At Jenkintown Council’s Meeting on May 22, the board approved a resolution in support of House Bill 763 which would impose a fee $15 per metric ton of CO2, collected by the Federal government, and returned to the citizens in the form of a check. 

The 9-1 vote came after a presentation by two representatives from the Citizens Climate Lobby and questions from the board. The sole “no” vote came from member Chuck Whitney who objected to the bill’s neutral stance on nuclear power. In contrast, Alex Khalil, calling herself a supporter of nuclear power, cited that as one of the bill’s benefits.

A representative of Barbicane, Thorton & Company presented the results of its audit of the Borough’s finances and gave it their seal of approval. 

The Borough also appointed a new part-time police officer and welcomed Treavor Johnston to the force. 

Addressing a tempest that erupted on the Jenkintown Community Facebook group, Chief Albert DiValentino came to the defense of the crossing guard at West Avenue and Walnut Street, after one resident scathed for unprofessional behavior. 

This post resulted in yet another social media firestorm, but the Chief insisted that his department was happy with the guard’s service and cited impatient parents who don’t like to be held up at that intersection, especially when they have a green light with children still in the crosswalk.

Council member Christian Soltyziak asked if the borough could ban smoking in its park(s). This suggestion may have been inspired by Council President Deborra Sines-Pancoe’s recent photo of a cigarette butt stuffed into a crevice of a bench in Town Square. She also wondered if such a ban would attract still more grant money for Cedar Street Park. 

Construction will also soon begin on the Borough’s “Gateway Project,” under development for nearly two years. A before and after rendering hanging on the wall in Council chambers show how motorists driving north along Route 611 will be treated to the sight of new banners, sidewalks, and lighting.