Austin awarded $15,000 grant
Money earmarked for police cruiser, speed device

Austin Borough Council members Monday evening announced that the borough has been awarded a $15,000 grant.

Correspondence was read from State Representative Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) that noted that the grant came from the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

A portion of the grant ($10,000) will be used to pay down debt on the new police cruiser the borough purchased last summer. After the payment, the borough will owe approximately $12,000 on the vehicle.

The other $5,000 will be used to purchase a speed control device.

Borough Police Chief Kyle Day applied for the grant last autumn.

In other police news, council members agreed to continue the borough's contract for police services with Keating Township.

Keating Township pays Austin $333.25 per month, plus gas for the services.

In other business, council members selected Jesse Valenti as president for 2008 and newcomer Joe Glover as vice president. Other council members include Rhonda Crosby, Vicki Setzer, Jeanette Earle, Bill Munsell and Bob Hooftallen.

It was noted that the Austin Dam Memorial Association will meet Jan. 16 at the firehall. The group would like to acquire the papermill property from Austin Borough and plans on discussing the matter during the meeting. It begins at 7 pm.

In other business, Lisa Guthrie was retained as the borough's auditor and William Hebe was retained as solicitor.

Council members also agreed to keep meeting on the first Monday of the month in 2008. Meetings are held at the firehall and begin at 7 pm. The July meeting will be held July 14.

Chief Day noted during his report that he responded to 42 incidents in December, including five traffic citations and two criminal arrests. He also informed council that he will host a vehicle inspection class in February.

In other business, it was noted that the transmission blew in the borough's red maintenance truck. Kightlinger Motors replaced it for $3,200.