Concerns about speeding e-bikes and scooters highlighted a recent Walnutport Borough Council meeting, where officials discussed enforcement, public safety and several personnel and infrastructure matters.

Council President Mike Gaston said riders of some bikes and scooters appear to be traveling too fast and are not always properly equipped.

“They seem to be speeding, some don’t have lights,” he said.

Police Chief Jason Nothstein said officers are enforcing regulations under state law.

“We are enforcing the devices as of the current law. The definition from PennDOT for each device is what we are going by,” Nothstein said.

Police training

Council also discussed a proposed police academy contract for full-time cadets attending training. The cost is estimated at about $6,000 per cadet. Officials debated whether cadets should be paid while attending the academy and whether graduates should be required to commit to three years of service with the borough. Nothstein said, “It will be up to the council.” The matter was referred to executive session for further discussion.

In personnel matters, council certified the civil service eligibility list, approved offering a full-time position to an applicant pending a background investigation and accepted the resignation of a part-time police officer. Before the hiring vote, Gaston said, “I want to see the background scores.”

Councilwoman Jennifer Wentz said she would meet with Nothstein regarding police department budget items.

Fire inspector

Fire protection needs also generated extensive discussion as officials considered filling the borough’s vacant fire inspector position.

Councilwoman Patrice Hunsicker said efforts to replace former Fire Chief John Kirchner as fire inspector stalled despite previous action by council.

“When we received past Fire Chief John Kirchner resignation from fire inspector, we started the process to hire someone, made motions, it was all set then it went nowhere,” Hunsicker said.

Fire Chief Mike Wentz stressed the need for a dedicated inspector.

“We are running into problems on fire calls. The fire alarms, Knoxboxes, and sprinklers are not up to date with the International Fire Code. We need an inspector of our own,” Wentz said.

He added that he was willing to serve temporarily without compensation while the borough searches for a permanent replacement.

“I will do it for free until you hire someone. I have a firefighter that is interested. The classes are online,” Wentz said.

Council approved appointing Wentz as interim fire inspector until a replacement is hired.

Other news

Roadmaster Mike Wentz reported progress on installation of a new furnace for the borough hall. He said the old unit has been removed and H.D. Lyons is completing work on the new system.

“The old furnace is gone. Working on hardware for hookup of new one. H.D. Lyons is doing a good job,” Wentz said.

He said the new furnace is 99.9% efficient and will require two 1,000-gallon tanks located at least 25 feet from the building. The project also includes a fence estimated at $7,000 from Tri-Boro Fencing and a concrete pad for the tanks.

Gaston said the placement could affect a day care shed on the property.

“That will impact the day care’s shed I believe. I will pull the lease to see if the shed is allowed,” he said.

Council approved the related work and later approved an agreement with Sharp Energy LP for propane at $1.70 per gallon.

Council entered an executive session to discuss properties on Oak Street and 645 Lehigh Gap St. No action was taken afterward.

Councilwoman Nancy Treskot was absent from the meeting.