November 15, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
PRESENT
ABSENT VISITORS
MINUTES
BILLS
CONSTITUENT COMMENTS
Council in regular session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in council
chambers. President McNally presiding.
This meeting was Zoom Video optional.
Dennis McNally, President Alfred Noble, Vice President Peter Burton
Jeanne Miller Gregg Mitcho Kathy Lyons Robert “Doc” Orr
Robert Stubenbort, Borough Manager Robert Kremenik, Mayor
Kevin Rafferty, Chief of Police
Dennis McDonald, Public Works Supervisor Mark Corey, Engineer
Shirley Hall Larry Russell Ginger Cinti Jim Simonelli
Courtney Fobes WCNJ Cindy Kremenik
Doug Wright Issy Laurie
David Shelenberger
Girard PD, Officer Ryan Zuern Andrew Pennock West County EMC
Motion made by Councilmember Lyons to approve the minutes from the October 18, 2021 council meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Noble. All in favor. Motion carried.
Councilmember Noble asked about the bill for 6 Photo Control/ Bulbs in the amount of $1856.48. Those are sensors for light activation. Council Member Orr asked about the Boiler Inspection for the Fire Department for $122.70. That inspection is for the air tank. Motion made by Councilmember Noble to approve the bills. Seconded by Councilmember Burton. All in favor.
Issy Laurie commented that the nine curblawn trees slated for removal looked as if they may be ok. It was explained that the trees have been evaluated and must be removed. Cindy Kremenik commented on how nice the recently painted fire hydrants look and that if the borough is looking for a smaller variety of tree that pair trees are very nice
COMMITTEE REPORTS
MAYOR BUDGET
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENTS
ELECTION DAY
LEAF PICK UP
ELK CREEK RECREATION BOARD
Councilmember Mitcho reported that Dobler Hose is short of personnel for the fire and ambulance service due to sickness and opportunity for better paying jobs. The 911 center has many new employees and the learning curve causes inefficiencies. The Dobler ambulance has been out of service for a month with a reoccurring issue. The 2022 budget for Dobler Hose is $208,800.00. The annual fund drive balance is $43,183.00. Dobler Hose is changing the bylaws to allow for training with other fire departments. Dobler hose did receive two checks from Girard Township, one for $7,061.00 for the foreign firefighter’s state fund, and one for $10,000.00 from Girard Township LST tax.
Councilmember Orr said that municipalities that do not receive road salt can contact PENNDOT and make arrangements. The Red Cross has free smoke detectors for homes. The 2022 budget for EMC passed.
Security cameras were installed on the Borough Building.
The tentative budget for 2022, in the amount of $6,129,631.00 was adopted at the November 10, 2021 meeting. The proposed 2022 Budget does not require an increase to the present real estate tax of 1.89 mills and allows for
$613,709.00 in general fund reserve money to be used for Capital Expenditures. Motion made by Councilmember Noble to adopt the Proposed 2022 Budget.
Seconded by Councilmember Lyons. All in favor. Motion carried.
Council discussed the Agreements for both the solicitor and engineer. Motion made by Councilmember Lyons to approve the Agreements for both the Solicitor and Engineer for 2022. Seconded by Councilmember Orr. All in favor. Motion carried.
Congratulations to Councilmembers Miller, Mitcho and Burton on reelection and congratulations to Mr. Simonelli on winning his Councilmember seat.
The remaining Leaf Pick Up Date is November 25th Only 30-gallon clear plastic bags will be picked up.
Councilmember Jeanne Miller has announced her resignation from the Elk Creek Recreation and Leisure Board. A new representative will need to be appointed by Council at the December Meeting to start in 2022. The appointment to the Rec Board is for 2 Years.
SIDEWALK
UPDATE 30 homes have replaced 180 squares of sidewalk at a cost of $41,622.00. More homes have replaced sidewalks but have not turned in receipts for program reimbursement. The total sidewalk program has paid out is $3,015.00.
REORGANIZATION MEETING
GIRARD HOTEL
MISC
On January 3, 2022 the Girard Borough Council will hold a reorganization meeting at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers.
October 21, 2021 is the day that the Girard Hotel property was recorded in the name of the Girard Borough.
Councilmember Miller mentioned that the Battles Estate White House will be cleaned on November 27th and then decorated for Christmas. The White house will be open December 11th from noon to 3:00 PM.
Chief Rafferty said that he will have an officer work the parking lot for the Santa event at the High School on December 11th•
Mr. Mitcho reported that the Insurance Committee did meet with our broker Steve Fisher and the employee healthcare insurance program will not change for 2022. The healthcare does have a manageable increase in cost to the borough which is partially because the cost goes up as an employee gets older.
Councilmember Miller said thank you to the public works department for removing the flag/light pole in Wells Park West of the borough building. Mrs. Miller also thanked Mr. McDonald for cutting the grass around the Girard Borough entrance sign.
Councilmember Lyons asked how many candidates signed up for the Civil Service Exam. There were only two applicants. Councilmember Lyons suggested using the Mercyhurst list.
Councilmember Burton asked about the paint marking on Main Street. Mr. Stubenbort said that PENNDOT and their subcontractors are marking the utilities and most likely taking GPS information that they can use for the Main Street paving project. Mr. Burton extended an invitation to everyone to attend the Chamber Christmas lunch at noon on December 8th at the Girard Alliance Church. The cost for the lunch is $10.00.
Councilmember Noble mentioned that George Drushel asked him about landscaping the bank in front of his house along Main Street {SR 20). Mr. Burton said that because it is private property, the initial cost and future maintenance would be paid for by Mr. Drushel and that the borough would not end up being responsible for any maintenance at any time now or in the future.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. for a five minute break before going into executive session.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION At 7:56 p.m., President McNally asked for an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters.
REGULAR
MEETING The regular meeting was called back into session at 8:12 p.m.
PERSONNEL Motion made by Councilmember Mitcho to assign the Borough Manager responsibility for the personnel in the Borough Office, for the next 90 days, to assign duties and hours and employment with the full support of Council.
Seconded by Councilmember Lyons. All in favor. Motion carried.
PERSONNEL Motion made by Councilmember Lyons to allow for a 5% pay raise for Laurie Sullivan and a 3% pay raise for Dennis McDonald with two weeks of vacation that Mr. McDonald may cash in. Seconded by Councilmember Lyons. All in favor. Motion carried.
CHRISTMAS TREE
COUNCIL SEAT
Motion made by Councilmember Burton for the procurement of a Christmas Tree for the borough lobby not to exceed $158.00. Seconded by Councilmember Lyons. All in favor. Motion carried.
Councilmember Lyons mentioned that she is looking forward to her second grandchild and also that she is interested in the Council seat that is expected to be open if Mr. Burton becomes Mayor.
ADJOURN Motion by Councilmember Orr and seconded by Councilmember Burton to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. All in favor.
Robert A. Stubenbort Borough Manager