HAWLEY, PA — Several residents raised questions and voiced concerns to the Hawley Borough Council at its August 9 meeting. First to address the council was Justin Hoffman who sought guidance about a multi-family building he recently purchased. The members provided some history of the building’s former use and referred Hoffman to the borough’s planning commission for further consideration. 

Next to speak was Duane Austin who asked about removal of tree and leaf debris from borough properties, specifically her own. There was discussion about leaf burning in the fall and the wisdom of pursuing that means of removal. She was advised to call in a tree service or to arrange for removal of the debris in phases as part of garbage pickup, since there is no compost or dumping area within the borough. Austin also noted that there have been several instances of people tailgating drivers along Route 6 when entering the borough where the speed limit decreases to 25 mph. She noted, and others concurred, that drivers will be passed illegally and subjected to lewd hand gestures. Police Chief Daniel Drake stated that his officers would be informed of this situation.

Ann and Dean Johnson voiced displeasure at a letter recently received from the borough’s solicitor, which stated that they were in violation of dike right-of-way regulations. They said that the letter was threatening in nature and yet vague as to the specific violations, and asked for clarification of the violations. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers notes the violations and pursues them through the borough rather than communicate directly with property owners. The rules state that there can be no impervious surfaces, which would impede the flow of water, within 15 feet of the toehold of the levee. The Johnsons stated that numerous other parties are also in violation, including the borough, and that they were singled out. The Johnsons were told that certain impediments have been approved by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Corps of Engineers. The matter of the tone and lack of clarity of the letter will be addressed with the solicitor, who was not present at the meeting.

In other business, the council rejected the two bids opened at the July meeting for levee culvert replacements. The project will be advertised and rebid to change the specifications from a bundled price for five culvert replacements to three, new pricing for seven additional culverts, as well as an overall price of replacement of all 10 culverts. The borough’s engineers, Kiley Associates, will prepare the bid package. Bids will be due October 11 at 3 p.m.  Work would need to start in the spring 2018 and be a continuous operation, other than for weather-related interruptions.