KULPMONT - Both sides of a debate over a potential sexual predator ordinance in the borough were heard Tuesday during public comment at borough council's meeting.
Last month, citizen Matt Siko presented council with examples of an ordinance already passed in Mount Carmel and Coal Township that forces those listed on the Megan's Law website to live 1,500 feet away from any public gathering place. He noted it was imperative Kulpmont take action due to an offender moving onto his block and is "already befriending his neighbors with kids."
Siko came to Tuesday night's meeting to question the progress of the ordinance. Solicitor William Cole said there were a number of litigious challenges to the ordinance statewide and they are going to research the matter further.
"We want to make sure we are on sound, legal ground before we pass this," Cole said.
Amber Adams, who said she lives with the offender, addressed the board, asking them to know all the facts before they label someone.
"I want to set the record straight," Adams said. "I live with him with my two children, age 10 and 12. Despite what is posted in public and said in town, he is not a sexual violent predator according to the probation departments in two counties he deals with. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please come to me. We all want a safe place for our kids."
Building changes, speeding
Ann Bartko asked council about the fate of the senior action center if Kulpmont Borough builds a new municipal building.
"We were told by our director that if the senior action center moves from this building to the new one, our rent will go up from $690 to $1,400 a month, which the agency cannot afford," Bartko said.
Board vice president Clarence Deitrick, who ran the meeting in place of an absent Bruno Varano, said that figure was incorrect and that they will speak to the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging on the matter.
Finally, residents Ann Marie Fariello and Betty Procopio spoke to the board about slowing down speeding vehicles on Chestnut Street in order to be able to cross the street.
"My son is handicapped and I worry about someone not stopping while he is crossing," Procopio said.
"We have discussed this matter over and over again," Mayor Myron Turlis said to council. "We just don't have the police force to do it. Unless you want to hire more officers, I don't want to hear it."
In other business, the board approved allowing Frank's Electric to conduct a DEP inspection on their fuel tanks at a cost of $225.
Councilman Nick Bozza announced that food surplus for Kulpmont Borough will be distributed from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the borough garage.
Council will also send a letter of thanks to the Knights of Columbus council in Kulpmont for their $50 donation toward the flags on Chestnut Street.