Mark Nemirow: Water woes continue to plague Orwigsburg
May 8—Orwigsburg Borough Council held a work session Wednesday, May 4, to discuss ongoing issues in the community.
At the top of the list is water runoff and flooding on streets and properties. Residents in the section of the borough fondly known as Mud Hollow attended the meeting to voice their dismay at the lack of responses to flooding issues over the past three decades.
The properties, located near Oak Dale Estates and the Walborn Playground, have been inundated with flooding issues.
Jeff Rarick of North Franklin Street, told council he has been complaining for 32 years of water issues on his property. He brought a homemade poster showing the location of swales, pipes and flood plains around his house.
"Over the years four borough managers came to my house, including (current manager Randy) Miller, and they all agreed there is a problem," Rarick said, "but nothing has been done."
Much of the overflow is caused by drainage ditches and swales originally constructed on the Oak Dale Estates property. These have been filled in with sediment and debris over the years, causing the water to find other pathways to the creek below.
Miller informed Rarick that with the help of the borough engineers and solicitor, he drafted a letter to the owners of Oak Hill Estates asking them to return the property to the existing condition when it was first built.
Neighbor Joseph McGlinchey attended the meeting to support Rarick.
"Jeff (Rarick) takes wonderful care of his property, and what has he gotten in 32 years?" McGlinchey asked. "The same thing I've gotten in 36 years — 'we'll look at, we'll get to it.'"
McGlinchey went on to complain about money being spent on the niceties in the community like the veterans signs and the square, but not the necessities like the streets where people live.
Police and fire
Fire Chief Jesse Zimmerman reported 13 calls for April and a total of 70 year-to-date. He reminded the public that the fire company is continuing to hold weekly online raffles.
Bob Shappell, South Liberty Street, questioned Zimmerman as to why the fire company would consider building a new facility on a plot of land that is a flood plain. (The fire company is applying for a $50,000 grant for a feasibility study.)
"Why should we pay to do a feasibility study when we already know it's a wetland?" Shappell asked.
President Rick Bubeck responded that the money for the feasibility study is coming from a grant.
"I understand it's a grant, but where does that money come from?" Shappell asked. "It's our tax money that pays for those grants."
Borough manager report
Miller notified council that Ritchie Logging and Sawmill are still awaiting a signed contract from the owner of a property on Second Mountain Road, ahough a verbal agreement has been made.
The borough is continuing to look for grants to assist with infrastructure and community projects with the assistance of U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser. Miller is recommending the borough lease a new phone system from Frazer Advanced Information Systems at a rate of $585/month.
Solicitor's report
The owner of the proposed Blue Mountain Village, The Rhodes Company, informed council that it is coordinating efforts with PennDOT and the Department of Environmental Protection and hopes to resolve permitting issues within the next six months. The property is across from the former Madeline's Restaurant on East Market Street.
Datte informed council the Walters Alley abandonment process is progressing. The borough will provide notice to residents and advertise for 30 days prior to a decision.
Datte also recommended the borough use a portion of the proceeds from the bond financing for borough and water projects.
Capital Improvements
Even though residents may not see the many improvements the borough is undertaking, Bubeck assured residents much is happening. Work on Industrial Drive is continuing. PennDOT is requesting a preliminary right of way plan to include property plots, tabs, and deed information. PennDOT also is requiring an environmental site assessment and a wetland identification and delineation study. A soft dig is being conducted to discover existing water lines along the roadway.
Base drain work on Margaret Avenue is scheduled to begin in the next month as well as storm improvements on North Street. Handicapped ramps have been included on the North Wayne Street project extending from East Mifflin Street to East Cherry Street. Storm water projects continue on North Street and North Wayne Street.
Veteran's memorial update
Kevin Richards, ARRO, told council that ongoing site work is taking place on the Veterans' Memorial Building. The task force selected Audio/Visual contractor Moyer Electronic to proceed with work. The Orwigsburg Masons are assisting with working and restoring the clock for the foyer area.
Council approved paying $63,253 to Miler Brothers. A change order was approved for additional drywall insulation and painting in the amount of $2,460. A change order in the amount of $3,593 for repairing a sewer line is pending engineer review. The majority of the money will be reimbursed through an approved grant. Work on the memorial building is scheduled to be completed by the end of October.
Upcoming events
The Jason Jones Day of Caring is set for Friday May 13 with projects scheduled throughout the area.
May 21 and 22 the annual fishing rodeo will be held at Fisher's Dam from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The community yard sale is set for May 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants can sign up on the Orwigsburg Facebook page.
The Memorial Day Parade will be held May 30 beginning at 8 a.m., as well as the Lions Club Chicken BBQ. The BBQ, held at the Memorial Building, will be drive-thru only— — no seating will be offered this year. Please follow signage.
