Empowered to regulate parking ordinances among other laws

        The borough of Red Hill has recently seen an increase of the duties taken on by its mayor, Dave Schiffgens, and have taken steps to further define them.

        The council discussed a list of items at their regular meeting on Oct. 9 that the mayor of Red Hill is empowered to enforce.

        Included on the list is the option for the mayor to designate a “play highway,” meaning that he may choose to close a street for sledding, or that he may close streets for block parties or parades.

        He also may issue permits for yard sales.

        On a more serious note, however, the mayor is empowered “to regulate traffic and parking temporarily” and may enforce the no parking on sidewalks and curbs ordinance.

        The latter duty is significant as sidewalk parking is still causing a headache for the council, with cars parking illegally on the sidewalk in the 300 block of Main Street.

        Council President Tom Paul noted that ignorance of the borough ordinance is no excuse for the continuing violation. “People by now should know about it. It’s part of the motor vehicle code,” he stated.

        Violators may be ticketed by the state police or by the mayor of Red Hill for sidewalk and curb parking.

        In other news, Fire Marshal John Lehr reported that additional contaminants had been found during testing at the Lehigh Gas Company site, formerly an Exxon gas station, on Main Street as a result of a spill last month.

        The company is moving forward with plans for renovation of the site. They presented a very rough plan to the Red Hill Planning Commission that will require extensive revision.

        “That’s to be continued,” said Schiffgens, a member of the commission.

        The initial sketch will be revised and the company will resubmit it to the commission. Borough engineer Ryan Kerns said that some zoning variances will be required for the project.

        Parking will officially be a bit easier for disabled individuals using the Red Hill Post Office, as the council approved the designation of a reserved handicapped space at the Main Street location.

        The post office space will be “the first spot south on 29 [Main St.] and south of the mailbox,” said Tom Paul.

        The reverse-911 emergency contact system for the borough, Code Red, went live on Oct. 8, due in large part to the efforts of council member Doris Decker. If borough residents have questions regarding participation in the system they may refer to the borough website or contact the office.

        The council announced that trick or treating will occur on Halloween – Thursday, Oct. 31 – from 6-9 p.m.