Emotions ran high at the monthly borough council meeting as residents Alicia and John Bulk made an official complaint about a fellow resident’s motorcycle behavior during the day.

According to Alicia Balk, the resident violates state statutes for “disorderly conduct and disturbance of the peace.”

She made her initial complaint on social media, and Mayor Tom Kobal followed up to speak to her privately about the issue. Kobal, in his mayor’s report, indicated that he “did what he could do” but, as Mayor, “has no power to do anything.”

Solicitor Robert Frycklund explained the difference between criminal code and borough ordinances, and said, “Ideally, we’d have a police force here, but we don’t.”

He explained that both disorderly conduct and disturbance of the peace fall under the jurisdiction of the PA State Police and that neither the mayor nor any member of the Council can legally react to criminal behavior.

The Balks said they “have reached out to state police” and were “told to contact the mayor.”

Frycklund reiterated that the mayor “doesn’t have the power to act on criminal complaints.”

The mayor can only act on Ordinance violations by issuing citations. No daytime noise ordinance exists in Parryville, and they “can’t create an ordinance for existing criminal acts” like disturbing the peace or disorderly conduct.

Balk responded by asking, “If our town is lacking ordinances, wouldn’t it be smart to create new ordinances?”

Frycklund reiterated that ordinances cannot be made for acts that are already considered crimes, but even if they could, Parryville doesn’t “have the equipment necessary” because, “in court, you’d have to prove that the decibel level violated the ordinance.”

Frustrated, Balk responded, “So, what you are telling me is that anyone can do anything they want in Parryville? It’s a free-for-all ?”

President Jason Smith said that he understood her frustration, but “the Council doesn’t have the resources to hire a police department.” He offered to help the Balks connect with someone within the State Police barracks.

Parryville Administrator Meghan Sander encouraged the couple “to keep a log of times when the activity happens” and Frycklund provided another option, as well. They can file a complaint with the local District Attorney but they’d have to “provide proof of the crimes being committed.”

In other news, Parryville’s code enforcement team will be doing their community walk-around on Friday, June 21.

Smith applied for a quick turnaround grant from Rep. Susan Wild’s office which will support the Parryville Borough Hall and Fire Department in addition to a 50/50 grant from the Pocono Visitor’s Bureau which will support improvements for the Basketball Court.