Pine Grove addresses parade escort plan

PINE GROVE - Pine Grove Borough Mayor Kim Brown Zerbe reported that the fire companies and police will continue to provide an escort for parades planned in advanced to celebrate the winning of championship games by local high school athletes. It was agreed by the chiefs, as well as the council president, however, that emergency personnel will not be involved in the parade sponsored by a former girls' basketball coach. According to the mayor, to do so would open a "Pandora's box".

Youth rights

Brown-Zerbe also explained during council's February 21 meeting that two juveniles arrested on felony charges continue to attend school. Although an investigation is on-going, she said the police department has no control over the school whose hands are also tied since the illegal activity did not occur on school property. The school, she added, cannot deny the youth their rights.

Tom Fickinger reported the borough has received a bill for $3,750 from the Schuylkill Conservation District covering the borough's commitment towards the hiring of the Lower Swatara Watershed Long Term Recovery Manager at the beginning of the month. One of his main duties, said Fickinger, will be working on securing grants for various projects identified by the committee.

Police

The Pine Grove borough police department had an extremely busy start to the new year.

A police report for January showed 26 criminal arrests had been made for the month. Other incidents included in the report were 20 traffic arrests and two warnings, plus three ordinance warnings, the issuances of 13 parking tickets, and the receipt of 83 complaints.

Fire Co.

North End Fire Company fire chief, Mike Stalnecker, provided a monthly report showing the company responded to 27 calls during January. Three were structure fires and one was listed as a control burn. An entire company fire drill was also held during the month. Of the calls, 13 were made in the borough, 12 in the three surrounding townships, one in Tremont borough, and one in Porter Township.

Remediation

Dave Everett of Mobile Environmental Analytical (MEA) reported MEA had completed the environmental remediation of the Kwik Pickens property on Tulpehocken Street. The report, he said, was acceptable to the Department of Environmental Protection, but includes the requirement that a covenant be attached to the deed stating that a well could not be drilled on the property. A borough ordinance should also be passed indicating that no potable or agricultural well be drilled on the property, and if the ordinance is ever changed, DEP must be notified. According to Everett, the property can be used or sold.

Solicitor Chris Hobbs provided a report concerning another property in the borough. A Walter Street building, once used by the borough but no longer wanted, will be transferred to Snyder Furniture, Inc. as required by the original agreement between Clark Snyder and the borough.

Desk

Phyllis Hesser noted her appreciation for the desk and light the council had placed in the hallway for residents to use when reviewing or copying borough information. She said, however, that she had twice requested information concerning the financial impact on the borough due to the loss of eleven properties that will be purchased through the FEMA buy-out program. Lynne Umbenhauer was chairing the meeting in president Larry Dubb's absence and assured her that information would be available for her next month. Hesser also requested that a shredded American flag on a vacant property across the street from her home be removed. Umbenhauer again assured her that it would be taken care of.

Bids

Only one bid was received for a salt spreader no longer used by the borough. Brock Natale, Pine Grove, bid $100. Also, only one bid was received for a 1993 International Dump Truck. Robert Barder of Lykens bid $5,200. Two bids, however, were received for the demolition and cleanup of an old trailer at Echo Valley. Arthur "Pat" Aungst, Pine Grove, was successful with the low bid of $3,994 over Sherwood Kimmel of Pine Grove who bid $4,800. No bids were received for a snow plow.

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