NEW CUMBERLAND - Signage warnings on city streets of children at play were discussed during Monday's New Cumberland City Council meeting.
Mayor Richard Blackwell told council he thought the city should invest in children-at-play signs for certain city streets to warn motorists.
"I thought it might be a good idea to have these," said Blackwell, adding they could be purchased for a reasonable price. "They are about $30 a sign."
Second Ward Councilman Shawn Marks, chairman of the streets committee, agreed, but warned of another possible danger.
"The only negative thing (about the signs) is they broadcast children are there," he said.
First Ward Councilman Pat Jones said he believed the city could create their own children-at-play signs for less funds by using stencils.
"I'm for it, but we've also got to watch the finances here," he said.
It was suggested the signs could be placed along with 15 miles-per-hour signs. Marks said he believed the city should invest in the signage.
"(The children-at-play signs) are much more eye-catching," he said. "I think the money would be well-spent, and $300 isn't a lot of money."
Council voted to table the matter with Marks dissenting.
In other matters:
Council also discussed investing in a portable defibrillator for use in the city building. Blackwell said he was investigating the possibility of finding grant funds or purchasing one at a lower cost through a local health care agency.
"I didn't realize they were so expensive," he said. "There may be programs out there where we could get one for free."
Council unanimously voted to table the matter pending more information.
Discussion was held concerning construction of a drive-through window for Linda's Dairy Dream and Jake's Steaks, which is relocating in the city onto Jefferson Street near state Route 2. Several councilmen expressed concern at the possibility of an accident because of where the window currently is planned to be situated. Council voted to table the matter until city officials check with state road agencies.
Council voted to donate $5,000 to the city's annual fireworks display during the Fall Riverfest, scheduled to be held in the city Sept. 29-30.
There will be a meeting of the water and sewage board at 5:30 p.m. Monday; a special meeting of council on the city budget scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday; a meeting of the finance committee at 2 p.m. July 18; and a meeting of the streets committee at 3 p.m. July 18. All meetings will be in council chambers.
Council ordered the sidewalk on Station Hill - state Route 2 - closed until further notice due to the poor condition of the sidewalk. Also, the steps from Court Street to Route 2 will be closed for repairs.
(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com)
