Rental unit inspection fees again became a focal point of discussion at a Montoursville Borough Council meeting.
A few landlords Monday night questioned why they are charged $45 per unit every three years for the inspections, and borough officials made it clear they have no intention of changing the fee structure.
"We think it should remain in place," said Councilman Gary Marshall.
Central Keystone Council of Governments is paid by the borough to perform the inspections.
Executive director Thomas Sauers, who spoke on the issue, explained how the inspection process works.
He noted that many of the violations amount to smoke detector failures and other minor infractions.
However, he defended the inspections as a necessary tool for maintaining properties.
But some landlords claimed the fees should not be part of the inspection process.
Scott Metzger, who has a number of rental units in the borough, said his properties are well maintained.
He argued the fees should only be paid by those whose properties fail inspections.
In other matters, council agreed to allow softball teams to play in Indian Park at least for one more year.
Several representatives of softball leagues showed up at the council meeting and questioned why council had not reconsidered its earlier decision of prohibiting softball play in the park.
Metzger, who serves as Montoursville Little League president, noted that those youth teams have no interest in using the fields for practices.
Council voted unanimously earlier this year to stop softball play after representatives from youth football and Little League approached council about using the park.
Council voted to spend $75,000 as part of its application to the state to withdrawal water from the Susquehanna River.
There is additional demand for water used by gas drillers as part of the fracking process, council President Robert Brobson noted.
In a personnel matter, council accepted Marshall's resignation, which is effective Oct. 5.
It was noted that the open council seat has been advertised.
Council is to meet in special session Monday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. to select Marshall's replacement.
Council approved paving part of Crawford Avenue at a cost of about $12,000.
Street and Water Commissioner Ron Smith reported to council that borough crews are attempting to find the source of a water leak.
"We have a major water leak somewhere in town. We haven't found it yet," he said.
Police Chief Jeff Guyrina reported a few more vehicle break-ins in the past month and urged citizens to lock cars and to not leave purses and pocketbooks in vehicles.
