SHAMOKIN -- A man speaking on behalf of a group of concerned Marshall Street residents appeared before the City Council on Monday night to see what could be done about disruptive neighbors.

Gil Petraskie, of Marshall Street, talked about two renters who recently were involved in a dispute. "What can be done about this? What can we do about renters like this?" he asked solicitor Robert Mattis. "They are a danger to our community. Homeowners are actually thinking about leaving because they are afraid."

Mattis said: "If there is criminal activity going on, you report it to the police. On the other hand, although the renter might be violating terms of a lease agreement, it doesn't mean he is breaking the law. You have to check with the landlord."

Petraskie said he did that. "She's an 82-year-old woman who lives in West Virginia. She said, What can I do? They pay their rent.'"‰"

In other business, the 2008 paving contract, on Montgomery and Water streets, was awarded to the low bidder, Eastern Industries, of Winfield, for $89,968.

Other bidders were Mid-State Paving, Paxtonville, $116,934, and HRI Inc., Bloomsburg, $118,400.

Councilman Garth Hall announced that the Shamokin Rotary Club is submitting a Rotary International district grant application for $1,000 to be used in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' restoration of the Claude Kehler Park.

"The city of Shamokin and neighboring Coal Township communities' population has decreased from 50,000 to 17,000 over the decades," he said. "There are no movie theaters, skating rinks or community resources available for family get-togethers or safe havens for children's activities other than a community swimming pool. The city has received a Pennsylvania DCNR $208,000 grant to help restore and rebuild the city's central park back to its former beauty. New sidewalks, street lamps, benches and shade trees will take their place in the spring of 2009."