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DURYEA — Council members praised first responders Tuesday for their efforts in helping residents during heavy rainfall and flooding this week.
Each member, along with Mayor Keith Moss, lauded police and firefighters for keeping the public aware of events and assisting them in multiple ways.
Council president Jef Bauman said the damage was minimal and that the borough dodged a bullet, especially since it was at the mercy of the Old Forge side of the Lackawanna River.
“We really had to watch the Old Forge side of things,” he said. “They crested real high and it pushed the water here.”
Several residents at Tuesday’s meeting informed council of their flood problems, and Bauman said there is still work to be done to deal with future high-water incidents.
“We need to be prepared faster,” he said. “We know 4 inches of rain are going to get dumped, so we need to get the sand bags out and ready to go. But if it’s the Susquehanna River, we have to worry about the other end of town. And if it’s the Lackawanna River, we have to worry about the north end of town. It’s really unique in Duryea.”
Sgt. Rosemellia
One topic not discussed Tuesday was the status of Sgt. Michael Rosemellia, who is still serving a suspension for being accused of insurance fraud.
Rosemellia claimed his mother-in-law was driving his 2017 Acura when his wife, Michelle Rosemellia, wrecked the vehicle May 18, according to charges.
Police in Old Forge allege Michelle Rosemellia’s driving privileges were suspended due to a previous drunken driving conviction and revoked by the state due to a medical issue.
Neither council members nor borough solicitor Sam Falcone could offer comment on the matter as it is still being investigated.