KULPMONT - The message is simple from Kulpmont Mayor Myron Turlis - cut the grass or pay some cash.
In his report at Tuesday's borough council meeting, Turlis spoke about several instances of high grass that can be found in the borough.
"There are some places that the grass is two feet high," the mayor said. "This can't go on, and we won't allow it anymore."
With that, Turlis directed health board officers Charles and Angelo Venna to begin enforcing the high grass ordinance, and those not in compliance to be cited and fined.
"No warnings, just fines," Turlis said.
There are some homes, however, that are vacant with absent landlords.
"One of the homes on the cutting list is also on the sewer authority's list for non-payment, and on one of the letters he wrote back to us, he said, 'Good luck trying to find me,'" council president Bruno Varano said.
Council voted unanimously to have borough workers cut the lawns at the vacant homes, and then put liens on the properties, like they have done in past years.
Showing the 2010 bills to solicitor William Cole, Turlis said, "There's $3,000 of the taxpayers money right there with no remittance."
In other business, Joe Cesari reported to council that $2,620 was made at the recent Mahoney Brothers concert at Mount Carmel Area High School, with the funds earmarked for a project to build a new playground at the Terry-Miriello Stadium.
The money will be used for in-kind matching of a $40,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Grant coordinator Clarence Deitrick reported the application was sent to DCNR and they are now waiting to hear if it will be approved.
Cesari also announced that the ninth annual Car Cruise through town will be held on Sunday, June 26, with vehicles on display at Holy Angels Picnic Grounds starting at noon. The cruise begins at 3 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Kulpmont Football and Baseball Association.
On the same date, the borough will hold its annual Community Yard Sale, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a rain date of July 2.