DALTON — The borough of Dalton filing for Declaration of Disaster Emergency with Lackawanna County Emergency Management was the main topic of the September Council meeting.
Secretary Laura Kinney announced that she submitted 629 residences, which were impacted by the storm on Sept. 9. She said that number included 250 that were affected, 109 that received minor damages, 50 with major damages, and two that were destroyed.
She said that the borough engineer assessed the larger projects.
“There was damage on every single roadway within the borough,” she said.
Kinney said that she submitted 28 streets to Lackawanna County. She told residents that private properties must submit documentation on Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency website.
Council President Bill Brandt then informed the residents that Lackawanna County set up a center at the Chinchilla Hose Company.
“If you had any damage, make sure you contact them or go down there and others will help you through all the paperwork,” he said.
In her secretary’s report, Kinney mentioned that council issued a letter of support for the Dalton Fire Company on its submission of the LSA grant for a brush truck. She also said that the winter agreement has been finalized and submitted. She then announced that council received the 2023 Volunteer Fire Relief Allocation of around $7,900. She announced the following funds: liquid fuel fund allocation, $48,727.24 for next year; municipal pension, $52,450.99.
In her planning/zoning report, Councilwoman Elizabeth Bonczar mentioned drawings of proposed plans to upgrade Veterans Park.
In her public relations report, Councilwoman Heather Burke announced the upcoming trunk or treat, which will be followed by a Halloween party at the Dalton Fire Hall on Saturday, Oct. 28. She also said that there will be a tree lighting in November.
In his building/grounds report, Councilman David Harrington announced that the borough building had water in it due to the storm on Sept. 9. He said that Damage Control was called in and they added pumps.
In his financial report, Mayor Aaron Holzman mentioned that Dalton had a tight budget last year and will have to increase taxes this year. He said that the financial committee is looking at a four-mil increase – two mils allocated for stormwater and two mils allocated for street lighting. A mil is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value.
He said that Dalton would have to implement the local services tax.
“We’re the only municipality in Lackawanna County that does not implement that tax,” he said. “Basically what it is, it’s a tax for people that work in your community.”
Holzman said that it would bring about one mil a year if not more. It will be voted next meeting.
In his solicitor’s report, Frank Bolock said that the Dalton Sewer Authority closed a purchase of a jet vac form an LSA grant application.
