January 2021 Newsletter

Possible Drinking Water Problem:

The Penna. DEP and the EPA are now testing for some new contaminants called PFOS and PFOA. Saegertown was selected to be tested and these chemicals were found in wells 6 and 7. Please read the enclosed notice that is required by DEP. Any amount of these chemicals over 70 parts per TRILLION requires a notice be sent. One part per trillion would be equivalent to one drop in 20 Olympic size swimming pools. Our drinking water is safe. We have voluntarily shut down the wells in question until DEP has some specific recommendations and we can review our options, and learn more about this issue.

Water Rates:

Due to increased testing requirements by the Penna. DEP and the EPA, we have had to raise the water rates a very modest amount. There is no increase to the minimum (1000 gallons per month) which will help those on fixed income. Most customers will see an increase of less than $2.00 per month. The amount your bill increases will depend on how much water you use.

Property Taxes:

Once again – NO INCREASE IN PROPERTY Taxes!!!

Borough Council has voted to keep the tax rate 4mil. (one of the lowest in the County)

Garbage Rates:

Once again – NO INCREASE in garbage rates! They will remain at $13.50 per month.

Fees:

The fee schedule for permits, fines and costs was increased for the first time in years. A copy of the schedule is at the Borough Office, and will be posted on the website.

Borough Office Open:

Until further notice – the Borough Office will be open with the same conditions, using COVID precautions.

New Christmas Decorations – Town Square

          –The Women’s Improvement Club was unable to decorate the Town Square this year due to COVID.

            -Borough Council decided this would be a good year to purchase new decorations.

            -Kevin Byers, John Shank and Deb Smith did the decorating.    -What a Great Job they did!!

            -Also thank you to those individuals and businesses that installed lighted trees and decorated!

            -Saegertown was really festive over the Holidays -particularly Main Street!

            -It was a great way to take the damper off a very trying year!!

Snow Parking:

Snow parking regulations are in effect from November 1st to April 1st , Snow or Not. Remember NO PARKING any time, Snow or Not on Saeger-Heights. And NO Parking on Main Street from midnight to 7:00 am. Snow or NOT.

Snow on Sidewalks: Main Street: Reminder

If there is more than 2 inches of snow –

All sidewalks along Main St. must be kept clear of snow and ice.

This must be done at LEAST once every calendar day.

Tractor Parade:

The recent tractor parade was a huge success and was very popular.

Everyone seemed to enjoy it!

Plans are to have the parade again next year.

Providing water to others:

It is illegal to provide water service or bulk water to anyone other than the intended customer. Bulk water may be purchased from the Borough under certain circumstances. Have them contact the Borough Office.

 What Won’t Garbage Take?

The following will not be picked up by the garbage collector. People try to sneak these items in quite regularly. Fines can be issued for trying to dispose of illegal items! You must make your own arrangement to dispose of these items:

            -Paint and hazardous materials              

-Oil, antifreeze and gasoline or diesel fuel

            -Construction materials (doors, windows, insulation etc.)

           -Car parts including old tires

            -Grass, leaves, sticks, yard waste (other plant material like hay)

State Maintained Roads: Main, Erie and South Streets

-PENNDOT is responsible for maintaining roads and ditches on those streets.

-Please refer any complaints on these streets to the local PENNDOT office.

-Snow plowing, potholes, storm drains etc. are their responsibility.

Deadlines Extended or Dates Changed due to Virus:

-REAL ID – extended until October 2021

Fire Dept. News:

Check out the FD Facebook page or the website for updates and fund raisers.      www.saegertownvfd.com

Library News: They are only open for pick-up in the immediate future. There will be no-entry into the building until further notice. Call them for details or to schedule a pick-up: 763-5203.

Pets and COVID:

            The CDC recommends:

                        -Wash hands after handling animals, their food, waste or supplies.

                        -Practice good hygiene and clean up after pets.

                        -Keep cats indoors and do not let them run freely.

                        -Walk dogs on a leash at least 6 feet away from others.

            -Avoid public places where large numbers of people or pets gather.

            -Do NOT put a mask on pets, it could harm them.

            -Do NOT wipe your pets with disinfectants, alcohol etc.

            -Talk to your Vet if you have any other questions.

 Safety: Extremely Cold Weather

Prevent water pipes from freezing:

            If you think your pipes may freeze:

                                -Insulate your water pipes

                                -Leave a spigot slightly run

                                -Make sure outside water lines are shut-off from the inside.

Thawing water pipes:

            Use an electric heater.

                -Pour hot water on pipes.

                -Never use a torch to thaw out a water line.

                -Do NOT attach a welder to the water line.

                                (this may cause a fire – even at a neighbors)

Heavy Snow on Roofs:

     If you must remove snow from a roof:

                -Be careful – roofs are slippery

                -Use a snow rake

                -Do not do it alone…have a spotter

                -Don’t damage shingles

                -Do not use any flames to remove snow

                -Do not pour more water on the roof (this will freeze and add weight)

                -Remember: ladders can be slippery

Ice cycles:

            -Carefully remove any ice cycles, particularly over a sidewalk

 Tax Collector Information:

If you have any questions please contact Amanda Pipper at: 814-763-5401 or  sborotc@outlook.com

                          The tax schedule will be printed when it comes available

Regular Community Meetings:

Borough Council: meetings second Mon. of month, 6:00 pm at Saegertown Borough Building on Erie St.

Sewer Authority: meetings second Tues. of month, 7:00 pm at Saegertown Borough Building on Erie St.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email