MOUNT JEWETT — In a move described as “bizarre” by Mount Jewett Borough Council president Chuck Paar, Pennsylvania American Water has attempted to submit an increased bid for the borough water system after bidding was closed.
In a letter dated May 30 from Keith E. Gabage, senior manager for business development with Hershey-based Pennsylvania American Water, the company increased its offering price for the Mount Jewett water facilities from $720,000 to $1.2 million. However, as Paar pointed out, Pennsylvania American cannot alter its offer after the bidding has been closed.
Paar was bewildered at the altered offer.
“Bizarre,” Paar said. “Totally bizarre.”
Aqua America Inc. of Bryn Mawr bid $1.1 million for the struggling water facilities in May. A decision on whether or not the bid will be accepted is not expected until July.
In other news, Mayor Melissa McGuire proposed hiring a part-time officer for the Mount Jewett Police Department. McGuire said the proposed officer would work approximately 20 to 30 hours per month. She said the cost to the borough for an additional 20 hours per month would be $250.60 and $375.90 for an additional 30 hours.
McGuire said the additional officer is necessary because of “the amount of paperwork that is required for each incident takes Chief (Steve) Hale off the street.” She went on to say the amount of time Hale spends in court each month also takes him off the street.
However, borough council was reluctant to approve the request.
Councilman Brett Morgan said the budget is already set and cannot be changed. Councilman Rod Danielson said that just as McGuire hears the borough needs to hire a part-time officer, he hears from his constituents that Hale’s coverage is sufficient. Paar said there are “so many incidentals” when justifying the approval of hiring a part-time officer. However, he was quick to point out that he was not in favor of laying off the previous part-time officer, patrolman Jason Wooden.
Meanwhile, borough maintenance supervisor Rodney Peterson said three streets are on the list to be paved, but there will only be enough funding this year to pave one of them.
Peterson said that Oberg, Hill and Poplar streets are on the list for paving at approximately $30,000 to $35,000 per street. He said that Oberg Street is the worst for drainage. Paar said that further review will be necessary to determine which street will be paved.
Peterson also said the borough dump truck has been taken out of service as it will not pass a state safety inspection. He reported “the sub frame on the rear of the truck that supports the spring shackles and air canisters is shot.” Morgan moved to put the 1992 International dump truck out for bid. Paar said borough council will reserve the right to reject any bid. He also reminded borough council that the public listing for the truck will need to include two snow plows and a spreader.
McKean County planner Kenneth Baldwin addressed borough council about the Route 6 Alliance.
Baldwin said the increased amount of visitation could bring in tourist dollars, adding the short term goal is to get the federal highway National Scenic Byway status in Pennsylvania, and the long term goal is to get U.S. Route 6 All-American Road status.
Paar told Baldwin that borough council initially did not support the initiative because council thought it could hinder industrial and economic development within the borough. Baldwin said that businesses along the route could advertise on their own property but not off the property. He said it could be a way to keep big box stores in check.
McGuire said all the billboards in town are now gone and that ultimately, council must “do what is best for the borough.”
The next borough council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. July 7.
