Weatherly Council to meet 5 p.m., borrows for substation repair

by Seth Isenberg

Weatherly Borough

Council members reopened a debate about what time the council meetings should be held. Member Jeff Miller told members that his work doesn’t allow him to attend meetings at 4 p.m. and asked that the meetings move to “5 or 6.” After discussion, a motion was made to place the meetings at 5 p.m., voted six in favor and Mayor P.J. Hadzick opposed as he wants the meeting to be held earlier.

Concerns included questions about the former borough building/train station, and about the Schwab School. Contact will be made with the owner of the train station to learn of any plans for it.

As for the Schwab school buildings, a question about whether the old school gym could be saved was met with a “no” with an explanation that the gym has no roof, and the whole annex area would be best as parking for whatever use the original high school is restored possibly for senior housing. There is no timetable for any work on that site but there are efforts to attract federal money towards restoration of the building, starting with replacement of its roof at a cost of well over $100,000. Senator John Fetterman has been invited to visit.

There was also a discussion about what there is to be done about losing Truist Bank, which will close its local branch at the end of March. While the borough is not directly able to do anything about the closure, officials have reached out to “a few banks…and there is some interest” in one of them establishing a branch here. Council member Theresa D’Andrea noted that “a lot of senior citizens would like to see a bank” remain here.

In business, council approved putting specs out for bid on paving Norman, Church, Entwistle and Rebar Streets and Monroe Court as 2023’s paving project. Borrowing of $70,000 was approved to complete the rehabilitation of the electric substation funds to be repaid from electric company proceeds.

Electronics recycling days were set as June 3 from 9-11 and September 28 from 2-4. Tire recycling is in the new garbage contract, plans for which will be announced.

In order to connect a new home on Fritz Lane in Lehigh Township into Weatherly’s electric system, council approved a resolution which asks the PA Public Utility Commission to approve this action, due to there being no other electric service option for the new home.

Council approved an application to have Blakeslee Street from 6th Street east, which is a paper street, vacated as long as the applicant pays all expenses.

Citizens Fire Company #1 (CFC#1) provided its 2022 report. Council member Vincent Cuddeford II reported that the members are “putting in a lot of training” on the new truck. The company is turning out nine volunteers, on average, per call. The Rapid Intervention Team has been busy with medical assists. Cuddeford added, “we love to be out in the community.”

This led to a discussion about how the Fire Company went out into the community during COVID for birthday greetings, and of the number of parades they participate in. Council member Joe Cyburt thanked Cuddeford and all the volunteers. Member Joe Thomas praised CFC#1, saying [you do] “a good job…We’re very fortunate.” Member D’Andrea closed the discussion with “It’s a great feeling [having CFC#1 in our community] keeping us safe…”

Council went into executive session before the meeting ended, then returned shortly after to vote unanimously to add revised personnel policies including updates to language about social media, safety, harassment, returnto-work, and drug policies (some items untouched for 25-years).