Street Sweeping Thursday!

FYI - It looks like the annual spring street sweeping will take place tomorrow, Thursday, 4/17/2008. Please make sure that you move your cars to allow the street sweeper to come through and clean up the mess left behind after this winter.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Property Tax Relief ? ? ?

It appears that property tax relief may be on the way. According to an article in The Morning Call, Pennsylvania has received enough revenue from slot machines to be able to cut school property taxes by 10% in the next school year. The amount, which will vary by school district, won't be released until May.

In order to be eligible for the reduction, property owners need to have completed and returned an application that was sent by the county.

You can read the entire article here.

Happy Tax Day!

Well - our new tax collector went above and beyond today. He was standing out in his driveway waiting for all of us to drive up (or walk by) with our tax returns (and, like some of us - our checks) in hand to turn in. I didn't even have to get out of the car. He took the paperwork, handed me my receipt, and off I went. Now that's what I call service.

Thanks John for a job well done!
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Speaking of Taxes, I'd also like to say a special "thank you" to our former tax collector Hazel DeReamus. Hazel took care of us (and kept us honest) for many many years, and, even though I had to write a check, I always looked forward to tax day and my annual chat with Hazel at her dining room table. Thank you Hazel for your many years of service to the borough, and for the care and attention that you paid to all of us. You truly made a difference.

Tatamy Borough Council - 4/10/2008 Wrap-up

Hi Everyone -- A little late, but here's a summary of this month's Council meeting. As always, please keep in mind that these thoughts are mine only and are in no way to be interpreted as official meeting minutes or any official communication from Tatamy Borough. Your thoughts, comments, and suggestions are welcome and encouraged!

1. Traffic Light. As you all know, we have been waiting for some time to have a traffc light at the corner of 8th and Main Streets installed. This signal was required as part of the two new housing developments (Tatamy Hunt and Fieldstone) that were recently constructed. The signal work has all been approved for some time, but (I believe) PennDOT put the project 'on hold' due to the changes that were required because of the Chrin development (longer mast arms, etc.). Money was placed into escrow by both the developers, but now several years have gone by, and, of course, the cost for the installation of the traffic light exceeds what is in escrow. The question now is who is going to have to make up the difference? Stay tuned . . .

2. Street Lights. A carry over from last months update, we have been trying to get the street lights in Tatamy Hunt turned on. When the developer submitted his final plans for approval, the power utility company that was indicated on the plan was PPL Utilities, as they are the power supplier for Tatamy Borough. We have since learned that in fact MetEd is the power supplier in Tatamy Hunt. Unfortunately Tatamy Borough does not have an agreement with MetEd, so that presents a problem. According to what we have been told by a MetEd representative, there is an agreement somewhere on file between MetEd and PPL Utilities to allow MetEd into PPL's service area. Unfortunately they were unable to locate that agreement prior to the council meeting. MetEd did send us a proposed Ordnance to review and sign which would allow them to energize and turn-on the street lights, however the way the ordnance was written it would have placed the burden of responsiblity for maintaining and replacing the street lights on the Borough (normally the utility company takes care of this). So, unfortunately, until all the bureaucracy can be worked out, the lights, at least for another month, will stay dark.

3. Zoning Hearing Board. Pam Pearson was sworn in as the Co-Chairperson for the Tatamy Borough Zoning Hearing Board. Congratulations Pam and welcome aboard!

4. No Parking Ordnance. Council approved the ordnance to install the "No Parking" signs behind the newly constructed Borough Garage. This no parking zone will make it easier to get the vehicles (especially the new truck) in and out of the garage safely. Thanks to everyone in advance for your cooperation and compliance with this new no parking zone.

5. Stop Sign Ordnance. We were also supposed to approve the creation of a 4-way stop intersection at the corner of 6th and High Streets, along with the installation of crosswalks. Unfortunately, even though we sent it to the Express Times, somehow the ordnance didn't get advertised and now we have to wait another month. In any event, be prepared as that intersection will most likely become a 4-way stop come May.

6. Sewer Authority. Be on the lookout for a REDUCED sewer bill coming to a post office box near you soon. The Sewer Authority is proposing a realignment of their fee structure.

Those were the major highlights of this month's meeting. Just a reminder, Borough Council meets the first Monday of every month at 7:30PM in the Borough Hall. Come, get involved, voice your opinion, see what's going on. The more the merrier! I look forward to seeing you there!

Borough Council Wrap Up

Delayed . . .

Life has gotten in the way of pulling together my notes and posting the update to Monday night's council meeting. While nothing earth shattering was discussed or approved (unless you consider a "NO PARKING" zone behind the newly constructed borough garage on Green St. earth shattering), I have an obligation to you, my two faithful readers (HA!) to provide a summary. I will have it up for you tomorrow night.

As they say in show business - Stay Tuned!