Roaring Spring Addresses Tornado Cleanup and Road Issues

During the latest meeting, Fire Marshal and Roaring Spring Borough Council President James Musselman, provided updates on the tornado cleanup efforts, focusing on the hardest-hit areas in Taylor Township.

He said that much of the damage involved downed trees, particularly near M&B’s Cycle Shop, where the tornado touched down on August 29.

“You could tell, because the trees were scattered in all directions,” Musselman said.

Cleanup efforts included calls for assistance from areas like 36, Cabbage Creek, and Dick’s Schoolhouse Road.

In other reports, Maintenance Supervisor Wyatt Simington announced the completion of roadwork on Bloomfield Road by Cottle’s. He was happy with the quality of the repairs.

“They’ve also been working on patching alleys and roadways in the borough,” he said, highlighting ongoing maintenance efforts.

Several resolutions were approved during the meeting. Resolution 2024-04, which granted a special occasion permit for Friendship Fire, was passed, along with the MMO for uniform and non-uniform employees (2024-05). Additionally, the council approved Resolution 2024-05, waiving required contributions to the police pension fund, which was also approved.

A longstanding issue regarding Heuston Street Alley was also discussed.

Musselman explained that the alley, which borders both borough and township lines.

Taylor Township has indicated they have no interest in the alley, which is part of Shawnee Park’s property.

“It would serve better for the borough to have it, but we can’t do anything until we really own it,” Musselman said. A formal deed search and boundary line survey will be required before the borough can move forward.

Solicitor Larry Lashinsky suggested exploring the possibility of either having the road conveyed or acquiring a right-of-way.

He said that annexation would need voter approval, which can be difficult to achieve. Musselman had concerns about the condition of the road, and said that continued use without repairs could damage borough equipment including the plow trucks.