MONTGOMERY - Borough Council Tuesday helped the West Branch Regional Authority as it moves closer toward the construction of a regional sewer treatment plant in nearby Clinton Township.
Council unanimously passed the first readings of two proposed ordinances as requested by Eric Moore, executive director of the authority, which oversees the design, construction and operation of the $25 million plant, which has a timetable to be operational by 2014.
The first ordinance makes it a requirement for those in the borough to connect to the sewer system, Moore said. The second ordinance allows authority personnel to open up borough streets for maintenance and repair of the sewer lines, he added.
Moore said the first ordinance does not deviate from an existing one the borough has, but changes the language from "borough" to the authority name.
When complete, the sewer treatment plant will serve here, Muncy, and Clinton and Muncy Creek townships.
Council is expected to vote on the second readings of the ordinances as proposed and adopt them June 12.
Also Tuesday, council reviewed what streets it may pave this summer. Following an inspection by Borough Manager John Lynch, the roads targeted for paving include a block on Penn Street, from School to Lewis streets, and a portion of Miller Avenue.
Council listened to a presentation from a representative of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership on tree plantings and creating a "gateway" into the community.
Council sees promise in the agency moving forward with the application of a state grant that would pay for the initial plantings of the shade trees. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant requires a 25 percent match of volunteers and 25 percent cash match. A local natural gas industry employer indicated it would assist in the effort.
"The borough may also provide volunteers and equipment," Lynch said.
Interest also may be spurred with volunteers in the community to reactivate the shade tree commission, he said.
