Exeter council hears merits of natural gas vehicles

EXETER — Borough Council briefly discussed the feasibility of adding natural gas-powered vehicles for public works usage during Tuesday’s regular council meeting.

Discussions ensued after a detailed presentation from Dupont Borough Council President Stanley Knick. Dupont used $150,000 in state grant money to partially fund the purchase of a new $208,000, natural gas-powered Peterbilt truck. The borough also spent $10,000 to install a natural gas filling station.

Knick said Dupont has been so satisfied with the performance and cost savings that it intends to purchase natural gas-powered vehicles for all public needs when grant funding is available.

Exeter Councilman John Morgan, who recently visited DPW facilities in Plains Township and Dupont equipped for natural gas vehicles, said a representative from UGI told to him that he believes natural gas prices will be below $2-per-gallon for the “foreseeable future.”

But Exeter Councilman Larry Dellegrotto took issue with claims on savings, saying the prices eventually will raise more significantly. He suggested Exeter instead look into converting to electric-powered vehicles.

In other matters, the borough approved the usage of portions of Wyoming Avenue for a Memorial Day parade on May 27 and the Exeter Lions Little League parade on April 20. The Little League parade will be of particular importance this year, as it will commemorate the organization’s 60th anniversery.

Exeter officials also reminded community members that the Exeter Hose Co. will continue to sell traditional Lenten foods each Friday from 3 p.m to 7 p.m. until Easter.

Exeter’s next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 2.