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LEWISTOWN--The Lewistown Borough Council meeting last Wednesday tackled various issues, with the most significant discussions centered on the proposed Sip and Shop event and the extensive repair needs of Digester #1.
Britney Hall's Sip and Shop event, set for May 4th at Rec Park, received council approval to include alcohol sales, marking a first for the venue. The event aims to utilize the open areas and walking trails at Rec Park.
The Council also deliberated on the repairs required for Digester #1, part of the borough's wastewater treatment infrastructure.
The repair costs are estimated at $2-$4 million, with considerations including roof replacement options, handling 500,000 gallons of sludge, and funding avenues.
The project faces a lengthy timeline of 2-3 years due to permitting and operational assessments, highlighting the challenge of maintaining aging infrastructure.
This is the Primary Digester, coupled with two sister digesters from the 1950s era, which have not been serviced in decades. It is a distinct challenge for funding for the Borough and surrounding municipalities.
Other key points from the meeting included:
A legal review of prayer readings at meetings following a complaint;
Discussions on abolishing the Streets Committee and Parking Authority Board for a new combined board;
An ongoing analysis of EDU/utility billing aiming for potential savings or revenue improvements;
Upcoming negotiations for the police department contract renewal, which expires at the end of the year. Negotiations are expected to begin in March;
Consideration of leasing or selling the Community Center Building;
The borough's tax collector moved from the Municipal Hall building into a new facility at Hess Tire. Her office hours will not begin until March. The office, once vacated, will be cleaned, and readied for another office;
The tax collector requested a pay raise and asked this to be discussed at the next Council meeting. However, laws state this cannot be done until the beginning of their next term;
Approval of a 50/50 split for annual fire department allocations;
Initiatives for military banners downtown and support for the PSAB Junior Council Member program;
Consideration of new work session formats for council discussions;
Support for establishing a Chief 361 position in the Fire Department and new appointments within the department;
Discussed operational plans for the Rec Park Pool and related maintenance and staffing concerns;
Approval of appointments to the Civil Service Commission and the 2024 budget with specific changes, including streamlining the Community Center budget;
Task order approvals for environmental and infrastructure projects;
Authorization for delinquent tax collection services and the 2023 financial audit engagement;
Employee life insurance and wage increase approvals;
Council approved adding Lad Griffith to the Planning Commission and document approvals;
A hold on potential sewer utility rate increases pending further research;
Approval for the removal of unused handicapped parking spaces;
The recycling yard will be open March 16 from 8 a.m. to noon for Borough residents to drop off recycled items;
The DEP COA I&I letter is approved and will be sent to Derry and Granville. This is giving them notice of the situation with DEP and the ongoing review of the 1982 WWTP Municipal Agreement challenge;
The committee recommends bringing to Council adjusting the current ordinance for adding the requirement for the new I&I sewer vent covers;
Discussion was held regarding rooming houses and the number of law enforcement complaints received at these licensed premises;
Discussion held about sump pumps in basements being removed from the sanitary system;
Discussed the option of adding a sewer line protection fee to the utility bill, but decided against it as there is an option available with insurance for the homes;
Discussion about a panhandling ordinance, blocking the sidewalks, and updating the solicitation ordinance;
Discussed the possibility of a FireFighter Tax Credit Ordinance for the Borough;
Discussed the option of a handicapped parking spot renewal fee of $25 per year.