Council Minutes
for July 9, 2024
Council President Paul Ruane called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and Mr. Stroup offered an Invocation.
Roll Call
Council members present were Mr. Paul Ruane, Mr. Timothy Botts, Mr. Frank Wetzel, and Mr. Charles Stroup. Others present were Mr. C.L. Kriner, Police Chief; and Ms. Ann Zartman, Borough Manager.
No public comments on agenda Items.
Mayor’s Report
Council President Ruane read the report on the activity of the Police Department for the month of June. The police responded to 211 calls for service, issued 29 traffic and 4 non-traffic citations, and 122 parking tickets. They made 9 court appearances and trained for 57 hours. Several people were arrested for the misdemeanor and felony crimes of Indecent Exposure and Assault of a Police Officer. The police responded to 33 assist calls for the month; 14 to Point Township, 11 to Sunbury (primary on 3), and 8 to other agencies. Mileage for the month was 1,499.
The Soapbox race was a success, and thank you to all who assisted or participated in the event. The new police app is now up and running. In the coming weeks a press release will remind 203 people with outstanding warrants that they must be satisfied before the upcoming warrant roundup which is coming soon.
NEIC Report
Council President Ruane read the NEIC report for the month of June. Two zoning permits were issued and $100.00 in zoning permit fees collected; one council meeting was attended by Ms. Jackie Hart; five building permits were issued, and $1,024.95 in building permit fees collected; twelve complaints and six code violations were lodged and reviewed; two Quality of Life tickets were issued and $250.00 in fees were collected; no street cut permits were issued. Seven rental properties were inspected and $975.00 in inspection/license fees collected.
Committee Reports
Community Development – no report
Finance – no report
Personnel - no report
Public
Safety
Mr. Wetzel made a motion to start proceedings to replace one of the Police Durango’s. Mr. Stroup seconded, all approved, and the motion carried.
Mr. Wetzel commented that at the last meeting council approved Evangelical as the new ambulance service. The start date is September 1st.
His first meeting with downtown group went well, looking at other
solutions than making Front St. one way. They are planning on forming a downtown initiative or group. For right now, with the two signs that are there, to bring the blinking lights down from 5th.
Mr. Wetzel requested Red light blinkers moved from 5th to Front at library and at King.
Rules - no report
Sewer
Mr. Stroup commented that they are still waiting on the new truck. They went from orange down to grey because they are not producing orange has a large back order list.
Streets
Big Rock is working on Queen Street. Mr. Wetzel asked if the crew would be painting the yellow curbs. Ms. Zartman stated she doubted that the yellow curbs would happen until maybe fall. She has requested the crew work on the white lines first, as we are responsible for all white markings on all streets including the state routes.
Mrs. Bogovich questioned if the Borough or PennDOT installed the crossing signs. Mr. Wetzel responded that was PennDOT. Ms. Zartman stated that PennDOT does the initial signs and markings and then the borough is responsible.
Payment of Bills
Mr. Wetzel made a motion for the payment of bills; Mr. Stroup seconded. All approved, motion passed. Ms. Zartman clarified that the bill includes the entire insurance bill for the year, which is automatically withdrawn monthly. Bills to be paid from the General Fund totaled $200,981.72; and Sewer Department bills totaled $194,651.00.
New Business
The agenda item regarding 7 Earls Road was discussed. Ms. Zartman had included it in case council action was required. After consultation with Solicitor Kelso, it was determined that no council action was required. Ms. Zartman will write to the County 911 Center and the USPS changing 4 Hanover Street to 7 Earls Road.
Mr. Stroup made a motion to appoint the following to the Zoning Hearing Board: Ann Roll, term expires 12/31/2025, and Russell Meachum term expires 12/31/2026. Mr. Stroup seconded, all approved. Motion carried.
Public Comment
Mrs. Bogovich questioned when the paving on Susquehanna Road would start. Mr. Ruane replied probably August. The road is an entire rebuild of the road and door hangers would be used to notify residents.
Mr. Stroup mentioned that Pineknotters Days went well. Credit should be given to the street crew for all their assistance, and to Mr. Nate Boyer who coordinated with the water company to fill the barriers, and also for moving them around.
Adjournment
Mr. Wetzel moved to adjourn; Mr. Stroup seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Zartman, Borough Secretary
(Approved November 4, 2024)