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Hughesville officials address fly issue, concerns with sidewalks

By Mike Reuther 3 min read

Hughesville Borough officials assured property owners they will take steps to mitigate a nuisance fly problem created by Lycoming County Fair activities.

Richard Thompson was among a handful of property owners who appeared at a recent borough council meeting to demand solutions.

"What are you going to do about it?" he asked Fair President Rocky Reed, who also attended the meeting.

Reed said he is certainly aware of the issue and noted fair officials have been in contact with Penn State Extension.

Garbage cans and dumpsters as well as farm animals showcased at the fair draw flies, many of which migrate into surrounding neighborhoods.

Thompson said he is faced with the fly problem at his property for two months every year.

"Clean your mess up man," he told Reed.

Councilman Dan Cale said borough officials have met with the fair association and plan to also discuss the situation with the state Agriculture Department.

"I think the fair is willing to be good neighbors," he said. "So, we are going to do the best we can."

Thompson said he at least hopes to have the fly situation mitigated.

"I'm not asking you guys to make magic happen," he said.

In other matters, council was asked by a resident to clarify the sidewalk repair ordinance.

Property owners with sidewalks in disrepair or non-compliance with the ordinance are required to fix them at their own expense, according to borough officials.

However, they do not have to replace slate sidewalks with concrete sidewalks unless they are in non-compliance.

The resident also expressed concerns about a possible scam involving someone misrepresenting himself as a contractor for fixing sidewalks.

Council voted to accept the resignations of two borough employees.

Matt Deming, public works supervisor, informed council he is resigning later this month to accept a position at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Council agreed to Deming's request to extend his health benefits one week beyond his employment with the borough.

Calvin Irvin, a part-time police officer who works two to three days per month, is resigning effective Oct. 31.

Hughesville Vol. Fire Department Chief Dan Dorman was told by council that American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money in the amount of about $28,000 will be used to help fund the unit's emergency response needs in the coming year.

Dorman said the dollars will help retain staff.

In other matters, council:

• Approved the purchase of a mini excavator with ARPA dollars at a cost of $35,500.

• Approved an agreement with Dental Dental for dental insurance.

• Agreed to advertise the notice for the pickup of leaves in the borough from Nov. 1 to Dec. 1.

• Met in executive session following the regular meeting to consider personnel and contract issues.

Starting at /week.