Accident with Borough Truck, Deer Population and More (July 6 Whitehall Borough Meeting Notes)

Prospect Road Accident, Speeding-Reduction Campaign

Manager James E. Leventry reported on Wednesday night that a vehicle traveling on Prospect Road had collided with a borough truck recently while the truck was doing work at the intersection of Prospect and Mooreridge Drive.

"The individual (driver) claimed he didn't see the truck when he came around the corner," said Leventry, who added that he had not yet had an opportunity to speak with the on-scene police officer.

One worker who was sitting in the truck at the time of the accident is being tested for possible head injuries. The truck itself sustained $60,000 worth of damage. Fortunately, it was not a newer truck, and Leventry believes "we can still sell it as is."

Coincidentally, both Whitehall Mayor James F. Nowalk and police Chief Donald R. Dolfi informed the Whitehall Council about an upcoming campaign to cut down on speeding and aggressive driving.

The campaign will run from July 11 to Aug. 28 and will focus on Curry, Curry Hollow and Brownsville roads.

"So consider this a fair warning," Nowalk said.

Borough Business

Leventry also shared items related to the day-to-day operations of the borough office, including health-insurance plans and a new credit card.

"I had a meeting recently with individuals who think they can save us money," Leventry said regarding the possibility of considering different health-care plans for borough employees. But, he added that he would need to meet with the labor unions involved before going forward.

Leventry also said that the borough is securing a Visa credit card with a spending limit of $3,000. There will be one card and three users.

"But the statement won't show you who does what?" council member Robert McKnown asked.

"We never considered that because the usage of it is so minimal," Leventry replied.

Deer Debate

In the latest chapter of an ongoing deer-population problem in Whitehall, McKnown suggested that the council consider an offer presented to him by a resident expert on the issue.

"He's (the resident is) a certified shooter, and he's done this for other areas," McKnown said.

Fellow council members Philip Lahr and Harold Berkoben, however, expressed concerns, saying that they should consider other options.

"Here are your options: Kill them," council member Glenn Nagy said.

Lahr disagreed, saying that the use of Deer Off deer repellent worked on his property.

Lahr's solution, however, as other council members pointed out, does not address the biggest concern of deer on roadways.

The council finally gave McKnown the go-ahead to meet with the resident expert to see what methods might be used to "thin the herd."

Tree Trouble

Ann Aquino of 4958 Carlyn Drive presented the council with an ongoing complaint that she has had with her neighbors.

"Large limbs from their tree are falling in my yard," Aquino said. "I know there's no ordinance against it, but maybe you could make one."

The borough solicitor said that this was not possible, but Nowalk asked, "She's saying you regulate the length of grass, so why not this?"

"The council can't intervene between neighbors," Lahr said. "Private property is private property."

When Aquino persisted, Nagy suggested that she write a letter to her neighbors. Some council members suggested visiting the residence, but all of them agreed that there was no legal action that the council could take.