Weissport is looking to refinance a loan for the borough’s sewer system. That loan is currently at 4.5%.

“We are looking to refinance for lower rate,” Councilman Tom Ketchledge said, “and see if we can get enough additional money to get new grinder pumps for the rest of the town. Some of the older tanks are getting bad; and we have a project at the pump station to put in a diesel powered pump outside.”

The loan will be backed by sewer revenues, and the faith and credit of the taxing authority, the borough.

The authority believes the borough can save money overall by doing it this way.

A grant had been received about 12-18 months ago to replace about half of the grinder pumps in town. For the remaining pumps, their useful life is coming to an end, and they need to be replaced.

The borough will use the $20,776.84 received from the American Rescue Plan Act Grant for a drainage project on Bridge Street in Weissport.

Next year the borough will receive an equal payment.

Short-term rental

Borough Solicitor Greg Mousseau passed out a “working” copy of a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance to define and regulate short-term rentals.

Mousseau will work with the Zoning Officer, Barry Isett & Associates Inc., to dovetail that new amendment into the current zoning ordinances; the borough will need to vote to pass that amendment in the future.

Airbnb indicates that a host can offer locations such as rooms in their homes, cabins, and guest homes to rent for short-term stays, defined as 30 days or less.

Bookings are handled via the Airbnb website. Hosts can make a sizable income, depending on location and how often they can get bookings.

While there are many positive aspects of starting such a venture, there have been some negative aspects as well; such as unruly guests, noise issues, and trash. Such rentals have become extremely popular, causing most area municipalities to pass ordinances to regulate them.