Oct 8, 2013 4 min read

CARMICHAELS – Carmichaels Borough Council will be considering a plan under which the Cumberland Township Police Department will assist borough police in patrolling the borough.

Council president Charles Walker told council at Tuesday’s council meeting that he, councilman Ralph McWilliams and borough police Chief Mike Gyurke had met with township officials to discuss the matter.

A plan was proposed by the township under which the borough would pay the township from $20,000 to $24,000 a year for township police to patrol in the borough, Walker said.

The borough also would have to purchase a computer program for its department that would be compatible with the townships, he said. In addition, revenue collected from traffic tickets issued in the borough would be distributed to the department whose officers issued the tickets.

Council discussed an agreement with the township for police assistance earlier this year when it was considering hiring a new officer to assist Gyurke, who is now the only officer on the borough force and who has another job.

The two police departments now assist each other on incidents and because the township surrounds the borough, township police often drive through the borough.

Walker said he believes the amount the borough would pay the township a year is probably close to what it would cost the borough to hire another officer, taking into account training, the purchase of equipment and other costs.

And if an officer would resign, the borough would have to pay again for training and equipment for his replacement, he said.

McWilliams also said if the township assisted the borough, the borough would have “24-7” police coverage, something it would not have if it just hiring a new officer. “That’s a big thing right there,” he said.

Councilman John Paletta noted, however, the payment to the township would represent a large percentage of the borough’s budget.

The borough currently pays about $20,000 a year for its police force out of a total budget of about $130,000, borough secretary Brandi Streit said later. McWilliams also noted the borough could look into whether Act 13 drilling impact fee money could be used for police protection.

Walker said he was presenting the information about the meeting with the township to council so members could review it. Council also could hold a workshop on the proposal if members are interested, he said.

In other business, resident Paul Lesako asked about the status of councilman Chris Watson’s dilapidated building on East George Street. The basement of the building remains open and someone could easily fall into it, he said.

The half-demolished building has been an issue since April. Police earlier cited Watson for the property’s condition.

Watson said he recently received a permit from K-2 Engineering to rebuild the building. He said he didn’t know when the work would be done, because the person who will do the project has another job. The permit gives him six months to begin the work.

Watson agreed to place caution tape around the opening.

Lesako also suggested the borough prepare ordinances to prevent property owners from renting unlivable apartments to others, referring to a house Watson rents next to the half-demolished building.

Lesako said Point Marion Borough has an ordinance under which rental properties must be inspected to ensure they are livable.

Streit announced the chamber of commerce’s Halloween Parade will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Trick or treat in the borough would be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. that day.

A Veterans Day parade will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 that will include a brief service in town square.

The chamber of commerce’s “Light Up” night will be held Saturday, Nov. 30.