New Fire Fee, Policy Changes in Forest Hills

At a meeting largely dominated by a decision to Council also passed an ordinance implementing a "Fire Protection Services Fee," which will be implemented this December.

Council also approved a number of updated police policies.

According to Council President Frank Porco, the fire services fee was enacted to help pay for a new fire truck, as well as to help with yearly payments to the fire department, whose yearly cost amounts to $71,000 and $75,000, respectively.

In December, households will pay a fee of $45. Businesses will pay twice that amount, $90, and residents renting apartments will pay half, $22.50, according to Borough Manager Steve Morus.

The police policy changes affect in-car video systems, evidence collection and performance evaluations, according to Police Chief Charles Williams.

Williams said the updates were less a change in strategy than a reflection of current procedures. The policy regarding in-car video surveillance, for instance, was changed to reflect a switch from VHS technology to the digital cards now used, he said.

“Over time, we’re going to redo all the policies,” Williams said. “The way we do things has changed.”

During the meeting, council announced it will conduct a survey in the borough’s newsletter, the Tree City Times, to gauge interest in issuing parking permits that would allow overnight parking on streets.

Resident Jim Busa questioned the action, saying that more information, such as the cost of a permit, would be necessary for an accurate survey.

Councilman Bill Tomasic emphasized that council hasn’t made any plans yet and is responding to a handful of residents who suggested the service.

“Our attempt was simply to find out if there’s interest,” Tomasic said.

Next year’s fiscal budget, which council will vote on in December, will be discussed in coming committee meetings, Porco told attendees Wednesday. Residents can attend the meetings and suggest ways to reduce the budget.