Indiana Borough Council met on Tuesday night and approved extending Mayor George Hood’s state of emergency declaration in Indiana borough resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, Mayor Hood made the emergency declaration, which prevents public events or gatherings on borough property, on borough rights of way or pursuant to borough permits. Any permits issued for events between now to April 30th are revoked, and any events after that date will be issued subject to revocation if borough manager C. Michael Foote feels the event would be contrary to the public health, safety and welfare. Outdoor gatherings of more than five people in Indiana borough is prohibited. Public access to all borough buildings and facilities will be prohibited except by appointment, but the parking garage will remain open. Non-emergency appointments with the borough police department will be done by appointment.
While the Mayor’s declaration can only last for seven days, Indiana Borough Council voted to extend that proclamation through May 31st, and they have also cancelled all borough council meetings for the month of April.
As this coming weekend is traditionally IUPatty’s weekend, Indiana Borough Police Chief Justin Schawl said that under the circumstances, this weekend is not the weekend to hold any celebratory activity.
In other business, council approved advertising ordinances amending and modifying the animal ordinance concerning animal nuisances and sections on community cats and chickens in the borough.
