Penn Lake

Continued from page 1 the regular meeting which followed. Borough solicitor Kristyn Giarrantano Jeckell will ensure copies of the new revised ordinance are sent to the Luzerne County Planning Commission, Law Library, etc., and council chairman Paul Rogan will post it on the Penn Lake Borough website.

At the work session, council discussed the upcoming drawdown on the dam repair loan which was scheduled to be done June 9. Rogan, who attended the meeting by phone, indicated these funds would be put into the borough’s Luzerne Bank checking account. He is hoping the borough can transfer the money into a Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust (PLGIT) account where the borough can earn better interest while the dam repair process continues. The PLGIT accounts are currently earning 4.89-5.17%.

The borough must start repaying this loan and accumulated interest after the drawdown is initiated. These funds amount to $2,940,000, with an interest rate of 2.75%. During the regular meeting, council agreed to hold $100,000 of the dam monies in the checking account to begin paying back the loan, with the remaining amount to be deposited in a PGLIT account. The monthly cost of repaying this loan is $16,237.

Councilman Shaun Kuter chaired the regular meeting. In her report, borough secretary Karen Burden read the one complaint received, which was from a resident concerned about 3 foot high grass on some properties and the risks it entails, such as ticks and snakes. It was noted the ballpark has been cut and other areas will be cut soon, but councilman Dave Longmore will look into what the borough can do about neglected lawns.

Secretary Burden also announced that one zoning permit was issued for a patio and fence at 1481 Lakeview Drive.

Councilman Dan Eustice reported he missed the water testing last week due to Kirby Health Center being closed for the holiday. He reported that he received a price list from Water Works regarding spraying the lake for bladderwort and lily pads. The company will do a survey of the lake before any spraying, which will cost $650. Council decided to proceed with the survey, then decide on how to handle the spraying after receipt of the survey results.

Kuter reported 20 new geese have reportedly landed on the lake.

Councilman John Burden reported the borough received one Right to Know request, which has been fulfilled.

Rogan and Longmore surveyed the borough roads for potholes needing repair and they will post for bids.

Rogan reported someone in the borough did their own sewer repairs, and Aqua has notified him they will no longer do any repairs on this property. Rogan informed the property owner the borough will not be responsible for any future repairs to the sewer on this particular property.

Concerning Short Term Rentals, secretary Burden reported that there are two properties in violation, operating without a permit. The solicitor is working on letters to the property owners to advise them of the violation.

Rogan reported the ARPA funded project at 54 Williams Drive has not yet been started, as the contractor still needs bonding. He also noted no update on speed humps. However, there has been ongoing progress on the easements required for the upcoming dam repairs.

Longmore had no update on the pickle ball court. One final issue addressed by Rogan was abandoned boats on the dam. He asked solicitor Giarrantano Jeckell what the borough can legally do to remove them. It was suggested notices be posted on the community bulletin boards already done a few years ago. Rogan feels they should post notices again. Longmore said he will use the Fish and Game license numbers on the boats to try and locate the owners.