TREMONT - The enforcement of an ordinance passed more than 20 years ago could help bring more taxes into Tremont borough.
The ordinance was discussed at the council's workshop and again at the regular meeting on Feb. 11. Ordinance No. 3-93 was approved on May 3, 1993, and requires landlords to report the names of tenants over the age of 18 moving into their rental property to the borough secretary. Failure to do so within 15 days of the leasing agreement could be fined up to $300.
In order to establish a complete list of rental properties, councilwoman Paulette Yuschock agreed to develop a plan for surveying the borough.
The council also discussed an inspection ordinance covering rental properties, developed by Marty Sowers, Light-Heigel. Council President Bob Donmoyer said he felt that ordinance may not be necessary since maintenance problems are already addressed by the Property Maintenance Ordinance.
Quality of Life
Although Jerry Fasnacht is no longer a councilman or the borough's code enforcement officer, he and councilman Roger Adams still disagreed over some issues with the quality of life ordinance. A brief back and forth took place, which was squashed by Adams' father, Mayor Roger Adams.
The mayor assured Fasnacht he would be working on the borough's problems along with the newly appointed Code Enforcement Officer William "Jeff" Bruce.
Together we'll get them done, the mayor said, but we need to bend a little.
"We'll make changes. Some you'll like. Some you won't," Roger Adams said. "I intend to get to it."
Yuschock questioned when the parking meters had been calibrated. The district justice, she said, would throw out a citation. Fasnacht, however, noted the police department's stop watch had been calibrated and questioned how many tickets had been issued. Although the mayor was quick to point out that the borough is not out to make money with the stop watch, Donmoyer said he gets lots of complaints about cars speeding into town from all directions.
Demolition
A bid of $37,439 for the demolition of the former Sharpshooter's Bar and the adjoining buildings, 58-60 E. Main St., was awarded by the county although no date was given for the work to begin. Since the grant requires 25 percent be paid by the municipality, the borough is responsible for $9,359. This is in addition to the purchase of the buildings, engineer and attorney fees, plus an asbestos study, bringing the borough's total responsibility to more than $11,000.
The mayor reported Yuschock, Roger Adams and he had attended the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs' Newly Elected Municipal Officials Training on Feb. 7 and 8 in Grantville.
"We learned a few do's and don'ts," said the mayor, while thanking the council for sending them.
Police
The resignation of police Officer Steve Yoder was accepted, effective Jan. 27.
"I hate to see him go. He did a good job," Adams said.
Donmoyer agreed, adding he did a lot of patrolling.
A request from the mayor for the purchase of two holster belts at a cost of $50 each was approved. The officer, Adams said, can snap the holster onto the belt without removing the belt.
The council also approved an expenditure of less than $500 to relocate the police department evidence room. A recent problem necessitated entry into the current room and no one could immediately enter.
In related business, the borough's police report for January shows one criminal complaint and two traffic citations were filed, plus three written warnings were issued. Thirty-four incidents were investigated, which included one child custody dispute, three criminal mischief, two domestics, one rape, one sexual assault, two thefts, three motor vehicle crashes (two reportable), two harassments, one bad check, one animal complaint, four traffic stops, four parking complaints, one traffic control, one automatic fire alarm, three assists to other police departments and four assists to emergency medical services. An officer also attended one hearing in District Justice David J. Rossi's office.
CEO
Bruce reported six citations had been issued in January. Although two hearings had been scheduled, both were withdrawn. One involved a vehicle that was moved, while the other was on the advice of Rossi to allow some training by him. Bruce noted that former Fasnacht has been a great help to him and thanked him for it.
"I didn't realize how bad this borough is," Bruce said, adding that there is more work than one person can do. He suggested council members could help.
Donmoyer agreed there will be a learning process for Bruce. He noted that it is an involved job, but thanked him for his willingness to learn. However, according to Donmoyer, there are lots of people happy with what is going on (with the enforcement of the ordinances). He informed Bruce that he could appoint a deputy to help him. The person, Donmoyer said, does not need to be approved by the council.
Bruce reported he is trying to educate residents and currently has 105 followers on Facebook.
Fire department
Fire Chief James Koppenhaver reported the department had responded to eight calls during January. He encouraged residents to clear snow and ice away from fire hydrants close to their property. This, he said, will assist firemen in making quicker connections to water.
Since the fire company will be selling its 1985 Chevrolet Squad Truck, Koppenhaver requested the funds be used to purchase a later model truck. Koppenhaver also reported 20 of the 72 calls logged in during 2013 were automatic fire alarms, 16 of which were false alarms from the Tremont nursing home.
The department is also preparing for the annual Lenten Fish Dinners at the Tremont Fire Company, which will begin on March 7 and continue for the next 7 weeks. They will also sell $1 Gertrude Hawk candy bars.
Koppenhaver noted that the borough will be turning 200 years old in 2016. The Tremont Fire Company, he said, will host the 62nd Schuylkill County Firemen's Convention that year.
In other business
- The council appointed Marty Sowers of Alfred Benesch & Co. as the borough's uniform construction code officer, and Matt Williard of Alfred Benesch & Co. as the borough sewage enforcement officer.
- Fasnacht suggested the borough stipulate that a property sold during a judicial sale be required to be brought up to code in three months.
- Donmoyer reported he had met with seventh-grade students who want to do a project at the recreation area and are interested in applying for a $1,000 grant from "Disney Friends for Change." He noted that he was impressed with the students and would contact the Tremont Community Organization to see if they would financially help the students with their project.
- Costs associated with the recent snowstorms will be weeded out for submission to the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency to assist the county in reaching the $500,000 needed to qualify for the "Presidential Disaster Declaration" funding. The state as a whole must have spent more than $17 million to be included.
- Donmoyer encouraged council members and the mayor to take advantage of some of the disaster preparedness courses currently being offered by the county's EMA.
- Roger Adams will check on the cost of calibrating parking meters and how long it's good for, as well as repair costs.
- Jim Scheibley of Tremont Municipal Authority reported the Tremont Community Organization has agreed to pay the entire $726.40 bill for the Christmas street lighting instead of their usual $500 donation. According to Donmoyer, it took longer to take the lights down because of the weather.
- Approval was given to Tri-County Worship Center, Bethel, to use the Clay Street ball field a Friday night and Saturday during May or the beginning of June.
- The fee will be waived for the approved March 29 "Zumbathon" for the Samantha Lengel scholarship fund. A bridal shower was also approved for the same day in the Community room.
- Tremont baseball Inc. will hold a meeting March 9 in the council meeting room.
- Gately reported U.S. Department of Agriculture matching grants and loans applications can still be submitted for the digital narrowband communications upgrade for police, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel. A match ranging from 15 to 55 percent, depending on median household income of the community, applies. The mayor and Scheibley agreed to contact William Hanley of Congressman Matt Cartwright's office who is coordinating the effort locally.