HERNDON - Borough council members Monday discussed the need for new lines to be painted on Rivershore Drive near the railroad tracks and the angle and visibility of the railroad crossing signal lights.
Research conducted by the borough determined the painting is the responsibility of the borough and the crossing signal probably isn't, but action on the signal lights is needed nonetheless.
"They're antiquated; they need to be replaced," said council President Joel Wetzel.
Although the tragedy was not discussed at the council meeting, the crossing was the scene of a double fatality just before noon June 22 when Earl E. Hollenbach, 78, with his wife, Edith A. Hollenbach, 76, a passenger in their 2000 Buick LeSabre, crossed the tracks headed west onto Rivershore Drive and drove into the path of a southbound Canadian Pacific train. The Hollenbachs, who lived in the borough's Rivershore neighborhood, were killed.
There has been no suggestion that inadequate markings led to the accident.
On another safety matter, council members discussed the possibility of placing crosswalk signs in the middle of town near the Herndon Post Office. Estimates for signage were obtained; however, placement of the signs requires painting of crosswalks according to PennDOT specifications. The feasibility and cost are still being investigated.
Signs have been placed along Pottsville Street to remind drivers to be cautious of children at play. The effort has unfortunately failed at slowing down traffic, council reported.
Council members recently met with state Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver to discuss Herndon concerns including securing a flag for the borough building. Council is interested in obtaining a grant for the playground, which could possibly be used to run water and electricity to the site. While there is no funding available this year for these types of projects, Culver said, it is something that could be investigated in the future.
Concerns around the legality of see-saws on public playgrounds were also discussed at the meeting with Culver. A council member heard they are no longer legal; however, this has not yet been confirmed. It was suggested they might still be legal if tires are placed under them.
Also visiting the borough in recent months were represetatives of the state Department of Labor and Industry to check boiler safety and an air compressor. Minor repairs were outlined and they are being addressed.
In other business, the building permit ordinance will be addressed for clarification concerning the flood zone.
Jackson Township
In neighboring Jackson Township, the annual winter service contract was signed with PennDOT to plow 6 1/2 miles of state roads this winter, supervisors reported.
A presentation was also made by Code Inspections Inc. to carry out all the inspections for the township. It the proposal is accepted, all residents needing code approvals would have inspections done through a single party. Currently, Jackson Township "opts out," which gives area residents flexibility to choose who completes inspections for the building of new homes and home additions. No decision was made yet to change.
Lower Mahanoy Twp.
Meeting night for Lower Mahanoy Township supervisors has been moved to the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m., changed from the first Tuesday.
Lower Mahanoy and Herndon Borough both meet at 7 p.m. the first Monday of every month and Jackson Township supervisors at 7:30 p.m. the first Monday.