BY STACI WILSON

Susquehanna may be upgrading to a new police vehicle this year.

At the Wednesday, Feb.11 borough council meeting, President Joe Varsik and Police Chief Robert Sweet discussed ongoing maintenance issues with the Dodge Charger.

Repair costs for the vehicle have already eaten up this year’s budgeted allotment. Repairs to fix front end issues happen about three or four times each year, Varsik explained.

“The front end (of the Charger) is not conducive to the hills around here,” Varsik said.

The borough has about $10,000 earmarked in its budget to be used for a new police car but, even after a trade-in, will need about another $1a,000 to cover the expected price tag of over $26,000 for a 2014 Ford Taurus.

The Taurus being looked at by the borough is All Wheel Drive, compared to the Charger’s rear wheel drive.
Council is looking at various purchasing options.

The Department of Public Works was commended by council for its snow plowing efforts this season.

Councilman Roy Williams reminded residents that walkways need to be cleaned 24 hours following a storm, including entrances to intersections. He said citations would be issued.

John Hendrickson thanked the residents that cleared out snow from around fire hydrants in the borough.
Williams said the fire department used to dig them out and a meeting was being planned with the fire department on how to best tackle the chore.

He also asked residents to clear around the hydrants when they shoveled, if possible.

Under codes, Williams said he plans to meet with the owners of vacant commercial buildings on Main Street to go over their plans to bring the structures into compliance.

A division of Pennsylvania American Water Company is interested in meeting with the Tri-Borough Municipal Authority. He said the division takes over small, municipal sewer plants to bring them up to date.

“We know we have some updates coming to bring it into compliance,” Williams said, noting he would like the two entities to meet for discussion.

Varsik revisited an item he brought before council late last year – the reduction of council from seven to five elected officials; and the elimination of a ward in the borough.

With various boards requiring volunteers, Varsik said 15 to 18 people are needed to fill council seats, zoning hearing board, planning commission, codes appeal, etc.

He provided council members with some information provided by the solicitor and asked them to review it. Council will revisit the matter in the next couple of months.

Councilwoman Kaylin Lindquist suggested the borough participate in this year’s Great American Clean Up campaign.

Her fellow council members liked the idea of cleaning up litter and set a date of April 25 for the borough to participate.

Other events on tap in the borough include an Easter Egg Hunt on March 28; and Hometown Days was set for July 15-18.