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Council votes to move police department

MUNCY– Residents soon will be traveling further to reach the Muncy Borough Police Department as the borough city council — in a contested decision — moved to have the department change locations.

Elaine McAleer and Richard Baker voted against the motion, which passed 4 to 2, saying they would have liked to hear more public input on the move. Their concerns center on being located away from center city at the Muncy Borough Office at 14 N. Washington St., to Old Glade Run Road, and share the city’s Water Building with West Branch Regional Authority.

“Right now, if someone walks to (the department) and there isn’t a police officer there, they can they have the option of walking into the borough and asking (the borough manager) or whoever is there to let them know,” said Elaine McAleer, councilwoman.

Police Chief James Dorman said a note could be left at the door to contact the 911 Nerve Center and the move would allow for more confidentiality for informants or victims, who currently feel vulnerable coming to the borough office with Dollar General and Turkey Hill so close.

The extra space the Water Building would provide is sorely needed, said Dorman.

“We have outgrown our evidence closet and have a pile of evidence on the floor,” he said.

If maintenance needs to be done, an officer must be present to ensure there is no tampering, thus taking that officer away from protecting the populous. The Water Building space would allow the police to build a much more secure and spacious evidence room, said Dorman.

Additionally, the building would allow more space for offices, victim-offender separation and detainee holding.

Although the move would take some construction, Dorman said every officer he has talked to would be willing to chip in to help and relieve the city from more costs.

In the division, however, there would not be bathrooms available for WBRA unless they go into the police area.

But, “They’re rarely in there,” said Mayor Jon Ort.

In other business, Officer Nate Moyer offered his resignation.

He was cut short in reading his letter of resignation as he was citing personnel issues.

Following an executive session, the council decided not to accept the letter of resignation and wait to consult their solicitor, Christopher Kenyon, in executive session before the next regularly scheduled council meeting at 7 p.m., March 5. Kenyon was not present on Thursday.

Members present: Dana Bertin, Elaine McAleer Richard Umpstead, Richard Baker, Edward Feigles, Scott Delany, and Linda Stein.

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