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LEWISTOWN -- The Lewistown Borough Council approved the Fire Tax Ordinance by a 4-1 vote at this month's meeting on Wednesday.
The 1.5 mil increase will take effect at the beginning of the year. The cost will be around $5 per resident a month and generate about $150,000 a year to help pay for the new fire truck and other needs of the Fire Department.
In addition, the Council approved, by a 5-0 vote, the Sewer Rate Ordinance increase to take effect on July 1, 2023. The minimum rate will be $97.35 plus $4.39 for every 1,000 gallons of water used past the minimum rate.
Also, Mifflin County Community Development Administrator Chastity Fultz discussed possible projects for the 2023 Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) allocation of $145,000.
Items discussed were street and alley paving projects, blight elimination, and emergency needs.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program gives states, cities, and counties grants every year based on a formula. These grants are meant to help states, cities, and counties build strong urban communities by giving people with low and moderate incomes decent housing and a good place to live, as well as more economic opportunities.
In other Borough news:
• Approval of Minutes: Council Meeting of April 12, 2023
• Approval of Treasurer's Report: End of April 2023
• Approval of the Schedule of Bills
• Acknowledge receipt of Fame Meeting Minutes
• Acknowledge receipt of Tax Collector's Report
• Acknowledge receipt of Codes Enforcement Report
• Mayor Bargo presented two proclamations. One for the United States Tennis Association (Miffco Community Tennis) and one for the Patriot Riders.
• Rec Park Pool is moving forward with opening Memorial Day Weekend. Advertising Banners are being sold to raise money for the chemical costs, and it has tentatively raised about $6,000. Applications are still being accepted for lifeguards and pool staff.
• The Borough has five applicants for the Lewistown Fire Chief position opening later this year.
• Council discussed the request to alter the Borough's ordinance to allow chickens to be raised in the Borough limits. However, it was not brought forward into a motion, so the request was denied.
• Discussed the street sweeper status. The Council received a repair estimate for almost $20,000. They were awaiting an estimated return date to begin sweeping operations.
• Council discussed the Cemetery Trust options for the Civil War veterans at the end of 3rd Street. It was decided to contact a local attorney to discuss the options of legal support before moving forward with the process.
• Council requested the attendance of the Fire Convention leadership to attend the next council meeting.
• Council approved Valley Street Emergency Lateral Repairs not to exceed $248,000. They are working with PennDOT and their contractor for the repairs and cheaper costs. Council approved a resolution for the immediate acceptance of the quote because of the emergency. Nine sewer laterals require replacement or repair to ensure DEP requirements are adhered to, and the residents affected have service.
• 22 Ridge Road demolition is nearing completion.
• The Police Department received approval for over $300,000 in state and/or federal grants, and Council approved purchasing the equipment.
• Council approved the following:
• Fire Department and FAME funding allocations
• Fire Department safety equipment purchase using ARPA funds.
• Adjusting the 2022 CDBG resolution to redirect the funds for the Southside Paving project.
• The Southside Paving and ADA ramps quotes and projects
• The approval to discuss the sewer lateral repair resolution and its overall approval.