Orwigsburg Borough Council met April 13 to update residents on street and building projects and to honor a local doctor for his service to the community and his profession.
A proclamation was issued to Dr. Joseph Zawisza on behalf of the citizens of Orwigsburg recognizing National Osteopathic Medicine Week. Zawisza is an internal medicine doctor, pediatrician and primary care physician with an office at 211 W. Market St.
“We appreciate all the service you have done for your community as well as your family’s service,” said Mayor Barry Berger as he handed Zawisza the proclamation. “The Zawisza family has been a huge force in the medical care for several generations.”
Police report
Chief Vince McDonald reported borough officers clocked 856 hours for the month of March, with a total of 206 incidents logged, of which 7 were reportable crimes.
McDonald signed a memorandum of understanding with the Blue Mountain School District agreeing on the handling of police-involved incidents.
A 2022 Ford Explorer is awaiting final detailing, replacing the old 2015 Explorer. Borough Manager Randy Miller asked council to authorize the sale of the old police vehicle to the Orwigsburg Fire Department for $1.
The police department welcomed two new recruits. Officer Bobby Bechtel and his wife, Emily, had a son in February and Officer Tanner Noecker and his wife, Megan gave birth to a daughter in March.
Finances and projects
Councilman Brock Stein provided council members with a copy of the completed 2021 audit. The borough has a AA- bond rating and is currently ahead of projected revenues for the first quarter.
Miller informed council that the borough is looking to hire two part-time seasonal workers. Duties include mowing, weed cutting, painting and trimming trees. The wage is set at $11 per hour.
Councilman Ed Keyworth updated members on the Industrial Drive ARC grant. Engineers are working on permitting and right-of-way issues. PP&L will relocate poles at the Industrial and Long Avenue intersection.
Council received a price of $2,500 per day from Environmental Services to perform a soft dig to locate water lines. A motion was passed approving a total of $5,000 for two days of work.
Miller Environmental agreed to the automatic extension of Licensed Operations at the water and sewer plants.
Council President Rick Bubeck submitted a capital improvement list to the board. ARRO Engineering is to prepare bid specifications and to advertise for liquid fuels street projects
Bubeck reported the Ritchie Logging and Sawmill contract has been signed in the amount of $204,118, with work scheduled to begin in the late spring.
Borough workers will install storm improvements on Margaret Avenue prior to seal coating the street. Improvements are also scheduled for North Street and sections of Cresswell, Marshall and Halsey.
Council voted to submit proposals to Liquid Fuels for repairs to Gerald Avenue in the amount of $37,468.75, Margaret Avenue for $44,598, and an escalator clause approved to help negate the fluctuations in the price of crude oil.
Parks and recreation
Councilwoman Maddie Bartush presented an update on renovations to the building at Albright’s Woods. The bathroom upgrades have been completed, the entrance driveway has been moved, doors are being renovated and the roofs shingled.
Construction at the Veteran’s Memorial has begun. Rough electrical and plumbing work is progressing in the interior and lighting, paving and painting is being done on the parking area. Council approved a motion to pay Miller Brother’s $10,074.10 for the first payment.
The borough is continuing with the inspections of rental properties. Council member Kerry Mariano reported that 10 notices of violation have been issued by borough zoning officer Shannon Darker of ARRO Engineering.
Eagle Scout project
Boy Scout Matt Gergus, Troop 624 , presented his Eagle Scout project proposal. Gergus wants to build a gaga ball pit and repair the horseshoe park in Albright’s Woods. The game is similar to dodgeball but played in an octagonal pit with a 20-foot diameter. It combines running, jumping, dodging and striking, all while trying to hit opponents below the knees with the ball.
Gergus plans to begin his project the first week of May and finishing by the end of the month. The cost of the pit, accessories and bench is about $1,500, which Gergus has collected through fundraising.
Solicitor’s report
Council approved a motion recommended by Solicitor Paul Datte to vacate specific streets in Cresswell Acres. Included in this proposal are areas on Walters Avenue, Douglas Street, Gerald Avenue, Jones Street and Wilbert Avenue.
Upcoming events
The next council workshop will be held May 4 at 7 p.m.
The annual borough fishing rodeo will be held on May 21 and 22, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Fisher’s Dam.
The Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 30. The Orwigsburg Fire Company will also hold its annual Chicken Dinner at the Memorial Building.
Meet the Farmer will be held at the Orwigsburg Library on Saturday, June 4. The event is an opportunity for kids to visit a local farm, learn about farming operations and have lunch with the farmer and staff. Cost is $5 per child and seats are limited.
Source: Berkshire mont