Jul 12, 2002 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

PERRYOPOLIS – Borough council spent most of Wednesday evening addressing the problem of flooding along the Washington Run Creek and discussing various problems resulting from the floods. “The creek is a problem and it needs to be addressed,” said councilman Charles Johnson. The creek, which runs about a three-mile stretch through the borough, had become overrun with debris and, as a result, had formed some natural dams along its path.

“The borough found five areas after the last flood that were completely dammed,” said 25-year resident Greg Chalfant.

Chalfant, who doesn’t have flooding along his property, has been flooded by the wash from neighboring yards.

“The creek is not big enough to take a hard rain,” he said.

The council commended borough workers for their efforts at clearing the debris from the creek, but further efforts to alleviate flooding will be made.

Councilman Bob Zundel said borough officials will meet with the state Department of Environmental Protection at 11 a.m. July 23 to discuss the issue. The public is welcome to attend and address their concerns.

Last week, the Perry Township supervisors discuss the flooding problem and submitted an application for worker assistance from the State Correctional Institution in Greensburg. If the township qualifies, the inmate workers would help to remove debris from Washington Run.

In another matter, borough council members approved the installation of three stop signs within the borough: a four-way stop along Navy and Ligan streets, a stop sign at King and Gallatin streets and another at Constitution and Hancock streets.

Additionally, Mayor Timothy Smith said he was happy with the new police officers in the borough and announced that the new police car would be ready soon.

“It could be here as soon as a month,” he said.

The council also voted to rename Jefferson Circle to Roosevelt Circle after some confusion about the street name. Another street in the borough also is named Jefferson.