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The Taylor Veterans Memorial is still alive and well.
If happen to be driving down Main St by the Taylor Community Center you may have noticed something different. Our Department of Public Works has completed the placement of the nine flags poles. The Flags poles will honor all Military Branches. A Lot of hard work went into placing the poles in front of the Community Center and our DPW did a fanatic job as always.
This is only one of several parts to complete the Veteran Memorial, to honor those men and women who risked there lives for our freedom
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail gains ground from Scranton to Taylor
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail will gain two miles in Scranton and Taylor.
This new stretch of trail along a former rail bed between West Elm Street in Scranton and Depot Street in Taylor will complete a contiguous 8-mile section of the trail from Dickson City to Taylor, officials said Monday at a groundbreaking for the project by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area.
“This is our prime, most-visible project,” said Natalie Gelb, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority’s executive director. “This trail has taken on a life of its own. We’re so proud to connect the communities of Scranton and Taylor.”
The new section, a former Central New Jersey railroad line, will be the first trail in the region to have dual surfaces, including a 10-foot-wide asphalt paved path and a 6-foot-wide packed-stone-dust path, she said. The pavement would be suitable for bicycles, strollers and wheelchairs, while the stone dust would be more comfortable for walkers, runners and dog walkers.
Several officials, including Richard Allan, secretary of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, state Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald, Lackawanna County Commissioners Jim Wansacz, Patrick O’Malley and Corey O’Brien, and Lackawanna Valley Heritage Authority board Chairman Robert Savakinus, also spoke about the partnership forged by the various levels of government to support the trail extension. They believe it would promote not only recreation, but also economic development. Funds for the project’s $2 million cost has come from the National Park Service, DCNR, state Department of Transportation, the county’s Growing Greener Bond Fund and state gambling funds to Taylor, according to LHVA.
The new link also is expected to be used by commuters, either on two wheels or two feet, said trail manager Stephanie Milewski. That’s what happened with the “river walk” section of trail that opened a few years ago between West Elm Street and Market Street – it became an artery linking South Side with Green Ridge, she said.
“When we opened up the river walk, we were surprised by how many people commute on it, and it takes just a couple of minutes to come from Taylor to Scranton on a bicycle,” Ms. Milewski said.
Ms. Gelb said the trail also will have interpretive signs that would describe key historical facets of the area.
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is part of a trail system that forms a 70-mile path from New York’s border to the Susquehanna River in Pittston. Eighteen miles of trail are open to the public, and more than 11 miles of new trail are expected to be built within the next year. A 3-mile section between Archbald and Jermyn is expected to have a groundbreaking in the coming months, Ms. Gelb said.
“This really does represent what we’re all about, connecting the people, connecting the communities,” Ms. Gelb said
The Taylor Veterans Memorial is still alive and well.
The Taylor Veterans Memorial is still alive and well! Recently, the ground at the Taylor Community Center was broken to start the construction. The site will be a beehive of activity over the next several months, as this project continues.
There are several ways to be part of this memorial, anyone wishing to make a donation of $250.00 for a paver around the memorial star can do so by writing the check out to the Taylor Veterans Memorial Fund and send it to the Taylor Borough Building 122 Union St. Taylor, Pa 18517. Also, any veteran who lived in Taylor or lives in Taylor now can donate $100.00 for his or her name to be placed on a dog tag to be placed on the star.
This type of memorial will be the only one of its kind in Northeastern PA and will pay a first class, long lasting tribute to these veterans who gave their best to our community, state, and their country.
Funding for the star is still on-going; we need roughly $6000.00 for the purchase of the sheet metal. We have had great cooperation from Standard Iron Works, Mark Dennebaum President as well as Johnson College and welding professor Jeff Roughgarden. These two gentleman are and will be very instrumental in the completion of this project, that we hope will be completed in late fall of 2012 or early 2013. Everyone will be invited to attend the dedication at that time. We are all looking forward to this great event.
Thank You to our DPW Department Department, supervised by Joe Iacovazzi, foreman who has given direction 
to his staff, to get all the flag poles in place and will continue to help with the project, also instrumental are Ed Fortuna and Ron Breithaupt treasurers of the memorial and the committee from the American Legion Post 306 Taylor for their continued support.
Anyone wishing for any additional information call the Mayor of Taylor Richard G. Bowen Sr. 570-562-1400 ext. 14. Just leave your message and I will get back to answer your questions.
Replacement of North Main Street bridge in Taylor starts this month
BY JOSH MROZINSKI
Replacement of a deteriorated Lackawanna County-owned bridge on North Main Street in Taylor that has been closed since October is beginning this month.
As part of the $3.862 million project, Minichi Contracting Group is demolishing the existing crossing.
Officials say the bridge, built in 1934, is unsafe.
“The demolition and construction of the bridge will take place this year,” county spokesman Joe D’Arienzo said. “This is the best thing to do.”
He said the hope is to have a new bridge opened by early spring in 2013, adding state money is funding the work.
Despite repeated repairs, the bridge is falling apart, Mr. D’Arienzo said.
In 2010, county engineering firm CECO Associates Inc. recommended the bridge, which is near Oak Street, be closed if commercial vehicles continued to use it. The vehicle weight limit was reduced from 10 tons to 5 tons.
The change came after chunks of concrete fell from the bridge onto an active railway below it.
“There are holes in the deck,” Mr. D’Arienzo said.
Taylor Borough Manager Dan Zeleniak said the bridge has been in a deteriorated condition for a long time, and residents will be happy when a new bridge is in place.
After the bridge is replaced and road opened, the state Department of Transportation will remove a temporary bypass road. PennDOT put in the road at a cost of $555,000 after the bridge closed, spokesman Michael Taluto said.
Traffic has been diverted from Main Street to Oak Street to the bypass road and back to Main Street.
Retired Taylor veteran honored with medals after 30 years
By Rebekah Brown
TAYLOR- For nearly 40 years, through eight presidents and three wars, Lt. Col. Thomas S. Bracey served his country.
After 37 years and 11 months in the U.S. Air Force and more than 30 years of retirement, Lt. Col. Bracey, 90, was honored with five medals for his service at a borough council meeting Wednesday.
“It’s a surprise,” he said of the awards. “I’ve had the ribbons on my coat for a while, but I never expected the medals.”
Lt. Col. Bracey flew B-24 Liberator planes in 25 bombing missions during his time in the Air Force, including a mission on D-Day, the day the Allies invaded Western Europe in World War II.
“It was just the thing to do,” he said of his decision to enlist. “I went all over. Being home is the best thing.”
He served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and when asked if he would consider serving in Desert Storm after retirement, he said there was only one answer.
“You’re Air Force all the way,” he said, although he did not end up serving. “There was no question at all.”
Mayor Richard Bowen opened the meeting with a proclamation, honoring his “service to the ideals of the United States Air Force and his sacrifice for our community.”
Additionally, Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick O’Malley read a proclamation, declaring April 11, 2012, Lt. Col. Thomas S. Bracey Day in Lackawanna County.
“This is a man who represents our country beyond life and beyond all our imaginations,” he said. “During those 25 missions they were shot at repeatedly. They were in enemy territory.”
Lt. Col. Bracey’s honor was shared by his wife of 64 years, his children and several grandchildren Wednesday evening.
“That’s what makes our community special,” council President Kenneth F. Mickavicz said. “It’s because of citizens we have that make that commitment, not only to our community, but to our country.”
In other business, the borough adopted an ordinance to establish a “no-parking zone” on the west side of the 1100 block Claire Drive. The zone extends for 320 feet from Sibley Avenue. The no-parking zone was created because emergency vehicles were not able to pass safely when vehicles were parked on both sides of the street, Mr. Mickavicz.
The council also awarded Penn Earthworks a $139,462.50 contract for the Greenview West Prince Street storm sewer project.
The Taylor Lions Club Host Annual Easter Egg Hunt
The Taylor Lions Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt for all Taylor children ages 12 and younger at noon on Saturday, March 31, at the Taylor Community Center on Main Street. Special guests will include the Easter Bunny and “Pride” the Taylor Lion. Those attending should bring a camera for photos. All children will receive candy selected by the bunny
Spring is in the AIR
While the temperatures have been nice this past weekend. Many residents of Taylor were seen taking advantage of the nice weather and cleaning up or raking up their yards. The Department of Public Works has again started picking 
up yard waste this past Monday, March 19,2012. With that being said we wanted to make sure our residents are aware that Taylor Borough can no longer accept grass and leaves in any type of plastic bag (biodegradable or not), when placing this out at the curb. This is a requirement by the Department of Environmental Protection. Grass and leaves must be placed in separate open containers, weighing no more than 35 pounds. Brush and tree limbs cannot be mixed with grass and leaves. They can be bundled together or placed in separate open containers
Taylor Police Receive a New Patrol Car
Taylor Borough Police Department received a new patrol car, that was added to their fleet. Chief Leonard J.Mickavicz, Jr. stated the car will be placed into service on Tuesday, March 20,2012. The car will be known as 95-2 . The car will assist our officers in serving and protecting our residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The car was needed in order to replace a 2008 Patrol Car.
Texting-while-driving ban goes into effect in Pennsylvania
By The Associated Press
A new state law requiring Pennsylvania drivers to pull over and stop if they want to text takes effect on March 8, 2012, although it remains legal to use a hand-held cellphone behind the wheel.
The statewide texting-while-driving ban carries a $50 fine and gives police authority to pull over suspected violators on sight.
The prime sponsor, Sen. Tommy Tomlinson, said texting is about the most distracting activity that drivers engage in. “I think a lot of the kids, particularly, they don’t realize how dangerous texting while driving is, even at 35 or 40 miles per hour,” said Tomlinson, R-Bucks.
State police said they will watch drivers to see stops are warranted, as when someone keeps manipulating a hand-held device without appearing to speak into it.
Troopers were given updated guidance on the law, said state police spokeswoman Maria Finn. “The bottom line is, if you’re distracted while you’re driving, and they notice that, they’re going to pull you over and ask what you’re doing,” Finn said.
The law does not pertain to GPS devices, or systems that are physically or electronically integrated into vehicles, or communications devices attached to mass transit vehicles or buses.
Taylor Borough Participates in Read Across America
Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.
In boroughs and towns across the nation, teachers, teenagers, librarians, politicians, actors, athletes, parents, grandparents, and others develop Read Across America activities to bring reading excitement to children of all ages. Governors, mayors, and other elected officials recognize the role reading plays in their communities with proclamations and floor statements. Athletes and actors issue reading challenges to young readers. And teachers and principals seem to be more than happy to dye their hair green or be duct-taped to a wall if it boosts their students’ reading.
Read Across America motivates children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. Research has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school.
Taylor Borough officials visited the Riverside Elementary West School this morning and afternoon. Taylor Police Chief Leonard J. Mickavicz and Taylor Patrolman Rob Zuby read to children in morning, while Mayor Richard Bowen read to a class of students in the afternoon.
Pictures from our PAST
We are currently looking for pictures from the past, to put on our website. We are asking any residents and friends, if you have any pictures from the past please send them to Jtigue@taylorborough.com. The picture below is from the 1912 Taylor Basketball Association
Taylor Crime Watch brings extra set of eyes to borough streets
By Jim Lockwood (Staff Writer Scranton Times) 1-30-2012
TAYLOR – Dean Martin walks the streets of Taylor every day.
He’s not a mailman and doesn’t do it to improve his health. Rather, he strolls the sidewalks as a member of Taylor Neighborhood Crime Watch.
“I get out every single day. Christmas Day – even my birthday,” Mr. Martin said.
Revival of the group, which had fallen dormant for two decades, began in 2009 with Mr. Martin, a Bristol Lane resident.
Now, with about two dozen members, the group is small but looking to grow, and its efforts have been welcomed by borough officials.
“If they see anything suspicious, they call the cops,” said Councilman John Tigue, who heads council’s public safety committee.
Borough Police Chief Leonard Mickavicz added, “They’re active. They’re an extra set of eyes out there.”
Members meet monthly and take turns walking or driving around town. There are two to six Crime Watch members in any given neighborhood of Taylor, and they usually start in their own neighborhood and work their way out into other areas, Mr. Martin said.
Either way, whether walking or driving, the goal is to be visible; members have magnetic signs for vehicles and reflective vests for pedestrians, he said. Mr. Martin said he tells members, “You’re there to look for crime and report any crime you find, but I want everybody to see you.”
Prospective members undergo training and background checks, he said. Members, who range in age from 20s to 80s, carry Crime Watch identification cards and also must sign a statement affirming that they have read and understand the group’s rules, which include never intervening in a crime or taking matters into their own hands, Mr. Martin said.
“Eyes and ears only. We have a 100 percent hands-off policy,” said Mr. Martin. He stresses to members, “You are not a law enforcement officer – period.”
Before going out on a patrol, members inform patrol coordinators of their activities, and afterward fill out a patrol
report, Mr. Martin said.
“What we’re trying to do is get people out,” Mr. Martin said. “In my area, for the longest time, I didn’t know my neighbors.”
A cook for Meals on Wheels, Mr. Martin said he was spurred to get involved and began resurrecting the crime watch group in 2009, after a 5-year-old girl from his neighborhood had been beaten and sexually assaulted in her bedroom by a stranger attending a Fourth of July party at the girl’s home, he said. The first task Mr. Martin and other members undertook as a group was a fundraiser for the girl and her family.
“We had Crime Watch signs in town. When I asked about becoming a member, they (local officials) said, ‘It doesn’t even exist anymore. Why don’t you start it?’ And I agreed to it,” he said.
Since its revival, the Crime Watch group also has hosted speakers on crime prevention regarding bullying and gang activity, sponsored a Christmas party for seniors and cleaned up litter on Earth Day, Mr. Martin said. In August, Taylor Neighborhood Crime Watch joined roughly 15,000 communities across the country in hosting the 28th annual National Night Out, a nationwide event that aims to promote safe communities by advocating crime prevention. It was the first National Night Out in Taylor in 20 years.
Crime Watch members also have helped find shelter, food and clothing for homeless individuals, and donated funds to fire victims, he said.
When it comes to crime, Mr. Martin also looks beyond Taylor’s borders and is hoping to organize a regional law enforcement and emergency services expo in the summer. It’s in the early planning stages, but he envisions a one- or two-day event that brings together various police and emergency services agencies in one location where they can display exhibits or perform demonstrations. Such an event would generally be an opportunity for police and emergency services personnel to promote their activities and give the public a chance to interact with them, he said.
“Everybody has some kind of mutual aid set up,” Mr. Martin said. “The idea is to make the public aware of all the various facets.”
Taylor Police enforce 10-Ton Weight Limit on Union St.
By Jim Lockwood (Staff Writer Scranton Times) 1-23-2012
Blame it on GPS. Some drivers of tractor-trailers and other big rigs that get ticketed for violating a 10-ton weight limit on Union Street in Taylor often say they were only following directions of their GPS devices, Police Chief Leonard Mickavicz said.
It does them no good, however, and the violation results in a ticket and a fine, the chief said.
Police in recent months have stepped up enforcement of the weight limit on Union Street. They issued 22 citations in November and 44 in December, Chief Mickavicz said.
Most trucks are headed to Stauffer Industrial Park on the north side of Taylor, he said.
Traveling from Davis Street, a truck heavier than 10 tons is supposed to stay off Union Street, and instead turn right onto North Main Street to get to the industrial park, he said.
A pair of signs at the entrance to Union Street clearly state there is a 10-ton weight limit on that road, but some truckers either miss the signs completely or apparently ignore them, the chief said.
“I receive complaints (from residents) daily. Truck drivers seem to disregard it every day,” he said of the weight-limit. “Modern truckers say, ‘But the GPS gave me these directions.’ The old truck driver you could tell – he’ll have a map.”
Fines can range from $500 to $18,000, though the typical fine amounts to about $700, he said.
The stepped-up enforcement aims to improve safety on residential Union Street and protect older terra-cotta pipes underground in that area, Chief Mickavicz said.
“It (the weight limit) is properly posted. They have ample warning,” the chief said. “We’re stopping trucks, weighing them and issuing citations. We do have to take safety into consideration.”
First Snow Storm of 2012 hits Taylor Borough
The first snow storm of 2012 hit Taylor Borough on Saturday January 21 2012. The snow dropped 3-4 inches of snow and started falling after midnight. The Department of Public Worker employees had all the equipment ready and salt loaded in the trucks to clean the borough streets. The employees starting cleaning up after the storm at 7:00am and finished up around 4:00pm
Taylor Borough Snow Removal
Taylor Borough residents are reminded that it is illegal for any person, owner or resident of the borough to deposit, throw or discard snow, slush or other obstructions into the public streets and rights-of-way. Offenders may be subject to a $600 fine. Residents have 24 hours after the snow stops to remove the snow and ice from their sidewalks
Its winter time and the snow will be fast approaching
Its winter time and the snow will be fast approaching Taylor Borough. Taylor Borough Council would like to remind all Taylor residents that, the placement of any objects intended to save or protect parking spaces in front of properties is illegal. This is a citable offense for the residents who placed the object in the streets. Objects placed in the Borough Right-of Ways will be removed and disposed of accordingly. Along with the resident being cited
While making our streets clean and safe our Department of Public Works has been having problems with homeowners who have portable basketball hoops that hang out beyond the curb lines. The Department has had a few incidents over the years when the plow trucks catch on the rim or the net of the basketball hoops. Taylor Borough Council is asking all residents to move the basketball hoops away from the roadway so this can be avoided and make it safer for our Department of Public Works employees in removing the snow
Taylor police contract calls for 3 percent annual raise
By Jim Lockwood (Staff Writer Scranton Times) 1-11-2012
Borough council on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 ratified a new three-year police contract that gives each of the municipality’s six full-time police officers a 9 percent raise over the life of the contract but lowers the starting salary.
Police officers did not receive a raise last year, and the pact provides for a 3 percent raise annually for 2012, 2013 and 2014, officials said.
The contract also sets a base rate of annual pay of $35,000 for new hires, as compared to the prior base rate in the low-to-mid $50,000 range, borough Manager Daniel Zeleniak said. The average salary of an officer is around $55,000, he said.
“The base rate fits in more with what the borough can afford,” solicitor William Jones said.
Council members Gene King, George Kofira, Edward Derenick, Chrissy Nehme, James Digwood and John Tigue voted to approve the contract.
Council President Kenneth Mickavicz abstained from voting because his brother, Cord Mickavicz, is a police officer. Their brother, Leonard Mickavicz, is Taylor police chief, but is not a member of the police union, Mr. Zeleniak said.
The council also hired three part-time police officers, Brandon Bell of Taylor, Brian Holland of Scranton and Edward Frescoln of Blakely, on an on-call basis at a rate of $15.32 per hour.
The council also made several appointments, as follows:
Civil Service Commission, Jim Petrunich; planning commission, George Aulisio and Brian Fallon; recreation commission, Jack Mekilo; zoning board, Bill Czachor; Lower Lackawanna Valley Sanitary Authority, Shawn Murphy; vacancy board, Dick Nezlo; fire chief, Joe Crosby; assistant fire chief, David Graham; development authority, Shawn Murphy; and property maintenance code board of appeals, Brian Williams.
These appointments were unanimously approved, except that Ms. Nehme abstained from voting on the appointment of Mr. Nezlo because she is his daughter, officials said.
Taylor Considers Rental Ordinance
By Jim Lockwood (Staff Writer Scranton Times) 1-10-2012
TAYLOR – Borough Council is considering requiring landlords to register their rental units with the municipality and report any changes in use or occupancy.
Under a draft ordinance discussed at a council worksession Tuesday, landlords would have to file annual reports listing their dwelling units, both occupied and unoccupied, the address of each unit, and a brief description of each unit.
Landlords would not be required to list the names of tenants, but they would have to report any change in the use or occupancy of a rental unit. Landlords of hotels, inns, county housing or boarding houses would be exempt from reporting changes in use or occupancy.
The goal of the plan, which has been in the works for several months, is to compile a list of owners and contacts of who is in charge of each rental property in the event they are needed quickly in emergencies, said Councilman John Tigue. The idea arose after a tenant had a water break in her unit, but when emergency officials arrived she did not know who her landlord was, Mr. Tigue said. There are about 300 rental properties in town, he said.
The proposal also would impose an annual $10 fee per rental property, as well as a maximum $600 fine per violation, or up to 30 days in jail if fines go unpaid.
“It’s a starting point. We have nothing now,” borough Manager Daniel Zeleniak said of the draft ordinance.
In other matters:
n Council may consider banning parking on either side of Claire Drive, a narrow, two-block-long residential street with about 20 homes near the Old Forge border. Such a ban is needed because when residents’ vehicles are parked on both sides of Claire Drive there is not enough room for long emergency vehicles to turn onto Claire Drive from Sibley Avenue, Mr. Tigue said. It has not been decided which side of Claire Drive may become off-limits to parking.
“You hate to do it, but I’d rather see that (parking on one side only) than have a fire and the trucks can’t get in there,” Mr. Tigue said.
Residents also have been getting into arguments and “parking wars” on Claire Drive, where it can be a tight squeeze or impossible to pull out of a driveway if vehicles are parked nearby on the street, officials said.
“There are parking wars there going on,” Mayor Richard Bowen said.
Lawmakers also are considering updating and/or enforcing the borough’s tax on coin-operated amusement machines, council President Kenneth Mickavicz said. An ordinance requiring businesses to pay a fee for each amusement machine, such as jukebox, pinball, billiard table or videogame, has been on the books for years, but enforcement fell by the wayside long ago, Mr. Zeleniak said.
“I’d say there’s maybe 50 to 60 machines throughout the borough,” Mr. Mickavicz said
Taylor Borough Council holds Reorganization Meeting
The Reorganization meeting of the Taylor Borough Council was held on Tuesday, January 03, 2012 at the Taylor Municipal Building, 122 Union St., Taylor, PA 18517 at 7:00 P.M..
The meeting included the swearing in by the Honorable Judge Terrence R. Nealon, of newly elected council member Chrissy Nehme, and re-elected members Ken Mickavicz and George Kofira. Council members held nomination and election of President and Vice President. Kenneth F Mickavicz was elected President of council while John J. Tigue was elected Vice President of the council
2012 Taylor Borough Council Meeting Notice
The Taylor Borough Council has scheduled its regular monthly meetings for 2012 to be held at the Taylor Municipal Building, 122 Union Street, Taylor, PA 18517, starting at 7:30 P.M. on the following dates;
January 11, 2012; February 8, 2012; March 14, 2012; April 11, 2012; May 9, 2012; June 13, 2012 July 11, 2012; August 8, 2012; September 12, 2012; October 10, 2012; November 14, 2012; December 12, 2012
Taylor Borough Council will conduct their Work Sessions for 2012 at the Taylor Municipal Building, 122 Union Street, Taylor, PA 18517, starting at 7:30 P.M. on the following dates;
January 10, 2012; January 24, 2012; February 7, 2012; February 28, 2012; March 13, 2012; March 27, 2012: April 10, 2012; April 24, 2012; May 8, 2012; May 22, 2012; June 12, 2012; June 26, 2012; July 10, 2012; July 24, 2012; August 7, 2012; August 28, 2012; September 11, 2012; September 25, 2012; October 9, 2012; October 23, 2011; November 13, 2012; November 27, 2012; December 11, 2012 & December 18, 2012. December 12, 2012
The Public is invited to attend.
Pond Street Storm Water Project PHASE 2 has started
This project is a storm drainage improvement project located along South Pond Street and North Pond Street in Taylor Borough. The site is located so that up slope developed portions of the Borough drain towards South Pond Street where the existing storm inlets and pipes are inadequate to collect the runoff. In addition, the existing storm inlets connect to the existing combined sanitary/storm system along South Pond Street. This combined sanitary/storm flow is conveyed along South Pond Street to North Pond Street and then to Church Street to an overflow chamber at its connection into the Lower Lackawanna Valley Sanitary Authority’s (LLVSA) interceptor line. In times of moderate rainfall, the overflow discharges into Keyser Creek east of North Main Street.
The intent of the project is to provide an adequate separated storm collection/conveyance system along South Pond Street that will connect to the recently completed separated storm system on North Pond Street and Church Street (Phase 1 Project Area), eventually discharging to the Borough-Owned Colliery Property where additional controls such as rock-lined channels, storm water management/ponding basin and stabilized outlet channel to Keyser Creek have been completed through the efforts of both the PA DEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR) and Taylor Borough (via the PA DEP Growing Greener Grant Program). In addition, the subject project will provide a new separate storm collection/conveyance system that can be further expanded in the future to alleviate hydraulic overloads of the Borough’s existing combination sanitary/storm system and related storm flooding problems along the roadways upslope within the extent of the system’s drainage area. During the anticipated Phase 2B portion of the project, the separate storm system will be expanded along South Pond Street to West Grove Street and to the South Ridge Street Intersection. Phase 2B may be ready for construction during 2012.
The Phase 2A project includes the installation of 6 six-foot diameter concrete storm manholes, 140’ of 15”, 35’ of 24”, 30’ of 30” and 330’ of 36” diameter High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) storm pipe, 10 new storm inlets, and associated pave, walk, curb and treelawn restoration work within the limits of the Phase 2A project. The new storm system will follow the general route of the existing combination system pipe along South Pond Street and North Pond Street and will connect to the recently completed separated storm system on North Pond Street.
Some of the existing inlets, which are small and in poor condition, will be replaced with PA DOT standard inlets with bicycle-safe grates, and additional inlets will be installed where necessary to help collect the storm drainage more efficiently. All inlets will connect to the new storm pipe either at manhole locations or at the new main line through the use of “TEE” connections. The connecting pipes from inlets to the main line will be 15” HDPE.
Once the Phase 2A and subsequently Phase 2B are completed, the contributing drainage area will discharge through the new separated storm pipe system to the completed system on North Pond and Church Streets to the storm basin within the Colliery Property. The final product will be a completely separated storm drainage collection and conveyance system for this portion of Taylor Borough, alleviating basement and roadway flooding, and greatly reducing the combined sewer overflows present at the LLVSA diversion chamber.
Taylor Borough Recognized the Taylor Jr Vikes for an outstanding 2011 season
Taylor Borough Council has recognized the Taylor Jr Vikes A team football players and cheerleaders for an outstanding 2011 season. The Council , together with the Mayor, proclaimed Wednesday, December 14, 2011, as
“TAYLOR JUNIOR VIKES A TEAM DAY”
The Jr Vikes fell short in there quest for an ACC Super Bowl Championship to the Olyphant Lions 13-0
The Jr Vikes fisnished the season with and 9-2 record and were the 2011 American Conference Champions of the All County Conference.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Taylor Junior Vikes A Team has always been a source of pride to our community and has maintained an outstanding commitment to excellence; and
WHEREAS, the enthusiasm and commitment of the team and cheerleading squad serves as an inspiration; and
WHEREAS, the Taylor Junior Vikes A Team, together with the Cheerleading Squad, their respective support and coaching staff (collectively referred to as Team) exemplify the community’s goals and values; and
WHEREAS, the Team claimed ALL COUNTY CONFERENCE JR. Football League, 2011 American Division Champs and Super bowl XII Runner-up; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the Borough of Taylor, together with the Mayor, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, December 14, 2011, as
“TAYLOR JUNIOR VIKES A TEAM DAY”
in the Borough of Taylor, and ask our Citizens to join us in congratulating and recognizing the Team for its distinguished accomplishments.
DULY PROCLAIMED AND ADOPTED, this 14th day of December, 2011, by the Council of the Borough of Taylor, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania in lawful session duly assembled.
Taylor Borough Council Approves $3M Budget
By Jim Lockwood (Staff Writer)
Published: December 15, 2011
Landfill funds, savings accounts help fund Taylor budget
TAYLOR – Borough council on Wednesday unanimously adopted a $3 million budget for 2012 that is largely funded with payments from Alliance Sanitary Landfill Inc. and revenue from borough savings accounts.
The $3,140,145 budget is composed of a $2,878,645 operating budget and a $261,500 capital budget.
The spending plan will draw $371,488 from the landfill’s payment to the borough. Another $20,000 of landfill payments will be devoted to the development of Taylor Colliery and the borough’s two fire companies, Taylor Fire & Rescue and the Taylor Fire Department.
Due to the landfill payments, Taylor does not have a municipal tax. To balance the budget, nearly $1 million from borough savings accounts will be tapped as revenue.
The 2012 budget represents a decrease from this year’s $3.24 million budget, the difference being $100,000 in grant money the borough received this year but won’t get next year, said Borough Manager Dan Zeleniak.
The council also approved a four-year contract with the borough’s seven DPW workers that will give them a 3-percent raise each year.
Taylor Borough Budget for 2012
Do you have the TIME?
Do you have the Time? You won’t have to ask that question anylonger if you are walking or driving down Main St or Union St. PennDOT continues working on the Gateway project on Main and Union Street, in the Borough. PennDot yesterday put a few of the finishing touches on the project. Few of the finishing touches added are the benches and trash containers. One of the main attractions to the project has been the lights on the bridge. But that has changed when PennDot installed the clock at the corner of Davis St and Main. The clock is black in color with gold trim. The header of the clock reads Borough of Taylor. The Gateway project is to welcome our residents home or visitors into our borough and now let them know what time they arrived.
Work Continues on Gateway Project
PennDOT continues working on the Gateway project on Main and Union Streeet, in the Borough. PennDot is currently landscaping the area at the entrance of the bridge and the area of the former Sam’s Deil. The landscaping portion of the project has PennDot planting trees and shrubs. Along with planting they are also placing Mulch around the area
By-Pass Road on Main Street OPEN
PennDOT removed the barricade from the by-pass road and closed the North Main Street bridge. Beginning on Wednesday October 12 at 12:30, the detour on Main Street will divert southbound traffic onto Oak Street, to the temporary by-pass road and back to Main Street. Northbound traffic will follow the reverse route of the detour.
A 10-ton weight limit will also be established on Union Street, according to PennDOT
On the Lookout
The Taylor Borough Police Department has a warning to overweight vehicles – “watch out, because we’ll be watching for you.”
And, it’s not just tractor trailers they’re interested in weight checking.
“Overweight vehicles can be on any road,” “Every vehicle has weight limits. It’s not just the big trucks. Even a pickup truck headed to the landfill can be over it’s approved weight.”
The police have been conducting random vehicle checks and inspections for more than four years, primarily prompted by the ailing Taylor Bridge on North Main Street.
The 224-foot bridge, built in 1934, closed Wednesday, Oct. 13. As its condition deteriorated its weight limits were lowered to five tons.
“The program has been effective,” said police officer Rob Zuby. “Most drivers have followed the detour signs. You get five percent of truck drivers who insist on following their GPS units, which would be fine if they were driving a car.”
Fines for overweight vehicles are $150 for the first 3,000 pounds a vehicle is over the weight limit and $150 for every 500 pounds after that.
“An empty tractor trailer traveling over that bridge would be fined some $6,500,” he explained.
Zuby said the fines are set by the state and that the funds recovered by the District Magistrate are split, with 50 percent going to the borough and 50 percent to the state.
“Just because the bridge has closed doesn’t mean that we’re done,” he added. “We will just be focusing on other areas of the borough.”
Let There be LIGHTS
If you have not driven yet at night across the Veterans Memorial Bridge lately, then you didn’t get to see the new lights shining bright at night. The bridge lights and road constructions on Main, Union and the bridge is part of Taylor Boroughs Grant for our Gate Way Project. The project grant proposal was written and overseen by John and Peg Derenick. With the help from Borough Manger Dan Zeleniak and Penndot the project has been moving forward with great success. The project is to welcome our residents home or visitors into our borough
Taylor Borough Recognized Dave Siminski for Helping Greenview West Neighborhood
Taylor Borough Council has recognized Dave Siminski for spending a rainy August weekend keeping his neighbors’ homes from being flooded by a malfunctioning sewage collection system.
“Taylor Borough is blessed with volunteers who seek to alleviate the burden of their neighbors and Dave Siminski, in the spirit of volunteerism, assisted residents of the borough by helping pump out the sewer system and preventing what could have been a catastrophe,” said Mayor Richard Bowen when he presented Mr. Siminski with a proclamation. Mr. Siminski accepted the proclamation from Mayor Bowen and Taylor Borough Council during council’s September meeting.
Joe Icovazzi, Taylor’s public works foreman, said two pumps that move sewage out of a reservoir near Oak Street and Rinaldi Drive in Greenview broke down on Aug. 6, setting off alarms and causing a combination of sewage and stormwater to fill the reservoir and begin backing up toward nearby homes.
“The rain wasn’t stopping and if we hadn’t been able to begin pumping out the reservoir the sewer system would have begun flooding into nearby homes,” Mr. Iacovazzi said.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, David Siminski is a lifelong Taylor resident and is employed by Waste Management/Alliance Landfill; and
WHEREAS, the Taylor Community is blessed with volunteers who seek to alleviate the burden of their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, David Siminski in the spirit of volunteerism assisted residents of the Borough of Taylor during times of need by offering his assistance and employing the use of Alliance vacuum truck from time to time.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Taylor Community honors David Siminski for his service for our community.
DULY PROCLAIMED AND ADOPTED, this 14th day of September, 2011, by the Council of
the Borough of Taylor, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania in lawful session duly assembled
BOROUGH OF TAYLOR, PENNSYLVANIA
Taking the Helm
by Shannon C. Keith (TRIBORO BANNER EDITOR)
There’s a new sheriff in town.
Well, he’s a former sheriff who is now a chief … Chief of Police that is.
Taylor Borough Council appointed Leonard Mickavicz Jr. to the position of chief July 15. The 48-year-old’s law enforcement career in Taylor began in 1981 when he was just 18.
“When I was younger, a neighbor who was a retired state trooper sparked my interest,” he said. “When I graduated high school I was appointed as a part-time reserve officer and entered the police academy. I’ve also worked in other police departments over the years. I’ve always maintained employment here.”
Mickavicz spent 24 years with the Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Department, retiring as a sergeant officially the same day his new position as chief began in the borough, Monday, Aug. 1.
“There’s quite a few things that need to get done,” he said. “One task at a time, that’s how I will approach leading this department. Smaller, hometown departments are enjoyable because it’s hands-on and there’s more community involvement.”
Taylor Borough currently employs six full time-officers in addition to numerous part-time officers. One of his goals as chief is to ensure the borough’s public safety is always well protected. His plan to achieve that goal is by building up the borough’s part-time roster so there are always adequate officers working in the most efficient manner.
“With any department, part-time officers come and go with a lot of turnover,” he said. “Part-time officers are an important asset to the community. With any police chief it’s a big concern because they leave for a full-time positions.”
Additionally, the chief wants to grow traffic and drug enforcement efforts within the borough.
“Our older residents are the eyes and ears of the community and it’s very important that they continue to provide tips,” he said. “I’m big on stepping-up traffic enforcement and investigating drug activity within the community. Again, we are counting on those tips from the community as well.”
“We have a good reputation within the county,” he added. “All of our officers are professional and dedicated to the community.”
Confidential tips can be left at the police department by calling 562-2210 and leaving a message for the chief.
He promises calls will be returned.
“If anyone has any concerns or information I am readily available,” he said.
