'Call 9-1-1': Hawley Police response times called into question at council meeting

Police response times are being called into question in Hawley after a June Borough Council meeting.

Will Wykoff, a resident of Keystone Street, expressed concerns to the council on June 8, over how to be able to reach the borough's part-time police department in an emergency. Council President Michele Rojas advised that the thing to do is to call 9-1-1, since the Wayne County Communications Center is aware of when the local police are on duty; when they are not, the PA State Police will be dispatched.

Speaking on behalf of his neighbors, who he had told he'd be attending the meeting to represent them as well as his own concern, Wykoff described recent incidents in the neighborhood concerning youth behavior: stories of conflicts on the streets and potential fights.

Wykoff said that when he or his neighbors have made calls to local police, they are forwarded to an answering machine. He noted that it was uncertain as to how long it may take for an officer to check their messages. He said he didn't know if it might take "two hours or two days."

Wykoff suggested it would be useful to have a cell phone number to reach the Hawley Police if they are on duty but not at the station.

A few nights before the meeting, a fight with a knife involved was taken to the streets, Wycoff said. Wycoff said he called the Pennsylvania State Police, who seemed to come a lot quicker knowing there was a weapon involved.

Wycoff said he also spoke to the person involved, and to a landlord. He spoke at length to Hawley Police Chief Daniel Drake, and also Mayor John Nichols.

Rojas noted that the local police chief "tries to vary the schedule because if people know when they are on, they can kind of plan."

Council member Mary Sanders said it wasn't a good idea to give out a cell number for the police. "The best thing to do is to call 9-1 -1 ," Sanders said. Wycoff said he did do just that, after first trying the local police office number. He was advised by the council to call 9-1-1 first in the future.

Several years ago, Wykoff was involved with starting a neighborhood crime watch program with other volunteers, in conjunction with Hawley Police. The volunteers were instructed to contact the police and not engage the individuals involved in the behavior of concern. Hawley Crime Watch, however, is not currently active, he said.

Wykoff stated, "The State Police could not have been more helpful, but their problem was they could not get there that quick."

Wykoff said that Chief Drake did speak with the individual of concern, adding, "There has been a noted difference." Drake was not present at the council meeting during most of the discussion.

Other Hawley happenings

Hawley Carnival

Among other matters before borough council, Chief Drake said that he had just received information that evening that another carnival company has been identified that may be available to schedule a carnival for Bingham Park in July. The company the borough had been contracting is no longer operating, he said.

The alternate company will be contacted to try to see if the contract can be arranged and dates set up. The carnival, normally starting July 4 following the Hawley Independence Day parade, is reported to be a good fundraiser for Hawley Parks & Recreation Commission, and Hawley Police.

Due to the short notice, council discussed possibly hosting the carnival in August, but various scheduling conflicts were found.

The July 4th parade is set for noon, with step-off on Spring Street, leading up Main Avenue and ending at Bingham Park.

Starting wages

There was much back and forth discussion about the propriety of present pay scales for the borough starting wage, for borough assistant secretary and public works crew. The position of assistant secretary needed to be filled.

Council member Mary Sanders advised that the starting wage of $10.50 for this inside position should be raised to match the public works starting wage of $11.50, an outdoors position. Council member Ann Monaghan differed, stating that the skill sets are different enough to warrant a higher outdoor wage, since public works employees must work in all kinds of weather.

Sanders noted that they have difficulty attracting applicants for $10.50 an hour. Council member Elaine Herzog recommended a compromise, which was approved unanimously: $11.00 starting wage for the assistant secretary with an increase to $11.50 after the 60-day probation period. Wages will be revisited when planning the 2023 budget.

Police vests

A motion was approved to purchase three police vests, subject to grant availability. Normally a 50% match is required; the American Legion Post 311, and also Borough Solicitor Robert Bernathy, offered to aid help cover the costs.

Boy Scouts

Boy Scout Troop 129 was given approval to meet at the bandstand Mondays nights, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; if weather is inclement the borough hall may be used. Council member Ann Monaghan advised that the Wallenpaupack schools could also be utilized.Hawley Council meets on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall, 94 Main Avenue.