Orwigsburg borough office, police to get new computer equipment

March 16--ORWIGSBURG -- The borough police department and the borough office will get new computer equipment at a later date, the borough council determined Wednesday.

The council voted to accept a proposal from Dell Marketing L.P., or Dell Computer, for an upgraded server for the police department.

The cost for the server and needed components is about $9,000.

"Where is the money coming from for this?" council member Susan Murphy asked.

Borough Manager Mike Lonergan said the money was coming from the capital reserve account and money from a technology account for the server and other computer equipment that would be ordered if approved.

After the meeting, Lonergan said the server was technologically "out of date," with Mayor Barry Berger adding that he thought the server was at least six years old.

Lonergan said he did not know when the server would be ordered or installed in the police department.

In other technology news, the council also authorized a proposal from Stratix Systems, Wyomissing, at approximately $8,200, to purchase two desktop computers, a laptop, a server and Microsoft Office package.

Lonergan said he ordered the office equipment Thursday. An arrival date is not known, he said.

Lonergan did not know the age of the computer equipment slated for replacement in the office but said it was past its prime.

The cost difference between the server for the police department and the technology for the office can be explained by more security features and other necessary components to the server for the police, Lonergan said.

There is a warranty on all the equipment, he said, adding he thought it was three years.

The proposal by the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority to provide the supplemental operation and maintenance services for the borough water and wastewater systems was approved.

Councilmember Paul Bedway Jr. abstained from the vote on the proposal.

The authority was one of three bidders, Lonergan said. The other bidders were Schuylkill Haven borough for $1,994 a month and Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. for $4,000 a month.

The cost to the borough for the service is $1,850 per month and would likely start in April.

The borough previously gave approval to execute a memorandum of understanding with the authority to provide the aforementioned support.

Jake Brensinger was hired by the council to work removing snow for the borough street department as needed at $10 an hour.

The next Council of Governments meeting will be 7 p.m.March 20 at borough hall, 209 N. Warren St.

A special meeting is slated for 7 p.m.March 19 in the first floor conference room at borough hall to discuss long range planning.

Resident Josh Shamonsky, owner of Shakey's Gun Shop, 202 E. Market St., had asked the council what steps he would need to take out a lease for the borough gun range to teach residents how to properly shoot guns.

Lonergan said he would discuss the matter with the insurance company for the borough and tell Shamonsky of his findings.

Final details, including a possible lease of the property for training use, would need council approval.

Berger also said the borough and the county are participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, a day which gives residents a chance to dispose of prescription drugs safely, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 26.

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