Metal Detectors Greet Exeter Borough Meeting Attendees

[Big D]

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Meta...4-08-2009.html

April 8
Metal detectors greet public; topic is Wal-Mart
B. GARRET ROGAN Times Leader Correspondent




EXETER – Residents attending Exeter’s Borough Council meeting Tuesday were greeted with metal detectors and pocket searches conducted by Luzerne County Sheriff’s Department deputies.

The extra security was there at the request of the borough officials because of the heightened interest in council meetings since the possibility of an Exeter Wal-Mart was raised within the last few weeks.

Council Chairman Richard Murawski did not feel that residents on opposing sides of the Wal-Mart debate would resort to any violence, but given the string of recent high-profile acts of random violence throughout the country, the council decided to take precautions.

Although not officially on the night’s agenda, the various issues surrounding the possibility of constructing the box store dominated everyone’s attention. Several non-agenda items were presented by council member Joseph Esposito.

The council unanimously passed an ordinance that will prohibit members of council from engaging in any land development negotiations outside of public hearings. Another measure was also passed that would allow Pasonick Engineering to review the municipality’s zoning laws.

During the public comments section of the meeting, however, Brad Kurlancheek, a Wilkes-Barre attorney associated with Exeter First, a group opposed to a new Wal-Mart, pointed out that Pasonick Engineering has done work for the store chain in the past and questioned the firm’s impartiality.

Council members said they would look into any connections or conflicts of interest between the two parties.

Karen Simpson, also of Exeter First, implored the council to conduct its own studies on the likely community impact that the retail giant would bring. She said she feared that the common perception of Wal-Mart’s effects was being determined by studies conducted by that corporation.

The land proposed for the store’s possible location is currently classified as a M2, light industrial zone. A recent recommendation made by the Exeter Borough Planning Commission suggested that property’s classification be changed to a business zone.

Such a change would allow for the private property owners to sell the land to Wal-Mart.

The council stressed the Municipal Zoning Board has not yet reviewed the recommendation. “Everything’s up in the air,” Chairman Murawski said. He and the other council did not even remotely address any time table as to when decisions regarding a Wal-Mart development would be made.

Borough resident Phil Noble said it was the property owners’ right to seek a profit on the land. He said he worried the borough might be liable for a decline in the property if it did not assist with the owners’ ability to make a profit.

His sentiments were echoed by a number of residents after the meeting.

Dave Balent, a member of the planning commission who voted in favor of recommending a change to the zone where the property is located said he felt such a move was in the borough’s best interest.

He also raised the issue of jobs, pointing out that Wal-Mart will be a large employer. Several other residents, who preferred to remain anonymous, also pointed out that Wal-Mart’s arrival could also serve to lower their taxes. They felt that Wal-Mart could be a valuable partner in the area.

Exeter resident Larry Dellegrotto countered that the light industrial classification was actually quite rare and could be used for many more uses including industries that might be able to provide federally subsidized “green jobs.”

Kurlancheek agreed with Dellegrotto and contended that any short-term benefit Wal-Mart might bring could very well be erased in the coming years. He pointed to pollution, traffic congestion and unfair business practices as monikers of Wal-Mart.

He urged the necessity of exercising other options.

Arent the metal detectors a violation?

[JoeWilliams]

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Meta...4-08-2009.html



Arent the metal detectors a violation?

Only if they deny entry to the meeting because you are carrying, or try to disarm you.

[Pa. Patriot]

EXETER – Residents attending Exeter’s Borough Council meeting Tuesday were greeted with metal detectors and pocket searches conducted by Luzerne County Sheriff’s Department deputies.


WHOAH!


Preventing people from carrying firearms to a boro meeting is a violation of Pa. Crimes Code. Specifically Title 18 subsection 6120. This is a misdemeanor 1 (18Pa.C.S.6119)

This was a very bad move by Exetor boro and the Sheriff.

I just crawled out of bed after having a fever for about 5 hours... only to see this?!? Someone is getting NASTY phone calls today.

[The Unknown 1087]

EXETER – Residents attending Exeter’s Borough Council meeting Tuesday were greeted with metal detectors and pocket searches conducted by Luzerne County Sheriff’s Department deputies.


WHOAH!


Preventing people from carrying firearms to a boro meeting is a violation of Pa. Crimes Code. Specifically Title 18 subsection 6120. This is a misdemeanor 1 (18Pa.C.S.6119)

This was a very bad move by Exetor boro and the Sheriff.

I just crawled out of bed after having a fever for about 5 hours... only to see this?!? Someone is getting NASTY phone calls today.

Keep us updated!!

[Big D]

EXETER – Residents attending Exeter’s Borough Council meeting Tuesday were greeted with metal detectors and pocket searches conducted by Luzerne County Sheriff’s Department deputies.


WHOAH!


Preventing people from carrying firearms to a boro meeting is a violation of Pa. Crimes Code. Specifically Title 18 subsection 6120. This is a misdemeanor 1 (18Pa.C.S.6119)

This was a very bad move by Exetor boro and the Sheriff.

I just crawled out of bed after having a fever for about 5 hours... only to see this?!? Someone is getting NASTY phone calls today.

How did those calls go?

[ChamberedRound]

I'd really like to know if/when the local DA is going to charge the sheriff's office and/or the borough council with a violation of said statute.

I'm sure I'll be waiting awhile...

[edstephan]

EXETER – Residents attending Exeter’s Borough Council meeting Tuesday were greeted with metal detectors and pocket searches conducted by Luzerne County Sheriff’s Department deputies.


WHOAH!


Preventing people from carrying firearms to a boro meeting is a violation of Pa. Crimes Code. Specifically Title 18 subsection 6120. This is a misdemeanor 1 (18Pa.C.S.6119)

This was a very bad move by Exetor boro and the Sheriff.

I just crawled out of bed after having a fever for about 5 hours... only to see this?!? Someone is getting NASTY phone calls today.

Rich if any reinforcements are need let me know.

An OC Activist and 1 of the 3%
Ed Stephan

[mjfletcher]

EXETER – Residents attending Exeter’s Borough Council meeting Tuesday were greeted with metal detectors and pocket searches conducted by Luzerne County Sheriff’s Department deputies.


WHOAH!


Preventing people from carrying firearms to a boro meeting is a violation of Pa. Crimes Code. Specifically Title 18 subsection 6120. This is a misdemeanor 1 (18Pa.C.S.6119)

This was a very bad move by Exetor boro and the Sheriff.

I just crawled out of bed after having a fever for about 5 hours... only to see this?!? Someone is getting NASTY phone calls today.

Uh oh, they done gone and stepped in a big pile of gorilla shit here.

Go get em, they got bananas in their pockets.

[King 5.45]

Uh oh, they done gone and stepped in a big pile of gorilla shit here.

Go get em, they got bananas in their pockets.

Nah, they're just overjoyed to see him.

[Pa. Patriot]

Update later today (I had Flu yesterday)...
I am also trying to figure out what authority the SD had to administer security at a boro bldg even if it was legal to do so