Palmyra Borough rejects resolution encouraging limited water use

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Palmyra Borough Council voted 6-1 on March 10 against a resolution encouraging voluntary water conservation during the current drought watch conditions in Lebanon County.

Council member Marcus Riddell was the only vote in favor of the motion.

The National Integrated Drought Information System website states that Lebanon County, as of February, was experiencing a moderate or severe drought. The eastern corner of the county is shown to be in worse condition than the rest.

Mayor Tom Miller, who only votes in order to break a tie, said he would not vote in favor of the resolution.

“This is through the EPA and the water company, so I would think that anybody that’s using water is automatically going to basically not overuse it, so to speak, so I really don’t know why this is out there,” he said. “They want us to approve this, and it scares me, but I’ll let it up to council, but if it was up to me, I would not pass that. I don’t think it’s a good thing. I think it’s not good for our town.”

Council member Beth Shearer said she agreed with Miller, who was the only one to detail his concerns about the resolution during the meeting.

In other business, council:

• Approved two financial security reduction requests for phases one and two of the Melrose land development plan on East Ridge Road. Phase one was reduced by $6,398.81, and phase two was reduced by $136,942.92.
• Approved the updated dispatch box cards as prepared by the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services, and allowed the borough manager to approve future updates on behalf of the borough.
• Passed a resolution to support the Pennsylvania Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial.
• Heard from Angelina Marko, who is helping put together a parade for America’s 250-year anniversary in Jonestown. The parade will be held July 3, and the committee is asking every municipality for a $250 contribution. Council voted to contribute.
• Heard from a resident who raised concerns about the borough’s feral cat population. Council members said they would look into it.

Palmyra Borough Council will meet next at 325 S. Railroad St. on March 24 at 7 p.m. Meetings are streamed on the Palmyra Borough, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania YouTube page.