Reorganization Meeting January 5, 2026

OATH OF OFFICE The Honorable Jeff Gadley, District Magistrate, administrated the oath of office to
Mayor Peter J. Burton, and Councilmembers Jeanne Miller, George Drushel, and Tax Collector Marybeth
Traut.

CALL TO ORDER Mayor Burton called the reorganization meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in council
chambers.

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

ELECTION OF COUNCIL
PRESIDENT Mayor Burton asked for nominations from the floor for the position of President of
Council.

A motion was made by Councilmember Drushel to nominate Councilmember Jeanne Miller as President of
Council. There were no other nominations from the floor. Second by Councilmember Wright. All voted
in favor of the motion.
Councilmember Jeanne Miller was elected President of Council.
CALL TO ORDER Meeting is called to order by President Miller at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT Jeanne
Miller, President
Doug Wright, Vice President
Robert “Doc” Orr George Drushel Jeff Orr
Robert Stubenbort, Borough Manager Peter Burton, Mayor
Joseph A. Yochim, Borough Solicitor, by phone

ABSENT Tim Knapp
Dee Dee Green

VISITORS Shirley Hall Larry Russell

John Mikovitch

Patti Mikovich Clay Brocious Allison Brocious Deb Faulkner Connie Faulkner Jack Faulkner Dean
Rooney Kim Drushel Gregg Mitcho Betsy Mitcho Jim Simonelli

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

ADJOURN

President Miller asked for nominations from the floor for the position of Vice President of
Council.

A motion was made by Councilmember Drushel to nominate Councilmember Wright as Vice President of
Council. There were no other nominations from the floor. Second by Councilmember Jeff Orr. All
voted in favor of the motion.
Councilmember Wright was elected Vice President of Council.
President Miller asked for nominations from the floor for the position of President Pro Tern.

A motion was made by Councilmember Wright to nominate Councilmember Doc Orr as President Pro Tern.
There were no other nominations from the floor. Second by Councilmember Jeff Orr. All voted in
favor of the motion.
Councilmember Doc Orr was elected President Pro Tern of Council.

President Miller said that she will decide on Council Committee Appointments at the January 19,
2026 Council Meeting.

Councilmember Orr made a motion to adjourn at 6:19 p.m. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wright.
All voted in favor of the motion.

 

December 15, 2025

CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT

VISITORS

MINUTES

Council in regular session was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in council chambers. President Mitcho
presiding.

Gregg Mitcho, President Jeanne Miller, Vice President Robert “Doc” Orr
Jim Simonelli Doug Wright George Drushel Tim Knapp
Robert Stubenbort, Borough Manager Peter Burton, Mayor
Joseph Yochim, Solicitor Mark Corey, Engineer
Dennis McDonald, Public Works Supervisor

Bev Bible Shirley Hall Lany Russell Ginger Cinti Robin Vanicek Fred Carlson
Steve Jaracziewski (Jay) Dee Dee Green
Michael Parenti Kim Drushel Ginger Sarnowski Michael Stafford Tracy Tome

Motion by Councilmember Drushel to approve the November 17, 2025 council meeting minutes. Seconded
by Councilmember Knapp. All in favor. Motion carried.

BILLS Motion by Councilmember Simonelli to approve payment of the bills.
Seconded by Councilmember Miller. Councilmember Orr asked why we got new tires for the new Police
cars. Mr. Stubenbort said the eight snow tires were purchased for the two new AWD Police cars.
Councilmember Orr talked about the benefits of baled and balled trees over bare root trees. He said
going with the baled and balled trees from Fairview Nursery for an extra $8.57 to see better
results. Council agreed and Mr. Stubenboti said that he would purchase the B&B trees from Fairview
Evergreen Nursery and not apply for grant money. These trees would replace the current curb lawn
trees on along Rice Avenue.
Councilmember Orr also asked why we bought a breaker for Lake Street Apartments. Mr. Stubenboti
explained that we purchased the breaker to correct a customer issue quickly, so they didn’t go
without power. Lake Street Apartments will be reimbursing the Borough for the expense. All in favor. Motion carried.

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

Robin Vanicek from Girard Township has been a member of the Girard American Legion Auxiliary for
almost twenty years. She spoke about her father serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. and her passion
for all things military. She talked about the Christmas wreaths that the Girard American Legion
Auxiliary put in the Girard Cemetery, at either end of the monument, and at their post. She thanked
Council for allowing wreaths to be placed. She also said they would like to expand by one or two
additional wreaths. She feels that Girard Borough is very Veteran friendly.

Steve Jaracziewski from 302 Prospect Street gave Council information packets he had prepared
regarding skill games. He spoke about the ordinance in Philadelphia, Pa regarding skill games being
voted against seven to zero. He said Salem, Pa copied the Philadelphia ordinance, which is now on
hold, and Girard Borough copied the Philadelphia ordinance as well. He said he is attempting to get
information about the Skill Game Ordinance and Amusement License Ordinance in Albion, Pa. He spoke
about the similarities between the Albion and Girard Borough Amusement License Ordinance. He said
that this ordinance, as well as many others for Girard Borough, are from 1955. He spoke about how
the Recreational Amusement Ordinance for Meadville, Pa includes skill games within patiicular
zoning districts. He also spoke about his conversation with Jake Banta regarding the Skill Games
matter.

Tracy Tome from 24 Hathaway Street spoke about water pooling at the apron of her driveway getting
worse due to the layers of asphalt put down on the road each year. She feels there needs to be a
drain near her driveway to rectify this issue. She applied for the ECRA grant to fix her driveway
because of the flooding. Councilmember Drushel asked how long Tracy has lived there, and how long
this has been a problem. Tracy said she has lived there for 32 years, and it has always been a
problem.

COMMITTEES Councilmember Wright said West County Paramedics are still working
on their budget because they are having issues regarding the non-emergency transports, which is
affecting the staffing and revenue. There is a down state company that is providing non-emergency
transp01is to all the surrounding facilities, but at a rate that is not sustainable. West County
Paramedics is anticipating getting back into that at some point. He gave information about Fairview
and Lakeshore Fire Depatiments. He spoke about an inheritance from an estate that will be used for
a new vehicle fund. The Board is going to be reconstituted due to members leaving from other
municipalities, which means the formal reappointment of Councilmember Wright will have to be discussed at the January meeting.

MANAGERS REPORT

Mr. Stubenbort thanked Councilmember Jim Simonelli and President Greg Mitcho for their service to
the community by serving on Council.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

2026 BUDGET

ORDINANCE 761

RESOLUTION NO. 1-12-2025

RESOLUTION NO. 2-12-2025

Appointments for the Zoning Hearing Board are be Richard Conti, David Bilentikoff, and Cheryl
Newton. Appointment for the Planning Commission would be Larry Russell. Appointment for the
Recreation Board would be Jeanne Miller. Motion by Councilmember Knapp to approve the Board
Appointments. Seconded by Councilmember Orr. All in favor. Motion carried.

The proposed budget for 2026 is $6,821,771.00 was adopted at the November 17, 2025 meeting. The
proposed 2026 budget includes the increases to the monthly utilities of $2.00 for each water and
sewer, the increase to real estate tax by $1 million, and an additional .0201 increase to the
monthly electric bill. A letter was sent out to the community explaining the increases, as well as
mentioning the issue with the Honey Locust Trees, and the new agreement with Waste Management. The
budget does allow for $335,000 in general fund reserve money to be used for capital expenditures.
This was included because the Hathaway Street water tower was not painted this year, it was shifted
to 2026. Mr. Stubenbort respectfully requested Council to vote in favor of the 2026 Budget. Motion by
Councilmember Wright to approve the proposed 2026 Budget. Seconded by Councilmember Drushel.
President Mitcho said the letter sent out to the community was very clear and the information was
well laid out. All in favor. Motion carried.

Information was given to Council in their packets regarding Ordinance 761 for the Real Estate Tax
Increase of 1 mill for General Purposes.
Motion by Councihnember Drushel to approve Ordinance 761. Seconded by Councilmember Simonelli. All
in favor. Motion carried.

This Resolution is for the electric rate increase of .0201 per kWh. Mr. Stubenbort respectfully
asked Council to vote in favor of this Resolution. Motion by Councilmember Orr to approve
Resolution No. 1-12-2025.
Seconded by Councilmember Knapp. All in favor. Motion carried.

This Resolution is for sewer rates and water rates increases. Mr. Stubenbort respectfully asked
Council to vote in favor of this Resolution. Motion by Councilmember Drushel to approve Resolution
No. 2-12-2025. Seconded by Councilmember Miller. All in favor. Motion carried.

INSURANCE

REORGANIZATION MEETING

CURB LAWN TREE REMOVAL

OLD POLICE VEHICLE

A decision will need to be made by December 22, 2025 regarding the general liability insurance
provider for 2026. Mr. Stubenb01i would like to work with the Insurance Committee to decide between
the quotes from MRM Trust and Wagner Giblin. Councilmember Drushel asked ifMRM Trust is local. The
HUB Group is a local insurance company representing the MRM Trust. Motion by Councilmember Wright
to have the Insurance Committee in conjunction with the Borough Manager make the decision for the
insurance carrier contract before the end of the year. Seconded by Councilmember Drushel. All in
favor. Motion carried.

The Girard Borough Council will hold the Reorganization Meeting on January 5, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in
Council Chambers. Mayor Burton spoke about a photo opportunity before that meeting at the Girard
Fire Depatiment with our new Police cars and State Representative Jake Banta at 5:15 p.m. The
reorganization meeting will be after the photo and take place in Council Chambers. Mayor Burton
will provide light refreshments following the reorganization meeting in the social hall. The
borough received a $135,000.00 grant from the state for two brand new fully equipped Police cars.
Mr. Stubenbort requested that Council allow a $150.00 expenditure to hire Shawn Gwin, a local photographer for the photo with the cars. Motion by
Councilmember Wright to approve the
$150.00 expenditure for Shawn Gwin to take photographs. Seconded by Councilmember Knapp. All in
favor. Motion carried.

There is a list of homes for curb lawn tree removal. Part A is for 12 trees that would be taken
down under the regular tree program and the existing bid contract. Assuming the budget goes
through, this could hopefully be done before April. Councilmember Simonelli asked if the trees
being taken down are Honey Locust trees. These are not the Honey Locust trees, those will go out
for bid because they are going to be in bulk and they will put us over the bidding threshold. Pati
B of the list will also be put out for bid. The Honey Locust trees will be under the new bid
contract. Councilmember Drushel asked how we determined which trees needed to be taken down. Dennis
McDonald assessed which trees needed to be removed, which included an old tree in front of the
Borough building. Councilmember Drushel asked if we know the date of removal. We don’t know at this
time. The homeowners received a letter regarding the tree removal, and it has been advertised.
Motion by Councilmember Simonelli to approve the removal of 12 curb lawn trees according to the
list. Seconded by Councilmember Miller. All in favor. Motion carried.

The 2017 Ford Interceptor previously used by the Police has 106,484 miles or so on it. Shawn
Wroblewski, the Emergency Management Coordinator, has shown an interest. The last time we sold a
car, we tookit to auction and received $3,800. Shawn asked if we could not donate the Interceptor to Emergency
Management we put it up bid. With Council’s approval an advertisement will be put in the newspaper.
If none of the bids received are acceptable the car can be taken to auction. The 2022 Ford
Interceptor has been fully converted over for Public Works use, in the Water Department. The Water
Department will be able to store equipment inside the vehicle instead of in a truck bed. Chief
Rafferty said the light bar, decals, and equipment have been removed from the 2017 vehicle. Council
assigned the borough manager to advertise the 2017 car and accept bids.

RESOLUTION NO. 3-12-2025

This Resolution is concerning the Deputy Tax Collector. Tax Collector Marybeth A. Traut has
requested that Council approve Linda S. Traut as Deputy Tax Collector. Our Previous Tax Collectors
have also had Deputy Tax Collectors, and this resolution gives details as to how that comes
together. In addition to signing the resolution, the president of the council will also be signing
a DCED form to make it formalized.Marybeth Traut will be getting approval from the Girard School District as well. Councilmember
Drushel asked what a Deputy Tax Collector does. According to the resolution the Deputy Tax
Collector would legally fill for the tax collector in as needed. Motion by Councilmember Orr to
approve Resolution No. 3-12-2025. Seconded by Councilmember Knapp. All in favor. Motion carried.

DOWNTOWN GIRARD

Downtown Girard is requesting $3,000.00 to cover the cost of administrative expenses pertaining to
the 501c3 status not covered by grants. According to Councilmember Drushel, who is the President of
Downtown Girard, the group has received and distributed over $1.5 Million to the betterment of
Girard Borough residents and businesses. An accountant has been hired to administer the 501c3 and
keep the status current. There are no grants available to cover administrative costs. Mr.
Stubenb01i recommended that Council allow for the appropriation for next year. Motion by
Councilmember Wright to approve $3,000.00 for the Downtown Girard administrative expenses. Seconded
by Councilmember Simonelli. All in favor. Motion carried.

2017 JOHN DEERE BACKHOE

MISC.

MAYOR/POLICE

COUNCIL COMMENTS

The 2017 John Deere Backhoe may need transmission repairs. It is going to Five Star Equipment in
Waterford on December 16, 2025. The cost for the repairs could be $30,000.00. Councilmember Drushel
asked about the cost of a new backhoe. Dennis McDonald estimates the cost of a new backhoe would be
$125,000 to $160,000.00. Councilmember Knapp asked how many hours are on the backhoe. Dennis is
unsure of that, but the backhoe is used almost daily.

The Muffin Monster at the WWTP, which is the machine that grids up sewerage on the way to the WWTP,
came in and will be installed the week of December 15, 2025. Regarding the RBC’s that were talked
about at the last council meeting, the replacement bearing did not fit the shaft so the correct
bearing is on order and will be installed next year.
Mayor Burton spoke about the Christmas 3,2,1 Event, which had over 385 receipts totaling $12,391.00
in sales to our local businesses. This was a great benefit to the businesses of Girard Borough. He
spoke about the Girard Police Depatiment’s Second Annual Stuff the Cruiser on December 13, 2025,
which raised 1,348 lbs. of canned and non-perishable food and cash donations of $1,612.00 for the
Christian Cupboard. He thanked Chief Raffe1iy and Officer Zuern, as well as the Fire Department for
organizing the event. Mayor Burton talked about the Hagen History Center and gave details regarding
the Sunflower Field for next year. Mayor Burton spoke about offering a Civil Service Test after the
first of the year, and the addition of more part-time police officers.

Councilmember Drushel talked about the success of the Downtown Christmas lights. Councilmember
Wright said he spoke to several people in Erie who came out to see the Christmas lights. Councilmember Drushel showed Council the Girard
Hotel and Erie Canal information panel that will be going in the park at Main Street and Rice
Avenue. Councilmember Drushel asked if the issue with the telephone pole by the Post Office has
been addressed. Mr. Stubenbort said we can continue to work on that. Councilmember Drushel asked
how many hours the Code Enforcement Officer accumulated this month. Mr. Stubenbort said the Code
Officer is budgeted to work up to twenty-five hours per week as needed.

Councilmember Miller said we should know in Januaiy 2026 who is going to be getting money from the
LSA Grant from 2024. This grant money would be for a new swimming pool liner. Once we get that
information the job will go out for bid. She also said that Tom, Ed, and Steve will be at Full
Circle Winery on January 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. to present their artistic concept for the Hotel Park.

President Mitcho spoke about his time on the Girard Borough Council and Planning Commission, as
this was his last Council Meeting. He is impressed by the respect the Councilmembers give each
other, as well as the respect and support they receive from our Police Department, Public Works,
Office Staff, Borough Manager, and community. He thanked his fellow Councilmembers. He said they
all serve to better their community and they do this with pride, dedication, and fiscal
responsibility.

Councilmember Simonelli spoke about his time on Girard Borough Council, and said he appreciates the
opportunity to have served.

Meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m. for a five-minute break before going into executive session.

EXECUTNE
SESSION At 7:28 p.m., President Mitcho asked for an executive session to discuss
personnel and legal matters.

REGULAR
MEETING The regular meeting was called back into session at 8:11 p.m.

No other items where discussed.

ADJOURN Motion by Councilmember Orr and seconded by Councilmember Simonelli to adjourn at
8:12 p.m. All in favor.

Robert A. Stubenbort Borough Manager