Borough council addresses parking, e-bike enforcement
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LEWISTOWN -- The Lewistown Borough Council heard updates on local parking complaints, enforcement involving electric bikes and dirt bikes, school-zone traffic safety and ongoing wastewater improvements on Monday.
During the communications portion of the meeting, Lewistown Police Department Chief David Clemens reported that the department handled 387 calls for service in August, including 29 traffic incidents, 29 non-traffic incidents and investigated 16 crashes.
Clemens then introduced Sgt. Matthew Lynch, who detailed recent parking enforcement issues in the borough.
Parking complaints
Lynch told council that the department has received several complaints involving abandoned, disabled or improperly parked vehicles.
Police have issued citations and notices to remove these vehicles in several cases, including vehicles on Valley Street, Pine Street and other areas of the borough.
Lynch added that police recently towed a vehicle from Logan Street after it was reported blocking a driveway, a situation in which police do not need to send a letter giving a seven-day notice before towing.
Lynch also said, "If we have a little bit higher fine, that might be something where people are less likely to repeat that offense," regarding residents reported to have parked on the left side of the curb. He stated that the current fine is about $5.
Illegal e-bikes and dirt bikes
Lynch also discussed recent issues involving improperly registered electric bikes and dirt bikes, as some residents have allegedly operated these vehicles dangerously and without proper licensing.
Lynch reminded the council and the public that Pennsylvania law establishes requirements for electric bikes, including age and equipment requirements. He said the department has been informing parents of underage riders and issuing warnings alongside citations to balance enforcement and maintaining community connection.
Police have also often encountered teenagers riding battery-powered dirt bikes that are often required to be registered and operated under rules applying to motor vehicles.
Lynch said officers have attempted to stop riders on several occasions, but some have fled.
“We’re not going to engage in a high-speed pursuit through town,” Lynch said regarding the potential danger to both the riders and other drivers.
In one recent incident, Lynch said a rider allegedly fled through an alley and a street in front of a regional police officer.
Lynch said the lack of dashboard cameras in borough police vehicles and limited surveillance footage can make it difficult to identify riders after incidents occur.
Wastewater treatment plant
Borough Manager Julie Brooks then provided an update on work at the wastewater treatment plant.
Brooks said crews emptied Digester No. 2 and are working on Digester No. 3. She shared that crews encountered several feet of debris and thick sludge during the cleaning process.
Brooks added that the newer digester is online and functioning properly.
In the absence of councilman Jim Steele and Council Vice President Robert Barlett, the borough council also:
•Approved a $5,000 annual pledge request from Downtown Lewistown Inc.;
•Ratified a grant resolution for an application for a $120,200 project to make improvements at Rec Park. The proposal is part of a Main Street-designated grant and would include resurfacing tennis courts, replacing or improving the nets, and improving pool buildings. The grant requires a 25% local match, which officials estimated could be about $30,000.
The borough council will meet next at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, in the council chambers at the Lewistown Municipal Building.