Nov 12, 2013 3 min read

CARMICHAELS – Carmichaels Borough now has its own Facebook page to help keep residents informed about events in the community.

Borough secretary Brandi Streit told council Tuesday that she recently began using the page, “Carmichaels Borough,” to provide information to residents on local events. She said she has received a good response.

As an example, Streit said, she had posted information about the Halloween parade and the street closing associated with it and received 1,084 views.

Streit said she believes the page will help not only in informing residents about local events but also in making them aware of any traffic restrictions that may be in effect during an event.

Residents can comment on items on the page, but comments will not be posted until she reviews them, she said. So far, the reception has been good. “I think it’s really helped out,” she said.

In other business, resident Alan Vozel asked council to consider placing signs near town square to show visitors the direction to the historic Greene Academy of Art and the Carmichaels covered bridge.

Council president Charles Walker said he thought that was a good idea and thanked Vozel for the suggestion.

Vozel also asked councilman Chris Watson if could place a plastic fence around the open basement at Watson’s dilapidated building on East George Street to prevent someone from falling into it.

Watson said he had put up caution tape, as had been asked of him. He said he might consider a fence.

Mayor Mike Dohanich also asked Watson about the status of the building.

Watson told council last month that he received a permit from K-2 Engineering to rebuild the building. The permit gives him six months to begin the work.

Watson said Tuesday that he hopes to start laying block in February and is waiting to see if he can get some dirt brought in for free to fill the basement.

Dohanich asked Watson why he didn’t want to do the right thing and correct the problem. Watson said he would have been farther along with the rebuilding had his work not been stopped several months ago by K-2 Engineering, which required him to provide a building plan.

Watson’s term will expire next month. In last week’s election, he and Elizabeth Walker, the two candidates on the ballot for the two council seats, were defeated by write-in votes cast for Dohanich, whose term as mayor expires next month, and Marianne Gideon.

Council voted to purchase hot chocolate for the borough’s light up night that will be held Saturday, Nov. 30. Before, the hot chocolate on light up night was paid for by Streit and police Chief Mike Gyurke.

Council also agreed to participate in the women’s civil club’s Wreaths Across America program by purchasing 10 wreaths for $150. The wreaths will be placed on the graves of veterans at Laurel Point Cemetery Dec. 14.

Council is expected to consider a tentative budget at its next meeting Dec. 10. It will adopt the budget at a special meeting Dec. 17.