A recommendation to pave a section of Charles Street near South Williamsport's public works garages met with resistance from most of borough council Monday evening.
Councilman Benjamin E. Landon suggested that a portion of that street be paved at a cost of $19,100 as part of the ongoing sewer project upgrade.
"My opinion is that it's a good deal for the borough and we should do it," Landon said. "The contractor is already there. The contractor is already doing paving in that area."
Council President J. Bernard Schelb said he would support tarring and chipping the portion of Charles Street, but not paving.
"In terms of cost, I think it will buy us a couple of years," he said of the less expensive option of tarring and chipping.
Other council members said it was too late in the season to undertake road improvement projects, and that it should be brought up next year.
Councilman Ed Weinhoffer said it didn't seem fair that a small section of Charles Street that is used mainly by borough maintenance vehicles be paved while other roads remain untouched due to the sewer project.
Landon's motion was defeated 7-1.
Also during the meeting, Robert Hetner, police chief, said the borough continues to face heroin problems that require police response.
"We're dealing with them in local parking lots, local restaurants," Hetner said. "A lot of these folks aren't from our area."
Council also approved moving $1,598 in undesignated funds to purchase trees for the shade tree commission.
Also approved were:
Payment of $18,800 for the second phase of a levee protection study;
Hiring of Stephanie Packard and Lindsey Crist as part-time receptionists in the police department, each at a rate of $11 an hour;
Allowing PPL Electric Utilities to use the borough park as a staging area in case of an emergency.
