HAWLEY, PA — At the July 11 borough council meeting, resident Jamie Bednar reported on the potholes on a number of borough streets, stating that some holes “could fit a five-year-old child in them.” Borough president Ann Monaghan stated they are aware of the situation and working on it, but said, “We can’t repave; we can only patch,” to which Bednar replied, “There’s no patching these holes.” She said that public works official Rodger Smyth had told her that gas company trucks damage the potholes as soon as they are filled.

Monaghan responded, “Unfortunately we don’t have the resources to repave short of raising taxes, and repaving Paupack Street alone would be about $200,000.” Asked who is going to be responsible for the damage being done to vehicles, Solicitor Robert Bernathy stated that municipalities have immunity regarding liability and are not responsible for vehicle damage. He did sympathize with Bednar’s plight, saying, “We are aware of your concerns and we join them.” It was further said that raising taxes is an idea not well received but something being considered due to the volume of complaints. Monaghan promised that there will be temporary measures taken, but that it was understood that it is only a band-aid, and said that some potholes will be filled within the week. 

Stating that the borough council is researching grants to deal with the issue, Councilwoman Michelle Rojos responded to Bednar, saying, “You asked if there is anything you can do,” and  going on to explain that some grants pursued in the past have required that they literally have to knock on everyone’s door in the neighborhood to complete a brief survey, but that the borough must have 100% participation. Rojos stated that several years ago a grant required lower income levels be proven so people had to be willing to share a range of income in the survey. One household would not answer the door and made the grant unattainable despite it being a prime road for repaving. Monaghan added “Talk to your neighbors at Eastern Propane. They are adamant that they will not contribute to repaving despite their being responsible for a good deal of the damage.”

Sue Baldwin asked about lighting at the monument. Members of the parks and recreation committee stated that any ground-based lighting would be easy pickings for vandals and that heavy-duty lighting is available but much more expensive. 

Susan George spoke on behalf of the farmers’ market. She asked whether the bathrooms could be made available during the market hours of 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. P.J. Dougherty stated that the bathroom doors have been reprogrammed to be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. George also volunteered to be a communication liaison between the library and borough in promoting the community garden located at the library.

Stephanie Savage and Glen Austin were acknowledged and thanked for their over 30 years of dedication and commitment volunteering at the Hawley Borough drop-off site for the Wayne County Recycling Program at the July 11 Borough Council meeting.  

Proclamations were read that designated that day to be “Stephanie Savage Day” and “Glen Austin Day.” It was noted that volunteers were being sought to fill the vacancies.

The next regularly scheduled Borough council meeting is Wednesday, August 8 at 7 p.m.