(8/2022) Public Sewer Water Advisory Committee Established

The Carroll Valley council officially dissolved the Sewer and Water Authority and established the Public Sewer Advisory Committee.

As discussed at a previous meeting, the Sewer and Water Authority had been responsible for the long-range public sewer and water facilities planning goals of Carroll Valley.

When the Sewer and Water Authority was created in the 1970’s, municipalities had very limited borrowing power and the way to get around that was to set up ‘authorities’ that on paper had tangible property that they could take loans out on. However, times have changed, Hazlett mentioned at a previous meeting, and municipalities like Carroll Valley can now easily borrow money, or see bonds to cover operating costs, he said.

Dissolving the authority reverts ownership of the sewer system back directly to the Borough which will then be wholly responsible for all aspects of the operation.

Dissolution eliminates the previous confusing leaseback operations, as well as streamline the application process for future funding needs, according to Hazlett.

The Public Sewer Advisory Committee’s focus will be on the long-range planning of the wastewater treatment and collection facilities of the borough. The committee is responsible for reviewing, analyzing and drafting plan updates to address sewage needs.

With large infrastructure projects on the horizon, more representation is sought from residents who receive the sewer service. The committee roster currently includes members previously served on the Authority along with one vacancy. Residents, particularly holding tank customers and those in public sewer areas are encouraged to join the committee.

"I think it's important that those who are actually using the sewer system be involved in any kind of decision that we make," Councilmember David Lillard said.

Councilmember Resignation Presented

A letter of resignation was received to the Carroll Valley Borough Council by Councilmember Robert Verderaime.

In vacancies past, the council has put word out for an interested elector to throw their hat in the ring, Hazlett said.

The council looks to formally accept the resignation at its September meeting to provide opportunities for candidates to express interest and apply for the seat.

Recently re-elected to a four-year term, whomever is appointed to Verdemine’s council seat will serve until the end of December 2023 and then there will be an election to fill the position, Council President Richard Mathews said.

Residents interested in serving their community are encouraged to reach out to the borough office with qualifications.

Pavilion Open

In other business it was also noted, the borough’s newly renovated Cortner Pavilion at Carroll Commons is ready for public use, including event rental.

Bollinger Construction Inc. of Emmitsburg, Md., was credited for its generous donation of the pavilion as well as the remodel of the Cortner Community Room.

Routine borough maintenance completed

Fairfield Borough Council heard almost half of routine town sewer line cleaning and television has been recently completed

Fairfield Borough Council heard municipal projects completing as Routine maintenance that has been completed through the summer Tuesday.

Routine sewer maintenance has been completed for 11,000 feet of town pipeline and more is anticipated to be done before long.

The sewer cleaning and televising work was performed by the contractor Mr. Rehab Sewer System Rehabilitation.

Areas of concentration included less traveled sections of town including Carrolls Tract Road.

Sewer work is undertaken every few years in the borough, and approximately 45 percent of the town is now completed, according to Council President Patricia Smith.

"They got the worst of it done," she said.

Main Street has not been touched as of yet due to the need for safety flaggers.

Smith noted an amount of grease that was collected in the piping where there was no flow, "people are still pouring grease down the drain," she said.

Zoning public hearing scheduled

In other business, a public hearing will be held before the regular council meeting August 23 at 6:45 p.m.

A proposed amendment to the borough zoning ordinance intends to amend sections to the zoning ordinance to establish sign standards for emergency service uses. The proposed ordinance adds definitions of "emergency services" and "institutional uses. The new section for emergency services use allows for two signs to be erected on an emergency services property including wall signs, free standing signs, and internal external illuminations.

The maximum area of a freestanding sign is proposed to be established as 18 square feet per side with a maximum wall sign area as 36 square feet.

A copy of the complete ordinance amendment can be viewed at the Borough office or on the borough website at fairfieldborough.com.