CLARKS SUMMIT — Members of Clarks Summit Borough Council approved the resignation of Mayor Patty Lawler during a regular monthly meeting, Oct. 5.

Lawler is relocating to Clarks Green and borough code states the mayor must reside in the municipality they are elected to serve.

Members of borough council have 30 days from the date the resignation was approved to appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Lawler’s term, which runs through 2017.

“It was a bittersweet decision for me because it’s been such a rewarding experience to serve as Clarks Summit mayor,” Lawler said. “I’ve met such wonderful people and have served with two hardworking councils. I have fine memories of being the mayor of the borough, working with the police department and all of council.”

Lawler was elected as Clarks Summit mayor in 2013.

According to borough president Gerrie Carey, Lawler was recognized by the Lackawanna County Commissioners who issued a proclamation naming Oct. 5 Patty Lawler Day in the county.

In other news…

• Members of borough council voted to approve Resolution 2016-13 for the refinancing of projects to upgrade the sewer system at the Abington Regional Wastewater Authority (ARWA).

According to Kehoe, Paul Murphy, one of Clarks Summit’s representatives on the ARWA Board of Directors, was able to renegotiate lower interest rates on the projects that is expected to save the borough approximately $750,000.

“That’s a lot of money that is going to be coming back to the rate payers,” Councilman Dave Jenkins said.

• Abington Heights High School juniors Will Carey and Nacole Leonhart were accepted as junior council members.

• Clarks Summit resident Janine Port voiced her concerns regarding the rising wild cat population in the borough.

According to Port, the Bunker Hill Vet Hospital in Factoryville is willing to help with this issue and offers a low cost program.

“It’s affecting everyone by causing accidents,” Port said. “People are swerving to avoid the animals.”

• Gerard Hetman from Lackawanna County’s Community Relations Department announced work is underway to remedy the change order requests on Depot Street. The latest scheduled day for completion of the work is Oct. 21.

“The project is moving along pretty well,” Councilman Herman Johnson said. “They installed a couple lights today, but the main thing they’re doing is working on the punch list from the engineers.”

• Borough Manager Virginia Kehoe announced the borough is expecting to receive approximately $8,000 through a recycling grant based off its performance. According to Recycling Committee Chair Bob Bennett, the borough recycled 20 more tons in 2015 than 2014.

• Members of borough council approved Resolution 2016-12 to allow the fire company to apply for a $31,000 Local Share Account grant to purchase a quick response vehicle.

• Kehoe announced students from Clarks Summit University will perform downtown beautification during its Community Appreciation Day Nov. 18.

• Members of borough council voted to give police chief Chris Yarns authorization to prepare a proposal to offer Clarks Green Borough for police services.

Abington Heights junior Will Carey, left, shakes the hand of Clarks Summit Borough President Gerrie Carey after being approved as a junior council member during a regular meeting, Oct. 5.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ABJ-AH-Jr-Council-2-CMYK-2.jpg.optimal.jpgAbington Heights junior Will Carey, left, shakes the hand of Clarks Summit Borough President Gerrie Carey after being approved as a junior council member during a regular meeting, Oct. 5.

Lawler
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ABJ-BOA-Elected-Official.jpg.optimal.jpgLawler

Abington Heights junior Nacole Leonhart, right, shakes the hand of Clarks Summit Borough President Gerrie Carey after being approved as a junior council member during a regular meeting, Oct. 5.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ABJ-AH-Jr-Council-1-CMYK.jpg.optimal.jpgAbington Heights junior Nacole Leonhart, right, shakes the hand of Clarks Summit Borough President Gerrie Carey after being approved as a junior council member during a regular meeting, Oct. 5.

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.