First Posted: 5/5/2010

When it comes to sewer administration, details may lead to a complex labyrinth of discussion.
Such was the case for Clarks Summit Borough Council during its monthly special meeting, Tuesday night, April 27, at the Borough Building. Faced with an upcoming vote regarding the admission of Clarks Green Borough into the joint municipal sewer authority, the group entered into discussion which spiraled into debate. The larger issue: the manner in which municipalities are represented on the authority.
Currently, the sewer authority is jointly operated by Clarks Summit Borough and South Abington Township, with the number of votes for the involved communities at 4-3, based on population, in favor of South Abington Township. With the admission of Clarks Green, South Abington would pick up an extra vote, while Clarks Green would be represented with one vote. This reshuffling would still leave South Abington Township with a majority vote on the sewer authority, a situation that drew criticism from Councilman Patrick Williams, who said that the system leaves Clarks Summit with inadequate representation.
Borough Manager Virginia Kehoe reminded council members that the admission of Clarks Green into the authority was included in the corrective action plan that Clarks Summit Borough submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and failure to address the management of the sewer authority would result in a violation.
In personnel-related matters, Kehoe mentioned that longtime Shade Tree Commission member and past president Jack Adcroft was stepping away from the commission due to health issues. Council members were unanimous in expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the many years of service provided by Adcroft. Applicants interested can contact Kehoe at 570.586.9316.
The next meeting of Clarks Summit Borough Council is set for Wednesday, May 5, at 7 p.m.