Facing a severe revenue shortfall, discussion at the Gettysburg Borough Council meeting on Monday focused primarily on financial difficulties. But a number of other decisions and announcements relevant to borough residents were also made.
Social Distancing and Cooperation
Borough President Jake Schindel reminded residents of the importance of wearing face masks and social distancing.
Schindel said as the weather gets warmer there are going to be a lot of people outside. “The masks are to protect other people not to protect yourself. Keep your distance even when you’re outside,” said Schindel.
“We’re going to have to come together as a community. It’s about cooperation, collegiality, teamwork, and community,” said councilmember Patti Lawson.
Spring Brush Pickup
Brush pickup will take place next week Monday (5/18) – Friday (5/22). The Public Works crew will go around the town twice to pick up brush.
Place brush along the curb or alley. Please do not place in the street, and no leaves or grass clippings.
Revolving Business Loans
The borough approved a change in requirements for the $3,000 revolving loans offered to local businesses. The change allows businesses who have already received federal money to apply. “People are getting Federal aid but it’s not going to be enough,” said Gettysburg Finance Director Nicolette James.
Police Department
Gettysburg Police Chief Robert Glenny said an arrest had been made in the recent series of property thefts from vehicles.
Glenny said calls to the department were down in April but are “creeping back up again.”
Glenny reminded residents that DUI enforcement would be continuing into June, including the Memorial Day holiday.
Glenny reminded residents that U.S. Census workers will be leaving packets on doorsteps around the borough. The census workers will be “properly-identified and wearing masks,” said Glenny.
Councilmember Berger thanked the police department, saying “I’m hearing a lot from the public lately.” People have been expressing “their appreciation for what the police have been doing during this time and how important public safety is.”
HABPI Grant Proposal Application
Tom Jolin, representing Healthy Adams County Bicycle Pedestrian Inc. (HABPI), asked the borough to approve the submission of two grant proposals, one to the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and one to the Pennsylvania Community and Economic Development (DCED), to support the Gettysburg Inner Loop bicycle trail section B2 along North Washington Street.
Jolin said HABPI had strong support letters from Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association, Adams County Office of Planning and Development, Destination Gettysburg, and the South Mountain Partnership.
HAPBI member Susan Naugle said that the DCED portion of the grant would require the community to come up with about $650,000 in matching funds.
“We think it will encourage real estate updates, both residential and business. We think we can help the Gettysburg tax base,” said Jolin.
Naugle said if the proposal were funded, construction would likely start in 2022.
Main Street Gettysburg Cares
Main Street Gettysburg CEO Deb Adamik said 79 businesses had signed up for the Main Street Gettysburg Cares program. “That’s amazing. It speaks to their need,” said Adamik.
Adamik said Main Street Gettysburg is also providing other resources to businesses including webinars about how to best run their business once they reopen.
Other Announcements
Large item pickup has been suspended in the borough. The borough said residents would have to take their items themselves to an appropriate disposal site.
Public Works Director Robert Harbaugh said the Kuhn Alley reconstruction project was now underway.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.