Most of the debate at the Feb. 19 Fountain Hill Council work session centered around large vehicles, particularly semi-trailer trucks, parking on borough streets.

Police Chief Ed Bachert said there have been numerous complaints about the trucks. He continued said he had "counted three semis around Hoffert [Street]" along with two campers.

The concern is that non-residents are "dropping off these cabs here and coming back" because other communities do not allow these vehicles to be parked on public roads, according to Council President Larry Rapp.

Council member Carolee Gifford expressed concern for residents that make their living driving trucks. She said people may have moved here because they could park on the street.

Rapp said the borough might be able to offer permits for residents, but "no one else" to prevent nonresidents leaving their trucks in the borough. Gifford said the idea for permits was a good one.

"That does not help when people start [their trucks] up at 3 a.m." said Council member Fred Capuano.

Paul Irzinski, of Wiley Street, spoke up saying, "I am looking at a quality of life issue." Irzinski said he was concerned for safety, saying the trucks do not offer the visibility or maneuverability of regular vehicles, which could pose a safety hazard to pedestrians. He concluded by asking, "What benefit does the majority of taxpaying citizens get from allowing the trucks?"

"That is not the way we legislate," interjected Gifford.

"We also try to protect the minority," added Council member Norman Blatt. Rapp concluded the discussion saying the council would seek advice from borough solicitor Donald Lipson.

Borough Executive Rick Prill brought up drafting an ordinance to require borough residents to clear the snow obstructing fire hydrants.

Rapp said there had been something in place in the past but, "Somehow it got off our books." He said the House & Ordinance Committee would discuss it at their next meeting.

A motion to wave the electrical permit fee for the Barry J. Hoffman Co. work on the Long Street Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project was passed without dissent. "We'd just be charging ourselves," remarked Blatt.

Before adjourning for the night, Rapp thanked the Public Works, police and fire departments for their efforts during the recent storms, saying many workers had worked "sixteen hour days, four or five days in a row."

Council member Helen Halleman and Mayor Jose Rosado were absent.