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Muncy Borough Council at its July meeting approved a code enforcement resolution that could mean stiffer consequences for habitual offenders of the property maintenance and nuisance ordinance.
"It's an opportunity for us to be more aggressive," Borough Manager Charles Hall said.
Ultimately, property owners who repeatedly fail to adhere to borough code face the possibility of a lien placed on their property.
Hall noted that although the borough always apparently had that option, it has not pursued it in recent years.
"We never had a formalized policy for filing a lien previously," he said. "Our solicitor thought we needed to have a policy."
Hall noted that there exist just a handful of properties that could now face this process.
"We have to give them notice they have to clean their property up," he said, noting that the borough can proceed with necessary cleanup and bill the property owner for the work.
"If they fail to pay us after we clean up, we have the option to file a lien on the property," he explained.
Too often, those who violate the borough code are cited and appear in district court to pay a fine but continue to ignore directives to clean up their properties.
The vote to approve the resolution was 5-0. Voting yes were Richard Sutton, George Henry, Scott Delany, Ryan Scruggs, and Ed Feigles.
Tara Ashby and Cindy Appleman were absent.
In a related matter, council voted to appoint deputy codes enforcement officers in support of the property maintenance and nuisance resolution.
Council approved payment of $4,334 for the Old Glade Run Road Joint Project.
Under the agreement with Muncy Creek Township, the borough pays material costs for improvements to Glade Run Road.
Council approved distribution of escrow funds to Duraclean for a property cleanup at 138 W. Water St.
Liability insurance covering abuse and molestation issues was approved by council.
Council voted to purchase 50 smoke detectors for $675. The detectors will be distributed to residents during National Night Out Aug. 4.
Hall reported to council that the repair of the Carpenter Street Bridge over Glade Run is still set for August.
The bridge has been closed since April.
Police Chief James Dorman told council one of his officers is stepping away from full-time duty to become a part-time officer due to military obligations.
Council met in executive session following the meeting to consider personnel issues.
The next regular council meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19.