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Jonestown Borough Council unanimously approved two purchases — a Can-Am Defender and a leaf vacuum — during its Jan. 7 meeting.
Council member Jay Young recommended a Can-Am Defender Model DPS DH10 costing about $19,000. It will be paid for through the general fund.
Tom Keefer, council president, said the borough used to have two golf carts, but one broke down and was unrepairable. Instead of buying a replacement golf cart, they decided to buy a utility vehicle.
“[We wanted] something that could haul material, four-wheel drive, something that you can maybe eventually put a plow in front of, a snow blower,” he said after the meeting.
Council’s approval caps the cost at $20,000, and the equipment will be purchased from Brooks Powersports.
Council members also unanimously approved a motion allowing the borough to purchase the gas-powered leaf vacuum discussed in previous meetings.
Read More: Jonestown Borough will ask for more grant funding for costlier leaf vac
The previous leaf vac they considered would have cost $71,188, and the new one they voted to purchase will be $86,247.
Keefer said he went back to the organization that provided the $64,800 grant to see if they could increase the amount provided to cover the higher price tag, but they told him the borough could not get more money until the next grant period.
Council unanimously voted to approve spending the additional $15,000 to purchase the costlier option, but Keefer said he would try to get a lightly used 2025 demonstration model that could be $6,500 cheaper.
“If we get the demo, fine, it would be less money, but in the event that the demo is not available anymore, I’d want a motion to include approving the total cost,” he said.
When the subsequent round of funding opens next year, council can look into submitting a request for reimbursement.
In other business:
- Keefer announced the borough is looking into reopening the Spring Court project with Lebanon County Conservation District. It would include sloping a road so rainwater drains into a nearby stream and planting trees along the creek to further help with absorbing water. He said they will get an updated cost opinion, look into grant funding opportunities and get council approval before taking further action. At this time, there is no cost estimate or timeline available.
- Council also unanimously approved a $200 donation to Matthews Public Library for 2025. Keefer said this is the typical amount they donate each year.
Jonestown Borough Council will have its next regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 at 295 S. Mill St.
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