL BOROUGH NEWS

FEBRUARY 2012

 

ITEM OF CONCERN

The Borough has received numerous inquiries as to what to do regarding the recent increase in landfill odors throughout the Borough.  The Borough Council’s March 6, 2012 meeting will be held at the Weona Park Community Center.  Representatives from Waste Management and PA DEP will be invited to answer questions and concerns regarding the increase in odors.  You may report any odor problems to the Department of Environmental Protection at 1-866-255-5158 and choose extension 2, or to the district office in Bethlehem during business hours, 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. 610-861-2070. 

 

FEBRUARY 7 COUNCIL MEETING

  • Approved Handicap Sign application for 407 William Street.
  • Authorized Borough Manager to advertise for the formation of the UCC Board of Appeals; will need at least three (3) members that are qualified persons in the Building Trade and one (1) a licensure as an Architect or Engineer with experience in the construction industry to complete the Board.
  • Approved parking meter rental request by Blue Valley Dental Group.
  • Appointed Jennifer Grube to fill the vacancy on the Civil Service Commission.
  • Agreed to begin Civil Service process to create an eligibility roster of police officers.
  • Agreed to send a letter of support to the YMCA for the EPA Targeted Brownfield Assessment Program.
  • Adopted Ordinance No. 666 which eliminates contributions by Police Pension participants.
  • Authorized RETTEW to create specifications and advertise for the cleaning of reed beds at the Pen Argyl Wastewater Treatment Plant.
  • Awarded to George’s Plumbing the bid to complete a preventative maintenance electrical check-up and inspection at the Pen Argyl Wastewater Treatment Plant.
  • Approved the 2012-2014 Teamster Contract
  • Approved the 2011 Delinquent Per Capita, Delinquent Real Estate lists and also the 2011 Per Capita Exoneration List.
  • Exonerated the Borough property located on S. Main Street from 2012 Real Estate taxes.

 

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

            In the past month, the PWD did maintenance on equipment, Borough property and streets.

  • Prepared trucks and spreaders for winter storms.
  • Installed new water line from WWTP to Street Garage.
  • Parks grounds clean-up.
  • Maintenance and repairs in Community Center.
  • Pothole patrols and repairs.
  • Road Winter Maintenance 1/16, 1/17, and 1/21.
  • Light repairs in Mary Mountains and traffic signals.

 

ZONING OFFICE

            During January, the Zoning Officer issued 6 building permits, 1 construction inspection, 3 re-sale property inspections, 9 rental property inspections, 324 rental property registration, 4 electrical permits, 7 electrical inspections, 2 plumbing permits, and 4 plumbing inspections.

            Zoning Officer Barry Kehler can be reached at 610-863-1821.

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT

            During January, the police had 253 total calls which resulted in 24 cases, 21 individuals were arrested and 106 cited.  Police also had 15 mutual aide calls.

 

 

FIRE COMPANY

During the month of January, Lookout Fire Company responded to 9 calls.  They spent 231 hours on the calls and logged an additional 268 hours on training. 

 

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

            Monthly, weekly and quarterly sampling was done, all are in compliance. Updated checklists as per DRBC requirements.  Equipment, plant and pumping station maintenance was completed.  Answered and marked 1 PA One Call.  Reed bed waste profile disposal approved by DEP and Waste Management.   DEP performed plant inspection, no violations.

 

TAX COLLECTOR

            Michael T. Zavacky’s office is located at 501 George Street; phone number is 610-863-9487. 

2012 office hours will be Thursdays and Fridays, 1 P.M. – 5 P.M. and Saturdays 9 A.M.-Noon.  Any person with disabilities, please call ahead for special arrangements.

 

BBRP

            Have you noticed the new planters around the Borough? The BBRP committee was able to purchase fifteen (15) of them with grant money.  They will be planted for the seasons and some for special holidays. Next up is Valentine’s Day and Healthy Heart Month.

 

ITEMS OF INTEREST

Effective January 1, 2012, Pen Argyl Borough Sewer and Garbage Bills will only be accepted for payment at:  Merchants Bank, 45 N. Broadway, Wind Gap, PA, 18091.  Payment will no longer be accepted at PNC Bank.  Please mail to or pay directly to:  Merchants Bank, 45 N. Broadway, Wind Gap, PA 18091.  Payments are not accepted at Pen Argyl Borough Hall.

Borough Newsletter- The Borough Newsletter is published each month following the Borough Council Meeting.  It can be found at the Borough Hall, Blue Mt. Community Library, PNC Bank, the Post Office, On the Spot Cleaners, Marcon Shoemaker, Cuono’s Barber Shop, Reto’s Barber Shop, Pen Argyl Pizza, Pen Argyl Cycle, Slate Pub and Ever After Floral Designs.  It can also be found on our website at www.penaryglborough.com.   You can receive the newsletter online by going to our website and requesting it. While on the web site make sure you like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!!!!!

Garbage/Recycling – Recycling will be on February 10th, 24thand March 9th. Garbage/recycling containers are to be placed on the resident’s property at the curb line and are not to be placed before 2 P.M. on the day before pickup.

Snow removal – Residents are reminded that they are not to shovel or blow snow into the street.  Also, residents are asked to shovel snow away from any fire hydrant.

Park hours– All sections of the park are now closed at dusk.

Curfew– Minors are reminded that Pen Argyl has a curfew.  Minors under the age of 18 are not to be on any public street, alley, and sidewalk or at Weona Park between the hours of 11 P.M. and 6 A.M.

Dog Licenses– Residents are reminded to renew their dog licenses.  Applications and licenses are available at AVH, located at 1027 Blue Valley Drive, Pen Argyl, PA 18072.  If you have animal issues and concerns please call Animal Control Officer Phil Bell at the non-emergency number at the Control Center 610-759-2200 or Mr. Bell’s cell number at 610-393-0223.

BlueMountainCommunity Library-Board of Directors meet the 3rd Wed of each month at 6:30 P.M. Book Discussion Group meets the 3rdTuesday of each month at 6:30 P.M.; Feb. book is “The Language of Flowers”, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh and for March, “State of Wonder”, by Ann Patchett.  Children’s Story Times are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 10:30 A.M. The library also has federal and state tax forms available.

 

CALENDAR (All meetings are at Borough Hall unless noted.)

Tues., Feb 21st– Park Board Meeting, Community Center, 7 P.M.

Tues., Feb 28th– Borough Council Workshop, 7 P.M.

Mon., March 5th– Sewer Committee, 4:30 P.M.

Mon., March 5th– Municipal Authority Meeting, 6 P.M. (if needed)

Tues., March 6th  – Borough Council Meeting, 7 P.M, Weona Park Community Center.