Newell prepares for snowstorm
NEWELL – The Newell Borough Council discussed getting ready for an expected snowstorm on Monday, trying to determine if borough workers will be able to handle keeping the roads clear in case the storm is as severe as predicted. “If we get hammered with snow like we’re supposed to, are they going to plow around the clock?” asked Councilman James Livingstone.
Since there are only two borough workers, and the council had previously decided it was safest for the men to travel together during the night, Livingstone said he wondered how they could manage the amount of work they could be faced with in the event of a bad winter storm.
Councilman John Matty suggested that the borough workers could take turns plowing during the day, but at night they should work together.
Councilman Joseph Dandrea Jr. also pointed out that the council has to keep a close watch on hours, and he volunteered to plow roads for the borough if the workload was too much for the borough workers to cover during their normal work hours.
In other matters, Livingstone questioned Mayor Nicki Todaro about the number of police calls that are reported each month for Newell Borough. He wondered if police officers were actually coming to the borough for all of the calls that were reported.
Todaro explained that the total number of incidents that were reported each month for the borough included all phone calls and complaints the police received, even if the call did not require the department to respond.
However, Todaro said the department does respond when they are needed in the borough.
In another matter, Dandrea said he would like to hold a dedication for the new honor roll on Memorial Day weekend.
“I already have some people who are willing to help out,” said Dandrea. “I think we should have a celebration since the new honor roll is done and ‘recognize’ the people who helped us do it.”
Dandrea said the borough could possibly provide food and he said he would like to have a parade and a gathering at the fire hall after the dedication ceremony is over.
“We could also kick off fundraising at that time to put the missing names on the statue,” said Dandrea.
The council agreed to proceed with making plans for the event, which they scheduled for May 27.