LAWRENCE COUNTY New Wilmington council prepares new laws

A group that provides alternatives to abortion is looking for borough space.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. -- Borough council had ordinances prepared governing fireworks displays, abandoned houses, and houses that host disruptive events.
Members hope to act on the ordinances at the July meeting.
The new laws, discussed Monday night, will give the borough enforcement power to more effectively deal with the hazards posed by abandoned structures, require anyone having a fireworks display in the borough to obtain a permit, and give police more tools to deal with properties where loud, disruptive parties are held.
Police Chief Carmen Piccirillo suggested council prepare the ordinance requiring a fireworks permit, commenting that currently anyone can put on a public fireworks display without even carrying insurance.
Piccirillo also said that a disorderly house ordinance would help "keep the noise level down in some apartment buildings." He said police can cite offenders only with disorderly conduct or public drunkenness. The proposed ordinance will allow prosecution of those hosting problem parties, even if they are not the ones causing the problems.
Projects
Council referred the only bid received for paving of Francis Street to the street committee, solicitor and borough superintendent for study.
Butch and McCree Paving, Hillsville, offered to do the job for $67,885.
They also approved purchase of a $6,200 swimming pool heater to replace the broken one at the borough pool. The 10-year-old heater would cost too much to repair, council member Susan Ligo said.
Vivian Goldenson of People in Need, a nonprofit social service organization that provides alternatives to abortion, told council that her group wants to start a "Women in Need" program in New Wilmington and is looking for office space.
She said the group provides free baby supplies, including diapers, clothing, food and other supplies, as well as support programs for parents. She said the space should be accessible to Amish buggies as the Amish community is one of the groups they seek to serve. The group has offices in New Castle, Sharon and several other nearby municipalities.
Police reports
Piccirillo also said that the number of "reportable incidents" is significantly higher this year than in 2003. He said that as of May, the numbers are already as high as they were in September last year.
Reportable incidents include crimes, assistance calls and mutual aid -- anything that requires a written report.
Solicitor Tom Mansell reported that at the last New Wilmington Municipal Authority meeting, members learned that two new water tanks the borough intends to buy will cost 50 percent more than anticipated because of rising steel prices. He said the project may be delayed as a result.
Lawmakers made no decision on whether to prosecute 10 or 12 property owners who have still not replaced hazardous sidewalks in front of their properties. They were among 50 residents who were given about one year to make the repairs and had been notified that May 31 was the deadline.