Several residents of the Borough of Nesquehoning expressed their frustration over the unsightly and potentially dangerous conditions of multiple properties during last night's regular monthly meeting.

Three properties in particular have been the cause of much aggravation for residents.It was stated that the property of Dennis Ball at 130 E. Catawissa St. has become overgrown with weeds. Neighbors reported that they have seen snakes and rats due to the lack of proper care of the property.Solicitor Robert Yurchak later noted that a court hearing had been held regarding another property owned by Ball at 55 E. Garibaldi Ave., and that Ball was given 30 days to clean up the property and 60 days to tear down the garage.Residents also complained about the conditions at 150 E. Columbus Ave. and questioned secretary RoniSue Ahner and council as to what happens to complaints once they are submitted, as the property has been troublesome for a couple of years.Ahner noted that all complaints for 150 E. Columbus Ave. are now forwarded directly to Police Chief Sean Smith.Councilwoman Mary Fox stated that the borough "must follow proper procedures."Councilman Don DeMarco added that the borough has a three strike policy and that the individual (William Hydro Jr.) was on his third strike or would be evicted."He has to clean up the mess," said DeMarco.Council President Frank Jacobs said that he would meet with Chief Smith to discuss the problem and to see where he stands with its resolution.Jacobs also informed a resident who was present at the meeting that he needed to remove the rock garden that he had placed on borough property on Coal Street, due to a potential liability problem. Jacobs gave the resident until 8 a.m. on Monday to remove it or he would be cited and charged.Mayor Tony Walck has asked all residents to be diligent about keeping their car and house doors locked, noting that there has been a rash of thefts from unlocked cars and that more and more calls of thefts are coming in.Walck also reminded residents that the Fourth of July holiday is coming up and asked for everyone to "be careful."Walck then reported that Trooper Shannon Yorke of the Hazleton State Police had given a presentation on gangs and what to look for during a recent Crime Watch meeting."Gangs are here in our area," said Walck.Finally, Walck noted that the Anthracite Triathlon will be held on July 21 and should come through town around 8 a.m.Fire Chief John McArdle said he was contacted by representatives of the PPL substation requesting a 911 address for their substation located off Route 54 for emergency purposes.McArdle recommended that council approve the naming of the location to be 200 N. Substation Road.President Jacobs noted that since the property was owned by the Lake Hauto Club, a letter notifying them would have to be drafted. Solicitor Yurchak will also draft an ordinance on the matter.This will be done quickly to facilitate the request in the event of an emergency.Chief McArdle also noted that there have been problems with residents blocking their house numbers with flower pots or other items covering the address indicators.Residents are asked to clearly display their house number on the home or mailbox so that emergency crews can respond quickly to the correct location.Sewer chemical bids were awarded as follows: Main Pool & Chemical for floating degreaser, gas chlorine and sodium carbonate; Northeast Chemical & Supply for sodium hypochlorite, lime and tri-chlor tabs; Independent Chemical for regular degreaser and weed killer and Neo Solutions for anti-foam.In other matters:• A change order was approved for Hazleton Site for base work set to begin on Mermon Ave. the second week in July and council ratified actions taken to advertise for bids for storm drains on the south side of Park Avenue.• Council will advertise for a part-time worker, who will help out in different areas as needed within the borough and will also advertise for part-time help in the borough office.• Additionally, council will advertise for bids on the vacant lot that was formerly the Sparich property.• Council also voted to reappoint Susan Konderchek to the zoning board.• Councilman Robert Marouchoc announced that the FD Golf Tournament will be held on July 20 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Mahoning Valley Country Club. Anyone wishing to participate in the tournament can contact the fire department.