LEWISTOWN - Mayor Deb Bargo recognized Manager/Secretary David Frey for his 31 years of service to the Borough of Lewistown at borough council's meeting Monday night.
David Frey, who began his career with the borough in 1981, and started his leadership as manager/secretary in 1985, will be retiring at the end of the month. Bargo stated that Frey instilled in his staff the, "...ability to accomplish matters the correct way." She added that the entire council knew that he would be spending his future by engaging in activities that will be rewarding and provide him with happiness. On behalf of the Lewistown Borough Council and Borough Staff, Bargo extended, "...heartfelt thanks for his tremendous leadership over these many years," wishing him well in his retirement, adding that he will be greatly missed by everyone.
New Manager Connie Lucas was introduced to the council and audience as well. Lucas will take on the title effective Aug. 4.
Article Photos
Sentinel photo by BRADLEY KREITZER
Lewistown Mayor Deb Bargo, left, congratulates Lewistown Borough Manager David Frey on his retirement during his last borough council meeting Monday evening in Lewistown.
Following recognitions, William Gomes, Mifflin County Planning Director, presented the council with an update of the Monument Square 3B Streetscape Project. The project, which is part of a four-phase project, is set to begin late summer.
Gomes asked the council to consider waving a sidewalk permit fee, which will add $2,500 to project costs. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation stated that this permit fee could not be adsorbed into the fees of the contractor, as the planning commission had hoped.
After having already asked property owners for donations in regard to the sidewalk, Gomes turned to the council. Several ideas were raised, including billing property owners for the service, which would cost around $40 per owner. Council member Larry Searer stated that he believed property owners should pay for their own sidewalks if they wished to have them improved, and that it wasn't the borough's responsibility to take care of the service.
Solicitor Jeffery Snook said billing under the new borough ordinance, which will take effect July 17, may be possible. Council made a motion for Snook to look into billing, and will make further action on the issue at their next meeting.
Jeff Adams, of the Lake car dealership in Lewistown, came to the council with a proposed course for a 5K run/walk which will benefit the Mifflin County Veterans Association. The race, which will start at 9 a.m. Aug. 11, will begin at Lake Chevrolet on Main Street and make its way around Lewistown, minimally affecting traffic areas. Adams also sought help of fire police in order to direct traffic in times when runners needed to cross roads. The board approved the proposed course.
The board approved three proposed ordinances as advertised at their meeting. The first ordinance, and amplified noise ordinance, prohibits "loud, annoying" noise, including music coming from vehicles. Sound cannot be heard past a distance of 50 feet in order to comply with the ordinance. The civil penalty for violating the ordinance will be $50, with certain behavioral exceptions in emergency situations.
The second ordinance, in regard to curfew, will now state that anyone younger than age 18 will not be allowed out past the time of 11 p.m., or before the hour 5 a.m., throughout the borough. Certain exceptions, such as driving home from school or other various functions, emergencies and returning home from work, will be justified.
The final new ordinance will affect the Monument Square area and the recent improvements that have been implemented. This ordinance will will make the improvement area closed to the public between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., and will prohibit the public from standing and lying on new benches, smoking and consuming alcohol in the area. Appropriate signage for the area will be provided by the borough.
Other actions taken by the board included:
* Approval of the use of Rec Park and the swimming pool for the Special Needs center Aug. 8.
* Approval of pavilion use by Calvary Bible Church for its "Backyard Bible" program, which will take place July 31-Aug. 3.
* A motion to extend time in taking action on the Nittany Minit Mart project, per the request of Nittany Oil.
The board will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. July 23, to tentatively award contracting bids for an upcoming county aid and general paving project, with final approval to come at the board's August meeting. The board regularly meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month.
