East Greenville Council is considering the implementation of a through truck ordinance. On Monday, Solicitor Michael Peters identified a number of streets that could be included.

            Local deliveries, school buses and local pick-ups would not be impacted, according to Manager Jim Fry. He said during the public meeting that the goal was to prevent large vehicles from cutting through the municipality.

            According to Peters, a study recently completed by Fry and a traffic engineer identified 11 borough-owned streets that could be included in the ordinance. The solicitor's list included the entire portions of 3rd Street, 4th Street, 6th Street, Washington Street, Bank Street, Cherry Street, Colonial Drive, Hamilton Drive, Blaker Drive, Valley Road and Morris Road.

            According to Fry, each street was included if it met one of two criteria: it lacked the structural requirements to handle large vehicles or it presented maneuverability issues. He said height restrictions are also an issue.

            For approximately two years, municipal officials have received residential complaints about large trucks driving through the borough, according to Fry. He said after the meeting that police Chief Randy Morris suggested the implementation of a study to create an ordinance.

            Rather than vote to advertise the ordinance, the members directed Peters to clarify what class of vehicles would be permitted in the borough. Alison Palmer suggested that language be included to clarify the class of vehicle that would be penalized. She posited that a tractor hauling a trailer would fall under the ordinance, but not a tractor alone.

            Lon Brinckman II asked that exceptions be made for garbage trucks, emergency vehicles and utility trucks. The solicitor told the members he would retool the video in time for the next council meeting.

            In other news, council unanimously adopted a police pension ordinance. According to Peters, the department's two full-time officers, Joshua Halteman and Francis Bailey, will be required to contribute three percent to the pension which vests when they turn 55 or after 20 years of service.

            The members voted to approve separate advertisements to fill the vacant mayor position and one opening each on its zoning hearing board (a three-year term) and its planning commission (a four-year term). Interested applicants have until 3 p.m. on Dec. 29 to submit a letter of interest to the municipality.

Council expects to name a new mayor at its Jan. 4, 2021 meeting, according to President Angie Fegely.

            Due to the vacant mayoral position, Fegely did not cast a vote. She served as the acting mayor. Vice President Doug Criddle served as the acting president, following direction from the solicitor. Former Mayor Keith Gerhart attended the meeting.

            Member Melissa Leinbach participated by phone. Joe Rock was absent.