Sep 12, 2006 By Jenny Susa 3 min read

NEWELL – The Newell Borough Council passed a resolution Monday opposing a House Bill that would allow a cable franchise, which council members believe would take away municipalities’ choices when it comes to cable service. “Verizon wants to control the cable in the area,” said Councilman James Livingstone. “If House Bill 2880 passes, it would eliminate free enterprise on cable and Verizon would have a monopoly on all cable. We want to keep rates competitive because if one company gets it, they can do what they want with it.”

The council also passed a resolution acknowledging the accomplishments of Jane Bock, who the board wished to recognize for her contributions to the community through serving on the recreation committee and making many of the community’s events possible.

In other matters, President Tammy Frinfrock announced that trick or treat for Newell Borough will be held on Oct. 28, when those who wish to participate can meet at the borough building for costume judging at 5 p.m.

Councilman Joe Dandrea Jr. reminded residents that children who want to participate in trick or treat should come to the borough building to pre-register. He said that for the protection of the children who participate and borough residents whose homes are being visited, tags that are given out at the building are required to show that the children participating are from the borough. Dandrea said this also will eliminate the past problem of having too many people from other areas coming in for trick or treat. He reminded the public that police will be on patrol that evening. Trick or treat ends at 8 p.m.

The council also announced that Fayette County is sponsoring a hard to recycle day on Sept. 30 at the Wharton Township building, where items needing disposed of can be dropped off.

In another matter, the council voted to purchase insurance from Varine Slavin, Inc., that would cover liability as well as all borough property.

Livingstone pointed out that they would be getting the “same coverage for less money,” as they would be saving roughly $1,300 per year.

The council also voted to hire a sewage enforcement officer in order to meet DEP requirements. The borough will have to pay $500 per year if there are no occurrences when the sewage enforcement officer is needed, but if there are occurrences throughout the year when his services are required, the borough will pay the cost of each one.