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Council weighs dismantling long‑out‑of‑service clock tower after ownership ambiguity
Summary
Council discussed a decades‑old clock tower that has not operated for years, found ownership and maintenance responsibility unclear among the borough, the Rotary and a private owner (Mr. Decker), and directed staff to contact the Rotary about dismantling options; removal cost estimates ranged from about $3,000 to $4,000.
Council reviewed the condition and responsibility for a non‑operating clock tower donated by the Rotary in 1986 and discussed potential steps if neither the Rotary nor private owners will maintain it.
Council members reported finding press accounts and past correspondence indicating the clock had been out of service for more than 10 years. The Rotary's recent email indicated it is not offering funds for renovation and instead discussed the possibility of buying a new clock in the future; the Rotary did not commit to repairs. Council members said ownership and upkeep are ambiguous and that, if the structure were to fall and cause injury, liability could be contested in court among the Rotary, the property owner and the borough.
Members proposed contacting the Rotary and the property owner (identified in meeting discussion as Mr. Decker) to negotiate an agreement—potentially a quick‑claim or cooperative plan—to dismantle or otherwise resolve the structure. Council mentioned one informal removal estimate in the range of $3,000–$4,000 and said contributions could come from multiple parties if removal proceeds. Several council members favored dismantling the tower if no one will repair it.
Council directed staff to email the Rotary to inform them of the borough's desire to pursue dismantling if no renovation funding or plan emerges.
