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Lake closes Aug. 25; council discusses fishing badges and Plant Street field permit
Summary
The borough announced the lake will close Aug. 25 as lifeguards leave for college, council clarified fishing badge rules and discussed applying to State Parks for a multi-year permit for Plant Street field to preserve ORA use rather than triggering a competitive bidding process.
Councilwoman Cowdrick told the council on Aug. 23 that the borough lake will close on Aug. 25 because lifeguards are leaving for college. Members discussed badge and boat-decal rules for fishing: Councilwoman Slater said that if residents have a badge they are allowed to fish, including from boats, while Memorial Park has no badge requirement.
Mayor Hutnick reported that the ORA (the borough’s recreation association) requested assistance with using Plant Street field. He said State Parks advised that if the municipality applies for a multi-year permit the borough can secure field use for the ORA; if the municipality relinquishes the permit to a nonprofit or private entity the field would instead be subject to a competitive bidding process.
Chief Gordon said he attended a meeting where Josh, the regional State Parks manager, explained the difference: municipalities that apply to lease or permit state park land historically receive streamlined approval, while transfers of use to private entities can trigger more involved bidding procedures.
Council discussed whether the town should apply for a permit to ensure ORA access; Mayor Hutnick and Attorney McBriar said they would review the details and report back. No formal resolution was adopted at the Aug. 23 meeting.
Next steps: Borough attorney to review State Parks guidance and determine whether to apply for a multi-year permit; council to consider any required application or fee and report back.
