PINE GROVE - The borough council approved the 2013 budget for advertising last month with no sign of a tax increase.
Keeping the budget in check didn't come easy, however.
"We worked hard and did a lot of slashing," council President Larry Dubbs said.
The proposed budget is available for review at borough hall, but Phyllis Hesser, former council president, reminded the board that there is no place to sit and review the 39-page budget. The council will provide a copy of the budget free of charge to interested residents - an idea suggested by Tony Gurski.
"It's the people's budget," said Gurski.
The man noted that residents should not be charged the $9.75 it would cost for other documents of that length since they are already footing the bill for the budget. If not free, he said he would accept a nominal fee of $2.
Scott Zimmerman agreed.
"Online, free or a nominal fee," Zimmerman said.
Mayor Kim Brown-Zerbe also agreed.
"We worked hard and we want people to see it," she said.
Although the council finally agreed, Dubbs questioned what might happen when the council allows one free document and not others.
In other business, the council heard numbers from the borough police department's October report, including 15 criminal arrests, 28 traffic arrests and three traffic warnings. Officers issued 22 parking tickets and two ordinance violation warnings, and the department received 81 complaints.
Concerning fire protection, Mike Stalnecker, North End Fire Company chief, informed the council that repairs to the company's building have been completed. It was slated to officially open Nov. 17.
Although the fire company was called by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to go to Long Island in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, the company declined; however, a crew of 20 was detailed to the area's Emergency Operation Center.
With the Nov. 7 appointment by Gov. Tom Corbett of Gurski as the borough's emergency management coordinator, Gurski had informed the council that same day at its workshop that he was already working on training courses that he needed to complete.
In another weather-related matter, the council approved a Federal Emergency Management Agency Buyout in Lieu of Formal Condemnation resolution. According to solicitor Chris Hobbs, the passage will help the borough after the buyouts occur.
Brown-Zerbe said the closeout for the buyout properties should conclude in another few weeks.
"We're not giving these people a big piece of change," she said, referring to rumors. "Some will only end up with a few hundred dollars, or even five bucks."
The mayor said the affected homeowners will get the pre-flood appraised value sans any insurance money received. Those with outstanding mortgages, will also have to pay off those mortgages, she said.
"They are not making money, and some are still living in FEMA trailers. It's coming to an end, but it's the beginning for them."
In other action, the council:
- Agreed to advertise for quotes from locals interested in assisting the borough with snow plowing on an as-needed basis.
- Approved a handicap sign for a High Street resident who lives with an elderly parent. Although the resident has access to parking in a back alley, Brown-Zerbe assured the council that the request was not made just for the residents' convenience.
- Approved a request from Dave Kruel to perform the annual Black Creek bird count in the borough's watership for the Audubon Society.
- Approved the hiring of three employees: Brian Beuchler as a laborer with the streets/water department and two part-time police officers.
It was noted that the Tulpehocken Rifle and Pistol Club is interested in purchasing the Walters Street property that was appraised at $12,000, requiring the property to be competitively bid.
Plans will be made to move the streets/water department trailer to higher ground. Money has been received from FEMA for the project.