December 5, 2016
The Telford Borough Council meeting held this date was called to order at 7:36 p.m. by Vice-President Robert Baker with the following members in attendance: Carolyn Crouthamel, J. Allen Landis, Stanley Nyce, Mayor David Snook and John Taylor. Also present were Manager Mark Fournier, Public Works Director Gary Yoder, Tax Collector Emiline Weiss, Solicitor Mark Weand, Police Chief Randall Floyd, Telford Fire Company President Jerry Guretse, Recording Secretary Megan McShane, Miles Arnott, Lori Rappold and a reporter. Jeffrey Maxwell and James Schaeffer were absent.
The invocation was given by Stanley Nyce, followed by the pledge of allegiance.
PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE #410:
The Public Hearing opened at 7:38 pm and Ordinance #410, the Tax Levy Ordinance for 2017, was considered.
There were no comments from the audience and the Public Hearing was closed at 7:39 pm.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
A Nyce/Crouthamel motion carried unanimously (5-0) approving the minutes of the November 7, 2016 Borough Council meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Manager Mark Fournier reported that the Borough has taken in 100% of its revenues, and spent 88.58% of its expenditures.
A Landis/Crouthamel motion carried unanimously (5-0) approving the Treasurer’s Report for November, 2016.
MAYOR’S REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
Mayor David Snook reported that he attended the Fire Company meeting, and three new fire police were sworn in. Mayor Snook also reported that the Mayor’s Dinner was excellent on Sunday and thanked those who attended.
POLICE REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
Police Chief Randall Floyd reported that the new radios are now expected to arrive with upgrades (at no additional cost) in January.
A mock assessment was held for accreditation and the Department did very well. The final assessment will be held January 17th and 18th. There are approximately 1,200 to 1,400 police departments in the state of Pennsylvania, and only 104 are accredited.
Councilman Stanley Nyce stated that he is very appreciative and supportive of what the Police Department does, and added that it seems to be getting tougher every month.
FIRE REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
Telford Fire Company President Jerry Guretse reported that the Fire Company is currently in the middle of their relief audit, and it is going well. They are also working on their 2017 budget.
Mr. Guretse reported that the Fire Company is submitting more state and federal grants to acquire additional radios.
The annual Fire Company Santa run is Saturday, December 17th at 3:00 pm, and they are ready for this Friday’s Christmas tree lighting in the Borough.
Mr. Guretse invited all Council members to the Fire Company Christmas party on Tuesday, December 20th at 7:00 pm.
Manager Mark Fournier asked if Mr. Guretse could have someone put the announcement for the tree lighting up on the fire company sign, and Mr. Guretse said he would be sure that it is done.
LIBRARY REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
MANAGER’S REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
BUILDING OFFICIAL’S REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
Solicitor Mark Weand reported that 329 Erie Avenue went to Settlement and the Borough will now be working with Gavin Construction on that project. He added that no decision has been rendered on the Adcock case.
ENGINEER’S REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE:
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE: Mr. Landis
A-1 A Landis/Crouthamel motion carried unanimously (5-0) adopting Ordinance #410, the Tax Levy Ordinance for 2017.
A-2 A Landis/Crouthamel motion carried unanimously (5-0) approving the 2017 holiday schedule.
A-3 A Landis/Crouthamel motion carried unanimously (5-0) approving the bills for the month of November, 2016 in the amount of $ 223,660.53.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE: Mr. Maxwell
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE: Mr. Nyce
PUBLIC WORKS/BUILDINGS & PLANT COMMITTEE: Ms. Crouthamel
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: Mr. Schaeffer
DEVELOPMENT & CULTURE COMMITTEE: Mr. Nyce
DC-1 The Telford Tree Lighting will be on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 7:00 pm.
OTHER BUSINESS:
RECOGNITION OF MERITORIOUS YEARS OF SERVICE – J. ALLEN LANDIS
Mayor David Snook presented the Resolution 16-10 honoring J. Allen Landis, which was read into the Borough Council minutes for permanent record:
WHEREAS, J. Allen Landis has faithfully and conscientiously served Telford Borough and its citizens as a dedicated Councilman for 34 years; and
WHEREAS, Telford Borough recognizes his longevity and loyal service during those 34 years of service; and
WHEREAS, the governing body, by this recognition, wishes to express great appreciation to J. Allen Landis for his loyalty, dedication, and meritorious service to Telford Borough; and
WHEREAS, we deeply appreciate the important contributions J. Allen Landis has made to Telford Borough and the community; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Telford Borough have been most fortunate to have had a person of his capacity and dedication;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Telford Borough extends personal congratulations and best wishes to J. Allen Landis for continued success in his future endeavors.
Resolved this 5th day of December , 2016.
A Nyce/Crouthamel motion carried unanimously (5-0) passing Resolution 16-10, recognizing J. Allen Landis’ meritorious years of service.
A Nyce/Taylor motion carried unanimously (5-0) accepting the resignation of J. Allen Landis, with congratulations and regret.
Mr. Landis thanked Council and said that he attended over 400 meetings in his tenure. He has enjoyed working with everybody and thought that they worked very well together.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 pm by a Landis/Crouthamel motion and a celebration with cake was held to honor Mr. Landis.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark D. Fournier
Secretary
