June 15, 2026

CALL TO ORDER	Council in regular session was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in council chambers. President Miller presiding.
PRESENT	Jeanne Miller, President Doug Wright, Vice President Tim Knapp Leslie “Dee Dee” Green George Drushel Jeffrey Orr Robert “Doc” Orr Robert Stubenbort, Borough Manager Peter Burton, Mayor Joseph Yochim, Solicitor Mark Corey, Engineer Dennis McDonald, Public Works Supervisor Kevin Rafferty, Chief of Police
VISITORS	Laura DiPasqua Shirley Hall Larry Russell Delani Ann DeJong Bev Bible Nancy Bronstein Ginger Cinti Fred Carlson Gail Fees Steve Jaracziewski Gregg Mitcho Ray Penkalski Ginger Sarnowski Jim Simonelli Brady Sager Joe Vojtko Issy Lawrie Michael Stafford- via phone conference
MINUTES	Motion by Councilmember Drushel to approve the May 18, 2026 council meeting minutes. Seconded by Councilmember Knapp. All in favor. Motion carried.
BILLS	Motion by Councilmember Green to approve payment of the bills. Seconded by Councilmember Wright. Councilmember R. Orr asked why there were three diesel bills for the Waste Water Treatment Plant in one day. Mr. Stubenbort explained that the bill had to be broken down for the budget, but it was all one bill. Councilmember R. Orr also asked why a

second payment was made to PSAB MRT thirteen days after a payment of the same amount was made on May 27, 2026. Councilmember Wright thinks it is for two pension payments. Mr. Stubenbort is going to look into it. Councilmember Drushel if the $48.07 bill from Lake City Paint and Supply for primer paint was used on the new pool chairs purchased last year. The primer paint was used for the lifeguard stands not the new pool chairs. President Miller asked Dennis McDonald about the “Cobalt” that was purchased from Lowes. Colbalt is the brand name for a tool that was purchased, but he will find out which tool it was. President Miller also asked if the $3,000.00 bill from Text My Gov is monthly. Mr. Stubenbort said it is a yearly bill. All in favor. Motion carried.

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

Gail Fees, from 847 Pine Tree Drive, is the current sexton for the Girard Cemetery. She said Cemetery Board appreciates the Borough’s continued support. She spoke about the loan the Borough gave them for the purchase of the house at the southern part of the cemetery, how the borough allowed them to burn down said house for safety reasons, and how it was used for Fire Department and Police training. She talked about the hard work of the cemetery employees, the ongoing maintenance, and budgetary items for the cemetery. Councilmember J. Orr asked how people or groups can get involved with volunteer work for the cemetery. Gail said they can contact her.

Ginger Sarnowski from 404 Barker Street expressed her concerns about E-bike and bicycle safety. She asked Gail Fees if bicycles are allowed to be ridden in the cemetery. Gail said they are, and one reason is to be a deterrent for vandalism and sexual activity in the cemetery. Ginger then asked Council to have a discussion regarding where E-bikes and bicycles are allowed to be ridden in the borough. She spoke about a conversation she had with Chief Rafferty regarding people with E-bikes not following the bicycle rules. Councilmember Wright said bicycles are not supposed to be ridden on sidewalks. They should be ridden on the side of the road, with four feet of clearance, going with traffic.

Jim Simonelli from 214 Myrtle Street also expressed concerns about bicycle and E-bike safety. He would like to see the state laws regarding this to be enforced more.

Brady Sager from 953 Spruce Tree Drive spoke about conversations regarding an enclosure for the Girard Borough Pool that was brought to the attention of the school board and the borough council. He clarified that although he is a member of the Girard School Board, he was not speaking as a board member but as a resident of the borough. He feels the responsibility of school district is to maintain the pool at the Girard High School, rather than enclosing the Borough Pool. He does not think the community would benefit from enclosing the borough pool either. He also believes it would be fiscally irresponsible for the borough and the school district.

 

COMMITTEES MANAGER’S REPORT ERIE WATER	Councilmember Wright had nothing to report at this time. The next meeting for West County Emergency Management is July 27, 2026, and the next meeting for West County Paramedics is May 22, 2026. Councilmember R. Orr had nothing to report on for West County Emergency Management.
WORKS PUBLIC WORKS	On June 2, 2026, President Miller and the Borough Manager attended a meeting with representatives from Lake City Borough and Erie Water Works. During the meeting Craig Palmer, Chief Executive Officer of Erie Water Works, presented information regarding the potential acquisition of the Lake City water system. As part of the discussion, the possibility of Erie Water works exploring a potential acquisition of the Girard Borough Water Department was briefly addressed. Based on the information presented and the potential benefits of further evaluation, Mr. Stubenbort recommended to the Girard Borough Council that we begin discussions with Erie Water Works to explore what potential acquisition of the Girard Borough Water System would entail. This process would allow the Borough to gather additional information, assess potential impacts and benefits, and determine whether pursuing such an opportunity would be in the best interest of the Borough and its residents. He requested Council allow the borough to share information with Erie Water Works to find out if there is a potential opportunity or not. The findings would be reported back to Council so they can decide on next steps. Councilmember Drushel asked which boroughs Erie Water Works currently manages water systems for. They currently manage Millcreek, part of Harborcreek and possibly McKean. Councilmember Green asked what the benefits of this would be. It was explained that this is very preliminary at this point and would give us the pros and cons of a possible acquisition. Motion by Councilmember Knapp to approve the sharing of information with Erie Water works. Seconded by Councilmember Green. Councilmembers in favor: Miller, Wright, Knapp, Green, Drushel, J. Orr. Councilmembers opposed: R. Orr. Councilmember R. Orr thinks the water system should stay with Girard Borough. Motion carried.
GARAGE ROOF	The roof over the oldest palt of the Public Works Garage is in need of replacement. Three bids were received:
		Bidder	Four Truck Bays/ Two Salt Bays/ Total
		Wess Cottrell Construction	$20,000.00/ $12,400.00 = $32,400.00
		Daugherty Contracting	$19,980.00/ $13,580.00 $33,560.00
		Rash Contracting	$24,200.00/ $14,850.00 = $38,950.00

For a metal roof, Wess Cottrell Construction was about $4,000.00 less. Over two salt bin bays $2,500.00 / over four truck bays $1,500.00 $4,000.00 less.

The bids include a complete tear off, all new underlay, all new shingles, and clean up. Councilmember Drushel asked how old the roof is. Dennis McDonald said it is probably thirty years old. Councilmember Drushel asked if this needs to be done this year, or if it can wait a year or two.. President Miller mentioned that the roof is already leaking. Dennis McDonald gave details of the current condition of the roof. Mr.

Stubenbort said the repair of the garage roof was included in this year’s budget. Details were discussed further by Council. Mr. Stubenbort respectfully requested that Council vote in favor of the $20,000.0() bid from Wess Cottrell Construction for a shingle roof over the four truck bays. Motion by Councilmember Drushel to approve the $20,000.00 bid from Wess Cottrell Construction for the shingle roof over the four truck bays of the Public Works Garage. Seconded by Councilmember Knapp. All in favor. Motion carried.

	AMERICAN
	LEGION	Saturday June 20, 2026 the American Legion Ryders will assemble in the morning at the municipal parking lot on Wall Street, and begin the Medal of Honor Ride at 1 1 A.M. The Girard Borough Police will provide an escort to the borough line.
	BOROUGH POOL CIVIL SERVICE	The Borough pool opened June 7, 2026. Other than phone issues, the pool opening has been smooth. Fifteen guards were hired, and most of the new hires were certified by Mr. Russel at the Fairview Pool open certification. Thank you to Elk Creek Recreation and Leasure Board for putting the program together.
	TEST RENAISSANCE	The Civil Service test is scheduled for June 28, 2026. So far three people have signed up.
	GRANT 240 TEMPLETON	The ECGRA Renaissance Grant still has about $27, 152.00 available. This is a fifty percent match grant and is available to residents on Church Street, Penn Avenue, Olin Avenue, Mechanic Street from Main Street to Hathaway Street, Liberty Street, Prospect Street, Vine Street, Commercial Street, Wilcox Street from Rice Avenue to Olin Avenue, and Rice Avenue from Main Street to Hathaway Street. Residents can visit the Girard Borough office for an application and details. Council discussed the possibility of expanding the grant area in order to use all of the grant funds.
	AVENUE	The grass at 240 Templeton Avenue was cut by the contracted company responsible for the upkeep of the property. The garage on that propeny may be taken down by the borough this year.
BANNERS CONE BARS PARK PAITING DOG PARK MISC. MAYOR [POLICE		Our current canvas banners were not able to be put up because they are damaged. A quote for new street banners through Holiday Outdoor Décor is included in Council’s packets. The cost for the banners can be included in the Main Street grant. Councilmember Drushel asked when the banners will be ordered. They will be ordered once the borough receives the grant money. He also asked how much the banners cost. The cost will be $2,284.10. Councilmember R. Orr found a product that creates a barrier between traffic cones. The borough purchased six at a cost of $7.25 each. Cars were entering the Memorial Day Parade from the side streets by driving between the cones. The bars will provide a high visibility barrier. Details were discussed further. Pastor Kevin Ackerman and volunteers from the New Life Church will paint the old equipment in the Wells Park area next to the newer playground equipment. The church will have Vacation Bible School in the park, and all community children are invited. New wood is also being purchased to repair benches before they are painted. The Softball Field at the Water Works Park now has a gate at the entrance so the field can be used as a dog park. Council can evaluate the use of the area before any other permanent changes are made. The field has been used by dog owners for many years, and the addition of the gate makes it more usable. Councilmember Wright said the gates need to be adjusted so they latch properly. He also mentioned the height of the grass in the field. Mr. Stubenbort said we will get it mowed. Mayor Burton said the flowerpots, that the Public Works Department

graciously filled, are ready to be lined on the streets. He asked if the borough would like to be involved in the placement of the flowerpots. It was decided that the borough can help. Details of the placements were discussed.

Mayor Buffon said the cemetew in New Jersey will not allow the borough to move the remains of Dan Rice. The local town council denied the request because they are unsure where the actual plot is located in the cemetery. Mayor Burton spoke highly ofthe Girard Borough Police Department’s new pmt-time officer Brandon Drayer. Mayor Burton said now that Officer Drayer has been trained, he has joined the Consortium in an effort to find a full-time officer position elsewhere. Mayor Burton talked about the cost the borough pays for training time and equipment for new part-time officers, just to have them leave the Girard Borough Police Department for a fulltime position. He would like to find a solution to this problem. He also said the borough currently has one police officer that has been asked to resign due to scheduling and communication issues.

COUNCIL COMMENTS         Councilmember Green suggested that the schools make an announcement in regard to the bicycle rules and laws, in an effort to keep bicycles and E-bikes off of the sidewalks. The bicycle and E-bike issues were discussed further. Council would like the police department to address the situation with the E-bikes.

Councilmember Green asked if a double gate would be put in at the dog park. Mr. Stubenbort suggested a single gate for now and then looking into making improvements over time. She asked about Public Works replacing the wood on the benches in the dog park, if donations were made. Mr. Stubenbort will look into this. She also asked about planting Honeysuckle in the dugout with a couple of benches, to provide a shaded area.

Councilmember J. Orr spoke about the America 250 Decorating Contest. Businesses and residents can email him if they want to participate. The deadline for the contest is June 26, 2026.

He said Girard Borough is taking back the pillars that were used for the sign at Lake City Community Park, since that sign has been damaged. These pillars are similar to the ones from the Dan Rice Estate already in the borough, and will be used somewhere in the community when the opportunity arises.

He spoke about the museum in San Antonio loaning us the bust of Dan Rice for Dan Rice days. Transportation of the bust is being arranged. Councilmember J. Orr also asked for information about replacing the damaged crosswalk signs in Girard. The borough got the current signs through a PennDOT program, but PennDOT does not replace them. Mr. Stubenbort will look into what it would cost to replace the signs.

Councilmember Drushel said he has noticed a lot of mattresses in curb lawns and asked if there is a reason they are not being picked up by Waste Management. It was explained that residents need to schedule the pickup of large items online or by calling Waste Management. The Police are also issuing citations under the Quality-of-Life ordinance when items are left in the curb lawn. This matter was discussed further.

Councilmember Drushel asked that Public Works mow and edge the Hotel Park weekly rather than bi-weekly. Shirley Hall suggested that volunteers could also help with the upkeep of the Hotel Park.

Councilmember Drushel also said he was asked when the time capsule is supposed to be dug up. The time capsule will not be dug up for another fifty years.

President Miller reminded everyone that Summer Solstice is June 25,

2026 from 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., and the Shred Day sponsored by the Girard Lake City Chamber of Commerce and Widget Financial is on July 18, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Burton Funeral Home parking lot.

Details for Music in the Park at the Lake City Community Park were discussed.

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

EXECUTIVE
SESSION REGULAR	At 7:25 p.m., President Miller asked for an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters.
MEETING	The regular meeting was called back into session at 8:22 p.m. No other items were discussed.
ADJOURN	Motion by Councilmember Orr and seconded by Councilmember Wright to adjourn at 8:23 p.m. All in favor.

Robert A. Stubenbort

Borough Manager

 

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