More than a few people have mentioned that I haven’t updated this website with any new information for awhile. Indeed, it’s been two months since I posted anything. I decided to take an extended vacation and decompress over the summer.
So, for those who don’t read the newsletter, visit the borough’s Facebook page, or visit the website to read the Council Meeting Minutes, I’ll give you a brief synopsis of borough business and some tidbits of what’s been happening in town.
First, let’s start with our Constable who had been sitting in jail following her conviction of filing a false police report against her neighbor.
As reported on Lehigh Valley Ramblings, she decided not to comply with conditions for probation. She also refused to participate in hearings that could have resulted in her release.
It appears, following a court ordered psych exam and additionally refusing to appear at another hearing last week, she may have been involuntarily committed to Norristown State Hospital.
If you noticed land being cleared on Palmer Street, there is a new housing development under construction. When completed, the tax revenue from the Laurel Hills homes will help offset the loss of revenue from the Work Release Center. The county has indicated that they will not be using the Work Release Center again.
An ordinance I introduced, regarding handicapped parking, was passed last month. The ordinance sets guidelines for how handicapped parking spaces are issued, qualifying factors, and limits the amount of handicapped parking spaces per block.
Another ordinance I introduced and was passed by Council relates to trailers parked in the borough and vehicles on borough streets covered by a tarp.
This may be the last year that everyone in West Easton pays equally for sewer charges, as Council is looking into moving the borough to a, “pay-for-what-you-use” billing system. Changing the current system that equally divides the borough’s total usage will provide a fairer method of billing. In addition, since it is (and has been) illegal to provide a discount to homeowners based on age, the “senior discount” will also come to an end.
The garbage contract was extended through 2022 by opting for the final year of an extension that will keep the cost of collection the same. In 2022, West Easton will likely solicit bids from multiple garbage companies. Waste Management bought our current contractor, Advanced Disposal, and it is expected they will be looking to raise the cost of doing business when our current contract expires.
An LSA Grant will be sought to remove the trestles on Iron Street and Spring Street. If grant monies can be obtained it may cost the borough nothing to have them removed.
West Easton Borough will be receiving up to $130,836.52, over 2 years, in 2 equal payments, from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).
Expect, at some time in the future, “No Parking” signs may appear in alleyways on the side of any alley that borders borough property. While our police may have more pressing obligations that may interfere with issuing citations, the signs will protect the borough from claims of damage to vehicles that could occur, if parked on borough property.
Finally, a discussion took place during one of Council’s public Zoom meetings, as to whether to hold in-person meetings. Regrettably, due to the rise in the Covid-19 Delta variant infections, meetings will continue to be held via Zoom. To protect our office staff and workers from infection, Borough Hall will remain closed to public entry, though business can still be conducted by contacting the office via phone, or paying bills through the drop box located on the Municipal Building’s side door.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
