South Williamsport Borough Council Monday night formally approved terms of employment for Robert Hetner as its police chief.
Hetner, a 31-year veteran of the South Williamsport Police Department, had been acting chief since Feb. 13 when council appointed him as a replacement to Terry O'Connell, who recently announced he would be retiring from the department as a sergeant.
Council's vote to place Hetner as chief was unanimous.
Councilman Dan Cupp said selecting Hetner was a good fit for the borough. He praised Hetner for saving on overtime and other expenses in his short tenure as chief.
Cupp added that Hetner's oversight will result in a "more proactive approach in what we had in codes enforcement. I think it's a positive thing for our community."
As part of council's agreement with Hetner, he will not receive medical benefits but will be eligible for overtime hours.
In addition to the official acceptance of Hetner's position, council also hired a full-time police officer to replace Jamesan Keeler, who recently accepted a position with the state police.
Mayor David L. Lechniak swore in William MacInnis as a new officer. MacInnis will start in the borough after his last day as a Pennsylvania College of Technology police officer on Friday.
A proposed traffic study for Main Street was turned down by council. Councilman Richard Harris said his recommendation was to make Main Street a one-way road southbound toward Route 15. Harris was the lone "yes" vote on the measure and the motion was defeated.
Harris said the idea was discussed in the safety committee. He presented council with signatures from about 15 people in support of the change.
"I just have concerns with it," Cupp said. "I don't think it's a good idea."
Cupp said one of his concerns is that the state Department of Transportation could prohibit parking on the street, which would affect residents who reside there.
Council also discussed paving Clinton Street. However, bids for the project have come in too high, according to Benjamin Landon, councilman.
Councilman Henry Frey said if the borough starts paving one street, residents will expect other streets to follow.
Another bid should be obtained for a potential lower price, council agreed.
"The bottom line is, it's going to be several years until we can do a significant amount of paving," Landon said.
