Borough Police Request 5 New Rifles

The is expected to approve the purchase of five CX4 Beretta Storm .45-caliber carbine rifles for the when they meet Monday.

Chief Philip J. Crosson has requested to replace 10 Ruger .40-caliber rifles within the police department. He recommended the purchase of five new Beretta carbine rifles instead.

Lanigan Associates Inc., an approved arms dealer, which holds the state contract for the desired rifles, has agreed to a trade-in value of the Ruger rifles of $2,750. The cost of the new rifles is $2,939.45, bringing the borough's total expense to $189.45.

Looking ahead to the fall and winter, the council is also expected to approve the 's (CAF) request to hold their annual gala at Reasoner Park on Sept. 22.

Paul Ivans, a trustee of CAF, said the organization wanted to do a more low-key event than their usual .

"We still want to continue our presence in the community and have our event every September, but given the economy and the impact on our friends and neighbors, we didn’t want to do a full gala, but still wanted to do a formal event," Ivans said.

The outdoor gala will have tents in case of inclement weather. If the council approves the request, CAF will begin to set up the event at 2 p.m. and will finish at 1 a.m.

Also on the agenda for Monday:

• The council will vote on a donation of $1,000 for the Public Arts Council from JCP&L.
• The council will vote whether to allow the Chamber of Commerce to place a holiday tree at Reasoner Park from Nov. 23 to Jan. 7, 2013.
• The council will vote on whether to allow the Holy Night Society to place a nativity scene at Reasoner Park from Nov. 29 to Jan. 7, 2013.
• The council will vote on whether to allow Chabad to display a menorah at Reasoner Park from Monday, Dec. 3 to Friday, Dec. 21.

The Chatham Borough Council meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the . A full copy of the agenda can be found in the Photos & Videos section of this article.