Not without some regulations, the council says

Drones in Duncannon?

During its May 21 meeting, the Duncannon County Council asked attorney William Dissinger to draft an ordinance regarding the use of drones.

Council member Cynthia Daub stated that she twice spotted a drone hovering over her property while her grandchildren were outside. She said she heard the drone clicking and she thought it was taking photos.

“I was really offended,” Daub said. “I think there’s something definitely wrong with it and I really care about everyone’s comfort – people have swimming pools and stuff like that – I just think we need to seriously get together as a council and pass some sort of ordinance.”

Other council members agreed, authorizing Dissinger to research and draft the ordinance.

City Engineer Greg Rogalski provided an update on upcoming projects. A test and flush of the hybrid water system is scheduled for the night of May 29 to collect flow data and clean the system. Residents were notified that the water was expected to temporarily discolor. The contractor for the Ann Street project is expected to begin work in late June and complete the project by July. Once the Ann Street project is completed, construction of the sewer pipe will begin in August. A change order in the amount of $49,450 was approved for temporary water storage during the project. Rogalski also discussed a grant application for traffic calming measures, including a potential roundabout, entry gate and other traffic control features.

John Farrier, a public works contractor, reported a recent DEP inspection of the sewer system, although a report has still not been completed. An upcoming DEP inspection of the water system is scheduled for June 5 to review arsenic equipment. A bid was submitted for an inflow flow meter at a wastewater treatment plant for $16,400. Additionally, the engine in the sewage treatment plant was replaced.

Mayor Rick Knepp provided an update on traffic calming measures, including new crosswalk signs and barriers to slow traffic. He also mentioned a meeting with the Nature Conservancy about potentially opening the gorge to mountain biking, which was decided against due to monitoring concerns. The design of a wooden information board for the commune building was discussed.

Borough Treasurer Robert Kroboth provided an update on various financial issues, including the closing of the $650,000 PennVest loan for the Ann Street project, the ongoing 2023 financial audit, the implementation of grant agreements for dam rehabilitation projects and COVID-related ARPA projects 19 and submitting applications. community development block grant application for the Noye Park pedestrian bridge project.

Roger Williams mentioned movie nights scheduled for July 5 and August 2 at Cooper Field and the start of the Market on the Tavern Green at Clarks Ferry Tavern, stating that the first night this year had a light attendance but vendors were happy. He said all but five more providers have signed up to return.

Approved Michael May’s suggestion to add July 5 as a one-time holiday for municipal employees to thank them for their hard work.

Provided an update on interviews for a code enforcement position scheduled for the first week of June. Changes to the bereavement pay policy have been approved, extending bereavement pay to part-time employees and modifying the number of days depending on the employment relationship, retroactive to January 1, 2024.