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LEWISTOWN -- The Lewistown Borough Council convened on Wednesday evening, addressing a packed agenda that ranged from infrastructure challenges to community events. Two key issues dominated the discussion: the borough's ongoing struggle with wastewater management and implementing fire department safety inspections.
The specter of a $46,838 fine from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) loomed large over the meeting. This penalty stemmed from the borough's failure to follow a consent order related to inflow and infiltration (I&I) issues in the wastewater system. The council voted to accept the fine, and the associated consent order, acknowledging the need to move forward and address the underlying problems.
Central to the I&I discussion was the Edgewater Pump Station subbasin, a small but critical section of the wastewater system prone to overflow during rainfall. To gain a clearer understanding, the council approved a $24,000 annual expenditure to rent and install advanced flow meters. These meters will provide real-time data on wastewater flow, enabling the borough to pinpoint problem areas and accurately assess its contribution to the overall I&I issue.
Additionally, the council green-lit a DEP I&I Pump Station IT Upgrade, which carries a price tag of $127,816. These investments demonstrate the council's commitment to modernizing the borough's infrastructure and complying with state regulations.
The council also approved a $7,215 expenditure for the cleaning of a shared sewer main near Derry Township. This action aims to improve the system's efficiency and capacity, further addressing I&I concerns.
Underlying these actions is the complex relationship between Lewistown Borough and neighboring municipalities, particularly Derry Township. The shared infrastructure and the allocation of responsibility for I&I issues have been points of contention. The council expressed a desire to engage in productive dialogue with Derry Township, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling these challenges.
Borough Council president Kim Zimmerman mentioned talking to John Brenneman, representing Senator Judy Ward's office, who suggested the council seek political support in Harrisburg for future grant applications related to wastewater infrastructure improvements. This strategic move might alleviate the financial burden on the borough as it strives to meet DEP requirements and upgrade its aging wastewater system.
The council engaged in a discussion regarding the proposed implementation of fire department safety inspections. While supportive of the initiative, council members raised several concerns regarding the scope of inspections, potential liability issues, and the need for clear guidelines and procedures.
If approved, the inspections will begin on Jan. 1, 2025.
The council asked for more information from the fire department, including the inspection forms used by other counties and a detailed plan outlining the scope, procedures, and legal considerations of the proposed inspections. The matter will be revisited at the next Law and Ordinance Committee meeting.
In other news:
· The council approved a $597,500 bid from USG for the initial phase of repairs to Digester No. 1 at the wastewater treatment plant. The repairs will focus on the removal of the roof and sludge removal.
· The council agreed to provide a letter of support for the City Fire Department's grant application to upgrade its facility.
· The recent weekend recycling program saw eight participants, costing the borough about $300.
· The DCNR pool study is complete, and the borough is awaiting reimbursement of the $31,000 cost. Pool donations total $9,300 and will open on Wednesday, June 5, from 3 to 7 p.m.
· Negotiations with the Teamsters Union are ongoing, with the next meeting scheduled for May 15.
· The borough received approximately 30 applications for military banners, exceeding the available 25 spots. Double-sided banners will accommodate all submissions.
· The council awaits finalized recommendations from EADS regarding commercial Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) calculations and potential changes to wastewater billing rates.
· The council plans to hold a town hall meeting later in the year.
· Discussions are underway regarding the possibility of a new EMS building for the borough, potentially combined with the police station.
· The council tabled the discussion on a proposed fire department vehicle maintenance plan until more information is available on the financial impact of the new fire truck loan.
· The council approved three requests for handicapped parking spaces and granted an exception to the street sweeping policy for one resident recovering from surgery.
· Council approved Kid Connection for Saturday, May 11, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
· Approved the EMS (FAME) Specialty Tax increase from .121 mills to .436 mills.
· Council tabled the Portnoy Tax Collection Ordinance until the council talks to the Mifflin County Commissioners.