Codes report, trash collection feedback and hometown-hero banners discussed; manager says all 23 banner slots filled

Codes and zoning staff reported permit and enforcement activity for March and early April, and the borough manager updated council and the public on two communications programs: the Hometown Hero banner program and a proposed biannual mailed newsletter.

Codes and zoning officer Rob told council that in March the office issued 16 permits and performed eight inspections; the office recorded 57 rental-license renewals and 59 rental inspections, plus a small number of property-maintenance and trash complaints. Rob answered questions from council about new trash cans and resident placement as crews and residents adapt to the collection changes.

Borough Manager Rebecca said the borough filled 23 Hometown Hero banner slots for the year and expects the banners to be installed by Memorial Day. “We did, fill up our slots very, very quickly. We were able to fill all 23 spots for this year,” Rebecca said. She also told council the program is limited by which utility poles the utility will allow the borough to use; she said two poles were rejected and that the borough is permitted to apply for up to 25 polls in future years. Rebecca added the borough plans to open applications in January next year for the next cycle.

During public comment a resident (gave location as 3055 North Creek Street) asked whether banners could be placed in the borough memorial park. The resident and council discussed the absence of poles inside the park and the limits on which poles the utility allows. Rebecca said one of the poles obtained this year is near the park entrance and the borough can try next year to place more banners toward the park entrance if permitted by the utility.

Council thanked staff for the codes report and for the work of public-works crews in collection and cleanup following reported bag breakages. The meeting then returned to other agenda items and adjourned.