In unanimous vote, borough officials backing a statewide resolution

              It may be a while before the Pennsylvania legislature decides to take up the controversial subject of legalizing the use of marijuana in the state for medicinal purposes. But a resolution, drafted by a nonprofit organization, has been circulated throughout state boroughs and municipalities, seeking their official support in backing a proposed bill.

                During Monday's meeting, East Green-ville borough council unanimously approved a resolution in agreement that the state should pass the bill that would allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes only. Councilman Josiah Pierson made the motion to pass the resolution before the roll call vote.

                The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB), a nonprofit organization dedicated in assisting local governments through legislative advocacy, has sent the similar resolution draft to 957 other local governments seeking their support for the proposed legislation.

                The bill, SB 3, is currently sitting untouched in a House committee after it hit a wall following a successful passage through the Senate in May by a vote of 40-7. Governor Wolf (D) had promised to sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk.

                Already 41 states have legalized medical marijuana in some form, including cannabidiol oil, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

                "With proper controls I think it will benefit a lot of people, specifically a lot of residents in this town who have medical issues," Council President Timothy Huff said after the meeting. "I was for it even before the resolution came up," he admitted. 

                Borough Solicitor Barry Tomlinson said that he will send the PSAB a formal notice of the council's vote.

                In his monthly roads report, Councilman James Young discussed the need for the several alleys and other local roads, including Third Street, to be paved with "slurry seal," an asphalt mixed with water, aggregate and minerals, due to blacktop deterioration.  Borough Manager James Fry pressed that the intersection of Sixth and State roads is in more immediate need attention following recent waterline roadwork and visible rotting marks due to frequent tire tread.

                "I think the majority of people who travel those two streets are going to appreciate getting that intersection fixed,'" Fry said. 

                After a lengthy discussion, Young made a motion to approve the seal work on a section of Long Alley at a cost of $4,412 and the intersection between the Sixth and State roads at the price of $2,150.

                The council also approved an additional motion to cover a portion of Third Street, from Main to State streets, with a two-part layer of slurry seal at the bid price of $19,800. If, however, Yarnall Paving contracting service's work totals above that amount, two separate phone quotes would be solicited in order to stay within the specified amount, according to Fry.

                The entire roadwork which includes slurry sealing of those locations discussed at the meeting and the repairing of the Long Alley across from the historic Globe Hotel, totals to about $35,000 of $49,374 that remains in the roads budget.

                "We need to maintain; we can't just fix up everything after it's gone," said Council member Tracey Hunsinger. "We're being proactive here so hopefully it will save us some money."