Opinion Pools Now Added to Our Website

The Borough of Berwick has truly made every attempt possible to keep our residents and visitors informed of the happenings in our community and in our government.  In the past several years, the Borough has created semi-annual newsletters that are distributed to each home in the Borough.  The Borough has also created a website, a Facebook page, and a Twitter page, not to mention a Nixle Alert page to inform citizens via email and text if an emergency is occurring or if a major event is occurring in the Borough.  The Borough also advertises with Metrocast television, the Press Enterprise, and our local radio.  Our goal is to keep the public informed.  Another goal that we have is to get adequate feedback from our citizens and visitors as well.  Other than the general lines of communication, the Borough created a page on the police page where citizens can anonymously report crime tips or information regarding arrest warrants.  We have created a section on our website where citizens can contact the Borough via email with any questions they may have in general. Our newest addition, and hopefully a very popular tool for visitors and citizens, is the creation of an Opinion Poll.  The Opinion Poll is a way for citizens to vote anonymously regarding their opinions regarding different matters in the Borough.  The Opinion Polls are designed to give citizens voting choices.  Citizens can see the immediate results of the poll upon submission of a vote.  The Borough will periodically place new opinion polls online as different topics are discussed in our community.  Please stop by, vote, and let us know what your opinion is, so that Council can make informed decisions on our community based on what they feel is best for our community, as well as what our citizens feel is best for our community.  As they say, if you don't vote, you shouldn't complain!  Stop by and vote!

Opinion Poll - Ber Vaughn Park Swimming Pool

It's no secret.  Almost everyone in the Berwick community knows that the Ber Vaughn Park Swimming Pool has been a topic of discussion for approximately four years.  In March 2008, the Borough had a study completed by Aquatic Facility Design, Inc. to assess the swimming pool conditions and feasibility of improving the swimming pool.  The study included public participation, public meetings, surveys, examining attendance, monetary records, infrastructure issues, a five-year summary, core borings, pressure and static testing, and a number of other observations that would provide for a very informative report.  A copy of the study can be found by clicking this link. Swimming Pool Feasibility Study Link - Click Here Here are the Facts as they have been presented in the Study: The Bad: The swimming pool was built in 1972, making it nearly 40 years old.  The pool has not been updated the way that it needs to.  The large pool, which holds over 300,000 gallons of water, loses 1 foot of water per week, meaning there is a leak in the plumbing under the pool.  This makes the pool cold all the time. The baby pool nearly drains to the bottom each week, meaning there are major plumbing issues under the pool. The federal government recently mandated the Borough to change the drain traps in the pool.  The investment cost $8,000.  The drain trap in the deep end of the pool could not be changed; therefore the trap had to be completely plugged shut.  This has caused major filtration issues in the deep end of the swimming pool, resulting in a number of bad pH tests as well as chloroform tests, all of which were corrected immediately of course. The Borough pays the YMCA $10,000 per year to manage the pool.  The Borough does not receive any revenue from the swimming pool.  The YMCA reports a slight financial loss on pool operations each year. The pool house, although cleaned every day, is severely outdated and dingy. The pump house is severely outdated with a number of plumbing problems. The pool is NOT ADA compliant The federal government forced the Borough to change from gas chlorine to liquid chlorine.  This was a hefty investment that has caused a number of issues, from a 25% increase in chemical costs to corrosion of piping from the pure liquid chlorine.  There are benefits of liquid chlorine, so we are told.  We haven’t discovered them yet, other than the fact that it is safer to deal with. There are no real amenities or play features.  There are no tables, chairs, umbrellas, volleyball courts, basketball hoops, or games for visitors to play with while at the pool.  There were two diving boards, until one broke. The pool interiors are deteriorating.  The tile wall needs torn out and replaced with a filtration system. There are no real concessions at the pool. The pool is continuously vandalized, although extra precautions have recently been taken to prevent further destruction. Most interior spaces, including the bath house, is not ADA compliant. No hot water Toilets are dated and rusting at the pipes No defined storage areas or family changing facilities It is becoming a financial drain to maintain constant problems, leaks, corrosion, vandalism, and daily maintenance.  The yearly cost to maintain the pool, all expenses includes, by the Borough of Berwick, is between $60,000 and $90,000 per year. Attendance figures are not what they once were. In s survey conducted in August 2007, only 47% of the people using the swimming pool are Berwick Borough residents, yet 100% of the cost of maintaining the swimming pool is taken on by Berwick Borough.  Further results from the survey on in the study in the link provided. The Good: The pool is sturdy.  The core borings showed it is a very solid pool. The pool has been a staple of Berwick for many years.  Our children’s children can play at the same pool that we played at when we were children. There is no better organization than the Berwick Area YMCA to manage the swimming pool. Family fun is cheap. The YMCA feeds 500 kids per day with free meals right out of the swimming pool Public Swimming Pools off opportunities for families to enjoy outdoor recreation less than a mile from their homes, where they can stay cool and exercise. Outdoor swimming pools increase the property values of the community. Public pools offer the opportunity for people of the Borough, Berwick Area, and surrounding regions to gather and have a fun-filled day. This is our pool and we need to be proud of our pool. The Financial Facts: Cost Estimates:  Yearly Maintenance by Borough:  $70,000 per year To Fix the Main Pool: New Filtration System / Chemical Storage building:    $77,668 Sandblast and fix joints and shell of main pool:  $139,986 Construct Penninsula in Main Pool Body:  $59,270 Provide Addition of Zero-Entry to Intermediate Pool and Connection:  $244,361 New Recirculation System, Bottom Drain System, Surge Tank System, Complete Filtration System, and Plumbing Systems:  $900,221 New Decking with Drain and Deck Features such as ladders and stands:  $215,905 Place Play Features:  $132,374 Place Chemical System:  $19,103 Heater:  $40,000 Slide:  $145,391 Slide Option 2:  $154,503 New Lights:  $62,631 Night Time Lights:  $19,696 Interior Joint Replacement:  $8,000 Interior Re-Coating:  $7,500 To Fix the Bath House: Door and other ADA Compliance:  $55,000 Fixture Replacements, New Layouts, Changing Areas:  $240,000 Concession Area modifications:  $60,000 Wall Improvements:  $52,000 Roof Shingle Replacement:  $35,000 ADA Family Changing Area:  $42,000 Security System:  $15,000 Kiddie Splash Pad Concept Design:  $225,000 - $255,000 NOTE:  This was made in 2008.  Please add 10% - 15% per year onto this cost estimate per year, meaning to fix the pool in 2011, the cost is approximately 30% higher than it would have been in 2008. It is understood that these cost estimates are design concepts, meaning they are based on a plan.  This does not mean that everything must be completed.  However, the bare minimum to bring the pool up to code and structural standards, without adding any amenities whatsoever, is estimated to be no less than $1.5 million.

1st Annual Columbia County Bass Tournament and Festival a Success!

Written by: Genette Traugh, Borough Intern  Berwick held a bass tournament on June 12th and 13th at the Berwick Test Track. The tournament was sponsored by Columbia County Bassmaster. The cost of the tournament was $125 per boat with only two people to a boat. Approximately $20,000 was spent on this event, $12,500 went towards prizes and $7,500 went to promote the event. First place was a cash prize of $5,000, second place was $2,500 and the rest of the prize money was split up between the top eight winners. Nate Golla, Mifflinville, and Matt McBryan, Bloomsburg, won first place with a two day haul of 23.02 pounds. The other winners were: Todd Lengel and Dave Hager, 19.78 pounds Brain Dauberman and Jason Crawford, 19.67 pounds Steve Lowe and Troy Beck Jr., 18.37 pounds Adam Weiser and Nathan Clark, 17.75 pounds D.J. Houser and Woody Houser, 16.83 pounds Gene Lutz and Ron Weaver, 16.77 pounds Charles Gerasimoff and Arow Zanolini, 16.23 pounds Randy Follmer and Vince Riotto, 16.07 pounds Mark Klinger and Tom Kaufman, 15.48 pounds

Blight On Lasalle Removed

Written By:  Tyler Bailey, Borough Intern The Blueprint Community Council has been working hand in hand with Columbia County Redevelopment and the Borough of Berwick to clean up and revitalize the Blueprint Community neighborhood, otherwise known as the LaSalle Street, Monroe Street, and Washington Street neighborhood. The team has been working for about five years on a plan and strategy to address the problems in the neighborhood.  Although the strategy has taken quite some time to implement, the process is finally underway.  In 2007, the Borough worked with PennDOT and the Berwick Area Joint Sewer Authority to separate storm water, place some new curbing, and repave LaSalle Street.  The project was funded in part by CDBG grant dollars and cost approximately $340,000 for BAJSA and the Borough.  The paving was paid for by PennDOT. The Borough has also committed $40,000 of start-up money to the revitalization of Sponsler's Park.  The project will begin late this summer. Additionally, the Columbia County Redevelopment Authority has received nearly $900,000 in grants to revitalize the neighborhood.  One program that has been recently put in place includes a homeowner rehabilitation program in the neighborhood.  The group has also formed a neighborhood crime watch. In addition, the group has been working very hard to eliminate the blight in the neighborhood.  Recently, the Columbia County Redevelopment Authority and Housing Corporation purchased four properties on LaSalle Street during a tax sale. The Columbia County Housing Corporation, along with the public works department, knocked down three buildings that stood on LaSalle Street in Berwick.  The properties, a double house located at 316, 318, a single at 320, and a single at 331 rear LaSalle St. were in failing condition and had been vacant since the purchase of the residences in September. As of present, there are no set plans for the now empty lots, but there has been hopeful talk about putting new housing structures where the previous homes once stood. With these efforts and continued work, the Blueprint Community neighborhood will once again be a neighborhood to be proud of!  The work of the Blueprint Community and the citizen group involved is to be commended, as the Berwick Borough Council truly appreciates their efforts.

Civil War Reenactment 2010

Written by: Genette Traugh, Borough Intern The second annual Civil War Reenactment was held on Saturday, June 26th and Sunday, June 27th at Test Track Park. The event was organized by local residents Bob Yohey and Vern Slusser who partnered with the Borough. This year’s Civil War Reenactment was a great success. Several hundred people showed up to join in on all the excitement. The weekend consisted of exciting attractions like live cannon shots, food vendors, craft vendors, a doctor’s tent with demonstrations, a blacksmith, a soap maker, camp set-ups, a small skirmish, and other attractions including a historian telling Civil War stories. The event began at approximately 10am Saturday and continued throughout the entire weekend. Many thanks to all the demonstrators, organizers, and donations received for this event. We look forward to planning it again for next year and we hope to see you there!

Kid's Night 2010

Written By: Tyler Bailey, Borough Intern Every year after the Elks Pet and Toy Parade, the Borough hosts a Kid’s Night at the Jackson Mansion.  Each year there are games, inflatable bounce houses, and sno*cones for children to enjoy!  This past year had a terrific turn-out with over 700 people attending, nearly 200 were children.  The event featured DJ Chris Romig and a bounce house maze.  Borough Manager, Shane Pepe said “(Kid’s Night is a) free evening of fun for kids!” This annual event has being going on for years and he cannot wait until the next kid’s night.  The Borough Staff hopes to see an even bigger turn-out!   Thanks to everyone that volunteered and hope to see you at Kid’s Night 2011!

Berwick Flag Adopted

Written by: Genette Traugh, Borough Intern     Earlier this year our sister city, Berwick-upon-Tweed, in England asked the Borough of Berwick, Pennsylvania if we had an official flag for our community. Since our Borough did not have a flag at that time a group of residents, headed by Councilman Jim Meighan, designed and produced a Borough flag. The design on the flag is from Neil Kepner’s 1986 sketch for Berwick’s bicentennial. This design also appears on official stationery of the Borough of Berwick and Borough Police patches. Councilman Meighan developed the flag quickly and then sent the flag to Berwick-upon-Tweed. He wanted the flag to make it there before Berwick-upon-Tweed’s annual springtime parade. In May the flag was voted on and approved to be the official flag of Berwick. This flag may be flown at schools, offices, and homes.

Family Fishing Day May 15, 2010

Written by: Genette Traugh, Borough Intern The third Annual Family Fishing Day was held on May 15, 2010 at the PPL Riverlands. This program was co-sponsored by the Columbia County Bassmasters, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, PPL Riverlands, and Berwick Community Policing Program. This program was held for children ages 8-15 years old to teach them how to properly fish. Besides showing the kids how to fish, this program included a welcome, an introduction, presentations regarding SMART fishing, regulations, licenses, where to fish, equipment, knots, rigging, baiting, casting skills, a family fishing session, and lunch. The day went as followed; registration was from 8 AM to 9 AM. The family fishing program was from 9 AM to noon, and after that everyone enjoyed refreshments and lunch for about an hour. Even though the program was held for kids ages 8-15 years old, the whole family was encouraged to come and have fun. PPL provided Riverlands educational information, and the Columbia County Bassmasters Association displayed fishing equipment and boats for everyone else who could not participate in the program. The day was filled with fun and excitement so come out next year to family fishing day and have some fun!

WNEP Commercial Shoot

Written by: Genette Traugh, Borough Intern WNEP’s Home and Backyard host, Jacqueline (Jackie) Lewandoski, interviewed Assistant Borough Manager, Lauren Martz. The interview began at the Jackson Mansion with Lauren explaining some historical information about the mansion and highlighting that it was built in the late 1800’s by Colonel Clarence G. Jackson. She then showed Jackie the inside of the mansion and explained that the Borough of Berwick and the Berwick Historical Society have partnered to help restore the mansion back to its former glory. The Jackson Mansion is being turned into a museum so citizens and visitors can experience its beauty for themselves. After the tour of the Jackson Mansion, the interview continued with Lauren taking Jackie around the community to see some of the other great sites around Berwick and in the downtown. The tour included places like the McBride Library, Berwick Movie Theatre, St. Charles Park, The Perfect Blend, Berwick Brewing Co. and Test Track Park to name a few. For anyone who would like to review the article about the video it is on the WNEP website. Just go to: http://www.wnep.com/wnep-hb-may-27-2010,0,1987143.story

Dumpster Day 2010

Written By:  Tyler Bailey, Borough Intern On Saturday, May 22 from 8 am-1 pm, down at the Berwick Test Track Park, the Borough of Berwick had its own version of spring clean-up for Borough residents called: Dumpster Day. The park, located off of South Eaton St., was visited by nearly three hundred trucks and automobiles, as Borough residents brought items that are otherwise difficult to get rid of.  These items include, but are not limited to: sofas, refrigerators, scrap metal, and car batteries. Borough employees volunteered, and with help from the Public Works Department, they made this five hour event a huge success.  The Borough hopes for an even bigger turnout at next year’s Dumpster Day.  More than 100,000 pounds of junk was disposed of during this event. The collection report from the day includes:  ITEM (Type of Waste) AMOUNT Vehicles Emptied  300 Municipal Solid Waste 53.69 Tons or 107,380 lbs Tires 219 Tires or 7,780 lbs Dehumidifiers 8 Units Refrigerators/Freezers 5 Units Air Conditioners 8 Units Other Freon Units 2 Units Vehicle Batteries 19 Units or 380 lbs Computer Electronics 2195 lbs