KULPMONT - Kulpmont Borough Council members want residents to be safe this summer.
Council is trying to amend the local ordinance banning the burning of trash to now include any "open flame" fires. The issue was raised by Councilman Raymond Kraynak after he received many complaints about a large fire pit in a resident's yard which is closely surrounded by neighboring houses.
Residential pool safety was also discussed. Building inspector Tom Nowroski said that he has begun inspecting neighborhood pools, and has already found many violations. He said all pools need a permit and must pass electrical and other safety inspections. Council members agreed it was important to inform residents to avert possible tragedies.
Also discussed was a potential "Wall of Shame" similar to the one recently initiated by Coal Township, which posts the names, telephone numbers and current addresses of blighted property owners in an effort to embarrass owners of blighted properties, hoping the shame will prompt them to clean up their houses or pay to have them torn down.
Council President Bruno R. Varano congratulated the 137 graduates of Mount Carmel Area High School and pointed out that the top three graduates were from Kulpmont. It was unanimously voted to publicly honor the graduates, as well as the success of the Mount Carmel Area High School Odyssey of the Mind (OM) teams at the World Finals in Maryland.
The financial statement and bills to be paid were presented by Treasurer Paul A. Niglio Jr. and unanimously approved, as was the annual police firearms request totaling $650. Council also unanimously decided that police will bring a taser back into operation, costing a total of $728 for holsters, cartridges and batteries.