In road related matters, Lansford borough council on Wednesday agreed to release the fire escrow money for the property at Tunnel and Ridge streets, minus the cost of four parking meters which are being replaced, at the cost of $175 per meter.

Council had considered holding onto more money because PPL filed a claim to have the borough replace three of its utility poles which were damaged in the fire. However PPL has dropped its claim, Council President Bruce Markovich said.

Council authorized solicitor Robert Yurchak to write a letter to the county commissioners asking the board to consider enacting a new fee on recordings to fund blight reduction.

The proposed $15 fee would be imposed anytime a property changes hands in the county. The proceeds would be put into a fund for demolishing blighted properties.

Yurchak said, “This establishes funds and helps the borough to tear down properties largely due to blight.”

He said, “This would mean that the county pays 100% of the total cost of demolition from the fund.”

This is in response to efforts to help with blight within the borough.

- Andrea Sicora