Approvals, Lawsuits, and Reassessments: Coopersburg Weekly Wrapup

(Editor's note: Occasionally, a municipality has a number of stories throughout a week that are important. When that happens, we will combine information to benefit readers)

The Issues:

1. Waste Management

With a vote of 6-1, the borough council rescinded a contract with Mascaro and Sons which was awarded at the Jan. 25 meeting. Council took the action despite a lengthy debate between Michael Gall, attorney for Waste Management, and attorney William Fox, who represented Mascaro and Sons. Though the council was warned "to to cave into pressure that would set a bad precedent" and the offer of attorney's fees for any ensuing lawsuits by Fox, the council in the end awarded the bid to Waste Management on a vote of 4-3. Council member Dennis Balaschak summed it up for the council, "Although I do it with some regrets because I’ve received excellent service from Mascaro, the lowest responsible bidder is Waste Management."

2. County Reassessment

Vans will be driving around the borough taking pictures of both commercial and residential property for a county-wide reassessment. The reassessment, which Patch journalist Margie Peterson covered earlier this week, will start March 1st. Residents can expect to see their reassessments in 2012. Council member Richard Nalichowski represented the borough at the Council of Governments meeting where the announcement was made.

3. Rusty Oil Tanks

The borough hall is having oil tank issues, says borough manager Dawn Kresge. "We went down to inspect the oil tanks, and they're in bad shape." The borough will look at the price of two 275-gallon tanks as well as the price for an ultrasound on the current tanks to understand the extent of the damage.

4. Amber Alert Sign

The lack of compliance for a lighted sign in the borough will go in front of the zoning board. The sign, which has been up for almost four years, was approved by the borough on the condition that if there was an Amber Alert, the sign would show the alert. "Part of the condition for use [of the sign in the borough] was that partial use would be available for Amber Alerts." said Balaschak. The board considered taking action immediately, such as turning the sign off, but the town solicitor advised the matter go in front of the zoning board.

The Good News:

1. Coopersburg Business Revitalization Program Awards Grants

In a press release sent Monday Feb. 7, the Coopersburg Business Revitalization Program announced the winners of a façade grant this year. The two property owners will receive grants worth a combined total of $9,635 towards projects that have a total combined cost of $19,270. The grant was awarded to borough residents based on the merit of the projects in the grant applications. The winners, Prudential Patt White on Main St. and a residential property on Main St., will use the money on improvements such as new windows and exterior painting