McADOO - The borough council heard more complaints from residents alleging young police officers are being more aggressive in pulling over motorists for minor traffic violations.
McAdoo resident John Treskolasky, who works at Van Hoekelen, claims when he is called out at night and driving through town, a McAdoo police car trails him for what he calls no apparent reason.
McAdoo police Chief Jeff Wainwright cited the motor vehicle code book and said any minor violation gives police the right to stop a motorist. He said to instruct them to ignore minor violations would be obstructing his officers.
Others supported Treskolasky, saying the same thing has happened to them. One mother said her daughter was stopped seven times on her way to work the past few weeks, and she told Wainwright it better stop.
The council and Wainright offered no solution other than to say that if someone feels they are being harassed by a police officer, they could file a complaint at the police station.
McAdoo Mayor Stephen Holly said, "We have a good police department, and they do a good job."
He suggested placing cameras on police patrol cars for the safety of the residents and the police department.
McAdoo council took action on the following agenda items Tuesday:
- Adopted a resolution for Uniform Construction Code Permit fees by a 6-1 vote. Councilman Bill Slovik voted no because he thought some of the permit fees were too high.
- Adopted a resolution to apply for $40,000 for a Department of Community and Economic Development low interest loan for the purchase of a 10-ton dump truck.
- Agreed to some requests by letter from the VFW Post 6708 for their annual Memorial Day Parade.
- Agreed to give VFW Post 6708 a donation for their Memorial Day Parade.
- Agreed to requests by the Keystone Fire Company for their Annual Block Party.
- Approved a request by the McAdoo High School Alumni to plant trees near and around the high school monument.
Council member Mary Labert, who is a member of the Alumni, said they want to plant five trees; three shade maple trees, one red maple tree and one white birch tree at a cost to her organization of $1,600. She abstained from voting.
- Approved repairs by the state Department of Transportation for a bridge under Kennedy Drive.
- Agreed to begin discussion on a proposed drive-thru Dunkin' Donuts addition by Fegley Mini Mart at 146 S. Kennedy Drive.