DALTON — At the Sept. 14 borough council meeting, council member Bill Montgomery mentioned an ordinance from the Dalton Sewer Authority, asking the council to raise a fine, penalizing for pumping gray water into sewers to $600. The fine was initially $20. Montgomery asked Solicitor Frank Bolock if the council is able to agree to it, to which Bolock replied the council must first advertise the ordinance.

“The other reason for it is that the existing ordinance doesn’t specifically say anything about some pumps,” said Bolock. “And that’s the mechanism that the sewer authority is being used to place storm water into the system.”

Mayor Aaron Holzman commented that $600 is excessive. Montgomery said he will look into this matter and asked if anyone else had any comment. Council member Kyle Brown replied that, during the spring, the volume of gray water coming into the sewer plant was overwhelming.

“Something has to be done for people to take it seriously,” he said.

Holzman suggested giving people a warning first and then fining $600. Dalton Council president Gus Vlassis said the council and the sewer authority need to coordinate together to discuss the cost of the fine.

In other business…

• Vlassis, in his report, mentioned he was asked about repairing the basketball court in Streamside Park. He asked zoning officer Rich Sopko to look into it.

“In the meantime, Mayor Holzman, in his generosity, donated two hoops and strings, and the entire material to put them up,” he said.

Vlassis thanked Holzman for his deed. He also acknowledged Sopko and Bob Carpenter from the DPW (Department of Public Works) for repairing the poles on the court. Council member Bill Brandt informed Vlassis the new hoops and strings are currently installed.

Also in his report, Vlassis mentioned the Minimum Municipality Obligation (MMO) of the Pennsylvania Municipal Requirement System of 2018 is $7,443. He said the police pension plan Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) of 2018 is $26,749.

• Holzman, in his mayor’s report, said he received a packet for the 2020 census and asked the council if a committee will be appointed to work on it.

“It seems to be a quite lengthy process,” he said. “I would be glad to head the committee but I would like a little bit of help gathering all the information.”

Vlassis suggested to Brown to put an ad on Dalton’s webpage asking for volunteers who might be interested in helping with the census.

•B olock, in his solicitor’s report, mentioned he will meet with Helene Novak’s attorney to discuss logistics of the Novak property, such as removal and storage.

By Ben Freda

For Abington Journal

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