September 21, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
PRESENT
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 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
Grace Kizina, Code Enforcement Officer
VISITORS Irene Smith, EVGC Larry Russell Shirley Hall Ginger Sarnowski David Sarnowski
Delani Ann DeJong Dave Shelenberger Gregg Mitcho
Bev Bible Nancy Bronstein
Jamie McKinstry, EVGC Al Noble
Fred Carlson Bob Fragale
Steve Jaracziewski Sue Vanicek AmyBovaird
Eric Russin Michelle Russin Michael Stafford Ray Penkalski Kathy Welte, EVGC
MINUTES Motion by Councilmember Drushel to approve the August 20, 2026 council meeting
minutes. Seconded by Councilmember Green. All in favor. Motion carried.
BILLS Motion by Councilmember Knapp to approve payment of the bills.
Seconded by Councilmember J. Orr. Councilmember R. Orr asked why there was a bill from New Motors
for an oil change on Truck 7 and Truck 12, as well as a bill from Superior Auto Parts for Truck 7
and Truck 12. The bill from Superior Auto Parts was for the filters and oil for those trucks.
Councilmember Drushel asked about the $4,150.00 bill from Disaster Relief Services. This bill was
included on Council’s packets and is being discussed later in the meeting. All in favor. Motion
carried.
COMMUNITY COMMENTS
COMMITTEES
Al Noble spoke about the Erie Canal being part of Girard’s history. He suggested a replica of a
Canal Barge be placed in the Hotel Park, and how it would be a good tourist attraction.
Councilmember Drushel talked about the placard in the Hotel Park that gives information about the
Girard Hotel and the Erie Canal. President Miller spoke about conversations with the railroad about
cleaning up the area near the railroad tracks. Mr. Noble spoke about the 1908 Fountain in Wells
Park previously being a horse trough, and how he would like to see a placard placed there
explaining its previous use. He also said the round cement area, where the cannon sits, used to
have a fountain on it. He would like to see a fountain put back there.
Bob Fragale spoke to Council at the suggestion of the Borough Manager and offered his services to
Girard Borough as a contractor for the Rental Property Inspection Program. This program follows the
International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). He provided Council with information about the
program and how they inspect for safety concerns of rental units. Details were discussed further.
Michelle Russin of 217 Oak Tree Drive spoke about her previous request for an Autism Awareness sign
in her neighborhood and gave suggestions for placement. President Miller said there is a resolution
regarding this on the agenda for today’s Council Meeting.
Gregg Mitcho of 511 Kibler Drive spoke about the tragedy of losing Junior Firefighter Bryce
Kaufmann. He talked about the Fire Tax and how A.F. Dobler Hose uses those funds. He suggested
having a paid fire chief in the future, depending on the situation with the volunteer members at
that time. He gave dates of upcoming community events happening in October 2026.
Amy Bovaird of 634 Lake Street spoke about her vision and hearing disabilities. She requested that
lines be painted for the pedestrian crosswalks all along Lake Street for better visibility when
crossing the road. This was discussed further.
Councilmember Wright said West County Paramedics received grants from PA LSA, Erie Community
Foundation, and Erie Insurance totaling
$502,884.00. This will enable them to get cardiac units at no additional costs to the taxpayers, municipalities, or the organization itself. This will also increase the
level of care that West County Paramedics can provide.
Councilmember R. Orr had nothing to report from the last West County Emergency Management meeting.
MANAGER’S REPORT
2027 MINIMUM MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
RESOLUTION 1-9-2026
BUDGET ADOPTION SCHEDULE
WATER FLUSHING
VOLUNTEER FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION
The Borough Manager certified the 2027 Police Pension MMO is $138,758.00, the 2027 Non-Uniform MMO is $0.00, and the 2027 Administrative Pension MMO is
$27,800.00. Council is required to adopt the MMO in September of each year. The Borough Manager
respectfully requested that Council vote in favor of the 2027 Minimum Municipal Obligations. Motion
by Councilmember Drushel to approve the 2027 Minimum Municipal Obligations. Seconded by
Councilmember R. Orr. All in favor. Motion carried.
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF GIRARD, ERIE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, ADOPTING A
SPECIAL NEEDS TRAFFIC SAFETY SIGN POLICY FOR THE REVIEW, APPROVAL, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, AND
REMOVAL OF NON-MANDATED TRAFFIC SAFETY SIGNS ON BOROUGH STREETS. This was
discussed at the last Council Meeting and revised accordingly. Motion by Councilmember Knapp to
approve Resolution 1-9-2026. Seconded by Councilmember Green. All in favor. Motion carried.
The Budget Adoption Schedule was included in Council’s packets. The workshop meeting is scheduled
for November 11, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The Borough Manager requested that every Councilmember make a
list of projects and expenditures that they have in mind for 2027, so last minute expenditures are
limited and expenditures can be planned in advance. An email list before the end of September would
be helpful.
Fall water flushing will take place for three weeks starting September 28, 2026 and going through
October 16, 2026. Any discolored water will clear up overnight. Water flushing is done twice a
year, and this will be the second flushing for this year.
The 2026 Commonwealth state aid allocation supporting the VOLUNTEER FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION (VFRA)
was direct deposited on September 17, 2026, in the amount of$16,430.24. This money went directly to A.F.
Dobler Hose & Ladder Company.
ECAB MEETING
ERIE WATER WORKS UPDATE
WASTE MANAGEMENT
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
HATHAWAY TANK PROJECT
The Erie County Association of Boroughs Meeting will be held at the Union City American Legion on
Wednesday October 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. The Borough Manager requested an email from anyone planning to attend and indicate if they
will have a plus one.
Mr. Palmer, CEO of Erie Water Works, toured the Girard Borough Water operation on August 27, 2026.
Our next step will be a meeting with Council and Erie Water Works. Followed by our first public
meeting with a summary of our current situation, what Erie Water Works can do for Girard Borough,
and a question/ answer with the public. A second meeting will then be scheduled if needed.
Remaining Leaf Pick-up Dates for 2026 are:
October 15, 2026
October 29, 2026
November 12, 2026
December 3, 2026
Only thirty-gallon clear plastic bags will be picked up.
Remaining Large Item Pick-up Dates for 2026 are:
October 15, 2026
November 12, 2026
December 17, 2026
Large item Pick-up must be prearranged by Waste Management customers through their online account,
WM.com/bulky or, by calling 1-800-866-4460. Large items randomly left out for pick-up will not be
picked up.
August 2026 Code Enforcement Officer Report:
The Code Enforcement Officer wrote 15 Quality of Life Violation reports this month. These
violations were entirely for high grass that needs mowing (QOL-4). There have been twelve
residences which have received sidewalk letters. Twenty-seven (27) new sidewalk squares have been
marked, with a total of 331 seasonal sidewalk square violations.
One (1) new letter has been sent to a resident for having a basketball hoop in the street, and the
hoop was removed. Four (4) letters have been sent for vegetation covering sidewalks and impeding
the flow of foot traffic. One (1) commercial area received a second letter for vegetation covering
sidewalks and did edge the area to clear all vegetation from the sidewalk. A total of fourteen (14)
curb lawn signs have been removed this season. Council asked questions and discussed details
further.
The following bids were submitted for the Hathaway Water Storage Tank Project opened on September
18, 2026.
Bidder
D&M Painting Corporation Minoan Industrial
Bid
$254,240.00
$348,950.00
The Borough Manager respectfully recommended the lowest bid price be accepted by Council. Engineer
Mark Corey spoke about D&M Painting Corporation’s qualifications and recommended awarding them the
project. The anticipated start date is April 1, 2027 and end date is August 31, 2027. Council
discussed details of the project further. Motion by Councilmember Green to approve the D&M Painting
Corporation bid of $254,240.00. Seconded by Councilmember Knapp. All in favor. Motion carried.
AMP BYLAWS
RENAISSANCE GRANT
WESTGATE PROJECT
POOL PROJECT
PMEA CONFERENCE
TREES
On August 26, 2026, the Solicitor and Borough Manager attended a virtual meeting with American
Municipal Power to discuss changes in the AMP bylaws pertaining to AMP Board formation. Many
changes are being made, including Pennsylvania now having two seats on the AMP Board. AMP said it
has been almost twenty years since any changes of this scale have been made to the bylaws, but the
group has expanded dramatically. They are now in eleven states.
The Renaissance Grant money for homes in the prescribed area has been spoken for. Applications are
being accepted in case money becomes available. Over forty (40) Girard Borough homes benefited from
this grant. We still have eight projects that are outstanding. No change from last month.
Eagle Eye Industrial Services is requesting final payment for the Westgate Water Storage Tank
painting project in the amount of $6,431.35. Engineer Mark Corey explained that the accountant for Eagle Eye noticed an outstanding
balance was owed by Girard Borough when the contract was mutually ended. Council approved the
payment.
The pool project started on August 17, 2026. Wattson Pool peeled off the old marcite coating and
tile. New tile was set and the marcite coating is being applied the week of September 28, 2026 or
October 5, 2026, weather pending.
Councilmember R. Orr and the Borough Manager attended the PMEA Conference that was held in Bedford,
PA. Electric and ancillary costs will continue to rise for the next few years as PJM controlled
electric grid suffers from high demand with little added generation capacity. Future planning for
infrastructure development due to electric cars was a concurrent theme of the meeting.
The Borough manager asked if the replacement tree planting should take place before the Lead and
Copper Rule work takes place. Details were discussed by Council, and it was decided that trees
could be planted before the Lead and Copper Rule work is done. Originally Council mentioned that a letter would be
sent out to the homeowner offering a tree and offering a list of trees to choose from. Council
discussed how many trees should be replaced, the species the replacement trees should be, whether
they will be Bailed and Burlapped (B&B) or bare root, the time frame for the trees to be replaced,
and curblawn maintenance after tree removal. Council decided that the curblawn trees that were
taken out will be replaced tree for tree, as well as a few more added to the curblawns. Crimson
Maple will be one of the species of trees planted, they will bailed and burlapped (B&B), and
planted in the Fall. T.L. from Fairview Evergreen Nurse1y will be consulted regarding the width of
the curblawns and if all curblawns are big enough to have a tree planted. The budget for tree
replacement will be $3,000.00 this year and $3,000.00 next year. Councilmember R. Orr commented
that he likes the tree planted in front of his house.
MAIN STREET LIGHTS
PARK.BENCH
PUBLIC WORKS
At the August 2026 Council Meeting it was discussed that the Main Street Lights in the old business
district should be brighter. PennDOT allows for up to 1.6-foot candles average. The current metal
halide bulbs may be dimming over time. New LED lights would ensure that we are maximizing the
allowable lumens, providing a brighter Main Street at night. The cost of upgrading to LED lights is
$122,932.00. Our Public Works Depmiment would be able to install the new lights. The Borough
Manager asked if this should be included in the 2027 budget. He also asked if the Borough should
apply for an LSA or Main Street grant.
Council decided to apply for an LSA grant with help of Mark Corey.
Steve Moore requested that he be allowed to donate a Park Bench to South Wells Park. The Park
Committee did meet and approved the bench. The bench is on order. Josh Sturgeon, a local
contractor, offered to pour the concrete base for the bench free of charge. The cement base is in
place now.
The roof replacement project for the Public Works Building is complete at a total cost of
$20,320.00. This is phase one. The second phase will take place in the 2027 Budget timeline.
Landscaping to come up with a plan. It was suggested by a member of the Garden Club that the Master
Gardeners from Penn State Cooperative Extension could come in and work with the Garden Club to turn
part of the park into an educational or pollinator garden. If there is a tie to the Master
Gardeners, there would be more people available to care for the park. The Butterfly Way Station was
discussed. The Garden Club asked to be involved with the plans for Wells Park. Councilmember Wright
spoke about the great work of the Master Gardeners, and his opinion on having them involved.
Councilmember Green mentioned that Greenscape also works in our area. Details of involving the
Master Gardeners, fees for a master plan design, and budgeting was discussed further. It was
confirmed that the Elk Valley Garden Club will be included in the future plans for Wells Park.
MORELITE
BUILDING A meeting was held with the renter of the Morelite Building at 321 Mechanic
Street, and arrangements were made to expedite evacuation. The Morelite Building has been secured
from intruders.
SPRINGBROOK CONVERSION
TIME CAPSULE
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
WCPA LIGHTING
The borough office continues to work towards converting our software to our new provider. We have
run into several snags concerning the retrieval of current information in an acceptable format for
conversion.
Anticipated start up is Januaty 2027.
September 23, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. a time capsule will be placed in Wells Park to be opened in 2076
during the tricentennial. Council may want to review placement of the boulder and agree upon a
permanent location. Council discussed location options and decided to move the boulder to the
northeast corner of the stage. Mayor Burton is providing the 12x12x24 time capsule, which will be
buried in front of the boulder.
On August 27, 2026, the pedestrian crossing light pole at Main Street and Walnut Street was struck
by a truck. The Girard Borough Police were able to find the driver. A claim will be submitted once
the cost has been determined.
Our Public Works Department spent 65 hours installing new lighting for the West County Paramedics
Association, and that job is now complete. Congratulations to WCPA on being awarded an LSA Grant
for Cardiac Monitors in the amount of $437,684.00.
LAKE CITY The gift of a Water Jetter, courtesy of the Lake City Council, was delivered to
the Public Works Department on September 17, 2026. Thank you to Lake City Council!
MAYOR /POLICE
MARK COREY, ENGINEER
Mayor Burton reported that the Sunflower Field was unfortunately mowed down before schedule, and
before the sunflowers could be picked. He talked about the actions that will be taken by the Hagen
Histo1y Center against the person they believe was responsible. The Hagen History Center does plan
on planting the Sunflower Field again next year. Mayor Burton spoke about the success of this
year’s events. Councilmember Knapp said Godfrey Run Farm will be hosting a taste testing on October
9, 2026, of the spiced rum made from the Sunflower Field and will have bottles available for
purchase.
Mayor Burton said bottles of the spiced rum were also sold at Dan Rice days. He talked about the
sunflower planters that were placed along Main Street, storage options for the planters, and the
possibility of placing them again next year.
Chief Rafferty said the dispositions for the list of ordinance violations received in May were
included in Council’s packets. He said he is wrapping up the background checks for the Police
Department’s applicant list. He is hoping to give a Conditional Offer of Employment to one of the
applicants so training can start soon. One of our part-time officers is anticipated to leave in the
next couple of months.
Engineer Mark Corey spoke about the Borough receiving a LSA grant for the Quail Ridge Sewage Lift
Station Replacement. The first action item will be negotiating some additional right of way, due to
the use of the existing lift station while building the new one to replace it.
He spoke about the proposition of changing the overhead utility lines to underground, and that it
would be extremely expensive to do so. It would also impact customer costs. Councilmember Knapp
asked if there is a grant available for something like that. Mr. Corey is not aware of an available
grant due to the large cost.
Mr. Corey talked about there being ten-ton weight limit on Walnut Street once you get into Girard
Township, but not in Girard Borough’s section of the street. He spoke with PennDOT about the
possibility of Girard Borough posting our section of Walnut Street with the same ten-ton weight
limit. The three step process of a weight limit study, the ordinance being passed by Council, and
the posting of the weight limit signs would need to be completed. Mayor Burton asked if the weight
limit study needs to be completed or can Council just pass an ordinance. Mr. Corey explained that
if the State Police Weigh Team were to cite someone and it goes to the magistrate, but the Borough
hasn’t followed the three steps of study, ordinance, and signs, it would be thrown out and there
would be punitive damages against the Borough. Motion by Councilmember R. Orr to complete the three
step process to post the ten-
FIRE SYSTEM Verizon sent notification that they may cancel land lines for non-
residential customers. The Borough Building fire alarm system has two land lines and may need to be replaced.
The option of switching to fiber optic lines was discussed.
SOUTH
WELLS PARK The Borough Manager asked how much should be budgeted in 2027 for
a master plan for South Wells Park. An email from Heather Pier, President of the Garden Club, was
provided in Council’s packets for discussion. The Public Works Department and the Elk Valley Garden
Club do their best to keep Wells Park maintained with the time they have available, but it is ve1y
difficult in its current state. A master plan would be beneficial to make the park easier to
maintain. Councilmember Drushel mentioned working with Mr. Marino from Dahlkemper
ton weight limit signs. Seconded by Councilmember Wright. All in favor. Motion carried.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
MANAGER’S REPORT CONTINUED
2025 AUDIT
Councilmember Green mentioned the bulkiness of the railings on the stage in Wells Park making it
difficult to see performances when sitting on the benches during Dan Rice Days. She asked if a
different material or type of railing could be used to improve visibility.
Councilmember R. Orr asked why the payment of $7,500.00 to Mark Corey for the bid on the water
tanks was so high, when the Borough already had the specifications written up from the previous
bid. Mark will get that information.
Councilmember R. Orr said that he and Chuck Roney could take care of the railing on the stage in
Wells Park. Council discussed this further.
Councilmember J. Orr thanked all those who donated items for the time capsule and gave a list of
some of those items.
Review of the completed 2024 DCED Audit. The Borough Manager presented the findings of the DCED
Audit.
Meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m. for a five-minute break before going into executive session.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION At 8:19 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 9:05 p.m.
No other items were discussed.
ADJOURN Motion by Councilmember Orr and seconded by Councilmember Knapp to adjourn at
9:06 p.m. All in favor.
Robert A. Stubenbort Borough Manager