BY HELEN B. FOSTER

Corresponent

Two Susquehanna Borough councilmen give real meaning to the term “public servant” by stepping up and doing what it took to see a park project come closer to completion.

Councilman Paul Barnes made arrangements to have the paving material that was milled from the Board Avenue paving delivered to the Ira Reynolds Memorial Park to finish the trail through the area.

According to Borough Secretary Diann Robbins, Barnes worked three days to spread the material and do other work necessary for this project that had previously been moving at a snail’s pace with occasional volunteers clearing the area.

Now, according to Robbins, Councilman Roy Williams who had worked with Barnes, has acquired the loan of equipment to remove the brush along the trail to complete the work.

Residents who have been down by the river to see the work have complimented Barnes and Williams for what has been accomplished. One resident was overheard saying, “Ira would be proud.”

At the Tuesday (July 10) council meeting, Parks Chairman John Sholtiss asked council if it was possible to compensate Barnes for the use of his personal vehicles.

“I feel he should be rewarded when you realize how much money he saved the borough,” Sholtiss  said.

Before council could respond, Barnes made it very evident he would not accept any payment for his work.

Council accepted the quote from Erie Material for two borough building doors. The door leading from the council rooms to parking lot will be purchased for $908.75 and the door for the police office will cost $1,110.00. Council will be accepting bids for installing the doors at the next council meeting, Council President Roberta Reddon said.

Street Commissioner Steve Glover is working with Tom Yoniski from Sen. Lisa Baker’s office regarding a $35,000 grant to complete ditch work on High and East Streets.

Reddon said there has been interest in property owned by the borough at the corner of Erie Avenue and East Main Street but no action can be taken until the Susquehanna County Housing Authority closes out the grant used to clear this land.

Reddon also commented on resident concern regarding the Main Street parking spots taken by PennDOT apparently needed for the widening of the corner of Main Street and Franklin Avenue.  “It is out of our hands.” Reddon said.

All complaints should be directed at PennDot, residents are being told.

Advertising will go out for a special meeting to be held July 24 to accept bids for Pine and Oak Street work.

Another sign of someone going beyond their duties was seeing Codes Enforcement  Officer Mary Weaver power washing the borough building as Susquehanna Community Development Association gets ready for Hometown Days.