On behalf of all Laflin Borough Officials, we would like to extend a warm welcome to you.

We are providing this website as a service to our community and our visitors as well. If you would like anything added to this web site that would benefit our community please feel free to email us at BoroManager@LaflinBoro.com ____________________________________________________________________________

Inclement Weather Parking Ban
Ordinance #7 of 2009 click here
Posted 11/1/2021

Residents are reminded to remove vehicles from street side parking during inclement weather.  Street-side parking shall not be permitted alongside any street in the borough whenever roadways have any accumulation of wintry precipitation, including, but not limited to snow, sleet or ice that requires plowing of roads or spreading of salt.

__________________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough will be compiling a report on flood water damaged properties for Luzerne Co. Emergency Management Agency (EMA). This report will be sent to the state agency (PEMA) for assessment. Although, funding isn’t available at this time, residents can report basement issues to Laflin Borough by email: LaflinBoro@comcast.net.

It is unlikely funds will become available, but residents can report damage to basements from water infiltration by submitting the following information by email:
Name, Address and Phone Number of Property Owner;
Type of Damage / Very Brief Description of Damage;
Estimated Repair Costs;
Pictures of Damage.

The information will be compiled and sent to Luzerne Co. week ending 9/24/21.

Charles Boyd
Laflin Borough
(570) 654-3323
LaflinBoro@comcast.net

_______________________________________________________

Rear Oakhill Drive – Land for Sale Posted: 8/27/21

_____________________________________________________________

Full-time Municipal Maintenance Employee / Firefighter Position
Posted: 07/16/2021

Laflin Borough is accepting applications for a dependable, 40hr./week maintenance worker/firefighter.  The applicant must have a high school diploma or GED, clean Pennsylvania driving record, and provide a clean PA Criminal Background check and PA Child Abuse clearance record.  This is a drug and alcohol-free work environment.

In the dual position, the applicant will be responsible for borough maintenance and will also be the fire driver for the daytime hours (8am to 4pm).  The applicant must be able to perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks including, but not limited to, lawn mower operation for grass cutting, weed trimming, landscaping work, manicure ballfields, park & recreation care, leaf raking, shoveling, trash pick-up along public roadways, janitorial duties, painting, small repairs and general maintenance.  They must be self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision. The applicant must be able to work on their own and work with our fire personnel to complete tasks as needed.  Must be able to follow instructions and use experience and knowledge to complete tasks.  Must have the ability to operate a snowplow, dump truck, compact frontend loader, fire truck, mowers, hand tools and similar equipment and perform physical labor in hot, cold or inclement weather.

The applicant must be a trained firefighter with Essentials of Firefighting, EVO, and Pumps 1 certifications.

The position has an hourly rate starting at $18.00/hr. commensurate with experience.  No benefits.   Please contact Charles Boyd, Borough Manager to apply or to obtain more information.

Laflin Borough Municipal Bldg.
47 Laflin Road
Laflin, PA  18702-7213
(570) 654-3323
(570)602-2288
LaflinBoro@comcast.net

EOE
Laflin Borough is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or political affiliation.

—— <<<>>>——

Fulltime Municipal Maintenance Worker / Plow Driver Position
Posted: 7/16/2021

Laflin Borough is accepting applications for a dependable, fulltime 40 hrs. per week maintenance worker / winter plow driver with flexible work days and hours.  Part-time position applicants will be considered for 20 to 24 hrs. per week.

The applicant must have a high school diploma or GED, clean Pennsylvania driving record, and provide a clean PA Criminal Background check and PA Child Abuse clearance record.  This is a drug and alcohol free work environment.

The applicant must be able to perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks including, but not limited to, lawn mower operation for grass cutting, weed trimming, landscaping work, manicure ballfields, park & recreation care, leaf raking, shoveling, trash pick-up along public roadways, janitorial duties, painting, small repairs and general maintenance.   They must be self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision. The applicant must be able to work on their own to complete tasks as needed.  Must be able to follow instructions and use experience and knowledge to complete tasks.  Must have the ability to operate a snowplow, dump truck, compact frontend loader, mowers, hand tools and similar equipment and perform physical labor in hot, cold or inclement weather.

The position has an hourly rate starting at $18.00/hr. commensurate with experience.  No benefits.   Please contact Charles Boyd, Borough Manager to apply or to obtain more information.

Laflin Borough Municipal Bldg.
47 Laflin Road
Laflin, PA  18702-7213
(570) 654-3323
LaflinBoro@comcast.net

EOE
Laflin Borough is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or political affiliation.

____________________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough Code Enforcement – City of Pittston
NOTE: Building Permits and Inspections are still handled by
Greg Gulick, G & R Consulting (570) 474-6462

Laflin Borough has entered into an Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement with the City of Pittston to handle property maintenance code enforcement and violations.

Complaints can still be submitted to Laflin Borough or filed with the code office at:
               City of Pittston Code Enforcement Office
                       (570) 654-0513 extension 221
                code@cityofpittston.org
Code Enforcement Complaint Registration Form:  Click Here

Should you have any questions, please contact the borough office at (570) 654-3323 or LaflinBoro@comcast.net.

To view the code:
2015 International Property Maintenance Code

_____________________________________________________________________________

Laflin Summer Rec Camp Canceled for Second Year
posted 5/2/2021

Summer Rec Camp, along with the Community-wide Sponsored Yard Sale event and the Memorial Day Ceremony, have been canceled again this year due to coronavirus concerns.  While the vaccines are being rolled out there are still too many health concerns to have a large camp or public gatherings.

Laflin Borough Council voted to cancel the upcoming events.  However, this does not affect residents who may want to hold their own yard sale events through the summer.

________________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough Code Enforcement
posted 4/23/2021

Laflin Borough has entered into an Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement with the City of Pittston to handle property maintenance code enforcement and violations.  The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has established a program to encourage municipalities to enter into such agreements for the sharing of code enforcement services.  The Act of December 19, 1996, P.L. 1158, No. 177, § 1, 53 PA C.S.A. §2301 permits intergovernmental agreements.

To minimize the cost of administration and to retain a full-time code enforcement department, the City of Pittston Code Enforcement Department was appointed the official code officer for Laflin Borough by Resolution #5 of 2021 on 4/13/21.  The code office will proactively enforce property maintenance codes through patrols, complaints, and inspection requests.

The 2015 Edition of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) was adopted by Ordinance #2 of 2021 and will guide enforcement on complaints of high grass & weeds, sight obstructions at intersections, unregistered or inoperable vehicles at properties, fence problems, trash burning violations, problematic pools, and general property maintenance issues.

G&R Consulting will still handle building permits and construction inspections.  Noise disturbances, and other law enforcement activities, will still be handled by the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) by calling 911.   Zoning ordinances and planning will remain with the county office – Luzerne Co. Planning Commission.

Should you have any questions, please contact the borough office at (570) 654-3323 or LaflinBoro@comcast.net.

________________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough – 2021 County Waste of PA Collection Calendar

Posted 3/3/2021
_______________________________________________________________________

No Garbage Collections – Tuesday, 2/23   Wednesday Pick-up! County Waste will collect garbage on Wednesday due to delays caused by the snow today. Please hold off on putting items to the curb until Tuesday evening to allow for road plowing to continue. Any questions, please contact the borough office. (570) 654-3323.
Posted 2/22/2021
______________________________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough Refuse Collection & Sewer Maintenance Invoice Statements  Posted 2/22/2021

Sewer Maintenance and Refuse/Recycling statements will be mailed to residents this week.  The procedures to pay your fees will remain the same as prior years.  Although most residents don’t require a receipt, please remember to submit the ENTIRE invoice if you need a paid receipt.  The top section of the invoice will be marked paid and returned to the resident.  Bottom section will be retained by the borough.

Why did my Refuse (Garbage + Recycling) Rate Change?

Message to Residents:

Laflin Borough Council publicly advertised for Refuse Collection Bids for a four-year contract term since its existing contract for these services was to expire on 1/31/2021.  Laflin Borough, however, only received bids from 2 refuse collectors who were interested in servicing our community.  Unfortunately, both bids received would result in a substantial cost increase for both refuse and recycling collections.  County Waste, a GFL Company, was the successful low bidder.  The bid proposal received from J.P. Mascaro & Sons, who handled collections for the borough for many years, was approximately $157,000 higher ($39,250 per year) than County Waste for the same four-year contract term.  Although being the responsible low bidder, County Waste, was still substantially higher than the Borough’s 2020 former contract at an additional cost of approximately $42,863 per year.  The result of this additional annual increase is that Laflin Borough will need to increase annual refuse rates by $50.

A substantial reason for the increased costs from refuse haulers is due to the market changes in the recycling industry.  The market demand for recycled materials has declined resulting in higher disposal costs for haulers.  Most local governments are struggling to adapt to this new reality as evidenced by some municipalities cancelling their respective recycling programs in their entirety or eliminating certain aspects of them such as glass recycling.  Laflin Borough remains committed to its existing recycling program and believes the impacts of it on the environment outweigh its recent additional costs.

Laflin Borough remains focused on controlling costs and mitigating any incremental costs it can.  Its approach has been successful over the years as evidenced by keeping its refuse costs and associated fees stable since 2008.  It should be noted that all aspects of its garbage and recycling program will continue uninterrupted for the next 4 years with a weekly allowance of 6 bags of trash, 1 monthly bulk item and biweekly recycling pick-up.  Note the recycling pick will now be every 2^nd week as compared to twice monthly in order to reduce the amount of time required for the storage of recycled material by residents.

Please contact the borough office regarding the new collection services or with any questions relating to this rate increase.   You can reach the borough at (570) 654-3323 or at LaflinBoro@comcast.net.

Posted 2/22/2021

________________________________________________________________________

Mascaro Garbage & Recycling Collections Delayed until Wednesday 1/6/2021 /// New Hauler Coming Soon.
Posted 1/5/2021

Mascaro will not be collecting refuse nor recycling today. Collections will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) for garbage, recycling and bulk items. Contact the borough office if you have any questions. (570) 654-3323

Starting February 1st, County Waste will be the borough’s garbage, recycling and bulk item collection contractor. CW will manually collect from the back of the trucks with garbage workers. Meaning, they will not be using the automated mechanical arm pick-ups as seen in other towns. You will continue to use your existing containers (if you do so now).

The four year contract was bid out with County Waste being the lowest responsible bidder. Although significantly less than Mascaro’s bid, County Waste still was much higher in cost than our current contract. Laflin Borough Council is still working on various ways to keep the the 2021 Refuse Fee increase at a minimum. One way will be to use a surplus in Refuse Fund. More information will follow later this month.

The printed collection calendar will be delayed until later this month since we have a new contractor. However, everything will be the same in regards to Tuesday Collections; 6 garbage bags; recycling on the 1st & 3rd of the month; and bulk items (no TVs or computers).

More information will follow later this month.

_________________________________________________________________________

 

   Experienced Plow Drivers Wanted

Posted 12/1/2020

Laflin Borough is accepting applications for a dependable, part-time plow driver to add to our road crew team.  Must be available at all hours of the day and have a clean driving record.  This is an on call 24/7 position that is weather related without guaranteed hours.  Must be able to operate a dump truck, spreader, and medium duty front end loader.   CDL is not required.

The applicant must have a high school diploma or GED, clean driving record, and provide a clear PA Criminal Background check.  This is a drug and alcohol-free work environment. References will be checked.

The position has an hourly wage at $13.84 per hour with no benefits.   Applicant must be able to follows all safety rules, policies, and regulations and be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Please contact Charles Boyd, Borough Manager to apply or to obtain more information.

Laflin Borough Municipal Bldg.
47 Laflin Road
Laflin, PA  18702-7213
(570) 654-3323
LaflinBoro@comcast.net

EOE
Laflin Borough is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or political affiliation.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

J.P. Mascaro & Sons Public Message to Laflin

Dear Valued Customer:

My name is Pat Mascaro.  I have been the President of J. P. Mascaro & Sons for 40 years.  Our business was started by my father and operated by his five sons for many years and now many of his grandchildren are assuming leadership roles in the company.  We are truly a locally owned and operated family business.

Our company is an anomaly.  The industry is dominated by large multi-national corporations.  Despite this reality, Mascaro stands today as the principal provider of municipal services in the region.  This position has been attained through dedication and hard work and simply catering to our customers, employees and communities where we work.

Our service level has suffered recently due to COVID-19.  I underestimated the business impact of this virus thinking our company could continue collections in a normal manner.  I learned the hard way the negative impacts of the virus on our industry.  Our competitors chose to eliminate the collection of yard waste and bulk materials during March of this year.  Additionally, they imposed regulations insisting all waste be bagged and placed inside the container.  In the spirit of wanting not to limit our customers, we maintained our regular collection practices not realizing the potential devastating impact of the virus.

We learned in a hurry that the “stay at home” directives increased waste loads 20 to 30%.  Additionally, people used the stay at home time to clean sheds, basements and attics and general yard cleanups.  Many landscape projects typically done by third party contractors were done by the homeowners and even storm debris cleanups were also done by the homeowners.  This reality has severely taxed our equipment and the men and women that operate it.

Compounding the problem was the health aspects of COVID-19.  Each employee testing positive and coming in contact with many other employees forced these employees to quarantine for 14-day intervals.  Additionally, civil unrest forced the closure and/or altering of public transportation eliminating many employees sole means of getting to work.  Lastly, the mandated “wearing of mask order” has created much “concern” for our workers on the back of the trucks unable to perform the task necessary wearing a mask and actually fearing for their health.  This reality has forced many employees to choose to stay at home and collect the government subsidy.

You should be aware that we attempted to be proactive with the virus and be protective of our people.  We spent $150,000 in protective gear and hired third party contractors to assure proper sanitation at our facilities.  We spent $140,000 on individual lunches for our personnel over a six-week period of time to allow them to not have to stop on route to eat and place themselves in a position of unnecessary exposure.  In an effort to lessen the workload of the regular crews, we have brought in crews from our other divisions to assist and have worked throughout the evenings as well as Saturday, Sundays and holidays.

Despite this overwhelming commitment of time, energy and money, it is my belief it will take our company 30 to 45 days to implement the necessary changes to deal with the “new normal” and restore the necessary consistency to our collection operations.  I apologize for any inconvenience you may have encountered.  I respectfully ask for your continued patience during this period of time, and I thank you for allowing me to express myself.

Sincerely,

Pasquale N. Mascaro Sr.

________________________________________________________________

Pennsylvania Fireworks Law Act 43 of 2017

This Law repeals and replaces the Fireworks Act of 1939.  Consumer fireworks can only be purchased at a licensed facility.
To view an edited version of Act 43 of 2017 click here.

________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough Noise Ordinances

Laflin Borough Offenses & Nuisances Ordinance and Luzerne Co. Zoning Ordinance regulate noise disturbances within the municipality.

Laflin Borough Offenses & Nuisances Codified Ordinance
Luzerne Co. Zoning Ordinance

_______________________________________________________________

2020 Laflin Borough Canceled Events

Due to the restrictions currently in place for the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the annual summer camp program, Memorial Day ceremony and Community-wide Yard Sale event have been canceled this year.  Out of an abundance of caution and to keep in line with COVID-19 social distancing guidance, Laflin Borough Council voted to cancel the upcoming events.

_______________________________________________________________

Pennsylvania American Water Company –  Proposed Water Rate Increase

The Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) filed a request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to increase water rates as of June 28, 2020.  If the full rate increase is approved by the PUC, the average monthly residential water bill will increase by approximately $11.88 per month.  The first tier change could become effective as early as January 2021 with the second tiered rate change in January 2022.

This week every homeowner should have received a Notice of Proposed Water Rate Change from the PAWC.  Additional information is provided in this mailed notice and directions on ways to respond.  Laflin Borough Council and Mayor sent a letter to the PUC objecting to the proposed rate increase on behalf of the Laflin residents.  Please feel free to reach out to the PAWC and/or the PUC to voice your concerns.

View the letter here.

__________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough Basketball Court, Playgrounds and Parks Closed due to Coronavirus Emergency

In the interest of public safety, Laflin Borough properties will be closed until further notice starting at 8pm Friday, March 27, 2020.   Governor Wolf and Health Secretary Dr. Levine expanded the ‘Stay at Home’ order to additional counties to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  The list of counties now includes Luzerne County.

The walking track, basketball court, and all borough properties will be closed to encourage social distancing.  The borough building remains closed to the public at this time.

______________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough Building Closed to the Public during Coronavirus Emergency

The health and safety of our residents and employees is a primary concern during this coronavirus emergency.  We are continuously reviewing and assessing the recommendations of state and federal authorities, and the CDC.   At this time the Laflin Borough Council and Mayor have implemented protective social distancing steps to ensure the safety of everyone normally visiting our offices.  The Laflin Borough building will be closed to foot traffic until the coronavirus emergency is resolved.  

During this time period, all non-cash payments can be dropped-off at the front door of the municipal building in the library box return or mailed to the Laflin Borough Municipal Building at 47 Laflin Road, Laflin, PA  18702-7213.  Please notate if a receipt is desired and one will be mailed back to you or you can provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for receipt return. The municipal office can be reached at (570) 654-3323 or by email: LaflinBoro@comcast.net.   Questions can be answered at the front door of the municipal building through our intercom system.  The borough building is open for business but has postponed face-to-face operations.

We will keep the residents informed of any changes as the situation progresses with information provided on our website or Nextdoor Laflin.  Please do not hesitate to contact the borough office during normal business hours if you have any questions or concerns.  We hope that you and your family stay safe and healthy during this challenging time.

_______________________________________________________________________

Disinfecting Wipes Harming Sewer System

With the increase usage of disinfecting wipes due to the coronavirus emergency, the public is reminded not to flush the wipes down the toilet.  The disinfecting wipes, and other household cleaning products marketed as ‘sanitary disposable’ or ‘flushable’ don’t break down quickly enough to safely pass through the sewer lines.   The flushed wipes cause hang-ups that lead to blockages and service line problems.   All wipes should be dumped in the trash for proper disposal.

Related Article:  https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/20/us/wipes-flush-toilet-pipes-wellness-trnd/index.html

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, Pennsylvanians should visit: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/.

_______________________________________________________________________________

J.P. Mascaro & Sons 2020 Refuse & Recycling Calendar

______________________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough Receives DEP Recycling Grant

Laflin Borough was awarded $9,501.00 from the state Department of Environmental Protection for the cost to procure the blue recycling containers distributed to all residents within the borough.  The grant funding will help maintain the Refuse Collection fund for future garbage and recycling needs.

The 902 Recycling Grant submitted in March of 2019 was awarded in the amount of $9,501.  It was posted in the PA Bulletin on Saturday, Dec, 14.
Link: http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol49/49-50/1862.html

You can view the borough grant award and all other recycling grant awards at the above link.

________________________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough Council Reorganization Meeting
Monday, January 6, 2020
New and returning elected officials to be seated:
Paul Benderavich
Anthony D’Eliseo (Re-Elected)
Carl Yastremski
Matthew D’Elia (Newly Elected)
Kyle Costello (Newly Elected)
William Kennedy, Mayor (Newly Elected)

Borough Council Meetings for 2020:

January        1/6/20→ Reorganization Mtg.                      July                    7/14/20

February      2/11/20                                                                      August               8/11/20

March            3/10/20                                                                      September       9/8/20

April               4/14/20                                                                      October           10/13/20

May                5/12/20                                                                       November       11/10/20

June               6/9/20                                                                         December       12/8/20

Meeting Start Times – 6:00pm
If scheduled, Work Sessions will be held at 5:30pm

_________________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough Assistant Solicitor Passes Away

Funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, with the Rev. Dr. William Lewis officiating. The interment will be at Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Carverton.

Family and friends are asked to call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, at the funeral home. A Masonic service will be conducted on at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening by Masonic Lodge No. 395, F&AM.

Memorial contributions can be made to Old Friends at Cabin Creek, 483 Sandhill Rd., Greenfield Center, NY 12833.

For more information or to send the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website at www.hughbhughes.com.

Prominent local attorney Bruce Phillips dies

JAMES HALPIN, THE CITIZEN’S VOICE / PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 25, 2019

Bruce Phillips, a prominent solicitor and personal injury attorney, died after suffering a fatal heart attack at his home in Dallas on Thursday night. He was 62.

“Bruce was an attorney of the utmost character and integrity,” Luzerne County President Judge Richard M. Hughes III said. “He represented his clients zealously and with absolute professionalism. He was a man who had an infectious smile and was a friend to all. He will be truly missed.”

A graduate of Pennsylvania State University who earned his law degree from Duquesne University in 1982, Phillips served as solicitor for a number of municipalities, including Wilkes-Barre Twp. and Laflin. He specialized in personal injury and civil rights litigation at the firm Wetzel, Phillips, Rodgers & Falcone.

“He was never afraid to take on cases for the little guy, whether it was going to pay off or not,” said Luzerne County First Assistant District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce, a longtime friend. “He just wanted to see what was right done.”

Sanguedolce said he first met Phillips in 1992 through his affiliation with other young people getting involved in politics. Phillips helped Sanguedolce throughout law school and put him in touch with former district attorney Jerry Cohen, who encouraged Sanguedolce to become a prosecutor, he said.  Phillips also encouraged the current district attorney, Stefanie Salavantis, to run for office.

“He really was the one that encouraged me to do it, and really believed in me at a time when no one really knew who I was,” Salavantis said. “There are a lot of heartbroken people today, me being one of them. He means a lot to a lot of people throughout this county and all over.”

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, said he and his wife Marion Munley were devastated by the loss of Phillips, who was a good friend. “As lawyers, Bruce and I were in so many tough fights together, we ended up as close as two brothers,” Cartwright said.

“I’ll always remember him for his unfailing good humor, his constant loyalty to his friends, and his abiding love of truth and decency. This really hurts.”

Pennsylvania Superior Court President Judge Emeritus Correale F. Stevens, a Luzerne County native, also described Phillips as a good friend.  “Bruce Phillips loved our area, our people and was a positive influence on everyone he met,” Stevens said. “We will miss his infectious optimism and kind, caring treatment of others.”

Phillips was an avid Cleveland Browns fan who attended games whenever possible — a tradition that began because his father was friends with some local residents who were on the team many years ago, Sanguedolce said.  “He was always traveling around to go see his Browns play,” Salavantis said. “No matter how terrible they did, he was always very supportive and always rooting for them. He never backed down and would argue with people who would say, ‘How can you be a Browns fan?’”

Phillips was also a devoted horse-racing fan who had attended every Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes since the turn of the century, Sanguedolce said. He was part owner of a racehorse, Tiz the Law, that is currently in line to appear in the 2020 Kentucky Derby. “After years of losing every single horse race he bet on,” Sanguedolce said with a laugh. “If Bruce had a tip, you knew not to bet on that horse.”

Surviving are Phillips’ wife, Margaret; father former county commissioner Jim Phillips; brother John Phillips; and sister Katharyn Elms.

___________________________________________________________________________

 

Laflin Borough Takes Delivery of a NEW 2019 Ford F550 Plow Truck

Laflin Borough replaced the sold 2010 F550 this past winter with a new 2019 Diesel DEF F550 plow truck.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a non-hazardous solution, which is 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. DEF is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to break down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water.  Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is an environmentally friendly solution that is used in diesel vehicles to help protect the environment.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Municipal Plow Truck Sold

 

2010 Ford F550XL Super Duty Regular Cab, 8′ bed, 4×4 Power Stroke Diesel, Non-DEF System w/14,875 miles. Meyer’s 9′ Power Angle Snowplow and Stainless Steel Dump Body with Tailgate Salt Spreader.  Automatic Transmission.

__________________________________________________________________________

LAFLIN BOROUGH SNOW / INCLEMENT WEATHER PARKING BAN ORDINANCE

Inclement Weather Parking Ban Ordinance #1 of 2009 click here

Residents are reminded to remove vehicles from street side parking during inclement weather.  Street-side parking shall not be permitted alongside any street in the borough whenever roadways have any accumulation of wintry precipitation, including, but not limited to snow, sleet or ice that requires plowing of roads or spreading of salt.

---

Laflin Borough Public Park Curfew and Over-Night Parking Restrictions

Laflin Borough Council approved and adopted a new public park curfew that closes both public parks at 10:00pm every night.  The ordinance also prohibits over-night parking on both borough properties.

To read the entire ordinance click here:  Ordinance #4 of 2018 Park Curfew and Parking Restrictions.

________________________________________________________________________________

Matt D’Elia, Laflin Borough Junior Council Person receives his Associates Degree while attending High School

Matt D’Elia (17 yr.) Laflin Borough Junior Council Person received his associate degree while attending high school.  He earned 60 course credits from Lackawanna College in Business Studies.  He will receive his high school diploma and college diploma this spring.  Matt plans on continuing his education to attain a bachelor degree and eventually a law degree to become a Judge Advocate Officer (JAG Officer) in the U.S. Air Force.

To read the full article click the link below:
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/amazing-kids-matthew-d-elia-gets-associate-degree-while-still-in-high-school-1.2397597

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

New 32gal. Recycling Containers Delivered to Residents

Laflin Borough delivered new recycling containers to borough residents on Thursday, 7/19/18 to be utilized in the Single-Stream Recycling program.   Laflin collects recycling materials on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month.  The borough receives DEP performance grant money based on the tonnage recycled.  Laflin received $5,641.00 in 2017 from DEP.

________________________________________________________________________________

Laflin Borough Council Reorganizational Meeting
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
New council seated:
    Paul Benderavich
Anthony D’Eliseo
Carl Yastremski
Thomas Parry
Lisa Natt

The Honorable Judge David W. Lupas gave the oath of office to newly elected officials.

_______________________________________________________________________________

MUNICIPAL WEBSITE NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR CHESAPEAKE BAY POLLUTANT REDUCTION PLAN

Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (WVSA) MS4 Pollutant Reduction Plan best management practices (BMPs) are proposed in the regional plan to satisfy PRP requirements for the Chesapeake Bay and local stream impairments.

The public is invited to review this document and provide written comments to the Executive Director.
James B. Tomaine, P.E. – jim.tomaine@wvsa.net
WVSA
P.O. Box 33A
Wilkes-Barre, PA  18703

The municipalities participating in the regional plan include the Cities of Nanticoke, Pittston, and Wilkes-Barre; the Boroughs of Ashley, Courtdale, Dureyea, Edwardsville, Exeter, Forty Fort, Hughestown, Kingston, Laflin, Larksville, Luzerne, Plymouth, Pringle, Sugar Notch, Swoyersville, Warrior Run, West Pittston, West Wyoming, Wyoming, and Yatesville; and the Townships of Hanover, Jackson, Jenkins, Lehman, Newport, Pittston, Plains, Plymouth, and Wilkes-Barre.

Web Link to the WVSA Web Site and The  Regional Pollutant Reduction Plan:   http://wvsa.org/stormWaterPosting.pdf

_______________________________________________________________________________

More Than 1 Million Homes Could Be at Risk of Mine Subsidence 

New and updated maps of coal mines in Pennsylvania are now available on the DEP Mine Subsidence Insurance website – www.pamsi.org – and homeowners and businesses are encouraged to check to see if they could be at risk for mine subsidence.

Mine Maps are available at the Laflin Borough building to view.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Mailbox Adjustments due to Curb Installation

Due to curb replacement and new curb installation, borough residents may need to adjust the location of mailboxes to meet the specifications of the U.S. Postal Service.   The distance from the curb to the face of the mailbox may need to be adjusted to allow for proper access.  These specifications can be found on the Laflin Borough website
under notices at www.LaflinBoro.com.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

WVSA Regional MS4 Stormwater Management Information

For more information on understanding the regional approach to stormwater management as mandated by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection:

• WVSA Understanding Stormwater Management

_______________________________________________________________________________

 

Laflin Borough 2019 Sewer and Refuse Collection Statements

The sewer maintenance ($160.00/yr.) and trash collection ($240.00/yr.) invoices were mailed to residents on January 31st.   As in past years, both statements were mailed together to reduce costs.  Please contact the borough office with questions.  (570) 654-3323.

Refuse Collection Fee:
$230.00 due until 3/31/2019
$240.00 if paid by 6/30/2019

Two Payment Plan Option:  First Installment of $120.00 due by 3/31/2019
Second Installment of $120.00 due by 6/30/2019

Sewer Maintenance Fee:
$152.00 due until  4/30/2019
$160.00 if paid by  7/31/2019

Two Payment Plan Option:  First Installment of $80.00 due by 4/30/2019
Second Installment of $80.00 due by 7/31/2019

 

________________________________________________________________________________

                      

Scam Activity Update

Utilities across the country – including electric, gas, and water – continue to see scammers trying to fleece customers.

Scam artists vary their tactics but usually pretend to be your utility.  They may claim you have a delinquent account and threaten to immediately shut off service if you don’t pay a certain amount by prepaid debit card.  Another recent tactic was to attempt entry into your house under the pretense they are there to change a meter and then demand a payment for installation.

Don’t be fooled.   The Utility companies don’t conduct business like this.  There are never on-the-spot demands for money.

If you suspect a scam, hang up.  Then check with your utility company.
PPL  1-800-342-5775
PAWC 1-866-641-2131
UGI Gas 1-800-276-2722

If it turns out to be a scam attempt, call the Pennsylvania State Police at (570) 697-2000.
PPL, PAWC and UGI continue to work with law enforcement on this issue.

_________________________________________________________________________________

New Dump / Plow Truck in Service for Laflin Borough

Laflin Borough adds a new 2016 Ford F550 plow and salt spreader truck (right) for the 2016 / 2017 winter season.

————— <> —————