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Residents press Butler council over hydrants and drainage; borough outlines repair timeline
Summary
At the Sept. 16 Butler council meeting residents raised safety concerns about 15 hydrants needing replacement and complained of an unrepaired drainage easement; borough officials said temporary fixes are in place, permanent tank repairs are planned for fall, and additional hydrant replacements will be funded in next year’s budget.
Residents used the council meeting on Sept. 16 to press officials about public‑safety infrastructure and property damage.
During reports, Councilwoman B. Orcutt told the council that routine Water Department maintenance continues, quarterly meter reading is scheduled for the end of the month, and a leak was discovered in one of two water storage tanks; a temporary patch is in place and a permanent repair is planned for the fall when water usage is lower, with full rehabilitation of both tanks scheduled for 2026. Orcutt also said 15 of the borough’s 349 fire hydrants are in need of replacement and that replacement costs have roughly doubled in the past year; the borough currently has funds to replace four or five hydrants this year and will propose additional financing in next year’s budget.
During the public‑comment period, Maria Fila of 115 Decker Road said she contacted former and current borough staff about a drainage easement on her property that was partially repaired last year but remains damaged; she told the council she had an "aggressive call" with DPW Supervisor Brian Puma on Aug. 18 and has not received further follow‑up. Borough Administrator Matthew Guilder said he connected Ms. Fila with Mr. Puma and the council agreed to address the outstanding repair.
Resident Jim Grabanowski questioned how the borough would ensure hydrants are usable in winter conditions and urged prompt action; Councilman M. Piccirillo said he had not been previously notified about the scope of the hydrant problem and the council agreed to move the matter quickly.
What the borough says
- Matthew Guilder (Borough Administrator): relayed mayoral concern and said Mr. Puma has been engaged; asked that hydrant replacements be addressed through the budget process and immediate needs be prioritized.
- Councilwoman B. Orcutt (Water Dept. report): temporary tank patch in place; permanent tank repair planned for fall; full tank rehabilitation scheduled for 2026; 15 hydrants identified as needing replacement; 4–5 hydrants can be replaced with current funds.
Why it matters: Nonfunctional or out‑of‑service hydrants can affect firefighting response. The council recorded agreement to prioritize repairs and to include additional funding in next year’s budget; no emergency appropriation was made at the Sept. 16 meeting.
