New Eagle extends emergency declaration

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

New Eagle council unanimously agreed to extend a state of emergency in the borough as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread.

Mayor Charles Fine declared the state of emergency Saturday.

The declaration was valid for seven days and would have expired unless council voted to extend it, which they did during a virtual meeting Thursday.

According to the declaration, and pursuant to Gov. Tom Wolf’s order, all residents must stay home unless it is necessary to leave for life-sustaining measures.

Parks and ball fields throughout the borough will be closed until further notice.

The borough building, fire department and borough garage are also closed, except for essential personnel from the borough or fire department.

The mayor and council president are able to pay bills, which will be ratified at future meetings.

All expenses related to emergency preparedness will be submitted to county, state or federal authorities for possible reimbursement through disaster funding.

Residents who violate the declaration could face a summary offense.

Solicitor Timothy Berggren said the declaration of emergency was necessary for the borough to potentially receive funding.

“There might be governmental funds available, and we need to declare this to be eligible for them,” he said. “This also gives some authority to the borough to run itself in-between meetings.”

Council met in an executive session for personnel matters following the special meeting.