Williamsport briefs

March 14, 2007|by ERIN CUNNINGHAM

Councilman asks for apology from Jones

WILLIAMSPORT - Williamsport Councilman Earle Pereschuk Sr. requested an apology Monday night from the town's assistant mayor, Monty R. Jones.

Pereschuk claimed that in January, Jones accused him of calling local law enforcement to report that some children were riding their bicycles and obstructing traffic. He said Jones yelled at him, Councilman Jeffrey A. Cline and a town employee, saying he was going to get even with the two councilmen.

"(He said) we were through ...," Pereschuk said. "(He said) he was going to expose me to the churches."

Jones denied saying he would get even with the two councilmen.

Jones apologized to the two men and said he was having a bad day. Jones said his mother had recently had a heart attack.

"I did get loud," he said. "It was a bad time for me."

Pereschuk and Cline said during the night's town council meeting that they accepted Jones' apology.

Cline said town officials were working with business owners and local law enforcement to organize bicycle safety lessons for the town's children.

Bitner has day named for her

WILLIAMSPORT - Williamsport Mayor James G. McCleaf II read a resolution Monday night proclaiming March 12, 2007, as Gloria Bitner Day.

Bitner, a councilwoman who has served on the council for 14 years, did not run in the recent election, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family.

McCleaf said Bitner gave years of dedicated service to the town.

He read a separate resolution Monday proclaiming April 2007 as municipal government works month.

Council OKs election results

WILLIAMSPORT - Williamsport's town council voted Monday to approve the report from the town's March 5 election.

The vote was unanimous.

Anthony Drury was the top vote-getter with 224 votes, Councilman Earle Pereschuk Sr. received 220 votes and Councilman James Kalbfleisch received 189 votes, according to the statement of votes cast that was approved Monday.

Jeffrey Long, who was not elected to the council, received 100 votes.

Drury and the two re-elected councilmen will be sworn in during a meeting Monday at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

Sheriff's deputies respond to calls

WILLIAMSPORT - Washington County Sheriff's Department deputies in Williamsport responded to nearly 500 complaints in December 2006 and January 2007 combined.

In December, deputies responded to 239 complaints and arrested four juveniles, according to a report heard by the town council Monday. Three speeding citations were issued that month, along with 32 other citations and 25 warnings.

Four accidents were investigated, two adult/juvenile alcohol citations were issued and one warrant was served, according to the report.

In January, deputies responded to 240 complaints and arrested seven adults in Williamsport. Officials said 10 speeding citations were issued, along with four other citations. Twenty-two warnings were given, and two accidents were investigated.

Two adult/juvenile alcohol citations also were issued in January.

Classic car show set for May 12

WILLIAMSPORT - The first Williamsport town employee classic car show will be May 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Byron Memorial Park.

All makes and models of cars are welcome, and awards will be given in several categories. The rain date is May 13. All proceeds will benefit Christmas in Byron Memorial Park.

Manhole inspections scheduled

WILLIAMSPORT - Crews will begin manhole inspections this week or next, town officials said Monday.

The inflow and infiltration crew will be in town preparing for the sanitary sewer project report. Officials said they also will be preparing testing of the town's life stations.

Wilson approved for Housing Authority

WILLIAMSPORT - A member of the Washington County Housing Authority Board was approved Monday by the Williamsport Town Council.

Joan C. Wilson of Williamsport was unanimously approved for the unpaid position.

Bat dropping cleanup a costly prospect

WILLIAMSPORT - It will cost the town of Williamsport $1,400 to clean bat droppings from the Springfield Farm Barn.

"If you want to use the barn, this is what it's going to cost," Mayor James G. McCleaf II said.

The town council will discuss the cost during their next work session.

After the initial cleanup, Ehrlich estimated it would cost $480 to maintain it, according to a document provided by town officials.

Tenant house work could go out to bid

WILLIAMSPORT - The Williamsport Town Council heard a recommendation Monday that work to repair a historic town building destroyed by a 2006 fire be put out to bid.

A vote is expected in April, officials said.

The building, at 6 Springfield Lane, was the home of the town's founder.