FACTORYVILLE — Mayor Gary Evans announced during a regular meeting May 9 that members of the borough have drafted a new rental property ordinance, which is awaiting the review of Solicitor Paul Litwin.
According to Evans, through the ordinance, which he hopes will be in effect by next fall, renters will receive a packet of information outlining their responsibilities and the property owner’s responsibilities.
Borough resident Brandon Smith, who attended last month’s meeting, to voice his opposition to a Dollar General store coming into town, told members of the council he expected to have a phone conference with the head of regional planning and placement for Weis Markets May 10 in an effort to help bring a grocery store to the borough.
Per Borough Manager Mary Ellen Buckbee, who was informed by Ray Petty, the owner of the former Ray’s Market, he has a signed lease with Dollar General for the building and there is really no wiggle room.
Smith is currently working on a business plan to start a co-op market in town and also started a Facebook group, Voices for the Ville, as a way for residents to brainstorm ideas to improve the future of the borough.
Sadie Rozenburg, the borough’s grant writer, added she has spoken with representatives from the USDA and local people about the prospects of having a farmers market in town.
Rozenburg announced the borough received a $5,000 grant from the Marcellus Legacy Fund to offset costs for the soccer field at the Factoryville Borough and Clinton Township Joint Municipal Park.
According to Buckbee, the borough saved nearly $300 this past year on electric costs after switching the streetlights along College Avenue to LED bulbs.
Council Vice President Bill Edwards suggested replacing additional streetlights throughout the borough with LEDs to maximize the savings.
In other business …
• Members of the council approved a zoning map for the 2020 United States Census.
• Members of the council appointed Wanda Schofield as the borough’s vacancy chairperson.
• A community planning meeting for Christy Mathewson Days and the Factoryville Christmas Market will be held May 22 at borough hall, 161 College Ave., 6:30 and 7 p.m., respectively.
