Lansford council continues negotiations for site for garage

Lansford Borough Council is continuing negotiations with Silberline Manufacturing Co. for the purchase of a property to serve as the borough’s garage.

President Jared Soto said, “We are in the middle of everything,” explaining that the borough is transitioning from their letter of intent to purchase the property to an actual sales agreement. He also noted that the borough has added a new piece to their letter of intent that requires Silberline to disclose any prior DEP or EPA testing done on the property, as well as remain liable should there ever be complications on the land due to chemical exposure.

Soto also said the borough is in the process of amending a state grant they had previously received for garage repairs to allow renovations in the new facility, such as the addition of heat, electricity, a bathroom and a new roof. The borough is also gathering information about cost for insurance coverage.

Councilwoman Marie Ondrus remains skeptical of the purchase, calling it a money pit.

In other news

• The borough passed several recommendations in a fee schedule resolution; the quarterly sanitation fee for both private residents and businesses will be raised by $5 each. There will also be an increase in the cost of commercial parking space installation, as well as the annual rental fee for commercial parking spaces, by $50 and $10 respectively. The initial installation fee for the handicap reserve parking spaces will increase by $50, and zoning hearing applications will increase by $150.

• The council is also moving forward with the state-sponsored Strategic Management Planning Program. They sent requests for proposals to six consultants, and have received two letters of interest. Soto said the discussions of those two options will happen at the next meeting, in December.

• The Snyder Avenue sewer project is also progressing. Councilman William Chuma said the engineer has inspected the property, and will “give prices by Thanksgiving.” Soto said the borough will be applying for a state grant to cover those costs.

• The borough received seven applications for the vacant Water Authority position, and have decided to table the appointment until January.

• The borough has applied for a grant for a new dump truck, approved the purchase of new ammunition for the police department and decided to advertise the borough solicitor position, as current solicitor Michael Greek will soon be moving on to his new role as District Attorney.

• Council approved the tree lighting ceremony and Santa’s arrival at Kennedy Park on Nov. 30.

• Council voted to retire a public works vehicle that was originally a gift from the Lansford police department.

• Council members Irma Leibensperger and Bob Silver were not in attendance.