Insurance issue for Hawley levee

SUSAN WADE
Posted 8/15/18

HAWLEY, PA — Disagreement over a subject can be civil, but it can also be time consuming. This was borne out at the latest Hawley Borough Council meeting, held on August 8. Council President …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Insurance issue for Hawley levee

Posted

HAWLEY, PA — Disagreement over a subject can be civil, but it can also be time consuming. This was borne out at the latest Hawley Borough Council meeting, held on August 8.

Council President Ann Monaghan at the end of the meeting requested that a review of the insurance coverage currently held by the borough be undertaken by an independent third party, particularly regarding levee coverage. This was a hot topic earlier in the year when there was a scramble to get adequate coverage. As a result of those deliberations, the borough chose to insure with MRM Inc., which caters to Pennsylvania municipalities. Philadelphia Insurance Companies acts as the reinsurer, meaning that it insures the borough for losses beyond what MRM will cover.

The question is whether Philadelphia Insurance provides coverage for the levee. There is conflicting documentation on the issue, which was the reason for Monaghan’s request. After a lengthy discussion as to whether follow-up was necessary and if so, how this should be accomplished, it was decided that someone more expert than any of the council members should engage in that conversation. This led to a suggestion that borough solicitor Robert Bernathy make that contact. Council member Mike Dougherty said that the borough had already paid the solicitor to review these contracts and questioned the prudence of asking him to repeat his work at additional cost. The vote came down to a 3-3 tie, and ultimately Mayor Kevin Hawk cast the tie-breaking vote to have Bernathy contact the insurance companies.

Another topic for debate was the use of the park for a political rally. Organizers said there would be no fundraising at the rally. Members discussed whether such a gathering were restricted in the deed, and agreed that the parks had not been previously used for political purposes. Bernathy will review the deed to see whether it is allowed, and if necessary, the council will create a policy to govern such use. 

A much more cohesive moment was celebrated when Lake Region IGA co-owner Jeff Shook presented checks for $1,500 each to representatives of the police, parks and recreation, and fire departments. These funds were proceeds from the Cruisefest motorcycle ride.

Monaghan reported that the Hawley Area Authority was poised to terminate sewer service on August 28 to eight addresses unless full payment is received by then.

Council member Michele Rojas reported that the Paupack neighborhood soon will be canvassed to get surveys completed as part of the county block grant project.

Council authorized the purchase of four new parking meters and ancillary equipment. Two of the new meters will replace broken ones, and the remaining meters will be held in inventory.

A public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on September 12 to review the proposed new landlord-tenant ordinance. The regular meeting of the council will follow at 7 p.m. 

hawley, insurance, borough council

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here