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A welcomed change of conduct at the West Easton council meeting took place on Monday night. The meeting resulted in the ability to proceed with borough business and agreement on issues that needed to be addressed.

A 4-member quorum was reached with Councilpersons Gross, Nodoline, Nixon, and DePaul present.

The previous council meeting on July 27th ended prematurely when arguments broke out. Apparently, all those involved realized that repeats of such a meeting would benefit no one.

This meeting was surprising pleasant, with only very brief discussions that went off-topic, but they were short and the council successfully steered back to the main topic at hand.

One important issue was a possible grant for road work.

Originally, there were two grants. One involved sidewalks in front of a business. The business was promising to donate $10,000, but in obtaining the grant, taxpayers would have to contribute a matching amount. Council President Kelly Gross correctly pointed out that residents are responsible for their own sidewalks and that accepting such a donation would result in taxpayers helping to pay for the cost of that business’ sidewalks, which could result in problems down the road, as others might seek a similar arrangement. Such arrangements basically provide a 50 percent savings to the property owner, while taxpayers would be making up the remaining 50 percent of the cost.

Personally, I believe Councilman DePaul shouldn’t have tried for such a grant. It opens up the possibility of unethical behavior by a councilperson (either knowingly or unwittingly) who could be tempted to accept a “deal” on a purchase in exchange for a little help in obtaining a grant (or other assistance) that benefits his business at a reduced cost, for something the business (or a homeowner) is required to pay for.

For instance, the Hubcap Store (used as an example only) might hint an offer to a councilperson, a great discount on tires for a car. A discount not offered to anyone else. “By the way,” the owner says, “I’d like to get my sidewalks done. Do you know if there is any assistance available that might help me cut that cost?” Not a good scenario for any elected official, at any level of public office, to find themselves involved in if that assistance involves local taxpayers funding it, when they didn’t have to.

The other project that involved road work, curbing, and sidewalks was altered to reduce its cost, which the engineer originally estimated to be $215,000. Even if the borough were to receive $50,000 in grant money, that would still leave a huge amount to be paid for by the taxpayers.

After the changes were agreed to by Council, it is to be re-evaluated by the engineer and an application for the grant, citing the lower cost to complete the project, will be sent in.

You’ll hear me applauding in the video (with a standing ovation) at the conclusion of that vote.

Among other business:

• The DUI Center was given approval for up to 150 work release residents at the facility, as well as a change to allow low-risk non-violent offenders to be included.
• “Teeth” will be put back into the ordinance of maintaining properties. Specifically, cutting of grass on abandoned properties, or on properties where the homeowners don’t do it.

Abandoned properties at 811 and 813 Ridge Street were the subject of public discussion at the council meeting and the reason the already existing ordinance will be enforced to include a charge to the homeowner if the borough has to cut the grass. After the ordinance is reviewed by the Borough Solicitor and the Borough of West Easton has to cut a lawn, after sufficient notice has been given to the homeowner to correct the situation, the owner will be charged $50. If not paid, a lien will be placed on the property and will repeat, if the borough has to continue cutting the lawn. The lien will ensure the borough is eventually reimbursed when the property changes ownership.

[Note: I’d like to see “teeth” added to the ordinance about shoveling sidewalks. There are only a few homeowners who, during the winter, allow snow on their sidewalks to turn into 3″ sheets of ice because they didn’t shovel after a snowfall, or even throw down ice melt.]

• Mayor Gross is looking for a plan to supplement the State Police protection for West Easton.
• Mayor Gross would like Council to require a background check on potential employees hired by West Easton.
• The planned building for storage of equipment and salt is awaiting plans before it can out for bid.

A discussion of a recent sewer line break connected to the Safety First Volunteer Fire Department occurred. It seems the break occurred in the lateral to the building and the saddle of the main. There was a question of billing and what part, or if any part of the bill for the main line should be paid by the borough. The Sewer Authority is a party involved. This one will likely be brought up again at some future council meeting.

Mayor Gross took the opportunity to remind everyone that the sewer line was installed in 1965, though Council President Kelly Gross said it was relined about 3 years ago and was surprised that the main would fail so soon before the minimum 10 year life expectancy of that relining was reached.