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Richland Borough Council members discussed and tabled an ordinance regarding Knox Boxes at a March 10 meeting.
Council president Kelly Bricker said Neptune Fire Company chief Stan Smith Jr. brought it to council’s attention that other municipalities have established ordinances about having Knox Boxes in place for buildings in case of emergencies.
A Knox Box is a heavy duty, secure safe containing extra keys to a building to enable emergency responders access without forcing entry.
The ordinance outlines the requirement for the installation and maintenance of Knox Boxes for new commercial buildings within the borough, as well as penalties and violations for failing to comply.
Council member Robert Rittle asked if the ordinance specifies the type of Knox Box and said he’d like to hear zoning officer Glenn Bertolet’s perspective before moving forward with it. Members agreed to table the ordinance.
In other business, council:
- Heard an update from Herbert, Rowland and Grubic (HRG) engineer James Kinney regarding the Well No. 9 project. The new variable frequency drive (VFD) had an error, possibly due to being damaged in transit. A new VFD is now being shipped. HRG is also working with Garden Spot Electric to resolve antenna issues with the project.
- Approved the advertisement of 2026 road repair bids. Planned road repairs include a 2-inch mill and overlay on Poplar Street, repaving from Main Street to Linden Street, and tar and chip on Walnut Street.
- Approved motion to accept council member Mark Brubaker’s resignation.
- Approved paying $5,432.58 to Martin Auto Repair for a Ford interceptor transmission repair and authorized advertisement for the sale of a Ferris zero turn mower.
- Approved a pest control contract of $600 with Pest Pirates.
- Approved a request to include a flyer from Richland Heritage Society with the first quarter water billing mailings regarding the society’s brisket meal fundraiser planned for May 30.
Richland Borough Council will meet again on Tuesday, April 14, at 7 p.m. in the conference room at the borough building at 5 Pine St., Richland.
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