May 18, 2026

CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT

ABSENT VISITORS

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

Jeanne Miller, President Doug Wright, Vice President 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
Louis Ludwig, Police Officer Tim Knapp
Maxwell Kerecman Kaitlynn Kerecman Shirley Hall
Larry Russell Ginger Cinti Gregg Mitcho Michael Stafford Bev Bible Nancy Bronstein Delani Ann
Fred Carlson Steve Jaracziewski Simone Welsh David J. Koma
Nick Reinhart, A.F. Dobler Hose & Ladder

MINUTES

BILLS

Motion by Councilmember Drushel to approve the April 20, 2026 council meeting minutes. Seconded by
Councilmember Green.
Councilmember J. Orr corrected the Shred Day date, it is July 18, 2026 not June 18, 2026. All in
favor. Motion carried.

Motion by Councilmember J. Orr to approve payment of the bills. Seconded by Councilmember R. Orr.
Councilmember Drushel asked if the bill for $10,625.00 from Mansfield Sanitation is the first
payment. Mr. Stubenbort confirmed it is the first payment. All in favor. Motion carried.

COMMUNITY
COMMENTS David Koma, Superintendent of Girard School District, thanked the
Borough for their continued support. He spoke about the decision made by the Girard school board to
discontinue use of, and close, the pool at Girard High School due to unaffordable repairs needed.
He spoke about agreements made for the use of other nearby pools for the sports team and swimming
competitions. He said a school board member suggested working with Girard Borough regarding the use
of the borough pool, and the possibility of it being open year-round. He also spoke about the
information he has gathered so far in reference to a pool cover or a dome for year-round use, and
asked Council to consider the idea.

Maxwell Kerecman of 533 Rice Avenue talked about the Notice of Violation he received from Officer
Ludwig for Accumulation of Rubbish. He spoke about his medical issues and his effo1is to clean up
his property. He asked for a definition of rubbish. Councilmember Drushel asked how long Mr.
Kerecman has to clean up his yard. Chief Rafferty said he has five days. President Miller asked
Chief Rafferty if Mr. Kerecman can work with the Police regarding this matter. Chief Rafferty said
yes. Officer Ludwig spoke about the conversation he had with Mr. Kerecman on May 18, 2026 regarding
the definition of rubbish in the E360 Code of the Quality of Life Ordinance. The Notice of
Violation includes a lawnmower, a motorcycle, and chickens on Mr.
Kerecman’s property. Officer Ludwig also explained the process and escalation of fines for the
Quality of Life violations. This matter was discussed further.

Gregg Mitcho of 511 Kibler Drive spoke about the large flowerpots he plants and maintains for the
Girard Borough Pool each year. He would like to retire from doing this and asked for someone to
take over this task.

Simone Welsh from Full Circle Winery reminded everyone that the A1i Walk is on June 5, 2026. She
also thanked the borough for the use of tables, chairs, benches, and the stage.

COMMITTEES

Councilmember Wright said West County Emergency Management is still attempting to negotiate what
percentages of the utility bills will be paid by the Communications Center and the Paramedics. He
said the West County Paramedics Association is doing very well, they had thirty-four calls in April
2026 with no turned calls. He also spoke about Fairview Paramedics being close to merging both of
their ambulance services with West County.

Councilmember R. Orr said West County Emergency Management raised their fee from $100.00 per month
to $200.00 per month, but the cost will not be passed on to the municipalities. He said Shawn
Wrobleski would like to be notified if there will be an outside event so he can give his thoughts.
Mr. Stubenbort will email Shawn about the A1i Walk and the Block Party.

 

MANAGER’S REPORT

RESOLUTION 1-5-2026

POOL BID

A resolution providing for a Hold Harmless Agreement for the descendants of Dan Rice so his remains
can be exhumed from the cemetery in New Jersey and transferred to the Girard Cemetery. This
resolution was reviewed and approved by our solicitor, and the Hold Harmless Agreement has been
turned over to Mayor Burton. Motion by Councilmember Wright to approve Resolution 1-5-2026.
Seconded by Councilmember J. Orr. Councilmember Drushel asked Mayor Burton how the exhumation is
going to work. Mayor Burton said with the Hold Harmless Agreement the family will sign a
disinterment permit, and then he will then have sixty days to exhume the remains and bring them to
Girard Borough. He spoke of a debate concerning a separate parade for the remains of Dan Rice for
Dan Rice Days. Councilmember Drushel asked if Girard Borough or Council has any liability for this
project.
Girard Borough has no liability. All in favor. Motion carried.

On April 17, 2026 the bid for the marcite pool coating was opened, and the results are as follows:

William L. Watson TIP Construction

$180,000.00
178,000.00

Borough Engineer Mark Corey P.E spoke about the experience of each company. Although TIP
Construction is the lower bid, based on the bid specifications they would be deemed a
non-responsive bidder, giving Council the right to award Watson Pool Company the bid. This project
is being covered by the LSA Grant from the state. Motion by Councilmember Drushel to approve
William L. Watson as the contractor for the pool coating. Seconded by Councilmember Wright. All in
favor. Motion carried.

CDBG

UTILITY SHUT OFF POLICY

The CDBG grant was awarded to XL Excavation through Erie County Planning. This grant will fund ADA
curb ramps for intersections on Lake Street. The Borough was able to expand the grant area to allow
for the entire grant to be spent. ADA ramps on Hillcrest Drive, Kibler Drive, and Erie Street were
added. As well as two ramps off of Tilden Avenue for Woodcock Drive and Pheasant Drive.
Councilmember Drushel asked about the borough applying for the same grant for ADA ramps on other
streets as well. More grants will be applied for as this will be a continued project throughout
Girard Borough.

Included in Council’s packets were the current and revised “Medical Certificate Guidance”, which is
part of Girard Borough’s electric utility policy. The policy change involves changing the wording
from “doctor” to more specific wording, Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). Our
utility policy closely resembles that of PUC regulated utilities, even though we are not regulated
by the Public Utility Commission. Mr. Stubenbort respectfully recommended Council vote in favor of the Medical Certificate Guidance
change to our policy. Motion by Councilmember Wright to amend the language of the Medical
Certificate Guidance in the Utility Shut Off Policy to Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy
(DO). Seconded by Councilmember Green. All in favor. Motion carried.

SEAL COATING

AMERICAN LEGION

BOROUGH POOL

LEAF PICK-UP

RBC

SPRINGBROOK SOFTWARE

The bid was approved at the last council meeting. The list of roads to be seal coated was included
in Council’s packets. This will conclude the last part of the current three-year program.

The Girard American Legion Post #494 Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday May 25, 2026. The
parade will form in the municipal parking lot at 1:00 p.m. and will stait promptly at 2:00 p.m. The
parade route is the same as always: West on Vine Street, South on Rice Avenue, East on Main Street,
North on Church Street to the Cemetery. President Miller said the Girard American Legion will also
have a service for America 250 at 1:00 p.m. in front of the Girard Borough office that includes
TAPS, a Twenty-one Volley, and the placing of a wreath.

June 7, 2026 the Girard Borough pool will open. The schedule and pool passes are available at the
Borough office until the pool opens. The pool will close on Saturday August 22, 2026 and Drool at
the Pool will be August 23, 2026.

Waste Management leaf collection is scheduled for the following days: May 21, 2026 (last Spring
collection)
October 15, 2026
October 29, 2026
November 12, 2026
December 3, 2026

This is only for leaves in a clear thirty-gallon bag. Leaves should be put out the night before in
case of early morning pickup.

All of the RBSs at the Wastewater Treatment Plant are fully functional at this time. The new spare
gear box is in storage and ready when needed.

Our current software, Freedom Systems, is no longer suppotted by GWorks. We must prioritize
conversion to Springbrook immediately. Mr. Stubenbort requested that the borough allow Dana
Stinson, who previously worked for Freedom Systems, to work with us to expedite the conversion
before the end of 2026. Dana would be extracting data from the Freedom Systems software and sending
it to Springbrook so our current information is maintained. We have the PA State Chait of Accounts
completed and will need the most help with our Accounts Payable and Utility Billing conversion. Mr. Stubenbort respectfully asked for permission from
Council to enlist help to make the conversion happen. Council agreed.

RENAISSANCE GRANT

MAYOR /POLICE

The ECGRA Renaissance Grant still has about $35,000.00 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.
Councilmember Drushel asked Mr. Stubentbort if the list of people he was given by the Downtown
Girard Committee, who wanted to get work done, had been contacted regarding this grant. Mr.
Stubenbort said yes, they have been contacted. Councilmember Drushel suggested contacting those
people again and expanding the area eligible for the grant if there are still funds available.

Mayor Burton spoke about the Spring Cleanup Day on Aril 25, 2026, and thanked Councilmember Drushel
for setting it up. He said the Girard Lake City Chamber of Commerce purchased forty pots from Emsco
to line Main Street with sunflowers and summer flowers. The pots should be placed shortly after
Memorial Day. He also spoke about the placement of the three banners for Girard’s celebration of
180 years and America 250.

Chief Rafferty talked about the Purple One Conference for domestic violence that he and Officer
Drayer attended. Officer Zuern will be attending Firearms Training the week of May 25, 2026 to keep
up with his certifications as a firearms instructor. Chief Rafferty informed everyone that the
Police Department will be receiving the NHTSA grants again from the County District Attorney’s
office for aggressive driving, traffic details, seatbelt details, and occasionally pedestrian
enforcement details. He said the list of complaints on ordinance violations the Police Department
received is being handled and gave details of the notices issued so far. He also requested the
borough work with Civil Service to get a new list established due to his anticipation of one
patt-time Officer leaving the Police Department.

COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Drushel said he spoke with Dennis McDonald about the
installation of the sign listing the hist01y of the Girard Hotel and the Erie Canal. The sign will
be put in within the next couple of weeks.

Councilmember J. Orr talked about the railroad crossing at Olin Avenue and provided the phone
number to call for railroad crossings needing repair. He said he spoke with the corporate office
for Count1y Fair, as well as the management team at the Girard location, about the debris blowing
over from their parking lot into the Hotel Park. They have since been doing a nice job of cleaning
up fuel cards and other debris and are taking steps to minimize the debris in their parking lot.

President Miller reminded everyone about the Art Walk on June 5, 2026, the Summer Solstice on June
25, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Shred Day sponsored by the Girard Lake City Chamber of
Commerce and Widget Financial on July 18, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Burton Funeral
Home parking lot, the Kid’s Bicycle Parade in Lake City on July 4, 2026 and Dan Rice Days July 30,
2026 through August 1, 2026. The contract for the fireworks by the Fire Hall on August 1, 2026 is
taken care of. President Miller spoke about the Erie County Planning meeting that will be held June
11, 2026 in the Social Hall at the Girard Borough building. This meeting is open to the public and
will include information regarding data centers. President Miller and Councilmember
J. Orr gave details about the America 250 Decorating Contest. Wreaths will be placed in front of
the Borough building, at each of the cemeteries, at the Dan Rice Monument, as well as in Lake City
and Platea for the 4ᵗʰ of July. Her last reminder was for Election Day, and the bake sale, on May
19, 2026.
Meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m. for a five-minute break before going into executive session.

EXECUTIVE
SESSION At 7:17 p.m., President Miller asked for an executive session to discuss
personnel and legal matters.

REGULAR
MEETING The regular meeting was called back into session at 8:05 p.m.

No other items were discussed.

ADJOURN Motion by Councilmember Orr and seconded by Councilmember Wright to adjourn at
8:06 p.m. All in favor.

Robert A. Stubenbort Borough Manager