ELDRED — At their monthly meeting, the Eldred Borough council members, along with borough workers and others in attendance, heard Council President Dan Plummer read the pending ordinance that would officially terminate the borough’s police force.

The Otto-Eldred Joint Police Force has been disbanded and the borough’s solicitor is finalizing the division of the monetary and equipment issues, pending agreement by Otto Township, which is going to reestablish its own police department.

Otto Supervisor CJ Kaluza and an employee of the township brought up the possibility of insurance issues preventing the township and the borough’s continuation of helping each other with both manpower and equipment. Also discussed was the problem of equality–how many man hours equal how many equipment hours, and what is the solution in order to continue this long-standing “gentlemen’s agreement.” Both sides agreed that it is not only beneficial to both, but necessary to provide the service and maintenance both localities deserve.

The council agreed to purchase a new backhoe for approximately $120,000. All agreed it will be a good investment and are confident that the future yearly budgets will include the necessary funds to make the payments. President Plumner stated emphatically, “As long as I am on the council, taxes will not be raised to fund a police force or to purchase equipment.”

Ambulance service for the borough, like many local areas, is a major concern. Port Allegany is now going to respond to calls from the borough, and council will pursue coverage from local providers, including a new to the area service, TLC EMS, LLC of Duke Center.

Council agreed to begin charging delinquent sewage and garbage accounts a flat fee of $5.00 per month. Approximately thirty customers are currently behind in payments and will be taken to court if their accounts continue to be unpaid.

Lottery and Lotter of Portville, NY was contracted to install a safety fence on the concrete wall along South Main St. More bids will be sought for the removal of a large dead tree in the Eldred Park. Council will purchase a street saw to aid in road maintenance and will sell accumulated scrap metal and old tools to augment the general funds. Mulch for the playground in the park will be purchased, but not until council looks into and compares rubber mulch versus the natural wood mulch.

The annual burning of the dike is in question. Councilman Bill Bair stated it would have to be done this week, and thus far there is no indication that anyone is willing to do it.

Residents present asked about a possible grocery store being once again part of the downtown district. It was pointed out that there are two vacant former grocery stores and the need for one is obvious. All agreed, but all also agreed that the prospects are dim for a market to open anytime soon.

The town’s annual spring cleanup will be held on Monday, May 16th. Borough workers will commence at 7:00 a.m. There is a $35.00 fee per household, which must be paid by Friday the 13th at the borough office. Limits and restrictions are listed at the office and will be strictly enforced.

Prior to “junk day,” Mo Welch again is coordinating the annual garage sale day, to be held on Saturday, May 14th. This year vendors will be invited to sell their wares on the sidewalks of Main St. on this date. Information will be forthcoming on social media and at the borough office.