DUBOIS – During the public comments section of the DuBois City Council meeting last night, Darlene Marshall asked again for a letter of support in opposing a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit to Windfall Oil and Gas Inc. for a proposed disposal injection well near Highland Street Extension.
Marshall informed council that more than 102 petitions were filed, which was almost twice the amount received in a previous appeal. She also thanked them for their support, as the approval for Mayor Gary Gilbert to sign such a letter was listed for address later in the agenda.
The motion for Gilbert to sign the letter opposing the injection well passed unanimously, with Councilwoman Diane Bernardo adding, “…that they [the Environmental Protection Agency] can’t compare other places in the state with us when we have our own set of geological formations that other parts of the state just don’t have.”
It was noted that resistance to the disposal injection well has been ongoing due to several concerns, including fault lines, catacombs and underground sources of water all in the vicinity of the proposed disposal injection well site.
During Thursday’s work session meeting, members of council voted to amend Council Bill No. 1897. The bill was first read during the last City Council meeting on Nov. 10, and would allow the city to participate in the Delaware Valley Health Trust.
Due to the amendment, which clarified verbiage in the bill, another first reading was required. City Solicitor Toni Cherry clarified areas of amendment at the meeting. Participation in the Delaware Valley Health trust is intended to maintain or reduce the cost of health care for city employees.
A review of Council Bills previously read in their entirety at last Thursday’s work session meeting occurred, and included Council Bill No. 1898-2015 Per Capita Tax, Council Bill No. 1899-2015 Residence Tax, Council Bill No. 1900-2015 Tax Levy and Council Bill No. 1901-2015 Budget.
Overall, DuBois City taxes did not increase for the year 2015, with City Manager Herm Suplizio noting, “…we keep holding the line on taxes, which is something to be said.”
Council then voted for the first public hearing to be held at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 8 regarding the 2015 budget.
As a reminder, the municipal building and city garage will be closed Thursday through Dec. 1 for Thanksgiving and the first day of buck observance. Non-emergency calls will be taken by the police department at 800-689-3535 or emergency calls at 9-1-1.